A PCV (passenger carrying vehicle) licence is the category D or D1 entitlement that lets you drive buses, coaches and minibuses. To drive them professionally you also need the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC). The first practical step is the medical, and PCV Medicals carries out PCV medicals in Newcastle upon Tyne for drivers starting this process.
What do you need before applying for a PCV licence?
- A full UK car (category B) licence
- To meet the minimum age for the category and type of work, which depends on your Driver CPC status (check GOV.UK)
- To meet the Group 2 medical and eyesight standards
If you are unsure about the medical standards, our guides to D4 eyesight requirements and medical conditions and Group 2 licences are a good place to start.
The steps to getting a PCV licence
1. Have your D4 medical
Book a PCV medical. The doctor tests your eyesight, checks your blood pressure, reviews your medical history and completes the D4.
2. Apply for provisional entitlement
Send the D4 to the DVLA with form D2 to add provisional category D or D1 to your licence. The DVLA must receive the D4 within four months of the doctor signing it, so send the application soon after your medical rather than holding on to the form.
3. Pass the theory test (Module 1)
Module 1 has two parts, a multiple-choice test and a hazard perception test, and you need to pass both.
4. Pass the case studies (Module 2)
Module 2 is the Driver CPC case study test, based on situations you are likely to meet at work.
5. Pass the practical driving test (Module 3)
Module 3 is the on-road driving test in a bus or coach. Most drivers train with a specialist school or an operator before taking it.
6. Pass the practical demonstration (Module 4)
Module 4 is the Driver CPC practical demonstration test. Once you have passed it, you receive your Driver Qualification Card (DQC), which you carry while driving professionally.
Why the D4 medical comes first
The DVLA will not add provisional bus entitlement to your licence without a completed D4, and you cannot take the theory test until that entitlement is in place. Arranging the medical early means the rest of the process can begin as soon as the DVLA has processed your application. Because the D4 must reach the DVLA within four months of the doctor's signature, plan to post it soon after your appointment.
Your PCV medical at PCV Medicals
A PCV medical is a D4 medical for bus and coach entitlement. The appointment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes and covers the Group 2 eyesight test, a blood pressure check and the medical history questions on the form. A GMC-registered doctor completes and signs the medical sections, and you leave with the D4 ready to send with your D2. If you have a health condition, bring the relevant specialist letters; our what to bring guide has the full list.
If you are joining a bus operator
Many bus operators recruit and train new drivers, and some ask applicants to arrange their D4 medical as one of the first steps. Operators bringing in several trainees at once can book through our operator and fleet medicals service.
Keeping your PCV licence
To keep driving professionally, you need to complete 35 hours of periodic Driver CPC training every five years. Your medical continues too: bus entitlement is renewed with a new D4 at 45, every five years until 65, and every year from 65. PCV Medicals carries out these medicals as D4 renewals.
How much does a PCV medical cost?
PCV Medicals charges a fixed fee, confirmed in your quote before you book, which includes the eyesight test and the completed form. See pricing for what each medical includes, or request a quote for your exact fee.
This guide is general information for drivers, correct to the best of our knowledge when written. Rules change, so check current guidance on GOV.UK, or ask the doctor at your appointment.