What is a driver's license category "BE" and how to get one

To drive a vehicle with a heavy trailer, you need category B on your driver's license. Driving this road train without a license of the appropriate category is prohibited by the rules. For this violation, the driver may fall under administrative liability in accordance with the Traffic Regulations and the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.

Therefore, it is worth considering in more detail such questions as: what prospects open up for the driver if he opens the BE category in his license, what cars he can service, how to obtain the BE category, what exercises he must master in order to pass the exam for opening the “BE” in rights

Category "BE" in a driver's license

The BE mark on a driver's license (VU) indicates only one thing: their holder has the right to drive a car with a heavy trailer, but at the same time must fulfill certain requirements in connection with the peculiarities of operating a vehicle of this type.

The main thing for a driver sitting behind the steering wheel of a car with a heavy trailer is to have driving skills that will allow him to avoid accidents on the road.

It is very difficult to drive a car that is coupled to a trailer. Therefore, special training is required to open a category and then operate a car on many kilometers of highways.

Just a moment! Before receiving category BE, your license must have category “B”, opened 1 year (or more) ago.

A driver driving a vehicle of category “B” without this mark on his license will face administrative punishment in the form of a fine. The amount is set individually depending on the situation and ranges from 5 thousand to 15 thousand rubles. At the time of arrest, the driver is removed from driving, and the car is sent to the impound lot.

Category BE - it's easy!

According to the law, you can drive a trailer without an open BE category in two cases:

1. The trailer has a maximum weight of up to 750 kg. The maximum weight of the tractor does not matter.
2. The trailer has a maximum weight less than the curb weight of the tractor, and the total maximum weight of the vehicles must not exceed 3500 kg. If one of these requirements is not met, you must have an open BE category.

If the first point of this rule is strictly observed by valiant inspectors, then problems on the road periodically arise with the second point. Traffic police inspectors do not know, or pretend that they do not know, about the existence of this point. This problem can be solved in different ways, but if you decide to seriously connect your vacation, and maybe even your life, with caravanning, the best solution to get rid of anxiety on the road is to open the BE category!

Contrary to popular belief, it is not difficult, not difficult, not long, not expensive. There is far more than one such school in Moscow that offers training for the BE category. It costs between 7,000 – 15,000 rubles. depending on the driving school, plus 1000 rubles. medical certificate (if you don’t want to waste a day and nerves in your clinic). For this money, you are offered to spend 2 weeks on theoretical classes (but whether you will attend them is up to you to decide. As a rule, they will give you documents anyway) and at the end of the course they will give you documents confirming that you have completed the driving school. Then you can wait for the exam at the MREO to which this driving school is attached, or you can pick up the documents from your driving school and go for the exam yourself at any MREO in your city. The peculiarity is that exams for the BE and CE categories in the MREO are not carried out often (once every 1-2 months) due to the small number of applicants, but at different times (relative to other MREOs). By visiting 1-4 MREOs in your city and finding out the exam schedule, you can very well reduce the wait for the exam from 2 months to 5 days! Once you have found a suitable MREO, you need to sign up for an exam with them. To change the MREO and sign up for the exam, you need to pick up the documents from your driving school, register with the MREO to which your driving school is attached (go to this MREO and in the window or office that is responsible for the exams, put a round stamp on the back of the driving school student card), submit documents (documents on graduation from a driving school, valid driver's license, medical certificate, passport) to the document acceptance window for the exam of your new MREO and wait for the exam. The exam itself consists only of a practical part and is divided into two stages:

1. Area. On the court you need to do 2 exercises. The first is the movement of the road train in reverse in a straight line. The second is to drive in reverse into a garage located perpendicular to the starting trajectory of your road train (popularly this exercise is called “Bending the trailer 90 degrees”)
2. City. Here everything is the same as with category B, only the route is 2 times shorter.

The difficulty is caused by the platform, namely the second exercise (but some people cannot master the first for a long time). Therefore, before you go to take the exam, you need to forget your confidence as a “professional truck driver” and take several hours of paid training. This service costs 600-1000 rubles per hour, but usually driving schools with a name and pricing policy above average have such a service as standard.

You will get your license the next day, after presenting your passport and paying a fee of 800 rubles. (you need to take care of this in advance and when registering for the exam, ask for a receipt to pay the state fee for issuing a new driving license) and waiting in line. The new type of VU card itself (paper and thin lamination on both sides) will be made for you immediately after taking a photograph within 3-5 minutes (because of this, it looks like a stub and cannot be compared with the old plastic VU card).

You can read about the features of obtaining the BE category in 2021 here - How to obtain the BE category in 2021?

In order not to advertise specific driving schools and people, I can tell everyone who is interested in the scheme of my successful training and receipt by e-mail or by phone.

Andrey Kalashnikov

In the meantime, winter still won’t come to Russia, and the water in our caravan trailers and caravans won’t freeze. Therefore, renting a caravan trailer is still relevant! We also remind you that from the spring of next year, renting a motorhome or motorhome will become available!

What cars can be driven with category “BE”?

Category BE includes:

1. Category B motor vehicles with a trailer. The maximum permitted trailer weight in this version is over 750 kg. It may well exceed the weight of the machine itself without load, and in this case the weight of the machine does not play any role here;
2. Category BE also includes vehicles from category B that have a trailer hitch. But there is one condition here, which is that the weight of the trailer (maximum permitted) can have a mass of over 750 kg, and the transport train itself, in terms of maximum weight, must necessarily exceed 3500 kg.

If on the first point (regarding a car with a trailer) the road service employees are well informed and do not ask any unnecessary questions, then on the second point the disputes between drivers and traffic cops do not subside. Law enforcement officers constantly ignore this definition and pick on drivers. This question is controversial, so it’s worth taking a good look at everything again, in particular, whether or not you should open the BE category if you are a fan of caravanning and can’t imagine a vacation without a trailer house.

What it is

In the current updated classification, BE is in the same category as B, and is its sublevel or subitem. The current list of categories tells us that if there is a B mark on a motorist’s license, he has the right to drive vehicles whose weight does not exceed the established norm of 3.5 tons. In this case, the number of seats should not be more than 8 units.

As for BE, the restrictions are similar. But a distinctive feature is the additional ability to drive a car with a trailer. The car must also not exceed the maximum permitted weight of 3.5 tons. The trailer itself, when fully loaded, cannot weigh more than the weight of the vehicle itself.

An important nuance concerns the curb weight of the trailer. Category BE will have to be opened if this figure exceeds the permissible limit of 750 kilograms.

In practice this means the following. If you have a category B license, you have the legal right to operate a vehicle together with a standard passenger trailer with a curb weight of up to 750 kilograms. Additionally, there is no need to open a subcategory marked BE in this situation.

Exceeding the specified standards requires the driver to make changes to his license. And for this you will have to go through all the stages of the procedure that involves obtaining the BE subcategory.

Car with trailer over 750 kg

Rights to a camper: is “BE” needed?

If the maximum permitted weight of the trailer is less than the weight of the B-category vehicle to which the trailer is attached, but at the same time the condition is met that the weight of the entire vehicle in the coupling is less than 3,500 kg, then a driver with an open B-license will be allowed to drive it. category.

If the driver has received a driving license giving him the right to drive all types of transport of categories “B”, “C”, “D”, then he can also take control of a vehicle with a trailer whose permissible weight is less than 750 kg.

If the trailer has a mass of more than 750 kg, then the holder of a license with open categories “B”, “C”, “D” will not be able to drive such a train until the permitting category o appears in his driving license.

In fact, it turns out that if the maximum permitted weight of the entire train exceeds 3500 kg, then only the driver whose driver’s license contains categories “B” + “E”, “C” + “E” or “D” has the right to tow it " + "E".

Here is a ready-made example: a trailer weighing (total) 1,100 kg was hooked up to a car whose total weight when weighed was 2,600 kg. The total mass of this composition became equal to 3,700 kg. To manage it, you must have categories “B” + “E” or “C” + “E”. But if the “B” + “E” category is open, then the brake system of the trailer must be inertial and its weight without load must be less than the curb weight of the towing vehicle.

The vehicle's operating manual always contains information about the permitted trailer weight, and if you follow them, there will be no problems.

Driver's license categories in 2021 - detailed table with explanation

This category includes cars with more than 8 but less than 16 seats.

Designed for driving a category D1 vehicle with a heavy trailer.

Categories of rights for driving with a trailer.

Designed for driving category B cars with a heavy trailer.

Two-wheeled vehicles are divided into three categories:

• M – mopeds;
• A1 – light motorcycles;
• A – motorcycles.

Category M is intended for driving mopeds and light quadricycles. It opens automatically when you pass the exam in any of the other categories. In fact, any student can drive a moped. The obligation to obtain a license was introduced due to the high number of deaths on the roads as a result of accidents involving a moped. That is, the authors of the traffic rules believe that after taking a theory course and learning to drive any serious vehicle, you will be more knowledgeable and careful in driving these simple motorcycles. There is no need to pay extra for the category.

Category A1 for “weak” motorcycles up to 125 cc can be opened from the age of 16 - this is its main feature. However, the holder of a license marked A1 will not be able to drive a cool bike with an engine larger than 125 cc.

Category A is the most extensive, it allows you to drive all types of motor vehicles, including those with a sidecar. It also provides access to control of ATVs up to 400 kilograms. That is, having studied for category A, you will automatically have categories A1 and M.

Also read: How to get a motorcycle license

As for passenger cars, the changes here are minimal. Category B, as before, allows you to drive a car - one that weighs up to 3.5 tons and has no more than 8 seats in the cabin. It is advisable for beginners to practice their driving skills in a used car. There are different situations on the road, and in this case a used car is the best option. But 70% of used cars are sold with problems: fines, liens, accidents, leasing, etc. Therefore, before purchasing, it is recommended to check the car’s history .

A category “B” driver’s license gives permission to drive not only a passenger car and a motorized stroller , but also some other vehicles ( jeep, minivan, minibus, truck ) that meet the following requirements:

• with a mass of no more than 3.5 tons, the number of seats no more than eight, with the exception of the driver’s seat (this does not include vehicles of category “A”);
• a passenger car coupled with a trailer, with a weight not exceeding 750 kg;
• a car with a trailer with a weight exceeding 750 kg (the trailer is no more than the weight of the car without load), and with the condition that the total weight of the train is no more than 3.5 tons.

How to open the "BE" category

When replacing a driver's document, the BE category should be entered automatically if the E-category was already open in the old license. Everyone else will have to receive it in stages:

• use the services of a driving school, where future vehicle drivers are trained to obtain a license of the category that satisfies their needs;
• before starting training, you must pay for it;
• undergo theoretical training to pass the exam for the required category and a practical driving course;
• successfully pass all examination tests in driving theory and practice;
• become the owner of a driver's document, where the VE category will be opened upon receipt of it at the traffic police.

Obtaining a medical certificate

You cannot avoid undergoing a medical examination, which will attest to the absence of deviations in your health. These deviations may be an obstacle to obtaining a license of the category that allows driving a car with a trailer. In other words, you must have a medical certificate in your hands. A small recommendation: get a medical certificate in advance, before you take the documents to the driving school and pay for the training. If deviations are identified, then you can’t even dream of obtaining the BE category of rights.

How does training work in a driving school at "VE"

It does not take much time to obtain a driving license with the right to drive a car with a trailer. The duration of training for category BE is only 1 month. The training course includes:

• attending classes on driving theory and traffic rules. Although this point is not mandatory, and the student can decide for himself whether to attend these classes at a driving school or conduct the training on his own. This attitude towards students develops for the reason that they all already have a B-category and have been working for a long time.
• learning the skills of driving a car with a trailer and preparing to perform special exercises on the race track to obtain certification;
• passing an exam conducted by a driving school, with the right to receive a certificate of successful completion of school and obtaining the right to admission to the exam in the traffic police.

The cost of training for a BE license is influenced by your region of residence. On average throughout the country, this service is from 15 thousand rubles. up to 18 thousand rubles, this also includes the fee for practical lessons in driving a car with a trailer.

New driving license categories 2021

In 2021, drivers can obtain the following categories of driving license.

Full table of driving license categories:

Thus, in 2021 it has become possible to obtain a license from the age of 16, but if a future driver wants to drive a bus, he will only be allowed to drive such a vehicle from the age of 21.

In 2021, all categories can be divided into:

• 5 main ones A, B, C, D, M, Tm, Tb
• 6 subcategories A1, B1, C1, C1E, D1, D1E,
• 3 trailer categories BE, CE, DE

Let's take a closer look at each category separately.

Main categories of rights

Allows you to drive any motorcycles and motorcycles with a sidecar, or motorized strollers. If you already have an open category “A”, when you replace your license, you will be given a category “A1”.

Category “D” is intended for driving vehicles with more than 8 seats in addition to the driver. To drive a car with a heavy trailer, you must open the “DE” category.

Opening category "D" automatically opens category "D1".

Having a license in this category, you can drive scooters and mopeds. I have any open category of license and the driver is allowed to drive a moped.

Designed for tram control.

Designed to control a trolleybus.

Driver's license subcategories in 2021

Having this subcategory, you can drive motorcycles whose internal combustion engine displacement does not exceed 125 cubic meters. cm, and the maximum power is 11 kW.

For driving quadricycles and tricycles.

Quadricycles, unlike ATVs, can travel on public roads.

This category includes vehicles weighing more than 3500 but less than 7500 kg.

Designed for driving a C1 category car with a heavy trailer.

Exam for "BE"

The exam is held at the State Traffic Inspectorate, where a three-stage knowledge testing system has been developed. Moreover, at each level, those drivers are eliminated who do not demonstrate strong knowledge to obtain category BE in their license.

Theory

In the theoretical part of the exam you will have to answer 20 questions. You are allowed to make only 2 mistakes, which are not forgiven by the examiners. If 1 mistake is made, the examinee must additionally answer 5 questions correctly. Well, if 2 mistakes are made, then 10 additional questions will be added at once. And only correct answers will help you get credit for the theoretical exam.

Test at the race track

The driver driving the vehicle train must undergo several special exercises at the race track to make it clear whether he is worthy of obtaining a driving license with category BE, or whether time is required for additional training.

The practical driving test includes 4 exercises: (from September 1, 2021, the number of exercises has been increased to four)

1. ex. No. 9 - at the beginning, the trailer is coupled to the car, then uncoupled;
2. ex. No. 10 - complete stop of the car to board or disembark passengers;
3. ex. No. 11 - entering the hangar in reverse. Special precision is needed here, because... this maneuver involves “backing” the trailer at 90° and the ability to fit into the established frame;
4. exercise No. 12 - parallel parking at the platform where loading takes place.

Of the four exercises, ideally you need to do all of them perfectly. But if the driver makes a mistake in only one case and immediately corrects his mistake, he will still receive credit.

Driving around the city

It seems that everything is clear here, and in order to open the BE category, the driver will have to drive a car with an attached trailer onto the highway in the same way as it was when passing for a B-category license. You can get acquainted with the routes using the official website of the traffic police. This allows the driver to prepare in advance by clarifying what signs are encountered along the road and what the trajectory of the roadway is.

This will end the driver’s check and, if he successfully passes all exams, he will have the right to travel on highways in a car with a trailer on completely legal grounds after receiving the appropriate mark from the VU.

Anyone who has completed training and can drive a car with a trailer in accordance with the traffic rules can obtain a license with open category BE from the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate.

Last update: 04-09-2020

Who can take category E

Diesel or gasoline. Which is better? What are the pros and cons of designs?

A small vehicle with a light trailer does not require a separate category. "E" is required for commercial and heavy-duty vehicles. In addition to the items listed, you will need a driver's medical certificate. A psychiatrist and a narcologist have been added to the usual doctors, who are seen at the dispensary. But that's not all. If a doctor suspects a patient of systematic use of alcohol or drugs, he sends him for tests costing more than 3,000 rubles. Driving without experience or in poor health is dangerous, so category “E” licenses will not be given to those who do not meet the following restrictions:

• Age. For “BE”, “CE”, “C1E” - 18 years, for “DE” and “D1E” - 21 years;
• An application to open a subcategory is submitted after 12 months of experience with categories “B”, “C” or “D”;
• Availability of a driving school certificate.

New forms of driving instruction have been introduced and not all schools comply with them. It is necessary to check accreditation - the center must have the right to teach category “E”. Training costs from 15,000 to 50,000 rubles, the price depends on the region. In Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities you will have to pay the entire 50,000 rubles, but in small villages and regional centers the price is not so high - 15,000-20,000 rubles.

Exam

The exam consists of two stages. There are 2 exercises performed on the site:

1. Driving in a straight line: the road train moves in a straight line in reverse and enters the garage in reverse. The garage is located perpendicular to the starting area along which the examinee’s road train is moving (“trailer hall for 900”).

1. Around the city: in this exercise everything is performed in the same way as when receiving the cat. B, but in this case the route is 2 times shorter.

Most drivers have problems on the site during the second exercise, although some do not succeed in the first the first time.

IMPORTANT! Before going to the exam, it is advisable to practice in paid training sessions so that you can confidently get the right category the first time. Many driving schools offer such services.

In the video about receiving category BE

After successfully passing the exam, a license with open category BE will be issued on the next working day to the bearer of the passport and upon presentation of a receipt for payment of the state duty.