Professional Driver Services

Minibus Training

• The Minibus
• Driver Entitlement
• Exemptions
• Minibus Training
  • MiDAS
  • MINIBUS PLUS+S
  • MINIBUS PLUS+E
  • MINIBUS PLUS+R
  • D1 Pre-Training Assessment
  • D1/PCV Training
  • D1+E Training
  • Minibus Emergency and Evacuation Procedures

Training Solutions

D1 Training

This training is for candidates who passed their category B car test on or after the 1st of January 1997 and therefore do not have category D1 on their licence. The only way they may drive a minibus weighing over 3.5 tonnes (or 4.25 tonnes if adapted for the carriage of passengers with disabilities) is to pass the Driving Standards Agency test for this vehicle type.

This training is also for those who passed their car test before January 1st 1997 and wish to have an unrestricted category D1 (removal of restriction 101 not for hire or reward) on their licence.

To assist candidates throughout the process become proficient and confident in driving a minibus in order to reach the high standard of driving and understanding of what the DSA are looking for in order to pass this vocational test. PDS will Supply all relevant paperwork, study material, test booking and training to suit each individual.

The process will begin with getting a D1 provisional category on the licence and passing an additional theory and hazard perception test specific to this class of vehicle. Once this is done training can take place for the practical test

• Obtain forms D2 and D4 (either from PDS, a post office or from the DVLA).
• Book a PCV medical examination with a doctor (preferably your own GP) to ensure you meet the higher medical standards to drive a PCV.  Take form D4 with you for the doctor to complete on your behalf.
• Send the completed forms together with both parts of your existing photocard licence to the DVLA to get the category added to your licence.
• It would be a good idea at this point to start studying for the theory and hazard perception tests. The necessary books and DVD’s can be supplied by PDS.
• When you have your licence and you are happy with your studies you can now book the theory & hazard perception tests. (These can be booked on your behalf by PDS).
• When you have passed both parts of the test you can start your practical driver training. (PDS usually co-ordinate this around your availability and the availability of a test date).
• Take the DSA D1 test. (PDS supply you with the vehicle and your trainer will accompany you to the test centre and back).

Theory Training

We can provide as much help as is required with the theory training from supplying the books and DVD’s to arranging help by running individual theory training or seminar days for group learning and booking the tests on your behalf.

Practical Training

Practical training can take place in your own vehicle or a vehicle supplied by PDS, however unless we approve your vehicle the test itself will have to be taken in our vehicle as there are stringent regulations which apply to a vehicle presented for test in this category.

The training can take place on a candidate/trainer ratio of 1:1, 2:1 or 3:1 and can be split into half and full days. A free 1 hour assessment of each candidate is available on request which will enable the trainer to gauge how much training is required per candidate. Generally candidates require 4 days training between 3 candidates with the tests taking place on day 5.

This can be split into individual or multiple days training but it is certainly a good idea to ensure that at least 1 days training is taken immediately before the test date/s.