PCV D1 (Minibus) Driver Training
PCV D1 (Minibus) Practical Driver Training
Need to drive Minibuses with up to 16 Passenger Seats? Our D1 Driver Training Package takes care of everything needed to get you qualified.
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We are a family run training organisation established in 1969, and we pride ourselves on exceptional customer support and service.
Top Ranking Pass Rates
In 2024, our driving test pass rate was 86%, making us one of the highest in the country for PCV D1 (Minibus) training.
Finance & Funding Available
Ask about our flexible finance products and funding opportunities
Introduction To The Course
What Does Our PCV D1 (Minibus) Driver Training Cover?
A Category D1 licence will allow you to drive Minibuses with up to 16 passenger seats.
Drivers who passed their car test prior to 01 January 1997 were automatically issued a D1 entitlement with a 101 restriction code – “not for hire or reward.” The only way to lift this restriction is by completing the PCV D1 practical driver training and test.
Course Technical Details
PCV D1 (Minibus) Driver Training Licence Details
You must be 18 or older and have a car driving licence in order to attend this course.
Before practical training for your PCV D1, you will need to:
- Complete a medical assessment and apply for your provisional licence
- Pass your LGV theory tests
We can arrange all of this for you as part of our PCV Starter Pack.
Our PCV D1 driver training course is typically completed on a 2-to-1 basis over 3 days, including practical test.
Throughout your course, we will:
- Introduce you to the vehicle
- Correct your driving style ready for your practical test
- Complete the reverse exercise training and assessment
- Demonstrate the “show me, tell me” questions you will need to know
The practical driving test is made up of two parts:
Module 3A: an ‘S shaped’ reverse exercise into a loading bay. During your driver training course, you’ll practice this exercise at our private reversing area.
Module 3B: a 60-minute on-the-road drive. This will be conducted by a DVSA driving examiner at the end of your practical training course.
Our Category D1 (Minibus) courses are run from our driver training centre in Abergavenny, South Wales.
Take advantage of Free Accommodation if you are travelling more than 70 miles!
If you intend to use your PCV D1 licence professionally (i.e., for work purposes or to carry fare paying passengers), you will need to complete your PCV Driver CPC qualification.
To attain this you will need to complete Driver CPC Modules 2 & 4:
- Driver CPC Module 2, also known as the CPC Case Studies is a 50-question theory test – we will book this for you as part of our PCV Starter Pack
- Driver CPC Module 4 is an additional 1 day course comprising of a range of practical demonstration questions, followed by a short assessment
If you are using your D1 licence for personal/private use, or within the emergency services, you will be exempt from Driver CPC.
For further information, please visit our Driver CPC guide.
Spread the cost of your D1 Minibus Driver Training courtesy of our partner Snap Finance – read more about our flexible payment options.
Next available date
Friday4 December2026
PCV D1 (Minibus) Driver Training
Filling fast
- Starts08:00 to 15:30
- Length
- Day 1Fri 4 Dec 202608:00 to 15:30
- Day 2Mon 7 Dec 202608:00 to 15:30
- Day 3Tue 8 Dec 202608:00 to 15:30
- VenueAbergavenny
£1,105per person, includes VAT & exam fees
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Available PCV D1 (Minibus) Driver Training Courses
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Customer Reviews of Our Training Courses
Additional Information
More About Our PCV D1 (Minibus) Driver Training
Pass Protection
For additional peace of mind, some customers wish to invest our Pass Protection insurance, priced at £395 including VAT.
This entitles you to 2 x Module 3A Retests (reverse exercise) and 2 x Module 3B Retests (on-road test), worth £878.
Free Accommodation
If you are travelling more than 70 miles then you will qualify for Free Accommodation in a local Premier Inn.
Please Contact Us to discuss.
Recent Passes
PCV D1 (Minibus) Driver Training Trainees Who Passed With Us
Delegates who trained with us at Heads of the Valleys and passed their PCV D1 (Minibus) Driver Training. Photographed on the day, at our own centres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Minibus Driver Training: Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
In 2023, we conducted 48 category D1 driving tests, with a pass rate of 81.25% overall.
Drivers who passed their car test prior to 01 January 1997 were automatically issued a D1 entitlement with a 101 restriction code – “not for hire or reward.”
The only way to lift this restriction is by completing the PCV D1 practical driver training and test.
This will depend on what you will be using the Minibus for.
You can read more information on Driver CPC and the exemptions by clicking here, or alternatively please Contact Us to discuss further.
The easiest way is to give our friendly team a call on 01873 832000 or Contact Us via the website.
If you haven’t already completed your medical, provisional application and theory tests then we can do this for you before practical driver training.
PCV D1 (Minibus) Driver Training Training Success Stories
What Past Trainees Have To Say
I couldn’t ask for a more supportive or knowledgeable training provider and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Heads of the Valleys Training.
Even when faced with a nervous and anxious person, every member of staff took that within their stride and automatically put me at ease.
Not only have I been given the training to successfully pass a minibus test, but it has developed my confidence and resilience which has been an immeasurable bonus!
Sasha
My second course at Heads of the Valleys Training, and this time it was for my D1 Minibus licence.
All staff were very welcoming and extremely helpful. Instructors were excellent and would recommend anyone to use them.
I can’t thank you enough!
Conway
Thank you to Lee and the team for helping me pass my D1 test.
What a friendly and professional bunch they are!
Jenny
