Requirements
Category D: how many passengers can a bus carry?
Category D applies to vehicles designed for more than eight passengers besides the driver; trailer capacity has its own threshold.
A category D licence covers vehicles designed to carry more than eight people besides the driver. A trailer with maximum authorised mass up to 750 kg is permitted.
The passenger count excludes the driver
Category D covers motor vehicles designed and built to carry more than eight people besides the driver. The driver is not included in that count: a vehicle configured for eight passengers plus its driver does not cross the D passenger threshold, while one designed for nine passengers in addition to the driver does. D1 can cover up to 16 passengers, but only if the vehicle also does not exceed 8 metres in length.
Do not rely on an advert calling a vehicle a “bus” or “minibus”, and do not count only the seats occupied on a particular service. Check the registered seats and the vehicle's approved purpose. For example, a bus configured for 30 passengers meets the D capacity criterion regardless of how many people it carries that day. A minibus configured for 16 passengers besides the driver and 7 metres long remains within the D1 range if its other data also fit.
A D licence permits only a trailer up to 750 kg
A category D towing vehicle may pull a trailer whose maximum authorised mass is no more than 750 kg. Above 750 kg, the relevant extension is DE. As with other extensions, use the trailer's maximum authorised mass, not its empty weight. The bus's technical towing limits and road-use conditions still apply.
For professional service, category D does not replace any passenger CQC required for the activity. Age also depends on the route: the MIT lists 24 as the standard minimum and provides a route linked to a CQC at 21 subject to specified conditions. Before choosing a category, compare passenger capacity, vehicle length, trailer and use. Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps you review theory through chapters, quizzes, explanations, mistake review and study statistics.
Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps you review D theory through chapters, quizzes, explanations, mistake review and study statistics.
Frequently asked questions
Does category D cover a bus with eight passengers?
The D definition is for more than eight people besides the driver. A vehicle with eight passenger seats does not cross that capacity threshold.
Can I tow a 900 kg trailer with D?
No. D permits a trailer up to 750 kg maximum authorised mass. Above that threshold, consider category DE.