Any driver, who passed their UK driving test after 1st January 1997, wishing to drive a minibus with a passenger seating capacity of between 8 and 16 seats, and a gross vehicle weight of more than 3.5 tonnes must have Category D1 on their driving licence.

The acquisition of this category is quite an involved and lengthy process. Drivers must pass a stringent medical, apply for provisional Category D1 to be added to their driving licence, pass a two-part theory test and, finally, take a demanding practical driving test, with a duration of up to two hours, conducted by the Driving Standards Agency.

Devon Drivers' Centre offers a practical training course, in preparation for the D1 practical driving test, to any driver who wishes to drive a minibus on Devon County Council business. This takes the form of a five-day course for two drivers; four days devoted to training, the fifth day devoted to the test. Courses are run on a Thursday, Friday, Monday and Tuesday with the test taking place on a Wednesday.

The information below will be useful in helping you to prepare for and work through the earlier stages of medical, provisional licence acquisition and the theory test. You should aim to have passed your theory test around six weeks before booking a place on a practical course.

Medical

You will require the following forms before attending your medical:

• Form INF D90: A general guide to driver licensing
• Online order form for D2 provisional licence application
• D4 medical information leaflet
• D4 medical report form

The D4 medical report form must accompany your provisional Category D1 licence application.

These forms can also be obtained by contacting the DVLA on 0870 240 0009 or by writing to: Drivers Customer Services (DCS), Correspondence Team, DVLA, Swansea. SA6 7JL.

Theory Test

Having passed the medical and obtained category D1 provisional entitlement on your driving licence, the next step is to book the theory test. This can be booked online, over the phone (0870 0101 372) or by completion of the relevant paper form. Payment can be made by credit/debit card, cheque or postal order.

• Theory test application form, front page
• Theory test application form, back page
• Theory test online booking: 1st stage

You must have passed your theory test before taking a practical test.

Theory test centres in Devon

This information and further details of the practical training course are also available in electronic and paper formats, and can be obtained by emailing Devon Drivers' Centre or by telephoning 01392 444773.