D licence: which vehicles and uses?
The D licence covers any vehicle used to carry passengers with more than 9 seats (including the driver). It applies to city buses, tourist coaches, school buses, and airport/hotel shuttles.
Requirements for the D licence in 2026
Age and prerequisites
You must be 24 (21 for regular urban transport, 18 within a recognised Titre Pro) and hold the B licence. The prefectural medical check-up is compulsory with enhanced vision and hearing tests.
Passenger FIMO required
To drive professionally you must add the Passenger FIMO (140 hours) to the D licence. Without it, the D only allows private use (family, associations). FIMO is renewed every 5 years via a 35-hour FCO.
Training length and cost
Expect 105 to 140 hours for the D alone, between €3,000 and €4,500. In a "D + FIMO" package, count €4,500 to €7,000 over 8 to 12 intensive weeks. Many operators (Keolis, RATP, Transdev, Flix) offer fully funded training in exchange for a 12- to 24-month commitment.
The practical exam in detail
The exam lasts around 60 minutes. It includes an off-road phase (vehicle checks, emergency braking, manoeuvres - the famous reverse slalom) and an on-road phase. The national first-attempt pass rate is around 60%, slightly higher than the B licence.
Career prospects and pay
Urban transport (RATP, Keolis, Transdev)
Starting pay: €1,900 to €2,100 net per month, progressing quickly after 2-3 years. Pros: strong benefits, structured hours, 13th month common. Cons: shifted hours (nights, weekends) and urban stress.
Coach tourism and intercity
Variable pay of €1,950 to €2,600 net per month depending on season and overnight stays. Pros: travel, social interaction, tourist dimension. Cons: seasonality, time away from home, peak-season pressure.
School transport
Often annualised part-time (90-140 days/year). Very popular as a top-up (retirees, parents). Pay prorated accordingly.
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
What does the D licence authorise for bus driving?
The D licence authorises driving any people transport vehicle over 9 seats (driver included): urban buses, coaches, shuttles, school buses. Prerequisites: B licence held for at least 1 year, 21 minimum (24 outside EU), approved medical visit. Training: 140 hours minimum including mandatory FIMO. Total cost: 4,500 to 6,500 EUR funded by France Travail.
What are the 3 public transport specialities?
3 employment branches: 1) urban (RATP, Keolis, Transdev city buses): 2,100 to 2,600 EUR net salary, split shifts, 2) coach (long-distance intercity): 2,300 to 2,900 EUR with overnight stays, 3) school (rural and peri-urban): 1,800 to 2,100 EUR but often part-time, up to 25 hours/week. Popular conversion for C or CE heavy goods drivers already qualified.
How much does a bus or coach driver earn in 2026?
2026 average salary: 1,950 to 2,100 EUR net beginner, 2,400 to 2,800 EUR experienced after 5 years. Bonuses: overnight (35 to 55 EUR/night), meals (20 EUR/day), difficult driving in Paris area (+250 EUR/month). Overtime increased 25 to 50 percent. Stable career: 12 percent yearly turnover, tight market with 8,000 vacant posts in France.
Who can fund a D licence to drive a bus?
4 main sources: 1) France Travail (up to 100 percent in operational employment preparation POE for jobseekers), 2) OPCO Mobilites for transport employees wishing to progress, 3) CPF (1,500 EUR of rights), 4) company funding for internal CDI at RATP, Keolis, Transdev. The market is highly demanding: hiring almost guaranteed upon training completion.
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