Rules for buses and coaches used for driving tests
Buses and coaches used for practical driving tests have to meet certain rules, and some must also carry a minimum weight.
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
The bus or coach you use for your off-road exercises test and on-road driving test must meet certain rules.
You must use a vehicle:
- 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.
The vehicle must be fitted with:
- 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
- a tachograph
- anti-lock braking (ABS)
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 between 9 and 16 passenger seats
- with a maximum authorised mass of at least 4 tonnes
- at least 5 metres in length
Category D1E vehicles are D1 vehicles towing a closed box trailer:
- with a MAM of at least 1.25 tonnes
- at least 2 metres high
- at least 2 metres wide
Rules for buses and coaches: categories D and DE
Category D vehicles are buses and coaches, which are PCVs:
- with more than 8 passenger seats
- at least 10 metres long
- at least 2.4 metres wide
Category DE vehicles are category D vehicles towing a closed box trailer:
- with a MAM of at least 1.25 tonnes
- at least 2 metres high
- at least 2 metres wide
Minimum load requirement
The table shows:
- which vehicles and trailers need to carry a minimum weight for the test
- what the minimum load requirements are
| Vehicle category | Vehicle or trailer affected | Minimum real weight | Minimum load requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1E | Trailers | 800 kg | 600 kg of aggregates or one IBC of 1,000 kg or 600 kg capacity when filled with water |
| DE | Trailers | 800 kg | 600 kg of aggregates or one IBC of 1,000 kg or 600 kg capacity when filled with water |
Rules about the load
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:
- all weigh the same
- be at least 10kg
- have the weight clearly stamped on them
Water must be in intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) made from semi-transparent moulded plastic usually reinforced with a wire framework.
The examiner can inspect an IBC used as ‘load’ for the test, so it’s important that they can see it has the correct water level.
You cannot use any other type of load.
The load must be secured appropriately onto the vehicle or trailer.
Minimum real weight
The ‘real weight’ is the actual weight of the vehicle and the load combined. This cannot be more than the MAM.
Updates to this page
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Updated to clarify that you the vehicle you use must require 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.
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First published.