What does AS mean in the new 2021 license?

Each type of vehicle is assigned its own category of driver's license in the legislation. If they do not correspond to each other, you cannot drive the vehicle, since the State Traffic Inspectorate will consider this case as driving without a license.

Innovations in the automotive industry have led to the introduction of new types of vehicles on the country's roads, for which it is necessary to introduce their own categories of driver's licenses. Amendments are periodically made to Law No. 196 Federal Law “On Road Traffic Safety”. So in 2021, subcategory B1 appeared on the driver’s license.

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What does category B1 mean on a driver’s license in 2021?

After testing their driving skills and confirming their knowledge of traffic rules, drivers receive a license. Category B is intended for driving a vehicle with the following characteristics (Article 25 of Federal Law No. 196):

passenger car;
weighing up to 3,500 kg;
number of seats - up to 8.

As of 2021, category B includes two subcategories:

BE – vehicle with trailer. Car weight up to 3,500 kg, trailer - up to 750 kg. The maximum allowed number of passengers is 8 people.
B1 – this subcategory is intended for driving a tricycle and quadricycle. Their engine volume must be more than 50 cm3. They should weigh no more than 0.4 tons.

If the engine volume is less than 50 cm3, then category M should be opened for this vehicle, not B1. Category M is issued for light quadricycles, mopeds and scooters (Article 25 of the Law “On Road Safety”).

Category B in a driver's license: subcategory B1

Only as a result of successfully passing the exam can a driver receive category B, the right to drive a passenger car weighing not more than 3.5 tons and transport 8 people as passengers.

Today, the B-category includes several subcategories that significantly expand the rights of motorists:

subcategory BE gives the right to drive a vehicle with a trailer weighing up to 750 kg. All other characteristics regarding the permissible weight of the vehicle itself and the number of passengers carried remain unchanged;
subcategory B1 opens up the opportunity to drive a tricycle, quadricycle, with an engine capacity of over 50 cm3, weighing up to 550 kg.

Those quadricycles and tricycles whose mass and engine volume are significantly less than those described above fall under the M category and, according to technical parameters, they can be classified as mopeds.

What cars can be driven with category B1?

Category B1 will open in 2021 for driving non-standard vehicles such as quadricycles and tricycles. In our country they are still rare, so it is worth taking time to get to know such unusual vehicles.

A quadricycle is a vehicle with a cab without glass, equipped with four wheels.

According to State Standard Decree No. 402 dated October 8, 2001, a quadricycle must meet certain requirements. It should weigh no more than 400 kg. But if it is intended for cargo transportation, then the maximum weight should be no more than 550 kg. The weight of batteries for electric quadricycles is not taken into account. The quadricycle engine power is no more than 20 horsepower. There are models with an electric motor. The power standard for them is no more than 15 kW. Travel speed of at least 25 km/h.

Quadricycles are similar in appearance to ATVs, which is why they are often confused. This is a serious mistake, since they differ not only in technical parameters, but also in the category of driver’s license.

The table below shows a list of the main differences (Articles 1,16,17 of Decree No. 1090 of the Traffic Regulations; Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 496; Order of the Ministry of Industry and Energy No. 192).

Features of the vehicle	Quadricycles (category B1)	ATVs (category A1)
What is it for?	Driving on public roads	All-terrain SUV. Not intended for use on public roads
Where is it registered?	traffic police	Rostechnadzor
Driving license category	IN 1	A1
Cabin availability	May have or without a cabin	No cabin. Motorcycle seat
Engine power	No more than 20 horsepower and 15 kilowatts	Above the specified limit
Documentation	PTS	PSM - self-propelled vehicle passport

With category B1 you can also drive a tricycle. The general definition of this transport is given in GOST R 52051-2003. It is equipped with 3 wheels. Two wheels can be either front or rear.

Visually, the tricycle is similar to a moped, but its engine capacity is 50 cm3. There may be an electric motor under its hood. It all depends on the chosen model. This unusual “motorcycle” accelerates to 50 km/h. Tricycles must be registered with the traffic police. The PTS must indicate the maximum engine power of 20 horsepower and 15 kilowatts.

Mark on driver's license

All owners of new crusts know column 12 in their driver’s license, as is placed here in field B1 on the reverse side of the document. Such a mark can be assigned to the owner of open category A or B, but not both at once.

There are cases when AS on a driver's license is taken as permission to drive a vehicle with an automatic transmission. This is a big misconception that can cost you a significant fine. If we turn to the literal translation, the AS mark is translated as Automotive Steering. In a native, understandable language, this expression means car steering.

In our situation, we can say that the AS mark in category B1 allows driving quadricycles and tricycles that have a car-type steering wheel. The addition to the driver's license concerns not only the steering wheel, but also the seat, or rather, the car seat, which may be present in the transport we are interested in.

The AS mark in category B1 is not the only symbol option that may appear in column 12. The MS symbol design may also puzzle the driver by its appearance in the new license. The decoding of this abbreviation sounds like Motorcycle Steering. It’s not hard to guess that the translation means motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles with a motorcycle-style steering wheel. And even with a motorcycle fit.

We hope you understand at least a little what AS means on a driver’s license, and this information will be useful to you in the future. The main thing is not to confuse the abbreviation AS, which serves to designate a special type of motorcycle, with AT, which prohibits driving cars with a manual transmission. It would be a shame to pay a fine just because you are unaware of the new rules for filling out a driver’s license.

The difference between category B1 and B

Category B is one of the popular driving license categories. You can control it:

passenger cars;
minibuses;
pickups;
jeeps.

The main thing is that the vehicle meets the following requirements specified in Art. 25 Federal Law No. 196:

Weight up to 3.5 tons.
Trailer weighing up to 750 kg. If the weight exceeds this figure, it is important that the total weight of the machine is up to 3.5 tons.
Capacity up to 8 seats. It is prohibited to stand in such a vehicle while it is moving.

Subcategory B1 opens automatically for drivers of both categories B and A.

Depending on what kind of steering wheel and seat are installed on the training vehicle: motorcycle type or car type. The corresponding mark is placed in the rights:

AS (Automotive Steering) if a car steering wheel and seat are installed. The main category for such vehicles is B;
MS (Motorcycle Steering) is the complete opposite of the previous version. Car steering wheel and seat, main category A.

The type of equipment of a tricycle or quadricycle is indicated in the 12th column; the table is located on the back of the driver’s license. This rule is stated in Appendix No. 3 of the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 365 of May 13, 2009.

Transport corresponding to subcategory B1 is more mobile than in main B:

The number of seats is maximum two.
The permissible weight is no more than 550 kg for cargo-type quadricycles.

Another difference between B and B1: in the scheme for obtaining a category. B1 is assigned automatically to drivers who have passed the main exam for opening B or A (Article 25 of the Federal Law No. 196 of November 5, 2013). The same system applies to the restoration of a lost driver's license. You won’t be able to get a basic driver’s category this way. You need to pass the test and prove yourself as an “ace driver” in front of the examiner.

If the rights are issued for the first time, then obtaining B1 occurs according to the same rules as when opening the main category.

Requirements for obtaining category B1

Subcategory B1 is assigned automatically if you have a driver’s license of category A or B (Article 25 of Federal Law No. 196). But if they are not there, according to Art. 26 Federal Law No. 196 you need to undergo training and pass an exam at a driving school.

The total number of hours of training for driver's license category B1 is 190 (Order of the Ministry of Education and Science No. 1408 of December 26, 2013, Appendix 12). All time is distributed between three directions:

Theory – 130 hours;
Practice in a car – 56 hours;
Exam – 4 hours.

According to Article 26 of Federal Law No. 196, in 2021 the applicant is allowed to take the exam only:

When he was already 18 years old.
If there is a conclusion about the absence of contraindications to driving a quadricycle or tricycle from a medical institution. Certificate of unified form 083/U-089.

During the medical examination you will need to visit the following doctors:

psychiatrist;
narcologist;
otolaryngologist;
ophthalmologist;
surgeon;
At the final stage, the certificate is signed by the therapist.

It is possible to fail to pass the commission to obtain category B1 rights not only for health reasons, but also for physical indicators (Government Decree No. 1604 of December 29, 2014). In 2021, the reasons may be the following:

A person is shorter than 1.5 m. In this case, the commission approaches the decision individually.
One eye cannot see.
Strabismus.
Inflammatory process in the lacrimal sac.
Diseases of the organs of vision in a chronic form.
Limitation of field of view to 200 units.
Absence of phalanx or finger.
Legs are shorter than the standard by more than 6 cm.
Diabetes mellitus, from stage 3 and above.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system requiring treatment in a hospital setting.

Naturally, in addition to the listed conditions, an applicant for category B1 must have a good knowledge of traffic rules.

Required documents to obtain category B1

An applicant for opening subcategory B1 will have to prepare three sets of documents. Each authority has its own package of papers in accordance with Chapter. 3 of Resolution No. 1097 of October 24, 2014.

At the initial stage of training for category B1, you will need documentary evidence to study at a driving school. In 2021 the list includes:

Original and copy of passport.
Agreement between the student and the driving school. It is issued on the spot. Number of copies – 2.
Receipt for payment of part of the payment. The cost of the course is divided into three equal parts. But if you wish, you can pay off the debt in one payment.
Copy and original medical certificate. It is issued by medical institutions that have the appropriate license.
Photo 3x4 (4 pcs.).

When the standards in a driving school have been passed, you need to prepare for certification at the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate. You need to have the following documents with you:

Statement from a driving school employee.
Passport.
Certificate of completion of training at a driving school.
A medical certificate that was issued before the start of training for category B1.

If everything went well with the traffic police, then the next step will be to submit an application to the traffic police for a driver’s license with an open category of rights B1. The following documents will be needed here:

Passport.
The original of the same certificate of passing the medical examination.
A document confirming completion of a driving school.
Certificate from the traffic police about passing the exam.
Receipt for payment of the state fee for a driver's license.

As you can see, although the number of authorities that will need to be visited is more than one, the list of necessary documents is quite logical and small. The applicant receives all the required forms as he goes through the procedure for obtaining category B1 rights.

How to get category B1 in 2021?

According to Appendix No. 3 of the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 365 of May 13, 2009, assignment to category B1 occurs automatically if:

A license of category B has been obtained. In this case, the mark AS is placed.
Category A is open. This type corresponds to B1 marked MS.
A driver’s license with the categories listed above was lost, then when the document is restored, subcategory B1 is entered without passing the exam.

Those who apply for a driver's license for the first time must go through all the necessary procedures to obtain subcategory B1. In 2021, the procedure is as follows:

Visiting a medical institution to obtain a certificate of professional suitability.
Collecting and submitting papers for admission to a driving school. Payment of the first payment for studies.
Completion of the entire training course for driving license category B1.
Passing testing for knowledge of traffic rules and an internal exam at the race track.
Visit the traffic police department to take the exam. You need to take the appropriate package of documents with you.
Payment for government services for issuing a driver’s license.
Receiving a document from the traffic police.

Now some minor clarifications on this list.

The cost of training in a licensed driving school in 2021 depends on a number of nuances. For example, whether the category was previously opened, the number of hours allocated for practice and theory, region. The price tag ranges from 15 thousand rubles. up to 25 thousand rubles. The contribution can be divided into 2-3 parts or it can be paid in a single payment. It all depends on the wishes of the future driver.

The state fee for issuing a biometric driver's license, regardless of the circumstances, in 2021 is 2 thousand rubles. When paying through the State Services service, the amount is reduced by 30% and amounts to 1,400 rubles. (discount valid from January 2021 to the end of 2021). The basis for this is Art. 4 Federal Law No. 424 dated November 27, 2018

In some cases, a driver’s license can even replace a general passport.

According to Appendix 1 of the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 365, the following information must appear on the driver’s license:

FULL NAME.;
where and when the driver was born;
when the document was issued and its validity period;
who issued the rights;
signature and photograph of the owner;
driving license category;
additional data: does the driver wear glasses or contact lenses, etc.

Mark AS in subcategory B1

As in the previous case, the AS mark in a driver’s license of category B1 is placed only in the limiting 12th column. If category A is open at the same time, you will never see this mark, since in this case you can drive a vehicle with both types of steering by default. If we talk about open category B, then, say, you will be allowed to drive a buggy, since this type of transport is equipped with a round car-shaped steering wheel. But with ATVs/tricycles the situation is completely different as the steering is made in the form of a stick.

But how many Russians have buggies in their garage?

For fans of ATVs, the AS mark is also affixed in subcategory B1. However, the interpretation of this mark in this case is quite vague - the holder of such rights is allowed to drive vehicles equipped with a conventional steering wheel.

But what is meant by such an explanation? With subcategory B1 open, the list of permitted vehicles also includes ATVs and tricycles (provided that they are equipped with engines with a capacity not exceeding fifty cc). And this is already a fairly extensive class of units, represented on the market by a large number of models.

Buggy car

Exam for category B1

The full course of study for category B, and accordingly B1, takes 190 hours (Order of the Ministry of Education and Science No. 1408 of December 26, 2013, Appendix 12). On average it is 3.5 months.

The entire training period is distributed between:

theoretical lessons;
practical exercises on the application of traffic rules in life;
exams.

The driving school administration has the right to introduce additional hours to hone driver skills.

You will have to take exams for category B1 driving license 2 times: at a driving school and in front of traffic police officers. The essence of the test is to perform basic maneuvers and drive on city roads.

The theoretical exam is conducted using personal computers. All you need to do is answer the questions indicated on the e-tickets.

Is it possible to open category B1 without main category B?

As mentioned above, B1 can be obtained with main category A. The driver’s license, or more precisely in column 12, is marked MS (Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 365 of May 13, 2009). This means that you can drive a tricycle or quad bike with a motorcycle handlebar and seat.

From this we can conclude that B1 can be opened without the main category B. An alternative option is a class A driver’s license.

What does the MS mark mean?

Abbreviation MS

in
English it stands for “
Motorcycle S
teering”, that is, a motorcycle type of control.

Official information about the MS mark is also stated in Order No. 365 “On the implementation of a driver’s license” (link above):

“If there is a driver’s license of category “A” and there is no category “B”, in section 12 for the subcategory “B1” an o is entered, confirming the right to drive vehicles of the subcategory “B1” only with a motorcycle seat or a motorcycle-type handlebar.”

That is, the essence of the MS mark is similar to AS:

1. MS applies exclusively to category B1

and is entered opposite it in column 12 of the table

MS means that
the driver can drive quadricycles and tricycles EXCLUSIVELY with motorcycle control.
That is, a vehicle of category B1 must have a steering wheel and a riding position on the seat, like a motorcycle.

3. AS is assigned to open category A and closed category M.

It is prohibited to drive a vehicle of category B1 with automobile type of control!

If you break it and are caught, you will be issued a fine.