Categories and subcategories of driver's licenses in 2021 and 2021

The type of vehicle indicated on the driver's license determines the type of equipment that its owner can drive. Some licenses allow you to drive passenger vehicles, while others allow you to use freight vehicles.

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Driving license with category M

Previously, a person from the age of sixteen could drive a scooter without a driver's license. Remember that a moped driver is also a participant in traffic on the road. But some parents, when buying such a vehicle for a teenager, ignore the age limit. Therefore, untrained drivers often become the culprits of road accidents.

In 2013, the government amended the laws “On Road Safety”. This law provides for the introduction of special categories for drivers of scooters and mopeds whose engine capacity does not exceed 50 cm3. For this purpose, category M has been introduced in the rights. It is provided for those who do not have a driver's license. But driving a scooter or moped is also allowed if you have one or more of the existing driving categories.

Driving schools recruit groups for learning how to operate a scooter for people who have reached the age of sixteen, but do not have a driver’s license. Training takes place according to a standard scheme. At the end of the course you are required to pass an exam at the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate. Only after passing the exam is a driver's license issued.

It is important to remember what the M category in rights means. The certificate gives the right to drive only motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 50 cm3. Those who plan to switch to motorcycles or other powerful categories of this transport are required to take a training course at a driving school to obtain category A.

It is worth noting that today riding a scooter for persons who do not have a license is strictly prohibited. If you purchased a moped but have not yet received a document, it is better to refrain from traveling. For violations of the rule, administrative liability is provided, as well as a fine of 800 rubles. The popularity of scooters is increasing due to their affordable price and compact size. To use this type of transport legally, you must obtain a driver's license with categories M, A, or A1.

Obtaining rights

Having a driver's license to drive a car, bus, truck, etc. makes it possible to obtain the right to ride a moped. When replacing a driver's license, a new type of certificate is issued with the automatic addition of a new category. The exception is the tractor driver's license, which does not give the right to drive any other vehicle. Therefore, without having another certificate, you will need to undergo training:

1. Sign up for a driving school.
2. Taking a training course with an experienced instructor.
3. Passing exams at a driving school.
4. Passing a practical and theoretical exam at the traffic police. Driving around the city is not provided. A government agency employee evaluates the driver’s ability to start, accelerate, maneuver, and use mirrors.
5. Obtaining rights.

The average duration of the course is from 1 to 2 months and includes 16 lessons . The price of training is set individually by the driving school and depends on the region. On average, it varies from 7,000 to 12,000 rubles . Additionally, you will need to undergo a medical examination and pay a state fee.

If there are outstanding fines for traffic violations or deprivation of rights by court decision, it is required to provide receipts for their payment or a decree to cancel the deprivation.

List of documents required for training

You can undergo training and obtain the necessary document at any driving school in the country. It is worth remembering what category M driver’s license is. This category is only necessary for those who do not have a driver's license. Upon completion of training and successful passing of the exam for other driving categories, category M opens automatically.

Learning to operate a motorcycle is permitted to adult citizens, as well as those who have reached the age of sixteen. Such young drivers have the legal right to ride mopeds or scooters with an engine power of no more than 50 cubic meters.

To enroll in a driving school, you must submit the following documents:

• a copy of an identity document (passport, birth certificate);
• taxpayer identification number (copy);
• five photographs;
• statement.

When providing a copy of your passport or a document replacing it, you must also indicate the candidate’s registration page. The copy must contain pages 1 and 2, as well as the registration page. Photographs for documentation are taken in color, the dimensions of one photograph are 3.5 cm by 4.5 cm. Corners on the image are not required, a matte base of the image is welcome. An application for admission to a driving school is completed manually, directly at the institution.

What does category “M” license look like?

People who receive a license for a new category are interested in what it looks like. The information on the document is presented on both sides. On the front side there is information about the driver, and on the back side there is a breakdown of the category. Here are the types of vehicles that the license holder can drive.

On the front of the driving permit, at the top, the name of the document and information about the territorial entity that provided it are indicated. On the left is a 3-4 cm color photo, which shows the driver without glasses or headgear.

Attention!

Photography with glasses is acceptable for people with vision problems. But the glass must be transparent. But a headdress is acceptable for people who wear it according to the norms of their religion.

Under the photo there must be a signature of the car owner, which corresponds to the sample specified in the passport. Full name and date of birth are indicated on the right. All information is entered in Russian and duplicated in English. On the right there is information about the institution that issued the license. The certificate number and series are also indicated here. Additionally, the region of residence is also registered. The category “M” is marked below.

Training procedure

After submitting applications to the driving school, training groups for category M are formed. Students over the age of 16 who do not have a driver’s license can be enrolled in them.

The learning process itself takes place in two stages:

1. Listening to a theory course.
2. Practical driving lessons.

Students who successfully complete both stages have the right to receive a driver’s license.

Theoretical stage

The first stage involves holding lectures that provide the necessary information about traffic rules. To listen to a theoretical course, students can be combined with groups that receive categories A or B. There are no differences in the training programs of these groups. Also, the questions in the examination program for the above categories are identical.

The duration of such training is from one to two calendar months. The theoretical course is designed for approximately 16 lessons. It is worth noting that the duration of training for each student may be different. The number of theoretical course sessions may also vary.

In some schools, the first stage of training is carried out over 8 lessons on weekends. Weekend classes are convenient for students and are popular.

Features of practical classes

The practical stage means driving lessons. The schedule of such classes is coordinated with a personal instructor on an individual basis. When drawing up a schedule, not only the teacher’s personal workload is taken into account, but also the characteristics of the student’s main job.

Driving lessons are held at specially equipped areas. Driving schools provide students with modern scooters, as well as the necessary sets of protective equipment (helmets, knee pads, gloves, turtle vests).

The practical training program is developed specifically for drivers with no experience. Only instructors with special education and driving experience have the right to conduct classes.

In practice, the theoretical and practical stages of driving training are carried out in parallel. Driving training is recommended to be carried out regularly, and the duration of one lesson should be at least 60 minutes.

Before starting practical classes, each student must undergo a medical examination. If, based on the results of a medical examination, a decision is made on the possibility of admitting the student to practical classes, and, accordingly, issuing a driver’s license.

"AS" designation on a driver's license

mark (literally translated into Russian: steering or automobile steering) on ​​a driver’s license indicates the ability to drive only those vehicles of the open category that are equipped with an “automotive steering type”, that is, the steering wheel must be round, and seat with backrest.

Previously, before the introduction of this norm, when driving quadricycles or tricycles, drivers were required to present a special license. Now, it is enough to present a driver's license with the AS mark in the open category.

Be careful, many motorists mistakenly confuse the AS mark with the AT mark, which is a misconception; the AT mark gives the right to drive a vehicle with an automatic transmission, the AS mark gives the right to drive a vehicle with a car steering wheel and a car seat.

The AS mark is entered in column 12 of the reverse side of the category B or B1 driver’s license for drivers who do not have an open category A. If the motorist has both categories A and B open, the mark is not placed, because In Russia, both steering systems are legally permitted.

For example, if a motorcycle, ATV or tricycle is equipped with a steering wheel and a seat with a backrest, then open category B or B1 with the AS mark will be sufficient for its operation. But if the vehicle has a saddle instead of a chair and (or) instead of a round steering wheel, a motorcycle steering wheel, then to control it you will need to open category A.

How the exam works

The exam for a category M driver's license is carried out under general conditions, since this category is full-fledged.
There is also no provision for introducing concessions due to the young age of the majority of students. The examination procedure is carried out at branches of the State Road Safety Inspectorate. Representatives of training centers have the right to be present during testing and monitor the process.

The level of theoretical training of students is checked by testing using computer programs. Programs for the exam are developed and approved by the relevant government authorities. It is worth noting that for such categories M, A and B the exam tests are the same. Therefore, several groups of students can undergo the procedure simultaneously.

After checking the results, the examiners decide which students are allowed to take the practical part of the exam. Those students who made more than two errors in the test cannot be admitted to this stage.

At the second stage, examiners assess the ability to apply knowledge of traffic rules in practice, as well as confidence in driving a two-wheeled vehicle.

Obtaining admission to the exam

To obtain admission to the exam, the student provides a certificate confirming completion of the training course in accordance with the standard program. This document is obtained by a student at a driving school upon completion of visits to a theoretical course and successful passing of internal exams of the educational institution.

Additionally, copies of the passport and student identification code are provided. The copy of the identity document must contain a page indicating registration.

Admission to the traffic police exam is possible only if the student has a medical certificate confirming his suitability to drive a motorcycle.
The issuance of a medical document is carried out only by medical institutions approved by government agencies. Also, examiners must provide a driver examination card issued after completing a training course at a driving school.

Exam for category M

The exam for obtaining category “M” consists of 2 parts: the first part is theory, the second is practical driving.

If the vehicle is in the high-risk category, then to drive it you must provide a special medical certificate.

Theory

The theoretical exam includes: testing knowledge of traffic rules, the extent to which the student has mastered the basics of allowing a vehicle to operate, the content of those laws of the Russian Federation that determine the driver’s responsibility for road safety and punishment for non-compliance. A special point is the ability to provide first aid to a victim on the road.

The theoretical exam takes the form of a test. Each ticket contains 20 multiple-choice questions, and you must choose the correct one from among them. There is also a time limit that is given for all answers, and it is 20 minutes. As soon as the time expires, the exam is stopped, regardless of whether the examinee managed to answer all the questions or not. For each correct answer, 1 point is awarded.

As soon as the computer receives the answer to the last question or the time allotted for the exam has expired, the result will be displayed on the monitor: either “passed” if 18 out of 20 questions were answered, or “failed” if the answerer did not score 18 points at testing.

The set of examination tickets for traffic rules for category M in its theoretical part completely copies the set of tickets for passing the theory for the opening of the “B” category.

Practical exam

The practical exam is conducted by a traffic police officer, who must evaluate how the examinee starts off, whether he accelerates and maneuvers correctly, whether he knows how to use rear-view mirrors and some other technical issues.

The practical tests are as follows:

• No. 1 - the ability to perform a figure eight, a snake, maneuver at speed, and observe the clearance corridor is assessed;
• No. 2 - the ability to park and leave a parking space;
• No. 3 - the ability to choose a safe place to board or disembark passengers.

The following video will demonstrate the tests described above:

The examiner has the right to give the following grades: “passed” if the examinee did an excellent job in all tests or “failed” if any 2 exercises were failed. Practical driving in the city is not provided for by the rules.

When all the exams are passed, and the report card says “passed” on all points, the student receives a well-deserved reward in the form of a driver’s license.

Obtaining a driver's license

Based on the results of two stages of the exam (theoretical, practical), authorized employees of the State Road Safety Inspectorate make a decision to issue a category M driver’s license.

To obtain a driver's license, you must provide the following documentation:

• document confirming the student’s identity (passport, birth certificate, etc.);
• certificate of passing a medical examination of general health (form 003 - B/u);
• certificates from drug treatment and psychiatric dispensaries;
• photo format 3x4;
• application for a driver's license.

It is worth noting that before obtaining a license, the student must provide a receipt confirming successful completion of the exam. Payment of the receipt is made at the traffic police department.

Requirements for obtaining category "M"

When asked at what age can one obtain a driving license with category “M”, many mistakenly claim that from 14. In fact, young people over 16 years of age can legally ride a light motorcycle. This age allows you to get a license with categories “A1” and “M”.

Such requirements are determined by law. In particular, they are regulated by Art. 26 Federal Law No. 196 of December 10, 1995 “On Road Safety.” It describes the main provisions concerning the age of the person wishing to obtain a license, and the conclusion of a medical examination that there are no contraindications to driving a motorcycle-type vehicle.

In addition, you need to undergo training. New programs have already opened in driving schools. You can take the exam 1.5-2 months after the start of your studies - this is the period during which driving is taught in the “M” category.

Price policy

The cost of learning to drive a scooter in driving schools varies depending on many factors.
The total amount includes the cost of theoretical and practical training, the availability of support from the traffic police, the availability of additional training hours, etc. To understand how much it costs to get category M and M1 licenses, you need to take into account the mandatory program and additional services of the driving school. There are three main price categories, namely:

1. 24,000 – 34,000 rub. This amount will have to be paid for the extended training course. The concept of an extended course means that the student takes theoretical and practical courses for a paid amount. The price also includes passing the school’s internal exam, professional preparation for the final exam and support at the traffic police, payment of a medical commission, and state fees.
2. 7,000 – 12,000 rub. This amount only includes payment for the theoretical training course, which can last from one to two months. Other services must be paid separately.
3. 16,000 – 26,000 rub. This price is provided for providing the student with theoretical and practical training services (lectures, driving). Additional lessons and services are not included in the stated amount. The duration of this course is from 1.5 to 3 months.

The exact cost of obtaining a driver's license for a scooter or moped can be clarified directly at the educational institution.

What awaits the driver for riding a motorcycle without the appropriate category?

Driving a motor vehicle without the appropriate category can result in significant trouble for the offender. The administrative penalty in this case will range from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles. In this case, the motorcycle will be towed to a fine area, and the driver will face deprivation of his license.

Currently, in addition to category “A”, which allows travel on motorcycles and scooters, a new category “M” has been introduced, which makes it possible to travel on mopeds and electric mopeds, light ATVs and tricycles, as well as scooters up to 50 cc.

Categories A, A1, M - what's the difference

On the territory of the Russian Federation, persons who have a driver's license with open categories A, A1 or M are allowed to drive motorcycle vehicles. Let's consider what are the differences between these categories?

Category A gives the driver the right to drive any type of transport classified as a motorcycle, including motorcycles with sidecars. Also, drivers with an open category can drive a motorcycle sidecar (this type of vehicle is rare). Adult citizens over the age of 18 can obtain such rights under general conditions.

The above category includes a subcategory of rights, which is designated A1. When it is opened, you can drive motorcycles whose internal combustion engine capacity does not exceed 125 cm 3 and power up to 11 kW. Such types of transport also fall under the first category. In turn, license category M gives permission to drive scooters, mopeds and other light vehicles with an engine capacity of up to 50 cm3.

What does driving license category M mean?

Since 2014, new letters have appeared in the table on the back of the driver’s license. Among them is category M. Opposite it is a drawing or pictogram depicting a moped, scooter, mokick.

At the same time, there are categories A and A1 with large and smaller motorcycles. Until 2014, there was no such differentiation. Since there must be serious reasons for introducing new categories, it is necessary to understand the issue using laws, standards and other normative documents as arguments.

Normative base

Since we are talking about official standards, it is necessary to compile a list of them, which can later be referred to and used to prove what is possible or not.

1. Law No. 196 regulating road safety
2. Russian standard 51815, establishing requirements for quadricycles
3. Russian standard 52051, establishing requirements, including for two-wheeled motor vehicles
4. Government Regulation No. 1604 Establishes medical requirements for drivers
5. The Constitution - its provisions will also be used for argumentation. Actually, it should be put in first place, but due to the fact that the mention will be too general...

Each of the listed documents has the force of law. The requirements set out in it are mandatory. If gaps are found, comments will be provided to explore possible options.

The difference between category M and A

The law [1] defines motorcycles of category A, mopeds of category M, and this also includes light quadricycles.

Now you need to find out how the vehicles listed in the categories of rights differ, what categories up to how many cubic meters and kilowatts mopeds and quadricycles belong to. The information is in the standard [2]:

• Two- and three-wheeled mopeds must have a motor with a cylinder capacity of up to 50 cubic meters or a power of up to 4 kW (5.3 hp) and be able to accelerate to a speed of no more than 50 km/h
• Motorcycles - two-wheeled or three-wheeled, if with a sidecar - have a motor larger than 50 cc and more powerful than 4 kW, with a top speed above 50 km/h.

The standard [3] refers to quadricycles. Among them are light ones with a weight of up to 350 kg, an engine capacity of up to 50 cc, a power of up to 4 kW and a speed of up to 45 km/h.

Based on the data presented, we can conclude: everything on two wheels is more powerful than 4 kW, with an engine capacity of more than 50 cubic meters. cm and travels faster than 50 km/h - motorcycles with category A or A1. What is included in the restrictions are mopeds with the letter M.

For four-wheeled vehicles, speed is limited to 45 km/h, weight – 350 kg. Fits within the limits of a light quadricycle, category M, exceeds A or A1.

What can you drive with category M?

After a detailed analysis of the differences in the law and traffic regulations of categories M and A, we can repeat once again what the holder of a driver’s license can control, up to how many cubic meters category M (as well as kilowatt, kilogram, km/h).

This

• Two- and three-wheeled mopeds with engines up to 50 cc. cm and 4 kW, driving at speeds up to 50 km/h

• Lightweight quadricycles with engines up to 50 cc. cm and 4 kW, weighing up to 350 kg, driving at speeds up to 45 km/h.

The list is closed.

What is prohibited from driving?

Now about the forbidden. The previous paragraph specifically outlined the boundaries of what is permitted, what can be driven with an open category M. Anything that goes beyond these limits is prohibited. Of course, we are not talking about long-haul tractors. This means prohibiting control:

• Motorcycles, starting with light ones with an engine capacity of more than 50 cc, power above 4 kW, speed faster than 50 km/h
• Quadricycles heavier than 350 kg, with an engine capacity of more than 50 cc, power above 4 kW, speed faster than 45 km/h
• Passenger cars, since they do not fit into the framework of light quadricycles.

For all of the above, you need to open category A1, A or even B in your license.

Are old licenses still valid?

Driver's licenses issued before 2014 did not contain categories M and A1. Instead, or rather before them, there was only the letter A. With the advent of innovations, they began to ask the question: is it necessary to change the license in order to drive mopeds and quadricycles with an open motorcycle category A?

As the Constitution states [5], the law is irreversible. Consequently, previously, before the introduction of changes, the received driver’s license continues to be valid in full until its expiration date.

After the expiration of the period, a new certificate is issued. There is no requirement to pass any exams.

Legal riding of a scooter with an open category "M"

When the license is in the driver’s pocket, you can legally get behind the wheel of a moped and plow along public roads. Do not forget that having a driver’s license with the coveted category “M” does not cancel the requirements for compliance with traffic rules. In case of gross violation of traffic rules on a scooter, you will be deprived of the right to drive all vehicles.

• Mandatory rules for driving mopeds include:
• Use of a helmet;
• Sobriety (for being in a state of alcoholic intoxication, your driver’s license will be revoked);
• Low beam headlights must be on;
• Age from 16 years;
• It is prohibited to ride a scooter in the middle of the road. For this purpose, the right side of the roadway, bicycle paths or driving on the side of the road are provided (if this does not cause inconvenience to pedestrians);
• Towing is prohibited in any form (if the moped is used as a tractor or as a trailer), etc.

What does category “M” mean in driving license?

Passing exams for the purpose of driving mopeds arose due to many accidents associated with the participation of this type of transport. Participants in incidents are often teenagers who are not familiar with the rules of driving on city streets. Mopeds have become legally considered mechanical means of transportation, which was not the case before. A driver's license category "M" gives the opportunity to drive scooters.

A distinctive feature of this category from categories “A” and “A1” is the engine size. In this regard, light mopeds are now equal to other road users.

How to get a certificate

To open a new category, you must complete a training course each time. But some of them can be obtained automatically. Driving category M vehicles, for example, is available to drivers with any license. So what does category M mean in rights?

As mentioned above, it allows driving mopeds, light ATVs and scooters.

Many novice drivers believe that the listed mechanisms are simple to drive, they are easy to operate, and acquiring the skills to drive them in a driving school is not necessary. But this is a general misconception.

It is very important to be able to accelerate and brake correctly, maintain balance, know how to behave when skidding, monitor the actions of road users, and quickly respond to changes in the road situation.

You can get a license to drive a moped (as well as a motorcycle with a capacity of up to 125 cm3) from the age of 16, and you can attend classes from the age of 14. By the way, categories B and C are issued from the age of 18, and D and T from the 21st.

Having decided on the category you need, you should choose a driving school very carefully. The too low cost of education, although very attractive, should alert the future student.

Driving schools are certified by the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, for which they require a certain number of teachers, improved racing tracks, and improved vehicle fleet. This requires considerable funds, so the cost cannot be underestimated.

Before admission you will have to undergo a medical examination. Without proof of satisfactory health, a driver's license will not be issued. The examination should be carried out in an institution that has certification and permission.

Documents required:

• passport;
• photographs 3*4, two pieces;
• military ID (if available).

You will need to see the following doctors: narcologist, psychiatrist, gynecologist, therapist, otolaryngologist, ophthalmologist, neurologist, surgeon. The first two specialists will have to go to the appropriate dispensary and get a certificate stating that the person is not registered.

Drivers who have health restrictions on driving mopeds, light ATVs and scooters are given the ML mark on the back of their license.

The learning process at a driving school is divided into several stages:

For driving mopeds or scooters without a license, the driver will be fined in the same way as other drivers, in the amount of five to fifteen thousand. And the owner of the vehicle must pay a more significant amount - thirty thousand.

For a teenager who has violated the Code of Administrative Offences, the parents and owner will be held responsible.

Training period

The training procedure at a driving school lasts from one and a half to three months. It depends on what kind of vehicle the student plans to drive. You can learn to drive cars and trucks in three months, buses in two.

You will have to spend the least amount of time riding mopeds and motorcycles, namely 1.5 months.