Bus licence in Switzerland: D1 and D
Two categories cover the transport of people in Switzerland beyond eight seats.
Sub-category D1: from 9 to 16 seats
Sub-category D1 covers motor cars used for passenger transport with nine to sixteen seats in addition to the driver's seat, as well as D1 + trailer combinations up to 750 kg. The minimum age is 21.
Category D: more than eight seats, with no upper limit
Category D covers motor cars used for passenger transport with more than eight seats in addition to the driver's, as well as D + trailer combinations up to 750 kg. The minimum age is 21.
A prior experience requirement for category D
Every applicant for the category D licence must demonstrate having regularly driven a category C motor car or a trolleybus for at least three months, or a category B motor car for at least two years.
This requirement does not apply to applicants who have successfully completed, with an authorised driving instructor, a minimum practical training comprising:
- 52 driving lessons of at least 45 minutes for applicants holding a category B licence or sub-category C1 or D1 licence;
- 24 driving lessons of at least 45 minutes for applicants holding a category C licence;
- 12 driving lessons of at least 45 minutes for applicants holding a category D licence limited to scheduled line service.
Driving licence and professional passenger transport
The D licence grants the right to drive the vehicle. On its own it is not sufficient to carry out professional, commercial passenger transport: see the OACP and certificate of competence page for this separate qualification.
