PART OF HENDERSON GROUP. EST. 1897

MALLUSK, NORTHERN IRELAND. BT36 4RT

For Businesses

Enquire About D1 Training for Your Organisation

Schools, charities, community groups, and businesses we'll ensure your drivers are correctly licensed and compliant.

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For Individuals

Book Your D1 Minibus Training Today

Ready to get your minibus licence? Get in touch with Northern Ireland's leading PCV training provider.

Explore Courses

D1

Minibus & Trailer · PCV

16 Seats

Max passenger capacity

8 Metres

Max vehicle length

NRI

Examination centre

What Does the
D1 Licence Allow?

A D1 licence permits the holder to drive a minibus of no more than 8 metres in length with up to 16 passenger seats, and to tow a trailer up to 750kg. With a DQC card, D1 holders can also operate PCV vehicles commercially.

It makes it a valuable qualification for those pursuing a career in the passenger transport sector, and an essential compliance requirement for organisations operating minibuses across Northern Ireland.

Prerequisite: Category B Licence

You must hold a full Category B (car) licence before applying for D1 training. You'll also need to complete a DVLA Group 2 medical and pass the PCV theory tests before your practical training begins.

Up to 16 Passenger Seats
Up to 16 Passenger Seats

Drive a minibus carrying up to 16 passengers — the full D1 passenger capacity entitlement.

Tow a Trailer up to 750kg
Tow a Trailer up to 750kg

D1 holders can tow a trailer up to 750kg — for heavier trailer work, D1+E entitlement is required.

Commercial Use with DQC
Commercial Use with DQC

With a Driver DQC card, D1 holders can operate minibuses commercially — for hire or reward.

Gateway to Full D Licence
Gateway to Full D Licence

D1 is the stepping stone to a full Category D bus/coach licence — opening the entire PCV sector.

For Businesses Training
Trusted by organisations across
Northern Ireland
NRI
NI's only Examination Centre

Keeping Your Passengers Safe. Keeping Your Organisation Compliant.

Whether you operate community transport, school runs, staff shuttles, or visitor services, having correctly licensed drivers is both a legal requirement and a fundamental duty of care.

The Academy works with organisations across Northern Ireland to ensure their minibus drivers are trained to the required standard — with accredited instruction, proper certification, and full compliance assurance.

Training is delivered at our Mallusk, Newtownabbey training centre or at your own premises, depending on your needs.

Talk to Us About D1 Training for Your Team

Call 028 9034 3334 or submit an enquiry. Trusted by organisations across Northern Ireland.

Your D1 Licence.
Your Next Career Move.

A D1 licence opens up employment opportunities in community transport, schools, tourism, sports, and the wider passenger vehicle sector. The Academy's experienced instructors will guide you through every stage from your initial application and medical requirements through to your practical driving test — with the hands-on support and expert guidance The Academy is known for.

Start Your D1 Training — Get in Touch Today

Call 028 9034 3334 or get in touch online. Let's find the right training pathway for you.

For Individuals Training

Northern Ireland's only NRI Examination Centre.

The Academy is Northern Ireland's only National Register of LGV Instructors (NRI) Examination Centre, and is accredited by JAUPT, NRI and ITSSAR. Every qualification we deliver is recognised by employers, insurers, and regulators across Northern Ireland and beyond.

NRI
National Register of Instructors
JAUPT
Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training
ITSSAR
Independent Training Standards Scheme
DVA
Driver & Vehicle Agency

Talk to the team.

No obligation. Whether your business is looking to upskill your workforce, our advisors will help you find the right training solution.
Phone
Call Us 028 9034 3334
Location
Training Centre

Mallusk, County Antrim, BT36 4RT

Clock
Opening Hours

Mon – Fri : 8 to 5pm

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