How to Get a Category D1 Driving Licence in Latvia?

Latvia just simplified the path to becoming a bus driver: where Category B holders previously had to get D1 or C1 first before qualifying for full Category D, recent legislative changes let them go straight to D instead; a significant reform driven by the fact that two-thirds of Latvia's bus drivers are approaching retirement age. This piece covers what D1 authorizes, its surprisingly generous automatic entitlements, and current training requirements.

What Category D1 covers

D1 authorizes buses with no more than 16 seats and a length not exceeding 8 meters, plus towing a trailer with a permitted total mass not exceeding 750 kg.

Minimum age

You need to be 21 to hold a D1. Training can begin from 19.

D1 gives you AM and A1 riding rights too

This detail matters. Holding a D1 automatically entitles you to ride AM-category mopeds. It also, more surprisingly, entitles you to drive A1-category motorcycles alongside B, C1, C, and D holders, who get the same A1 bonus.

Training requirements

D1 theoretical training runs for 40 academic hours, notably more than the 30 hours for full Category D, reflecting that D1 is often a driver's first professional category. Practical training for D1 requires 8 driving lessons, compared with 6 for full Category D.

First-aid certification

A first-aid course is required as part of theoretical training, and it results in a certificate valid for 5 years. If you already hold a valid certificate from a previous category, you don't need to repeat it.

The exam process

After completing theoretical training, you sit a theoretical exam through your driving school, followed by the theoretical and practical exams at CSDD (Ceļu satiksmes drošības direkcīja, the Road Traffic Safety Directorate).

The recent reform simplifying the path to full Category D

This matters. context. Latvia faces a critical shortage of professional bus drivers, with more than two-thirds of existing drivers approaching or past retirement age. Legislative amendments removed the previous requirement for Category B holders to first obtain C1 or D1 before qualifying for full Category D; they can now progress directly to D after completing the appropriate theoretical and practical examinations. Stricter requirements were also introduced for license exchange or renewal when a license has expired for three or more years.

Documents and eligibility

• Permanent residence in Latvia, or the right to stay for more than three months
• No medical contraindications to driving

C1E holders get D1E automatically with D1

If you already hold C1E, obtaining D1 automatically grants you D1E too, regardless of standard experience requirements, a useful shortcut if you already work in goods transport.

Automatic transmission

As with other EU-aligned systems, testing on an automatic-transmission vehicle typically restricts the resulting license to automatic machines only.

A special exception for conscripts

Anyone who has turned 19 and is in mandatory active military service can, following a request from the relevant Interior or Defense Ministry institution, obtain certain additional driving rights through CSDD, outside the standard age progression.

Validity

D1, alongside C1, C, D, C1E, CE, D1E, and DE, is valid for 5 years. Amateur categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, B1 and BE run on a longer 10-year cycle.

Tips that actually help

• If your ultimate goal is full Category D, ask your driving school whether the direct-from-B route now suits you better than getting D1 first.
• Remember, D1 already gives you AM and A1 riding rights, so separate applications likely aren't needed.
• If you already hold C1E, getting D1 automatically includes D1E.
• Keep your first-aid certificate's 5-year validity in mind when planning additional categories.

Where this fits going forward

D1 in Latvia offers a genuine, well-supported route into passenger transport, backed by recent reforms addressing the country's driver shortage. If your plans involve a long drive down the line, take a look at the driver section, browse current vacancies, or see which employers are hiring. EU, alongside our broader job guides. Our driving license in Latvia and license eligibility pages provide a broader picture.

Declaration

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Fees, training requirements, and administrative rules can change and may vary by driving school in Latvia. Always confirm current requirements with official Latvian sources before making decisions, such as the CSDD. FastDriver.eu accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information.