How to Become a Bus Driver at Age 18: New Regulations from September 3, 2026
Six years less waiting is a real game changer for anyone thinking about working behind the wheel of a bus. Previously, for category D in regular passenger transport, you had to wait until age 24, but from September 3, 2026, this threshold drops to as low as 18 years old, albeit in a limited scope. However, the regulatory change itself does not shorten the path to qualification, which still leads through several stages, from a category B driving licence to the category D examination. Learn more!
What does obtaining category D depend on after the new regulations come into force?
Obtaining category D requires meeting several conditions, and solid theoretical preparation is one of the first steps. Solving practice tests allows you to familiarise yourself with the format of the state exam, which is why preparation should be based on the up-to-date question database provided by category D practice tests on our website. However, before a candidate begins training for category D, they must hold a category B driving licence, which in itself represents a separate stage of learning and examination.
What exactly changes from September 3, 2026?
The most important change is lowering the minimum age required to obtain category D. In accordance with the amendment to the Act on Vehicle Drivers, from September 3, 2026, category D can be obtained from the age of 18, whereas previously 24 years of age were required, or 21 with initial qualification. The change is related to the implementation of solutions adopted at the EU level and driver shortages in public transport. However, the entitlements of the youngest drivers are limited, as lawmakers linked the lowered age with a specific type of transport.
What transport operations can an 18-year-old driver perform?
Lowering the age does not mean full entitlements immediately, but rather their gradual expansion with age. An 18-year-old driver with initial qualification can drive a bus on regular routes up to 50 kilometres and exclusively within the territory of Poland. The distance is measured from the first to the last stop, not in a straight line. On longer routes, an eighteen-year-old can initially only operate smaller vehicles corresponding to category D1. Full domestic entitlements without route length limits apply from age 20, whereas international transport is permitted only from age 21.
Initial qualification, code 95, and medical examinations – what else is required?
A category D driving licence alone is not enough for professional passenger transport, as additional entitlements and medical examinations are necessary. Crucial is obtaining the initial qualification and the entry of code 95 into the driving licence, which confirms the entitlement to carry passengers. In addition to age and the exam, the path to the profession includes several elements:
- a category B driving licence as a prerequisite for category D training,
- training and the state exam for category D,
- initial qualification in passenger transport,
- medical and psychological examinations for professional drivers,
- code 95 entry confirming professional qualifications.
Professional drivers are subject to stricter health requirements than private drivers, which is why medical examinations are mandatory here. It is also worth remembering that code 95 requires periodic renewal through training, which allows maintaining entitlements throughout your working career.
Summary
- From September 3, 2026, category D can be obtained from the age of 18 instead of the previous 24 years.
- An 18-year-old driver with initial qualification can operate regular routes with a distance of up to 50 kilometres within Poland.
- Full domestic entitlements apply from age 20, and international transport from age 21.
- A prerequisite for category D training is prior possession of a category B driving licence.
- In addition to the exam, initial qualification, a code 95 entry, and medical and psychological examinations are required.
FAQ
From what age can category D be obtained under the new regulations?
From September 3, 2026, category D can be obtained from the age of 18; previously, 24 years of age were required. However, an eighteen-year-old’s entitlements are limited regarding the type of transport.
What routes can an 18-year-old driver of a bus operate?
An 18-year-old driver with initial qualification can operate a bus on regular routes up to 50 kilometres, exclusively within Poland. Full domestic entitlements apply from age 20.
Is the category D exam alone enough to work?
No, besides the exam, initial qualification and the code 95 entry are required, as well as medical and psychological examinations. Only together do they entitle you to professional passenger transport.
How to prepare for the category D theoretical exam?
It is worth using tests based on the current official state exam question database. Solving them regularly allows you to get accustomed to the exam format and consolidate your knowledge.
