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Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency gov.uk

Rules for buses and coaches used for driving tests

Imported from official source

Buses and coaches used for practical driving tests have to meet certain rules, and some must also carry a minimum weight.

The bus or coach you use for your off-road exercises test and on-road driving test must meet certain rules.

  • in the same driving licence category for both parts of the test - for example, if you pass the off-road exercises test in an bus (category D), you must use a bus for the on-road driving test
  • that requires the driving licence category you’re taking the test for - you cannot use a vehicle that can be driven using a lower driving licence category, even if it meets all the other rules

    • Some vehicles and trailers must also carry a minimum weight.

    Your test will be cancelled and you’ll lose your fee if your vehicle does not meet the rules.

    Rules for all types of buses and coaches

    All the vehicles used for categories D1, D1E, D and DE tests must be capable of 50mph.

  • L-plates (‘L’ or ‘D’ plates in Wales) on the front and rear
  • 2 sets of externally mounted nearside and offside mirrors - one for the driver and one for the examiner
  • a seat belt for the examiner or any person supervising the test

    • Stretch limousines and prison vans based on a lorry chassis can’t be used for the category D test.

    Rules for minibuses: sub-categories D1 and D1E

    Category D1 vehicles are minibuses, which are passenger carrying vehicles (PCVs):

  • with a maximum authorised mass of at least 4 tonnes

    • Category D1E vehicles are D1 vehicles towing a closed box trailer:

    Rules for buses and coaches: categories D and DE

    Category D vehicles are buses and coaches, which are PCVs:

    Category DE vehicles are category D vehicles towing a closed box trailer:

  • which vehicles and trailers need to carry a minimum weight for the test

    • The load can be water or bagged aggregates like sand, stone chippings, gravel or any other recycled material packages (but not toxic materials).

    Bagged aggregates must be in sealed transparent bags and must:

    This is an extract. The publication continues at the source.

    Read the original at the source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rules-for-buses-and-coaches-used-for-driving-tests

    Officially imported this from Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s own source and shows an extract. If you work there, claiming the profile and verifying the domain lets you choose to show the full text here.

    Provenance

    Organization
    Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency — imported from official source
    Official source
    https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/driver-and-vehicle-standards-agency.atom ATOM
    Imported
    September 18, 2026 11:34
    Versions
    1 recorded
    Identity
    https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rules-for-buses-and-coaches-used-for-driving-tests#2026-09-...

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