B licence vs D1 licence
Comparison for drivers moving from car to small-passenger transport. B authorises cars up to 9 seats (driver included). D1 expands to buses up to 16 seats plus driver, requires B first, age 21+, a specific exam and a reinforced medical exam. Typical for school minibuses and short routes.
| Feature | BB License - Car | D1D1 License - Minibus |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years | 21 years |
| Authorised vehicles | Passenger vehicles up to 3,500 kg and up to 8 passengers besides the driver. | Minibuses up to 16 passengers and 8 meters. |
| Exam questions | 30 | 20 |
| Exam time | 30 min | 20 min |
| Max errors | 3 | 2 |
| Options per question | 3 | 3 |
B License - Car
Passenger cars and light vehicles up to 3,500 kg.
See syllabus & testD1 License - Minibus
Vehicles for up to 16 passengers besides the driver.
See syllabus & testFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between the B and D1 licences?
Comparison for drivers moving from car to small-passenger transport. B authorises cars up to 9 seats (driver included). D1 expands to buses up to 16 seats plus driver, requires B first, age 21+, a specific exam and a reinforced medical exam. Typical for school minibuses and short routes.
What is the minimum age for each?
B licence: age 18. D1 licence: age 21.
How is the DGT theory exam in each case?
B: 30 questions, 30 minutes, max 3 errors. D1: 20 questions, 20 minutes, max 2 errors.
What vehicles can I drive with each licence?
B: Passenger vehicles up to 3,500 kg and up to 8 passengers besides the driver. D1: Minibuses up to 16 passengers and 8 meters.
Which one should I get first?
If by age you can only access the B (minimum age 18), start there and consider stepping up to the D1 when you reach 21. If you already have the age for both, going straight to the D1 is usually more cost-effective (one training, one exam, one fee) — the B loses relative value if the D1 covers every vehicle you're interested in.
Can I step up from B to D1 without sitting a new full exam?
It depends on the category. Some permit pairs allow experience-based promotion with a simplified test (e.g. A1 → A2 after 2 years, or A2 → A after 2 years, with a short course and the specific tasa 2.3 fee of €28.87). Others, such as B → C or C → C+E, require full training and a specific exam even if you already hold the lower one. Check with your driving school or your Provincial Traffic Authority before enrolling.
How much time difference is there between passing one and the other?
Getting either takes 2 to 6 months if you study consistently and book sittings without delays. If you already hold the B and step up to the D1 by experience (when the promotion path is available), the time drops to 4–8 weeks. Going directly to both at separate moments adds the time of each: the wait for official DGT sittings is the longest factor, not training itself.
Practice the test for whichever licence you pick
Free DGT 2026 test with official questions for both licences. No signup.