How to Get a Category D1 Driving Licence in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands splits D1 into two versions with a seven-year age gap: without code 95 (professional competence), you need to be 21 and can only drive privately; with code 95, you can start at just 18 and drive commercially. Given the country's well-documented bus driver shortage, many transport companies now pay for the training themselves. This piece covers what D1 authorizes, exact costs, and how the two routes differ.

What Category D1 covers

D1 authorizes buses with more than 8 but no more than 16 passenger seats (excluding the driver's seat) and a maximum length of 8 meters. You can tow a trailer up to 750 kg (the permitted maximum mass); anything heavier requires a D1E.

Minimum age

Without code 95, you need to be 21. With code 95 (professional competence), the minimum age drops to 18.

You need Category B first

D1 requires you to already hold Category B. Some MBO (vocational) students may be exempt from certain conditions.

D1 without code 95 means private use only

One point is worth clarifying. A standard D1 license, without code 95, doesn't let you drive commercially or transport paying passengers. For that, you specifically need D1 combined with code 95.

The medical examination

Before booking your practical exam, you need medical approval. You submit a Gezondheidsverklaring (health declaration) and undergo an examination by a company doctor or a certified occupational health service. Once approved, a Verklaring van geschiktheid (fitness declaration) is sent to the RDW and is valid for 1 year.

The exam structure

You'll take the combined Rijbewijs en Vakbekwaamheid module 1-D1 (RVM1-D1) theory exam, covering both the license itself and vocational competence content. Once you pass, you can book the practical D1 bus exam. If you pass both theory and practical within 2 years, a Verklaring van rijvaardigheid (driving competence declaration) is sent to the RDW.

What it costs

Total costs for D1 commonly run €3,500–5,000, covering the medical examination (€50–100), health declaration (€46.90), CBR theory exam modules (€44.80 each), practical lessons, the practical exam (€275), and code 95 if you're pursuing professional driving. CBR's official fees are fixed nationally; the rest vary by driving school.

The genuine driver shortage helps you financially

The Netherlands faces a significant shortage of bus drivers. Companies including Connexxion, Arriva, and Qbuzz regularly offer full training programs, often covering the cost for new drivers, worth researching before paying for D1 training yourself.

Automatic transmission

Depending on your practical exam vehicle, you may or may not receive the automatic-only restriction code on your license.

D1E: adding a heavier trailer

D1E authorizes towing a trailer heavier than 750 kg behind your D1 bus, following the same exam structure and age thresholds as D1 itself.

Full Category D

Full Category D requires you to be 24 without code 95, or 18 with it, the same age-lowering pattern as D1. Full Category D authorizes buses with more than 8 passenger seats and no upper limit.

Renewal requires a fresh medical exam

Every time you renew your D1, D, D1E, or DE license, you'll need to undergo another medical examination.

Validity

Once you receive your Verklaring van rijvaardigheid, your new license, including category D or D1D1, is typically ready at your municipality within 5 working days.

Tips that actually help

• If you want to start at 18 rather than waiting until 21, pursue code 95 alongside D1 from the outset.
• Check whether a transport company will fund your training before paying for it yourself, given the current driver shortage.
• Sort out your medical examination early, since it's required before booking your practical exam.
• Remember, D1 alone doesn't allow you to drive commercially; code 95 is essential for that.

Where this fits going forward

D1 in the Netherlands offers a genuine, well-supported route into passenger transport, with real financial backing available given the country's driver shortage. If your plans involve professional driving down the line, take a look at 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 the Netherlands and license eligibility pages cover the 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 the Netherlands. Always confirm current requirements with the official Dutch sources before making decisions: CBR and Rijksoverheid. FastDriver.eu accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information.