How to Get a Category D1 Driving Licence in Monaco?

Monaco’s official Arrêté ministériel n° 94-85 groups D1 together with C1, C1E, C, CE, D1E, D, and DE under a single “groupe lourd” (heavy group) classification, each requiring more frequent medical re-examination than the car or motorcycle categories. This piece covers what D1 authorizes and how Monaco’s process, closely modeled on France’s, works in practice.

What Category D1 covers

D1 authorizes vehicles for passenger transport with no more than 16 seats in addition to the driver’s seat, and a maximum length of 8 meters. You can also attach a trailer with a maximum authorized total combined weight (PTAC) of up to 750 kg.

Minimum age

You need to be 21 to sit the D1 exam. Following the French model, Monaco closely mirrors it; exceptions exist for professional driver training (CAP, professional baccalaureate, or professional title), which can lower the age to 18.

You need Category B first.

Youcan’tt sit the D1 exam unless you already hold a Category B license.

D1 belongs to Monaco’s “heavy group” classification

Under Arrêté ministériel n° 94-85, D1 sits within Monaco’s “groupe lourd,” alongside C1, C1E, C, CE, D1E, D, and DE. This classification carries notably stricter periodic medical re-examination requirements than the lighter AM, A1, A2, A, B, and B1 categories.

The medical examination

At the conclusion of your medical exam, the examining doctor, who may request additional specialist opinions from practitioners established in Monaco if needed, records your fitness or unfitness to drive vehicles in the category you’re applying for on the official medical certificate form.

How the application process works

Your application goes through your driving school, which handles registration with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office on your behalf. You’ll complete an application form (STC010), signed by you or by both legal representatives if you’re a minor.

Documents you’ll need

• Completed application form (STC010)
• Medical certificate confirming fitness to drive vehicles in the heavy group
• Proof of identity or residence

D1E: adding a heavier trailer

D1E authorizes D1-category vehicles combined with a trailer whose maximum authorized mass exceeds 750 kg.

Automatic transmission

As with the French system it closely mirrors, testing on an automatic-transmission vehicle in Monaco typically restricts the resulting license to automatic machines only.

Understanding the license codes

Monaco’s licenses carry specific restriction codes: code 95 marks a CAP professional qualification with an expiry date; code 80 limits holders under 24 to motor tricycles; and code 81 limits holders under 21 to two-wheeled motorcycles. None of these apply to standard D1, but it helps if you’re comparing categories.

Full Category D

Full Category D authorizes passenger vehicles with more than 16 seats, following the same “heavy group” medical re-examination framework as D1.

Validity

D1 and other heavy-group categories require periodic medical re-examination at intervals more frequent than the every-five-years-from-70 schedule that applies to AM, A1, A2, A, B, and B1.

Tips that actually help

• Register with your driving school early, since they handle the entire application process for you.
• Expect more frequent medical re-examinations than you would with a car or motorcycle licence.
• If you’re a minor, make sure both legal representatives are available to sign your application.
• Confirm current specific medical re-examination intervals for D1 directly with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office.

Where this fits going forward

D1 in Monaco follows a structured process through your driving school, closely mirroring the French system next door but with its own specific medical monitoring framework. If you plan to drive professionally later, check the driver section, browse current vacancies, or see which employers are hiring on FastDriver.eu, as well as our broader job guides. Our driving license in Monaco and license eligibility pages provide the wider 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 Monaco. Always confirm current requirements with official Monegasque sources before making decisions: MonServicePublic and the Prince’s Government of Monaco. FastDriver.eu accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information.