D licence vs D+E licence
D allows buses without a trailer (or with a light trailer ≤750 kg). D+E adds heavy trailers, in practice affecting articulated vehicles or coaches with luggage trailers on long routes. If you only drive conventional buses, D is enough.
| Feature | DD Licence - Bus | D+ED+E Licence - Bus with Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 24 years | 24 years |
| Authorised vehicles | Buses and coaches for more than 8 passengers. | D bus with trailer over 750 kg. |
| Exam questions | 20 | 20 |
| Exam time | 20 min | 20 min |
| Max errors | 2 | 2 |
| Options per question | 3 | 3 |
Requirements and tests: D vs D+E
The D+E requires a valid D and extends the bus to combinations with a trailer over 750 kg MAM. It keeps the standard minimum age of 24; on both pages validity is five years under 65 and three from that age.
| Requirement | D | D+E |
|---|---|---|
| Previous licence | You need a valid B licence. | You need a valid D licence. |
| Theory | Specific | Specific |
| Practical | Closed track and road | Closed track and road |
| Fee | 94,05 € (2.1) | 94,05 € (2.1) |
| Validity (under 65 / from 65) | 5 / 3 years | 5 / 3 years |
| Age exceptions | With ordinary CAP: age 21; in Spain, age 20, or age 18 without passengers or on regular services of up to 50 km. With accelerated CAP: age 23, or age 21 for regular services of up to 50 km. | With ordinary CAP: age 21; in Spain, age 20, or age 18 without passengers or on regular services of up to 50 km. With accelerated CAP: age 23, or age 21 for regular services of up to 50 km. |
Data from RD 818/2009 and the DGT website, reviewed on 13 October 2026. Independent site, not affiliated with the DGT.
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Prefer to read first? Question bank: D questions · D+E questions
D Licence - Bus
Vehicles for more than 8 passengers besides the driver.
See syllabus & testD+E Licence - Bus with Trailer
D vehicle combinations with trailer over 750 kg.
See syllabus & testFrequently asked questions
What is the minimum age for each?
D licence: age 24. D+E licence: age 24.
How is the DGT theory exam in each case?
D: 20 questions, 20 minutes, max 2 errors. D+E: 20 questions, 20 minutes, max 2 errors.
What vehicles can I drive with each licence?
D: Buses and coaches for more than 8 passengers. D+E: D bus with trailer over 750 kg.
Which one should I get first?
Both licences have the same minimum age (24), so the decision depends on which vehicles you'll actually drive and the cost of each training. Look at the comparison table above: the licence whose vehicles match your real use is the more efficient bet.
What is required for the D+E if I already hold the D?
For the D+E: You need a valid D licence. Tests: Specific theory test. Practical closed-track and road tests. A valid C1+E licence exempts you from the specific theory test. For the D: You need a valid B licence. Check current conditions on the DGT website before enrolling.
What does the fee cost and how long is each licence valid?
Fee 2.1 for the D: EUR 94.05 covering two attempts. Fee 2.1 for the D+E: EUR 94.05 covering two attempts. Validity under 65: D, 5 years; D+E, 5 years. It may be shortened for medical reasons.