Driving an urban bus, tourist coach or school bus requires the D licence, mandatory as soon as the vehicle carries more than 8 passengers (besides the driver). With sector tension and the 2024 Olympics having revealed driver needs, 2026 opportunities are numerous. This guide details training, rates, prospects and access conditions.
D and DE licences: differences?
D licence authorises driving passenger-transport vehicles over 9 seats (including driver), no passenger-number limit. It covers urban buses, coaches, school minibuses. DE licence (less common) authorises driving a D vehicle with a trailer over 750 kg GVWR, useful for some tourist luggage-van cases. 95% of professional drivers only need the D licence.
2026 conditions
D licence prerequisites. Minimum age: 24 for full unrestricted licence (21 with parallel passenger FIMO, 18 since 2024 for school transport only, under specific conditions). Mandatory B, valid 2 years minimum. Prior medical exam (heavy-group fitness + passenger transport). Criminal record clear of traffic and minor-related offences (school transport). Psychotechnical test mandatory with some employers (RATP, Transilien).
Training: 140 hours
D licence training lasts 140 hours minimum, over 4-6 weeks (intensive) or 2-3 months (spread). Content: heavy-group code, bus mechanics, passenger safety (emergency exit, fire, accident), customer-relation management, disability and reduced-mobility, urban and extra-urban driving practice with a school bus. Centre AFTRAL, Promotrans, ECF Pro, or approved regional centres.
D licence exam
Three tests. Heavy-group theory (code): 40 questions, minimum 35 correct, identical to C. Off-road: vehicle checks (28 control points for a bus), precision manoeuvres (parallel, herringbone, precision reversing). Traffic: 45-minute real-conditions course with simulated passengers, evaluation of relational and safety skills. Exam fee: €30 (included in package).
Passenger FIMO: professional obligation
As for goods transport, commercial passenger driving requires a 140-hour passenger FIMO (20 days). Specific modules: rational and economical driving (14h), regulation application (10h), health, road safety and environmental safety (7h), service, logistics (14h), practical driving with passengers (105h). Can be combined with D licence training for a global package.
Passenger FCO
Every 5 years after initial FIMO, the driver must take a 35-hour passenger FCO, renewable without interruption to continue practising. Average 2026 rate: €650-950. Funding possible by employer, CPF or Pôle Emploi.
2026 French rates
D licence only (no FIMO): €2,500-3,800 by region. Combined D + passenger FIMO: €5,500-8,200 (140 + 140 hours). Regional Professional Training Centres (CRFP) sometimes offer reduced rates for career-change candidates. Organisations like AFTRAL, Promotrans, ECF Pro or GNFA are the main approved national players.
Prospects: RATP, Transdev, Keolis and others
Public-transport sector recruits massively in 2026. RATP (Paris Autonomous Transport Authority) recruits about 800-1,200 bus drivers/year in Île-de-France. Transdev and Keolis operate in regional metropolises. Tourist coach operators (Flixbus, BlaBlaCar Bus, departmental transports) offer long-distance contracts. 2026 gross salaries: RATP beginner €2,100-2,400 + bonuses (13th month, NRH), confirmed €2,600-3,100, specialised (night, sensitive sectors) + €200-400 monthly.
Trade fringe benefits
Several benefits specific to public transport. Company health cover (RATP, Keolis, Transdev) covered 50-70%. Personal transport coverage (free Pass Navigo for RATP, Transilien employees). Seniority and night bonuses. Retirement calculated at 67 (general scheme) with possible early retirement in some cases (school transport). Progression to trainer, depot manager, regulator (urban transport).
Sought specialisations
Several niches value the D licence. Night-bus driver (Noctilien in Paris): + 25% night bonus. Tourist driver (luxury coach, long distance): travel, allowances. School driver: part-time contracts, often rural or semi-rural. Disability (PRM) driver: specialisation with further training. VIP driver (limousine, hotel shuttle): high relational.
Financing training
Several possible schemes. CPF: up to €5,000 for eligible Qualiopi. Pôle Emploi: AIF (individual training aid) for job seekers. POEI (Individual Operational Employment Preparation): funding if employer promises hiring. Professionalisation or apprenticeship contracts (min 21): free training with 55-100% SMIC salary by age. Some employers (RATP, Keolis) fully fund training against 2-3 year commitment.
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