Most graduates of driving schools, after passing exams at the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, receive a category B license. It is universal, as it allows you to drive not only classic types of passenger cars, but also many other vehicles, including certain types of trucks. To operate special equipment, you will need to open a new category, which means you will have to go through training and pass exams again. Otherwise, failure to comply with the vehicle information specified on the driver’s license will result in serious penalties.
Category “C” - truck weighing more than 3.5 tons
Category “C” provides the opportunity to drive trucks weighing more than 3.5 tons. This group also includes trucks with a trailer weight of up to 750 kg. When driving a vehicle with a heavier trailer, you must obtain the “CE” category. Category “C” does not allow you to drive a truck if its weight is less than 3.5 tons. In this case, training for category “B” is required.
Foreign truck brands for category B
The choice of foreign-made trucks is much wider, but they are more expensive, and the situation with maintenance is different. First, parts cost more, and auto mechanics charge high prices for their services. Secondly, if in a big city you can find almost any necessary spare part, then in the outback it can be extremely difficult to pick up a part for a “Japanese” or “French”.
Among the numerous models with parameters suitable for category B licenses, we can highlight:
- Kia Bongo;
- Isuzu Elf;
- Fiat Ducato;
- Ford Transit;
- Mercedes Benz Atego;
- MAN TGL.
Kia Bongo is a Korean light-duty SUV with a payload capacity of 990 kg. Its main advantages: high maneuverability, decent equipment, robust design. The car is equipped with air conditioning, a good multimedia system, fog lights, and leather interior. There is a basic version and an improved version on sale - with all-wheel drive and a double cabin. The basic equipment of the Isuzu is inferior to the Kia Bongo; all drivers highly value the ambience inside the cabin. Japanese cars combine comfort and a high degree of safety, which is why they are in great demand on the Russian market. The same can be said about the Italian Fiat Ducato. A European truck with a payload capacity of up to 2,215 tons is a profitable purchase for small businesses.
Ford Transit is no less popular. Although it will not pull more than 2 tons, it is very economical. Gasoline consumption hardly exceeds 10 liters in the city. It can accelerate to 120 km/h. Repairing such a model is relatively inexpensive, and parts are easier to find than for most European analogues. German cars Mercedes Benz Atego and MAN TGL are also models with minimal fuel consumption. In addition, they are very easy to operate, have good maneuverability and high functionality.
Subcategory “C1” - truck weighing from 3.5 to 7.5 tons
Subcategory “C1” gives the right to drive medium-sized trucks. These include trucks weighing from 3.5 to 7.5 tons (with the exception of vehicles intended for transporting passengers). In this case, the car cannot drive a trailer whose weight exceeds 750 kg. The difference between this subcategory is that it provides the opportunity to drive only medium-sized trucks (3.5-7.5 tons), while category “C” includes all trucks (from 3.5 tons or more). Thus, upon receipt of a license of the highest category “C”, the right to drive a vehicle of subcategory “C1” is automatically granted.
Why do you need a tractor license?
Above, it has already been said what tractor licenses are and what categories they are classified into. Separately, it is worth raising the question of what they are needed for?
It is worth noting that approximately fifty years ago absolutely any person, including a woman, a teenager and a pensioner, could operate such equipment, and he did not need absolutely any rights.
However, in those days, the tractor was used for the sole purpose of helping to improve a plot of land in a fairly quick time.
Now, this document is necessary for the following reasons:
- The vehicle has become more modern. Now, learning to operate it on your own is not so easy. You will need to complete a full course of study;
- A tractor can often be seen on the highway together with other cars; the driver must drive it strictly according to the rules in order to reduce the risk of road accidents;
- Many mechanisms have an electronic control mechanism, which can only be mastered by an experienced specialist.
Currently, a person does not have the right to sit in the driver's seat of a tractor if he does not have the appropriate document. Even when he needs to do certain work in his garden. If these rules are violated, he will be fined heavily.
Category "CE" - trucks of category "C" with heavy trailers
Category “CE” makes it possible to drive category “C” trucks with heavy trailers weighing more than 750 kg (for example, a truck tractor with a semi-trailer). This category also provides the ability to control vehicles of the “C1E” subcategory. To study and pass exams to drive a vehicle of category “CE”, you must have a category “C” license. The traffic police exam includes a theoretical exam on traffic rules and a test of driving skills on a motorway and in urban conditions. The traffic police exam for this category takes place on the territory of our driving school.
Requirements and list of documents
According to traffic regulations, in order to obtain a category C1 driving license, a motorist must meet certain criteria. To obtain a license, the driver will need:
- open groups – C, B;
- age – 18-65 years;
- availability of a medical certificate confirming permission to drive such types of vehicles;
- driving experience as a truck driver – 1 year;
- knowledge of traffic rules, successful completion of a driving test.
To obtain a license with category C1, a motorist will have to undergo a medical examination and present a certificate to the State Traffic Inspectorate.
To open a new subcategory, the driver will need to provide the following package of documents:
- active “crust”;
- certificate of certification at a driving school;
- a certificate of successful passing of the test, issued by the traffic police, military registration and enlistment office;
- driver's identification card;
- a certificate with temporary registration if there is no permanent residence permit;
- medical certificate;
- photo 3*4 cm;
- check for payment of the mandatory contribution.
The validity of the medical certificate is 1 year. After that, it may be required only after 10 years when applying for a driver’s license. If there are errors, the traffic police inspector will send the applicant to correct them; if the driver forgot to attach one of the papers, he will have to report it.
Subcategory “C1E” – trucks of category “C1” with a heavy trailer
These include category C1 trucks with a heavy trailer. In this case, the car must weigh more than the trailer, and their total weight cannot be more than 12,000 kg. The processes of training and passing exams for this subcategory will not differ from the process of obtaining a license to drive conventional trucks of category C (in both cases, you will pass a traffic rules exam, an exam on the site and in urban conditions). The traffic police exam for this subcategory is also held at a driving school on our site.
Requirements for a future driver
Truckers are specialists who drive trucks designed to transport large cargo over long distances. Driving a truck requires a person to have certain skills and experience in operating such equipment.
This profession is suitable for hardy people who are able to endure the monotony of the environment, significant physical and psychological stress associated with unloading goods and prolonged concentration. The work of a driver does not fall into the category of easy work, but it has some advantages, including the opportunity to visit various cities and countries, as well as decent earnings.
Driving a truck usually attracts men who are fascinated by the romance of the road and powerful cars. Anyone who has no medical restrictions can master the specialty of a truck driver.
A truck can be driven professionally by a person who has extensive experience in driving a vehicle, who understands the structure of truck systems and components, and who can fix minor breakdowns on their own.
Category “D” – bus
Category “D” includes vehicles with eight or more passenger seats (type of vehicle – any). In this case, to train and obtain a category “D” license, the driver must be 21 years old and have a “C” category. After opening category “D”, the driver can drive any type of bus. The exception is “accordion” buses: the category does not apply to them. In addition, you cannot drive a bus with a heavy trailer (more than 750 kg). Category "DE" required.
Categories of driver's licenses for tractors and special equipment
Any driver's license is divided into several main categories.
Category Ah
Issued to drivers of the most minimal vehicles, the power of which does not exceed 4 kW. They can travel both on general roads and along complex or specialized routes. For example, this category includes ATVs, warehouse equipment or snowmobiles.
Categories B, C, D, E, F
They differ from each other only in the amount of horsepower that a certain vehicle can contain:
- Category “B” applies to equipment with a power of up to 34 horsepower. Various mechanisms moving on tracks fall under it.
- Next comes category “C”. Its owners can drive a vehicle with power from 34 to 150 hp. This list includes a fairly extensive list: a tractor without a trailer, walk-behind tractors, dump trucks and many other mechanisms on wheels.
- Category “D” gives you the opportunity to drive the most powerful vehicles, containing more than 150 horsepower.
- The last two categories differ from each other only in the type of mechanism responsible for the movement of vehicles. Category “E” applies to tracked vehicles, and category “F” to agricultural vehicles.
As it turned out, all of the above categories have no overlap with each other. That is, you can only drive one vehicle. Therefore, before receiving a certificate, you should carefully think about what kind of mechanism you will own.
Subcategory “D1” - bus with a number of passenger seats from 8 to 16
Subcategory “D1” includes vehicles with a number of passenger seats from 8 to 16. License to drive buses – category “D” provides the ability to drive a vehicle of subcategory “D1”. The bus can operate a light trailer up to 750 kg.
Important!
A subcategory “D1” license allows you to drive passenger minibuses. At the same time, there are foreign minibuses with more than 16 seats for passengers. To operate them, category “D” is required.
Classification of vehicle categories
The category is indicated on the back of the driver's license. Opposite the category relevant to the driver there is a special mark. Its validity period is also indicated.
If a driver has a certain category of driving license, he can automatically open some additional subcategories. To obtain new categories you will have to undergo training at a driving school. The exception is category M vehicles, which can be driven with any driver's license.
Below is a list of all driving license categories that exist today.
- M - allows you to drive mopeds and ATVs;
- — driving two-, three- and four-wheeled motorcycles with a total curb weight of no more than 400 kg;
- — cars with a permissible maximum weight of up to 3.5 tons and a capacity of no more than eight passengers, as well as cars with a trailer, if the weight of the trailer does not exceed 750 kg;
- BE - the same as B, but a trailer weighing more than 750 kg is allowed;
- C - cars with a permissible maximum weight of more than 3.5 tons (except for cars of category D) and a trailer not exceeding 750 kg;
- CE - the same as C, but only with a trailer weighing more than 750 kg;
- D - vehicles for transporting more than eight passengers, as well as a trailer weighing no more than 750 kg;
- DE - the same as D, but only with a trailer weighing more than 750 kg;
- Tm - allows you to drive a tram;
- Tb - allows you to drive trolleybuses.
Training truck for category C
There are also several subcategories of driver's licenses.
- A1 - for driving a motorcycle with an engine capacity from 50 to 125 cubic centimeters. These are various types of scooters and small-capacity motorcycles.
- - allows you to drive a vehicle weighing no more than 550 kg, a maximum speed of more than 50 kilometers per hour and an engine capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters (tricycles, quadricycles).
- C1 - for driving a vehicle with a permissible maximum weight of more than 3.5, but not more than 7.5 tons, as well as a trailer weighing not more than 750 kg.
- C1E - cars of category C1, but the weight of the trailer can exceed 750 kg. The total mass of the vehicle train must be no more than 12 tons.
- D1 - for driving a car that can accommodate up to 16 passengers, as well as a trailer weighing up to 750 kg.
- D1E - the same as D1, but the trailer weight can exceed 750 kg. At the same time, it is prohibited to carry passengers in the trailer, and its weight should not exceed the weight of the vehicle without load. The total permissible weight of the vehicle composition is up to 12 tons.
Subcategory “D1E” - buses of category “D1” with a heavy trailer
This subcategory allows driving buses of subcategory “D1” with a heavy trailer weighing more than 750 kg. Here (as with the “C1E” subcategory), the car must weigh more than the trailer, and their total weight must not exceed 12,000 kg. In this case, the trailer should not be intended for transporting passengers (in this case, category “DE” will be required). The presence of the “DE” category automatically gives the right to drive a vehicle of the “D1E” subcategory.
Sometimes choosing the right category or subcategory of a driver’s license on your own can be quite problematic (an example with minibuses was already given above). If there are any doubts about whether a vehicle belongs to any category or subcategory, you can find information in the vehicle registration certificate.
We remind you that in Moscow only traffic police representatives come to the Central Driving School to take a practical exam. Our native walls help us!
The difference between the rights of a motorist and a tractor driver
As mentioned earlier, the rights of a tractor driver and a motorist are very similar. Both of these documents are presented in the form of a plastic card with a photograph, signature and personal information of the owner.
However, several differences can be identified:
- They are issued by various authorities;
- The color shade of the card may differ;
- There are various subcategories on a driver's license; a tractor driver's license is classified into separate categories.
Of course, the main difference is what kind of vehicle the owner of this document has the right to drive.
Useful links:
· “How to pass the traffic police exam the first time”
· “Useful tips before exams”
· “General principles and tips for preparing for exams”
The Central Driving School of Moscow was awarded in Skolkovo for active work in the field of safety
International award in the field of safety from experts of the “Safety Leaders” forum in the nomination “Best educational program of the year” in the category “Safety of road users”.
Certificate of Honor from the NP "Guild of Driving Schools" of Russia
NP "Guild of Driving Schools" of Russia awarded the Educational Holding "Central Driving School of Moscow" with a Certificate of Honor and Diploma for professionalism, successful work to improve the quality of driver training and the introduction of new training technologies.
A well-deserved award from the Federation of Motorists of Russia
The Federation of Motorists of Russia awarded the director of the Central Driving School of Moscow with an honorary award “For contribution to socially useful activities” in the field of road safety.
The non-profit partnership "GUILD OF DRIVING SCHOOLS" of Russia recommends:
Training centers of the educational holding "Central Driving School of Moscow" are the key to high-quality and safe driving training!
NOTE!
NP "GUILD OF DRIVING SCHOOLS" of Russia warns: If the cost of training in a Moscow driving school is below 19 thousand rubles, it is possible that this driving school does not have a traffic police certificate, works according to old programs, does not fully provide training, and you may have difficulties passing exams at the traffic police.
How to get a tractor license?
The entire cycle of obtaining a driver's license can be divided into several main categories.
Take a training course
To do this, you should contact a certain authority, namely, Gostekhnadzor or the Ministry of Education.
The future candidate must provide several of his personal documents, namely:
- medical certificate of health;
- passport;
- driver's license, if you previously had one.
Next, the future driver must attend theoretical classes for a month and a half, which will help him learn all the nuances of operating such equipment.
After successfully mastering the basics, you will need to pass many practical tests to consolidate your knowledge in practice, all of them are based on the rules of the road.
Pass the exam
The future driver will have to take the exam several times:
- The very first test is the theoretical part. You will need to show your knowledge to the traffic police inspector, either verbally or electronically (in the form of a test).
- Only after this can the prospective applicant proceed to the practical exam. The second stage is as close to reality as possible. That is, classes are carried out in uneven areas.
- After completing all exams, a government agency employee will decide whether or not the student is allowed to operate large equipment.
