Published by Go Big Driving School | Sheffield & Rotherham | Updated June 2026
If you need a Category D1 minibus licence — whether for school transport, care work, community transport, or any other professional minibus driving role — one of the first questions is what the whole process is going to cost. Like HGV training, the answer involves several separate elements, and not all providers make that clear upfront.
The Full Cost Breakdown
D4 Medical Examination — £50 to £120
A Cat D1 licence is a Group 2 entitlement — the same category as HGV licences — which means the same medical standard applies. The examination covers eyesight, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, hearing, and general fitness to drive a passenger-carrying vehicle. It takes 20 to 30 minutes. Cost: £60 to £100 at private clinics in Sheffield and Rotherham.
Provisional Licence Application — £43
Once you have your completed D4 form, apply to the DVLA for a provisional D1 entitlement using Form D2. Cost: £43 online. Allow three to four weeks for processing.
PCV Theory Test — £26
The PCV theory test covers regulations, responsibilities, and driving standards for passenger-carrying vehicles. Multiple choice and hazard perception, sat on the same day. Cost: £26.
CPC Module 2 (if required) — £23
If you are driving for hire or reward — employed to drive the minibus — you need a PCV Driver CPC alongside your D1 licence. Module 2 is the written case study element, costing £23. Volunteer drivers under a Section 19 permit generally do not need the CPC.
Practical Training — £900 to £1,200
Practical training for Cat D1 typically requires a minimum of three days of one-to-one instruction. Training covers vehicle safety checks, passenger management, manoeuvring exercises, and road driving. At Go Big Driving School in Sheffield, D1 training is delivered one-to-one from our Sheffield S9 base.
CPC Module 4 — Included at Go Big
For D1 candidates who need the full PCV CPC, Module 4 is a 30-minute practical vehicle safety assessment. Go Big is a DVSA-approved CPC Module 4 test centre, so this takes place on-site at our Sheffield base as part of your training week.
DVSA Practical Test — £115 to £155
The D1 practical test consists of a vehicle safety check, a manoeuvring exercise, and an on-road drive assessed by a DVSA examiner.
Total Cost Summary
| Element | Cost |
|---|---|
| D4 medical | £50 to £120 |
| Provisional licence | £43 |
| PCV theory test | £26 |
| CPC Module 2 (if required) | £23 |
| Practical training (3 days) | £900 to £1,200 |
| CPC Module 4 | Included at Go Big |
| DVSA practical test | £115 to £155 |
| Total (with full CPC) | £1,300 to £1,700 |
| Total (volunteer route, no CPC) | £1,100 to £1,500 |
How Long Does It Take?
The D1 process from start to licence typically takes six to ten weeks: D4 medical within one week, DVLA processing three to four weeks, theory test shortly after, then three consecutive training days followed by the DVSA test.
Do I Need the CPC?
You need the CPC if you are driving the minibus as part of a paid role — employed by a school, care home, transport company, or other organisation that pays you to drive.
You do not need the CPC if you are driving as a volunteer under your organisation’s Section 19 community minibus permit and are not being paid beyond expenses.
If you are unsure which category applies, call us and describe the arrangement. We will give you a straight answer.
What Jobs Can You Do With a D1 Licence in South Yorkshire?
- SEND and school transport — driving pupils with special educational needs in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, and Barnsley
- Care home and supported living — driving residents to medical appointments, day centres, or outings
- Community transport — organisations providing transport to elderly or disabled people across South Yorkshire
- Hospital and patient transport services
Pay for professional minibus driving roles in South Yorkshire typically runs from £26,000 to £34,000 for permanent positions.
Ready to Get Started?
Call Dan on 0114 357 0000 for a clear conversation about whether you need the D1 licence, what the course involves, and what it costs.
Also worth reading: do I need a D1 licence to drive a minibus? if you are still working out whether the licence applies to you.