Categories of a new driver's license and their explanation

Category M appeared on the license relatively recently - in 2013 as a response to the dominance of mopeds and scooters on the roads, for which absolutely no law was written. The loophole was actively used by “disenfranchised” people who were not allowed to drive other vehicles, as well as by those who liked to drink while driving - driving a moped while intoxicated was not punishable by even a minimal fine, and such drivers posed the most immediate danger on the road. In order to somehow regulate the driving of such vehicles, category M was introduced into the new type of license.

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.

How much does it cost to get a category M license?

Passing for a category M license is not difficult. In an ordinary Russian city, the price per question is about 10 thousand rubles (Ekaterinburg). In metropolitan cities, the cost of training in a driving school is inflated and can reach up to 30 thousand rubles.

Moscow driving schools “impose” additional services and oblige a novice driver to learn both M and A at the same time.

A medical certificate is issued in private clinics. Prices here are set according to a single standard - just over 500 rubles. Additionally, it is worth paying for examinations and database searches at a psychiatric clinic and a drug treatment clinic.

The state fee for issuing a national driver's license is 2,000 rubles. On the government services website you can still get a 30 percent discount. There you can also make an appointment with the MERO STSI.

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.

Training, exams, rules: what's what

What, in essence, category M means on a driver’s license is very clear. This means that a person can drive small motor vehicles without restrictions. It all depends on personal desire and capabilities. That is, if you open any other category, then M will be considered open by default and you won’t have to take anything special. On the other hand, at the age of sixteen, a moped will be enough to obtain a driver’s license; such allowance will cost less, which is also important.

How to get category M

For all related categories (A, A1 and M), not one, but two standard exams should be conducted. One of them will be absolutely theoretical and designed in the form of tests; it is designed to assess the future driver’s knowledge of all traffic rules. The second will be practical and is a kind of driving test. It is also necessary to first obtain a medical certificate of the established form; there is no way to do without it.

• The theoretical exam is carried out in the form of testing. That is, each applicant will receive his ticket in the form of a computer test.
• Each ticket has exactly two dozen questions; several answer options have been prepared ahead of time, of which only one is correct.
• Exactly twenty minutes are allocated for all answers to the proposed questions, that is, one minute per question, after which the test is considered closed.
• Passing the test requires eighteen or more correct answers. If you fail to complete the task, it will be considered failed.

After passing the theory, it is necessary to show that the applicant can drive; this is what the practical part is for. The inspector will evaluate the ability to move away, accelerate correctly and safely, take turns, maneuver, assess the situation in the rear-view mirrors and other skills of the future full-fledged member of the road traffic. Typically, the complex of this part of the exam consists of three main parts, upon completion of which it will be decided whether the driver has passed or not.

To open a category M driver's license, it is not necessary to pass the driving test in the city, in real conditions. Do not forget that you must first undergo training at a driving school; no one can come and pass your license straight from the street. Without a medical certificate and paper from a driving school, admission to opening exams of any category is not possible.

Duration of training and price

After the introduction of the new category, it was quite difficult to find a driving school that provided such training. However, now such services are available to everyone in any such organization. The cost and duration of training may vary slightly depending on the region or level of the driving school, but on average, general criteria can be derived.

• The theoretical training course for driving a moped will consist of exactly sixteen lessons, over the course of one or two months. For this you will need to pay from six to twelve thousand rubles.
• The theory, which smoothly turns into driving practice, will cost more, already 14-26 thousand, but it will take longer to practice. Applicants will receive the same 16 theory lessons and another 9-18 hours of “climbing”, that is, practical driving. The time frame for this will be about one and a half to three months. It would not hurt to add to the total cost the prices for fuel and lubricants, which must be purchased at the expense of the client (applicant).
• A convenient general “All inclusive” package, which includes lessons and driving, and also does not have to think about oil and gasoline, will cost a little more, about 25-35 thousand rubles. In this case, the helmet and equipment are usually provided by the driving school, which is very convenient if the future driver has not yet purchased his own vehicle.

Provided that the student has his own equipment and a vehicle (moped, scooter), the overall costs can be significantly reduced. After all, he won’t have to not only study in someone else’s vehicle, but also rent one in order to pass the exams. It doesn’t hurt to take into account additional nuances, because most often the cost of classes depends on their mode. For example, “Sunday” driving schools are usually more expensive than “weekday” ones. Please also note that it is unlikely that you will be able to obtain a moped license in winter, since such educational institutions most often do not conduct lessons in winter, but only when it is warm and dry.

Some important rules

Every driver driving a moped or scooter with an engine capacity exceeding 50 cubic centimeters must have a category M driver's license, otherwise he will be considered a violator by law. The document must be provided upon the first request of the road service inspector; otherwise, a preventive measure may be applied, up to and including placing the vehicle in the impound area. But this is not all, because it makes sense to find out the most important nuances.

• You can drive a scooter, moped and other similar vehicles only after reaching the age of sixteen, and not earlier. The rule on the permissibility of fourteen-year-old drivers on the roads has long been abolished and is not legal.
• When driving at any time of the day in traffic, and not on a tracker or stadium, holding onto the steering wheel of the vehicle with one hand is completely prohibited.
• If the inspector detects a state of intoxication, the driver’s driver’s license will be confiscated, and the case will be referred to the judicial authorities for trial.
• Low beam headlights must be active even during daylight hours.
• It is prohibited to ride without a helmet, to transport passengers who do not have a protective helmet, as well as children under seven years of age.
• You cannot move along pedestrian crossings or paths, sidewalks and roadsides, but if this does not interfere with traffic and there is no other way, then you should cross this section of the road along the shortest route.

It is very important to know that neither a scooter nor a moped should under any circumstances be involved in towing anything, no matter what. This vehicle is not at all intended for such purposes, so you shouldn’t attach even an ordinary cart to your moped, it won’t take long for you to get a fine. Experienced experts believe that the new rules, which made motorized transport less accessible to all categories of the population, which caused serious complaints among the people, will definitely make traffic on the road better, safer and more convenient for all road users, and this is a lot.

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.

Requirements for obtaining a certificate

In order to obtain a license with category M, the candidate must not have any health restrictions.

The requirements presented are contained in the resolution [4]. The specific list depends on the design features of the vehicle.

The standard [2] does not specify the seating position of the quadricycle driver - on horseback or, as in a car, and the type of steering wheel - a car steering wheel or a motorcycle steering wheel.

If the seating or steering is like on a motorcycle, the set of requirements is set out in paragraph I. The absence of 2 or more phalanges of the fingers and shortening of the leg by more than 6 cm is critical.

At what age can you get a category M license?

The ability to open categories on a driver’s license is differentiated by age. The heavier and more powerful the vehicle, the older the driver must be before receiving the right to drive it.

The age of candidates for each of the available categories is established in Art. 26 of the law [1].

In particular, for category M, which gives the right to drive mopeds and light quadricycles, it is 16 years.

Required documents to obtain category M

In this matter everything is standard, no unexpected moments. In order to obtain rights for the first time or open a new category you need:

• Passport or other document of equal validity
• A certificate confirming the absence of medical restrictions
• Document confirming completion of training, if any is required
• Existing VU - if available
• Certificates of payment of required duties
• 2 photographs 3*4, if the photographs are not taken on site.
• The entire set, along with the application, is submitted to the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate. If everything matches, the driver’s document will be issued within an hour or two.

Is it necessary to open category M if category A or category B is open?

This is an interesting point. Holders of a driver's license with an open category A are allowed to drive vehicles of subcategories A1 and B1 with a motorcycle seat and steering wheel. Those with the letter B or BC can drive B1, except those with a motorcycle seat or handlebars. It’s logical to extend this rule to M, but...

Attention! It is further said that all the categories specified in the article allow driving vehicles related to M. That's it.

Those who doubt can verify the accuracy of what they read by looking at paragraph 7 of Art. 25 of the law [1].

Note. Article 25 talks about all possible categories, therefore, following the letter of the law, holders of licenses with any category - from A to E, including trams and trolleybuses, can drive mopeds and light quadricycles (M).

Is it possible to open category M without category A

To resolve doubts, you should again look at the primary sources - legislation. The already mentioned 25th article of the law [1] does not oblige a driver candidate to open A or any other category along with category M. This means that the answer must be sought locally in educational organizations. If they provide training specifically for M, the issue is resolved. If it’s only A or B, you’ll have to get what they give and ride what you have.

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.

Questions of interest to drivers

How and where can I get a Russian or international license? How to exchange a foreign driver's license for a Russian one?

• Citizens who have permanent registration in the Russian Federation can contact the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate to obtain a Russian license or exchange a foreign one. International licenses can be obtained from the State Traffic Inspectorate with the authority to issue them.
• Citizens with temporary registration can apply for these purposes to the traffic police at their place of residence.

Is it necessary to attend a driving school or can I take it as an external student?

• Recently, external exams can only be taken for types A and B.

What documents do you need to collect to obtain a driver's license?

• Passport, photograph and medical certificate. The traffic police may require an additional list of documents.

The new type of driver's license, which appeared in 2016, can be used in the Russian Federation, as well as in countries that have acceded to the Vienna Convention of 1968. In accordance with it, each participant must recognize the driver's license of other countries.

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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.

How to pass

A novice driver who has not yet received a license must declare his desire to go out on the streets on a moped. To do this, you need to find training courses in your city of residence. However, any driving school will not refuse to teach a beginner.

The training period includes both a theoretical part and practice. Within 2 months, the student masters the basics of driving a moped and scooter.

Here's what the algorithm for a newly minted driver looks like:

1. Enroll in a driving school.
2. Practice several times a week with experienced instructors.
3. Pass a medical examination and receive a positive conclusion on the standard state of health.
4. On the day of the exam, arrive at the appointed time at the traffic police department to take the theory test. The exam is organized in a computer lab with a time limit.
5. Show your driving, but not in the city, but at the traffic police site. The inspector checks the following items:
   the ability to start and brake (turn on and off the engine);
6. acceleration when driving;
7. making turns;
8. using gestures to signal other road users about the driver's intentions;
9. use of mirrors.
10. Payment of the state fee, digital photography and obtaining a license the same day after successfully passing the exam.

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.

Prohibitions when driving a moped

Drivers who have recently received a category M license must obey traffic rules. They move strictly in the bike lane or in the far right lane with their headlights on.

Passenger vehicles are prohibited from operating under one or more circumstances:

• when operating with one hand (for example, due to a limb injury);
• when towing another vehicle;
• when transporting large cargo;
• when transporting children under 7 years of age without a specially equipped seat;
• when crossing pedestrian areas;
• when turning left across the tram line;
• in the absence of a helmet for the driver and passengers.

The most important prohibition when using a scooter and moped is driving without a license. The fine for illegal driving on public roads ranges from 5 to 15 thousand rubles.

Why take such risks and endanger other road users? Join the ranks of conscientious drivers and get a category M driver's license!

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.

At what age can you get a driver's license?

Rights to a certain type of transport can be obtained after reaching a certain age category.

Type of vehicle with license, access to which can be obtained after reaching sixteen years of age:

• M
• A1

From 18 years old:

• A
• B1
• B
• BE
• C1
• C1E
• C
• C.E.

From 21 years of age:

• D1
• D1E
• D
• DE
• Tb
• Tm

Motorcycle school or self-training

Previously, it was possible to independently prepare for testing and obtain a certificate of the appropriate category, but now this is prohibited by current legislation. The driver can learn to drive a motor vehicle on his own, but he is obliged to pay for the hours at a driving school and receive there the appropriate document indicating completion of training. Only in this case can he be allowed to take the test.

The presence of category “B” will allow the motorist not to waste time on lengthy preparation of the theoretical and practical part. Of course, it is better to draw up documents for both categories at once, but you can obtain a driving permit for each position separately. Careful attention to the collection of required documents will avoid many problems.

Other marks and designations in column 12 of the driver’s license

In column 12 of the driver’s license you can find not only the AS mark but also other designations. For example, the mark MS Motorcycle Steering (translated into Russian: motorcycle type steering wheel) means that driving a vehicle only with a motorcycle steering wheel and the corresponding type of seating is allowed.

Other most frequently encountered designations and marks include:

• AT – operation of a vehicle exclusively with an automatic gearbox;
• MS – operation of a vehicle exclusively with a manual gearbox;
• HA/CF - the driver has the right to drive a vehicle only if he has a hearing correction device;
• GCL – the driver is required to have vision correction equipment (glasses or lenses);
• APS – gives the right to drive a vehicle only if it has an acoustic parking system (sound parking sensors);
• duplicate stamp;
• experience;
• mandatory medical certificate;
• blood type.

May be useful: Traffic rules exam for ABM categories

Traffic rules exam for CD categories

Automobile codes of regions of Russia

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Testing procedure

Training in a driving school consists of the minimum number of hours required by law. The teacher must spend at least 18 hours in lessons, but in some motorcycle schools it is longer. Classes cannot be held for less than 60 minutes at a time. If there are errors during the answers to the theoretical part, re-transmission is possible after 7 days. Driving is also carried out with recording of violations, the presence of which can push away the possession of the treasured document from the person who wants it.

Inspection authorities pay attention to the following violations:

• absence of a warning hand signal before braking,
• forgetfulness when turning on the low beam before driving,
• automatic engine shutdown,
• knocking down fences,
• premature stop far from the stop line,
• presence of displacement when driving,
• passing the stop line,
• violation of time limits for driving at low speed,
• failure to provide a turn signal in a timely manner;
• failure to switch to neutral with the engine running after stopping,
• not using gear changes while driving,
• change in the trajectory of movement and some other shortcomings.

Testing is carried out in comfortable circumstances for the driver, without going out on the road.

Features of obtaining category “A”

If three months have not passed since the assignment of category “B”, then the theoretical part for assignment to category “A” does not need to be taken. The questions in this case will be the same as when you first took the category assignment. After the 3-month period, passing the theory is required. Many drivers believe that it is necessary to refresh their knowledge of traffic rules from time to time, so if you successfully test your knowledge for the first time, you should not be afraid of another test. In addition, additional changes are made to the traffic rules every couple of years, so retaking the exam in some way will even be useful for the driver.

What is indicated on the VU

A modern driver's license provides complete information about its owner. Along with the photo, it says:

1. Last name, first name and patronymic of the driver
2. Date and place of birth
3. Date of receipt of the driver's license
4. The period during which this document is considered valid
5. The traffic police department where the driver's license was issued
6. Individual number of the VU
7. Driver's personal signature
8. Open categories
9. Special notes. Basically, it indicates the presence of glasses in the driver, without which driving a car is prohibited.

All this data is carried out using ordinary Cyrillic, but if the rights are applied in the territory of another state, then the inscriptions are duplicated using the required language. Most often, this language is English.

The left side is completely occupied by the driver’s photograph, and on the right side all the main inscriptions are made, with the exception of the signature, because it is located under the photograph . On the back of the card there is a table with all categories, as well as expiration dates opposite those for which the driver took the exam. If you look closely, you can see that the number of categories is quite large, so we will try to analyze each of them.