D1 is the small bus (no more than 16 persons besides the driver, length no more than 8 m), D is the large bus (more than 8 persons besides the driver — no weight requirement). Here are the differences in age, requirements and endorsements.
Introduction
A bus driving licence comes in two sizes: D1 (small bus) and D (large bus). Both build on a valid car driving licence (cat. B), and both require a medical certificate (health approval for bus driving), a first-aid certificate, residence in Denmark, as well as driving instruction and a passed test.
D1 — the small bus
- 01Passenger vehicle designed for no more than 16 people in addition to the driver.
- 02Length at most 8 metres.
- 03Minimum age 21 (18 when the licence is taken together with the initial qualification).
- 04Permits a trailer up to 750 kg — beyond that, D1+E is required.
D — the large bus
- 01Passenger vehicle designed to carry more than 8 persons besides the driver.
- 02There is no weight requirement: anything that exceeds the D1 limits (more than 16 persons or longer than 8 m) requires D.
- 03Minimum age 24 for the licence — 18 when it is taken together with the initial qualification. With code 95 from the direct test you may drive all D driving from 20, from the intensive training from 23 (regular routes ≤ 50 km: 18 and 21 respectively).
- 04Permits a trailer up to 750 kg — beyond that, D+E is required.
| D1 (small bus) | D (large bus) | |
|---|---|---|
| People | No more than 16 + driver | More than 8 + driver |
| Length | Length at most 8 m | No limit (no weight requirement) |
| Minimum age | 21 years (18 with initial qualification) | 24 years; with code 95: 20 years (direct test) / 23 years (intensive); routes ≤ 50 km: 18 / 21 years |
| Assumption | Valid category B | Valid category B |
| Trailer > 750 kg | Requires D1+E | Requires D+E |
D1E and DE — bus with trailer
If you want to tow a trailer or drawbar vehicle over 750 kg behind the bus, you need a category E on top of the bus licence. E always stands alone together with the bus category you already have.
- 01D1E — cat. D1 (small bus) with attached trailer/trailing equipment over 750 kg. Requires valid D1.
- 02DE — cat. D (large bus) with attached trailer/trailing equipment over 750 kg. Requires valid D.
- 03Trailer up to 750 kg is covered by D1/D alone without E.
| Category | Covers | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| D1 | Small bus, max. 16 + driver, length max. 8 m | 21 years (18 with initial qualification) |
| D1E | D1-bus + trailer over 750 kg | 21 years (18 with initial qualification) |
| D | Large bus, more than 8 + driver (no weight requirement) | 24 years (18 with initial qualification) |
| DE | D-bus + trailer over 750 kg | 24 years (18 with initial qualification) |
Bus driving test
The test for cat. D consists of a theory test and a practical test. The practical test covers more than just driving: you must answer technical questions about the bus (vehicle inspection) and perform manoeuvres before you drive into traffic with an examiner on board.
- 01Theory test — traffic regulations, driving/rest time, passenger safety and bus layout.
- 02Technical questions (vehicle inspection) — you show and explain e.g. brakes, lights, tyres and fluids.
- 03Manoeuvres — e.g. reversing, positioning and stopping equivalent to a bus' size.
- 04Driving in traffic — safe, considerate and predictive driving with a large bus.
Training and driving hours
The teaching follows the Danish Road Administration's curriculum for category D, which sets a minimum of lessons in theory, on a closed practice yard/circuit and in practical driving. The exact number of legally required lessons is found in the current curriculum — don't drive based on a number from a single driving school's advertisement as the scope can change.
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