What licence do I need to drive a commercial vehicle?

The B licence (car) is also valid for commercial vehicles provided that the total weight of the vehicle does not exceed 3.5 tons. There are, however, steps you need to take in order to transport people and to hitch a trailer.

• The B licence authorises the transport of 8 passengers, plus the driver. In other words, a total of 9 people maximum. In addition, the vehicle cannot exceed 3.5 tons (maximum authorised mass).
• If you want to carry more than 8 passengers, you need to have a D1 licence. If the number of passengers you want to carry is more than 16, you will need a D licence.
• Professional drivers who have a D or D1 licence must pass professional aptitude tests, which include both theoretical and practical tests. A medical examination is also required. This is valid for a maximum of 5 years.
• If the minibus has to tow a trailer, a D1 or D licence will be sufficient as long as the trailer does not weigh more than 750kg. Otherwise, a D1+E or D+E licence is required.

• You are allowed to tow a trailer with a B licence but the trailer cannot exceed 750kg, unless the maximum authorised mass of the complete towing combination is less than 3.5 tons. In this case, a (slightly) heavier trailer is acceptable.
• For trailers weighing more than 750kg and in a combination exceeding 3.5 tons, a B licence with a Code 96 is required. You can get this after passing a test. With Code 96, the vehicle and trailer combination cannot exceed 4250kg (4.25 tonnes).
• If the entire combination exceeds 4.25 tonnes, but the trailer does not exceed 3.5 tonnes, a B+E licence is required.
• If the trailer weighs more than 3.5 tonnes, you must have a C1+E licence.