Coach and bus +9 seats
Class D License
The Class D license (Category D) is the license required to drive a coach or a bus with more than 9 seats: city buses, touring coaches, school shuttles and long-distance transport. Class D training combines Heavy Group theory, practical training on coach and the mandatory FIMO Passengers (140h) professional qualification. It is the gateway to careers as a bus driver, touring coach driver and school transport driver. Not to be confused with the Class D1 license, limited to minibuses of 9 to 16 seats.
The essentials
The French Class D license is the category that authorises driving coaches and buses with more than 9 seats (driver excluded): urban buses, tourist coaches, school shuttles, long-distance services. The Class D license alone starts at EUR 2,800; the Class D + FIMO Passengers (140h) bundle costs EUR 5,500 to EUR 7,500 in 2026, often fully funded by France Travail for jobseekers retraining into transport. Minimum age: 24 for the Class D license, 21 with a validated FIMO Passengers. Heavy Group medical exam mandatory before registration.
Pricing and rates for Class D License
The price of the Class D license ranges from €2,800 to €7,000 depending on the formula (Class D alone or Class D + FIMO Passengers pack). The Class D license alone (Heavy Group theory + ~105h of practical training average on coach and bus +9 seats) costs €2,800 to €5,000. The Class D + FIMO Passengers (140h) pack costs €5,500 to €7,500. The Class D fee includes the initial assessment, the public-transport-specific theory code, practical training on coach and bus +9 seats, manoeuvring exercises, urban and inter-urban driving, the Heavy Group medical examination with a Prefecture-approved doctor (~€36) and exam presentation. Aids cumulable to finance your Class D license: France Travail (often 100% for jobseekers in retraining), CPF via Mon Compte Formation, OPCO Mobilités, AKTO.
FIMO and CPF funding
FIMO Passengers (Mandatory Initial Minimum Training) is separate from the Class D license but mandatory for professional practice on coach or bus +9 seats (article R3221-21 of the Transport Code). Duration: 140 hours over 4 weeks. It covers: rational coach driving, regulatory application, health/safety, customer service. CPF funding via Mon Compte Formation can cover a significant share of the Class D license and FIMO (up to €5,000). France Travail often covers 100% for jobseekers retraining for transport jobs (bus driver, touring coach driver, school transport). Mandatory renewal via FCO Passengers (35h over 5 days, every 5 years). Without a valid FCO, professional use of your Class D license is forbidden.
Manual vs automatic
The Class D license authorises driving coaches and buses +9 seats with no capacity limit, while the Class D1 license stays limited to minibuses of 9 to 16 seats (max 8 metres). If your project targets tourist coaches, city buses or large-capacity coaches, the Class D license is the right category. For smaller school, medical-social or non-profit vehicles up to 16 passengers, the Class D1 license is enough and generally cheaper. FIMO Passengers remains mandatory in both cases for paid professional use.
How it works
01
Medical
Mandatory heavy group fitness check (with VTC/TAXI endorsement if needed).
02
Theory test
Specific ETG for public passenger transport.
03
Practical
Technical manoeuvres + urban and inter-urban driving.
04
FIMO Voyageurs
Mandatory initial qualification (140h) for professional driving.
What's included
- Initial assessment and logbook
- Heavy goods / passenger transport theory test
- Practical training on buses and coaches
- Preparation for the manoeuvring test and on-road exam
- Optional FIMO Voyageurs qualification (140h)
- Official theory and practical exam sessions
Prerequisites
- Minimum age 24 (21 with a vocational qualification)
- Valid Category B driving license
- Medical examination by a prefecture-approved doctor
- Psychotechnical assessment if required
Frequently asked questions
How much does the D license cost?
On quote: typically between €3,500 and €7,000 depending on the package (with or without FIMO). CPF and Pôle Emploi funding are often available.
Do I need the C license before the D?
No. The D license is directly accessible from the B license, subject to age and medical fitness conditions.
Does the D license include the FIMO?
The FIMO (Mandatory Initial Training) Voyageurs is separate from the D license but mandatory for professional practice (R3221-21 of the Transport Code). Many schools bundle the D + FIMO together. The CPF via Mon Compte Formation can fund a portion. France Travail often covers 100% for jobseekers retraining.
What medical examination is required for the D license?
Mandatory medical examination by a prefecture-approved doctor (list on Service Public or the prefecture portal), more thorough than a standard car-license medical: ECG, hearing, vision, diabetes screening, alcohol. Validity: 5 years before age 60, 2 years after. To be renewed before each period or face suspension of heavy-group driving rights.
FCO Voyageurs: when must it be renewed?
The FCO (Mandatory Continuing Training) Voyageurs must be taken every 5 years after obtaining the FIMO, lasting 35 hours over 5 days. Without a valid FCO, you can no longer practise professionally even if your D license remains valid. Average cost: €600 to €900. Often covered by the employer or via the CPF.
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