Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the 101 restriction on D1 licences can be provisionally removed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority.

The restriction code 101 on driving licences is a long-standing legal requirement which is applied where the category B (car) driving test was taken before 1 January 1997. The code allows these drivers to drive minibuses up to 16 seats, if not being driven for hire or reward. Drivers who want to drive minibuses on a professional basis are required to take the relevant driving test (category D1) and meet the higher health requirements that apply to the issuing of licences to drive larger vehicles.

There is a provision which allows non-profit-making organisations to employ drivers with a car licence to provide minibus transport for their own members or for the local community. Further information is available on GOV.UK here.