Category D: Drive Any Bus or Coach

A Category D licence is your gateway to a professional career driving large passenger-carrying vehicles. This qualification enables you to operate any bus or coach with more than 16 passenger seats, from bustling city buses to comfortable tour coaches. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy providing a vital public service, the Category D licence is for you.

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Call: 01903 765250

Typical Cat D Driving Roles:

The demand for Category D drivers is consistent across the public and private transport sectors:

  • City Bus Driver: Operating scheduled services for major transport companies (e.g., TfL, Stagecoach, Arriva), ensuring commuters reach their destinations.
  • Tour Coach Driver: Guiding passengers on sightseeing tours, either within the UK or across international borders.
  • Intercity/Express Coach Driver: Providing long-distance transport services for major operators like National Express or Megabus.
  • School Transport: Driving dedicated routes for schools, ensuring students’ safe daily commutes.
  • Shuttle Services: Operating transport for airports, large events, or corporate campuses.

    What You Can Drive with a Cat D Licence:

    With a Category D licence, you are qualified to drive:

    • Any bus or coach with more than 16 passenger seats.
    • This includes:
      • Double-deckers for city routes.
      • Luxury tour coaches for extended journeys.
      • Standard city buses navigating urban networks.
      • Intercity coaches connecting major towns and cities.

    What Will Your Day Look Like?

    As a Category D driver, your key responsibilities will involve:

    • Operating large buses or coaches safely and smoothly on fixed routes or during tours.
    • Efficiently picking up and dropping off passengers at designated stops.
    • Managing fare collection, processing payments, or checking pre-booked tickets.
    • Providing excellent customer service, answering questions, and ensuring the comfort and safety of all passengers.
    • Completing essential pre- and post-journey vehicle safety checks.
    • Adhering strictly to schedules and all relevant traffic laws and regulations.

      Considerations for CAT D Drivers:

      • High Responsibility: Carries significant responsibility for the safety and well-being of numerous passengers.
      • Stressful Environments: Can be challenging and stressful, particularly when navigating busy urban traffic or dealing with unexpected delays.
      • Shift Work: Involves irregular hours, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and public holidays.
      • Customer-Facing Role: Requires excellent interpersonal skills and patience, as you’ll often need to manage difficult or demanding passengers.
      • Mandatory Checks: Requires passing regular medical examinations and often an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check for roles involving vulnerable individuals.

      The Benefits of a CAT D Licence:

      • Stable Job Market: Public transport and tourism ensure a consistent demand for bus and coach drivers, offering strong job security.
      • Diverse Opportunities: Choose between public sector roles (e.g., local councils, large bus companies) or private sector work (e.g., tour operators, private hire).
      • Travel and Variety: Especially in tour coaching, the role can involve significant travel and varied experiences.
      • Paid Training Potential: Many larger bus companies offer sponsored or paid training schemes for new recruits.
      • Structured Shifts: Often involves more predictable and structured shifts compared to the sometimes irregular hours of long-haul HGV driving.

      Salary Expectations (UK Estimate – 2025):

      The earning potential for a Cat D driver is competitive:

      • Starting Salary: £28,000 – £32,000
      • Experienced Driver Salary: £33,000 – £40,000
      • Top-End Pay: Can reach £40,000 – £45,000+, especially for experienced tour coach drivers or with regular overtime and performance bonuses.

      The Cat D Licence Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

      Here’s what you need to know to get your Cat D licence:

      1. Provisional Cat D Licence: Your First Step

      Before you can get behind the wheel for training or take your assessment, you’ll need a provisional Cat D licence.

      • Medical Examination Required: To obtain your provisional licence, you must undergo a medical examination to ensure you meet the required health standards.
      • Need Assistance? If you need any help understanding the forms or the application process, our friendly team is here to guide you. Just let us know!
      2. Medical Examination: Getting Started

      You’ll need a specific medical examination form as part of your provisional licence application.

      • Where to Get the Form: You can pick up a form at our office, at a large post office, or download it online.
      • Booking Your Medical:
        • Full Package Option: We can conveniently book your medical appointment for you as part of our full training package.
        • Contact Your GP: Alternatively, you can schedule your medical examination directly with your own General Practitioner (GP).
      3. Initial Assessment: Understanding Your Needs

      This assessment is highly recommended, especially if you’re unsure about the specific type of lorry you want to drive or if you’d like a personalized recommendation for your training hours.

      • Benefits: Helps determine the most suitable training path for you.
      • Fee: Contact us for a quote.
      4. Theory Test (Module 1): Knowledge is Key

      You must successfully pass the Module 1 theory test before we can book your practical driving test.

      • Preparation Options:
        • One-Day Course: We offer an intensive one-day course to help you prepare effectively. Please contact us for details.
        • Online Study: We can also provide access to relevant online study materials to suit your learning style.
      • Fee: Payable directly to the DVSA – Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
      5. Case Studies (Module 2): Applying Your Knowledge

      This module assesses your understanding of real-life scenarios and is a prerequisite for the practical CPC test in most cases.

      • Important Note: In some specific situations, this module might not be required for your LGV licence. Please call us to clarify your individual requirements.
      • Preparation: We offer suitable online study resources to help you prepare for this module.
      • Fee: Contact us for a quote.
      6. Practical Driving Tests (Module 3): Putting Skills into Practice

      We aim to make your practical test experience as smooth as possible.

      • Convenient Scheduling: We typically arrange your practical test for the final day of your training.
      • Familiar Vehicle: You’ll take your test in the same vehicle you’ve been training in, ensuring familiarity and comfort.
      • Fee: Contact us for a quote.
      7. Driver CPC Practical Test (Module 4): Demonstrating Professional Competence

      This is a practical test focused on the operational aspects of a commercial vehicle, not the driving itself.

      • Important Note: Depending on your specific licence category and intended use, you might not need to take this test. Please contact us for personalized advice.
      • Fee: Contact us for a quote.