Licence categories
D1 licence: minimum age, seats and minibus use
D1 is available from age 21 and covers up to 16 passengers besides the driver in vehicles no longer than 8 metres.
Category D1 is available from age 21 and covers vehicles designed for up to 16 passengers besides the driver, with a maximum length of 8 metres. If the vehicle exceeds either limit, assess category D. Professional passenger transport may also require CQC.
Main D1 requirements
D1 covers some minibuses: no more than 16 passengers besides the driver and no more than 8 metres long. MIT lists 21 as the minimum age. Passenger capacity is based on the vehicle’s approved design and registration, not on how many people are on a particular trip.
Category D covers vehicles designed for more than eight passengers besides the driver and therefore includes vehicles that fall outside D1, including those above 16 passengers or 8 metres. A D holder may drive vehicles in the D1 range; which category to obtain depends on the actual vehicle and planned use.
CQC is separate from the driving licence
D1 authorises the vehicle category but is not a professional qualification. A person who professionally carries passengers in a D1 or D vehicle may need CQC passenger qualification under the applicable rules. Private, non-commercial transport may fit an exemption, but assess the actual activity and driver’s employment status.
Before driving, compare the licence with the minibus document: seats, length, mass, trailer and codes. For a paid service or transport assignment, check CQC and the service requirements too. A valid D1 licence alone does not authorise every professional passenger-transport activity.
Example
At 21, a driver can apply for D1 for a minibus approved for 16 passengers besides the driver and 7.8 metres long, after completing the required exam process. For a vehicle with 17 passengers besides the driver or one 8.3 metres long, D1 is insufficient and D must be assessed. If either vehicle is used professionally, check CQC separately.
Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers theory quizzes and mistake review to study licence rules. The category for a real minibus and any professional qualification depend on its documents and actual use.
Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps review theory quizzes and mistakes; D1, D and CQC are separate entitlements to check for the vehicle and activity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age for D1?
21, according to the MIT information consulted.
Can I carry passengers for payment with D1 but no CQC?
Not necessarily. Check whether the professional service requires passenger CQC and whether an exemption applies.