How to Get a Category D1E Driving Licence in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands lets you sit the D1E exam from 18 if you're combining it with code 95, but until you turn 21, you're restricted to scheduled domestic routes of no more than 50 km, or buses carrying no passengers at all. This piece covers what D1E authorizes, the exact age routes, and the current CBR requirements.

What Category D1E covers

D1E authorizes a D1-category minibus (8 to 16 passengers, excluding the driver) combined with a trailer, provided the bus and trailer together don't exceed 12,000 kg total.

Minimum age

Without code 95, you need to be at least 21. With code 95 (professional competence), you can sit the exam from 18.

The restriction for 18- 20-year-olds with code 95

Until you turn 21, you're limited to driving scheduled passenger services within the Netherlands only, on routes no longer than 50 km, or driving buses with no passengers on board.

You need D1 or D first

Before applying for D1E, you need to already hold a D1 or D license.

What D1E doesn't authorize on its own

Holding only a D1E doesn't allow you to carry out professional passenger transport. For that, you'll need D1E combined with code 95, obtained through a certificate of professional competence.

The practical exam and its result

Once you pass the practical (bus-with-trailer) exam, a Verklaring van rijvaardigheid (proficiency declaration) is sent to the RDW and is valid for 3 years. Depending on the vehicle used in your exam, you may or may not receive the automatic-transmission restriction code on your license.

Documents and eligibility

• Your existing D1 or D license
• A Gezondheidsverklaring (health declaration), assessed by a company doctor or occupational health physician
• Meeting the applicable minimum age

Validity and renewal

D1E is valid for a maximum of 5 years. Renewing it requires, among other things, submitting a fresh Gezondheidsverklaring each time — the same medical re-assessment cycle that applies to D1 and D themselves.

Automatic transmission

As with other EU-aligned systems, testing on an automatic-transmission vehicle typically restricts the resulting license to automatic machines only, though whether this applies to your D1E depends specifically on the exam vehicle used.

Full Category D automatically includes D1

If you hold a full Category D license, you're automatically entitled to drive D1-category vehicles too.

What the theory and practical exams cover

Training and testing for D1E cover traffic rules, safety procedures, and the correct handling of a bus-and-trailer combination, a genuine step up from the standalone D1, which doesn't involve a trailer.

Where D1E sits in the Netherlands' licensing system

D1E sits above the standalone D1, specifically for heavier trailer combinations, and is the equivalent extension to DE for full-size buses.

Digital license applications in some municipalities

A number of Dutch municipalities now offer a digital application process for adding a license category; it's worth checking with your local gemeente before booking an in-person appointment.

Multiple training providers

Several driving schools across the Netherlands offer D1E-specific training, so it's worth comparing a few before committing to a course.

Tips that actually help

• Decide early whether you're pursuing D1E with or without code 95, since that determines your minimum age.
• If you're 18-20 with code 95, remember your route options are limited until 21.
• Book your Gezondheidsverklaring assessment early, since it's required both initially and at every 5-year renewal.
• Confirm your D1 or D license is current before starting D1E training.

Where this fits going forward

D1E in the Netherlands offers a genuinely accessible route for D1 or D holders who need greater trailer capacity, with a meaningful early-entry route for code 95 candidates. If your plans extend toward professional driving down the line, take a look at the driver section, browse current vacancies, or see who's hiring among employers on FastDriver.eu, as well as our broader job guides. Our driving license in the Netherlands and license eligibility pages provide 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: the CBR and RDW. FastDriver.eu accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information.