Bus with trailer - DE
Steps to become a bus with trailer driver.
This is an overview of the steps you must take to become a qualified driver in your chosen licence category.
Passing the driving test is just one step in becoming a truly safe and competent driver. You should continue to drive carefully and build up your experience in different traffic, weather, lighting and road conditions. The Road Safety Authority offers a range of learning materials that will help you develop your road safety awareness and skills.
You must have previously passed a category D (bus) or category C and D (bus and truck) theory test before you can apply for a category DE learner permit. If you got your first category D learner permit before the introduction of the theory test on 25 April 2001, you must complete a theory test before applying for a category DE learner permit.
A learner permit allows you to drive on all public roads, except motorways, for the purposes of learning to drive a bus and only when accompanied by someone who has held a full, valid driving licence in the same category for more than two years.
The bus with trailer driving test checks your knowledge of the Rules of the Road and your ability to drive competently and safely in accordance with those rules and with regard for other road users. The test takes about 100 minutes. It's a combination of questions to test your knowledge and a practical test of your driving skills and awareness. This includes uncoupling and recoupling a trailer as well as reversing from the left or right.
When you pass the practical driving test you are issued with a certificate of competency. This is valid for up to two years. You must apply for a category DE licence within that time. This allows you to drive a bus with a trailer on all public roads, including motorways. If you are still a category B (car and light van) novice driver, you must display N-plates on any vehicle you drive for the first two years.
Passing the driving test is just one step in becoming a truly safe and competent driver. You should continue to drive carefully and build up your experience in different traffic, weather, lighting and road conditions. The Road Safety Authority offers a range of learning materials that will help you develop your road safety awareness and skills.
