Category D

Category D is one of the most responsible driving categories. Unlike driving a passenger car or a freight vehicle, a bus driver is responsible not only for themselves but also for dozens of passengers daily, which is why higher requirements are set for this category in terms of preparation and driving skills.

Drivers in this category are needed in public transport, tourism, intercity, and international passenger transport sectors, making Category D an important step for many in pursuing a professional career in the transport field. However, before starting training, it is worth understanding what vehicles Category D allows you to drive, how it differs from D1, D1E, and DE categories, and what requirements are applied to future drivers.

In this article, we will discuss the specifics of Category D, related categories, training and exam costs, age requirements, and other important information worth knowing when planning to obtain the right to drive buses.

What is Category D?

Category D includes vehicles designed and constructed to carry more than eight passengers, excluding the driver. These vehicles can be combined with a trailer with a maximum permissible mass not exceeding 750 kg.

What are Categories D1, D1E, and DE?

• Category D1. Category D1 includes vehicles designed and constructed to carry no more than sixteen passengers, excluding the driver, and which are no longer than 8 meters. These vehicles can be combined with trailers with a maximum permissible mass not exceeding 750 kg.

• Category D1E. Category D1E includes combinations of D1 category vehicles and trailers with a maximum permissible mass exceeding 750 kg.

• Category DE. Category DE includes combinations of D category vehicles and trailers with a maximum permissible mass exceeding 750 kg.

Cost of D, DE Categories

Obtaining D, DE categories costs about 550 EUR. Upon obtaining D and DE categories, you will automatically receive D1 and D1E categories. The cost of obtaining D, DE categories includes 6 aspects listed below:

• Learning driving theory. Unlike obtaining, for example, a B category license, D, DE category theory cannot be learned externally; attending theory courses in person or remotely is mandatory. An exception applies if you already have C or D1 categories. Theory learning will last about 35 academic hours and, depending on the chosen school, will cost about 45 EUR. Usually, the cost of theory lessons in driving schools is already included in the overall cost of practical and theoretical driving learning.
  
  The state may compensate for D, DE category training and provide additional compensations during the learning period. Then the cost of practical and theoretical lessons would be 0 EUR.
  
  Learning D (or DE) category driving theory will be assisted by EKET.LT KET tests. With EKET.LT tests, you will have 7 days of unlimited solutions now for only 5.40 EUR. A 14-day package on EKET.LT now costs 7.70 EUR, and a 31-day package – 14.90 EUR. You can try 200 KET test questions for D, DE categories for free.

• Learning driving practice. This is the stage that constitutes the largest part of the cost. While learning practical driving, you will have to drive 15 academic hours at a driving school, and it will cost you from 400 EUR.

• Taking the theory exam at "Regitra". The cost of this theoretical knowledge test is 10 EUR.

• Taking the practical exam at "Regitra". The practical exam for D, D1, DE, D1E categories costs 34.54 EUR. You will have to arrive with your own vehicle.

• Vehicle rental for the exam at "Regitra". You can rent a vehicle for the practical exam at "Regitra" from a driving school, which will cost about 60 EUR.

• Other possible expenses. Additional costs may include a health check (up to 40 EUR), a first aid course completion certificate (up to 30 EUR), and additional driving lessons to reinforce knowledge. Additional lessons, depending on the school or instructor, cost about 30 EUR/academic hour for Category D.

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What are the requirements for D, D1, D1E, DE categories?

To obtain D, D1, D1E, and DE categories, 2 general requirements and separate age requirements for category groups apply. The 2 general requirements are listed below:

• Previous categories. To obtain a D, D1 category driver's license, you must have previously obtained a B category driver's license, and to drive D1E and DE category vehicles, you must have previously obtained the corresponding D1 and D category vehicles.

• Required documents. To take the D, D1, D1E, DE category theory exam at "Regitra," you must present a medical certificate, a first aid course certificate, and an identity document.

Age requirements for D, D1, D1E, and DE categories

• D, DE categories. The minimum age to obtain the right to drive D, DE category vehicles is 24 years, except for individuals who have acquired the initial professional qualification for passenger transport in the prescribed manner. From 18 years, you can obtain the right to drive D, DE category vehicles if you have previously acquired the initial professional qualification for passenger transport of motor vehicles (8-week course) or from 21 years if you have previously acquired the initial professional qualification for passenger transport of motor vehicles in an expedited manner (4-week course).

• D1, D1E categories. The minimum age to obtain the right to drive D1, D1E category vehicles is 21 years, except for individuals who have acquired the initial professional qualification for passenger transport in the prescribed manner. From 18 years, you can obtain the right to drive D1, D1E category vehicles if you have previously acquired the initial professional qualification for passenger transport of motor vehicles (8-week course).