The process of moving from a higher category of driver's license to a lower one is called retraining. It follows a simplified procedure. One of the popular cases of retraining is the addition of category “B” to the driver’s license when it already contains “C”, “D” or both options. The simplified procedure for obtaining rights of the lowest category is logically understandable. A driver driving a large truck only needs a short course of practical training to master a passenger car. The situation is similar when moving from category “D” to “B”. Driving a bus requires more concentration and responsibility. How does category “B” open if there is category “C” or “D”? What documents are needed for this? Is there a simplified procedure for obtaining a license and how are drivers retrained? Do I need to go to a driving school? We will answer these and other questions in this article.
Obtaining a driver's license category "C"
Obtaining a category “C” driver’s license is necessary if the driver intends to drive a truck with a permissible maximum weight exceeding 3.5 tons. At the same time, many drivers are faced with the question of how to open category “C” if there is “B”?
Category "C":
— cars with a permissible maximum weight exceeding 3,500 kilograms; cars of category “C” coupled to a trailer, the permissible maximum weight of which does not exceed 750 kilograms;
Subcategory "C1":
— cars whose permissible maximum weight exceeds 3,500 kilograms, but does not exceed 7,500 kilograms; vehicles of subcategory “C1” coupled to a trailer, the permissible maximum weight of which does not exceed 750 kilograms.”
What is the difference between category “B” and “C”?
Category “B” - cars whose permissible maximum weight does not exceed 3,500 kilograms and the number of seats, which, in addition to the driver’s seat, does not exceed eight. A driver's license category "B" allows you to drive passenger cars, as well as small trucks, minibuses and jeeps that meet the above requirements. Category “C” - cars with a permissible maximum weight exceeding 3,500 kilograms. A driving license category “C” allows you to drive only medium (from 3500 kg to 7500 kg) and heavy (more than 7500 kg) trucks. Please note that category “C” does not give the right to drive small (less than 3500 kg) trucks and cars.
Categories and subcategories of driver's licenses in 2017
A driver's license category designates a group of vehicles that a driver's license holder can drive.
There are 5 main categories: A - motorcycles, B - cars, C - trucks, D - buses, M - mopeds, 4 subcategories: A1, B1, C1, D1 and special categories for driving vehicles with a trailer BE, CE, DE , C1E, D1E.
For example, a category B driver's license allows you to drive only passenger cars and does not allow you to drive a minibus or bus (these vehicles require a category D driver's license).
This article will discuss the categories and subcategories of driver's licenses , as well as the features of their use when driving vehicles.
The driver has the right to drive only vehicles whose categories are indicated on the back of his driver's license. If he does not comply with this requirement, he will receive a fine for lack of a category of rights of 5,000 - 15,000 rubles.
Table of driver's license categories in 2017
On November 5, 2013, changes to the Law “On Road Safety” came into force, which not only changed the list of driver’s license categories, but also added completely new subcategories.
Driving license category A
1. In the Russian Federation, the following categories and their subcategories of vehicles are established, for which a special right to drive is granted (hereinafter referred to as the right to drive vehicles):
category "A" - motorcycles;
A category A driver's license allows you to drive any motorcycle, including motorcycles with a sidecar.
In addition, it gives the right to drive motorized wheelchairs, which are currently extremely difficult to find on the roads.
Let me remind you that, in accordance with the traffic rules, motorcycles include two-wheeled vehicles with or without a side trailer. In addition, category A allows you to drive three-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles that, when loaded, weigh no more than 400 kg.
Subcategory A1
subcategory “A1” - motorcycles with an internal combustion engine displacement not exceeding 125 cubic centimeters and a maximum power not exceeding 11 kilowatts;
Subcategory A1 allows you to drive motorcycles with a small engine capacity and low maximum power.
I note that drivers with a category A license can also drive vehicles of subcategory A1.
An important difference between subcategory A1 is that it can be opened at the age of 16.
Driving license category B
category “B” - cars (except for vehicles of category “A”), the permissible maximum weight of which does not exceed 3,500 kilograms and the number of seats, in addition to the driver’s seat, does not exceed eight; cars of category “B” coupled to a trailer whose maximum permitted weight does not exceed 750 kilograms; cars of category “B” coupled with a trailer, the permissible maximum weight of which exceeds 750 kilograms, but does not exceed the unladen weight of the vehicle, provided that the total permissible maximum weight of such a combination of vehicles does not exceed 3500 kilograms;
A category B driver's license allows you to drive passenger cars, as well as small trucks, minibuses and jeeps that meet the above requirements. Also, category B gives the right to drive motorized wheelchairs and cars with a trailer, the maximum permitted weight of which is not more than 750 kg.
It is also possible to use trailers weighing 750 kilograms, subject to the following requirements:
1. The permissible maximum weight of the trailer must not exceed the unladen weight of the vehicle.
2. The total permissible maximum weight of the vehicle and trailer must not exceed 3.5 tons.
For example, let the permissible maximum weight of the car be 1,900 kg, and the unloaded weight 1,400 kg (these values are indicated in paragraphs 14 and 15 of the vehicle passport).
Having a category B license, you can attach a trailer with a maximum permitted weight of 1400 kg to the specified vehicle. In this case, the permissible maximum weight of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the vehicle. In addition, the permissible maximum mass of the vehicle combination is 1,900 + 1,400 = 3,300 kg. It does not exceed 3,500 kilograms.
BE
To drive a category B vehicle with a heavy trailer, the driver will need category BE:
category "BE" - cars of category "B" coupled to a trailer, the permissible maximum weight of which exceeds 750 kilograms and exceeds the weight of the vehicle without load; cars of category “B” coupled to a trailer, the permissible maximum weight of which exceeds 750 kilograms, provided that the total permissible maximum weight of such a combination of vehicles exceeds 3500 kilograms;
Subcategory B1
subcategory “B1” - tricycles and quadricycles;
There is currently no detailed information available for category B1 vehicles.
Please note that “quadcycle” and “quadcycle” are not the same thing. Therefore, a regular ATV driver's license will not work.
Driving license category C
category “C” - cars, with the exception of cars of category “D”, the permissible maximum weight of which exceeds 3500 kilograms; cars of category “C” coupled to a trailer whose maximum permitted weight does not exceed 750 kilograms;
A category C driver's license allows you to drive only medium (from 3500 kg to 7500 kg) and heavy (more than 7500 kg) trucks, as well as trucks with a trailer whose maximum permissible weight does not exceed 750 kg.
Please note that category C does not give the right to drive small (less than 3500 kg) trucks and cars.
SE
category "CE" - cars of category "C" coupled to a trailer whose maximum permitted weight exceeds 750 kilograms;
To drive a category C car with a heavy (over 750 kg) trailer, the driver will need an additional category CE.
Subcategory C1
subcategory “C1” - cars, with the exception of cars of category “D”, the permissible maximum weight of which exceeds 3500 kilograms, but does not exceed 7500 kilograms; cars of subcategory “C1” coupled to a trailer, the permissible maximum weight of which does not exceed 750 kilograms;
Subcategory C1 includes medium-sized trucks, the permissible maximum weight of which is in the range from 3.5 to 7.5 tons.
This subcategory also allows you to transport a light trailer (up to 750 kg).
Drivers with main category C can also drive vehicles of subcategory C1.
C1E
subcategory “C1E” - cars of subcategory “C1” coupled to a trailer, the permissible maximum weight of which exceeds 750 kilograms, but does not exceed the weight of the vehicle without load, provided that the total permissible maximum weight of such a combination of vehicles does not exceed 12,000 kilograms;
There is also an additional subcategory C1E, which allows you to drive cars of subcategory C1 with heavy (more than 750 kg) trailers. In this case, the total permitted maximum weight of the truck and trailer must not exceed 12 tons.
Drivers with a senior CE category can also drive vehicles of subcategory C1E.
Driving license category D
Category “D” - cars intended for the carriage of passengers and having more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat; cars of category “D” coupled to a trailer whose maximum permitted weight does not exceed 750 kilograms;
A category D driver's license allows you to drive buses of various sizes, regardless of their permissible maximum weight, as well as buses with a trailer whose maximum permissible weight does not exceed 750 kg.
Having a driver's license category D, the driver can drive both small buses used as minibuses and huge tourist buses.
The only type of bus that does not qualify for Category D are articulated buses or 'accordion buses'.
DE
To tow trailers with a permissible maximum weight exceeding 750 kg, as well as to drive articulated buses, a driver's license category DE is required.
Category “DE” - vehicles of category “D” coupled to a trailer whose maximum permitted weight exceeds 750 kilograms; articulated buses;
Subcategory D1
subcategory “D1” - cars intended for the transport of passengers and having more than eight, but not more than sixteen seats, in addition to the driver’s seat; cars of subcategory “D1” coupled to a trailer, the permissible maximum weight of which does not exceed 750 kilograms;
Subcategory D1 allows the driver to drive small buses with 9 to 16 seats. This category also allows the use of a light trailer weighing up to 750 kg.
This category includes small minibuses, for example RAF-2203 or GAZelle-3221, which were previously widely used as minibuses. Currently, minibuses of foreign brands are widespread, which have more than 16 seats, and for which subcategory D1 is not enough to drive.
D1E
Subcategory D1E is intended for driving small buses with heavy trailers:
subcategory “D1E” - cars of subcategory “D1” coupled to a trailer that is not intended for the carriage of passengers, the permissible maximum weight of which exceeds 750 kilograms, but does not exceed the weight of the vehicle without load, provided that the total permissible maximum weight of such a combination of vehicles does not exceed 12,000 kilograms.
Please note that the trailer, firstly, should not be designed to transport passengers, and secondly, the total permissible maximum weight of the bus and trailer should not exceed 12 tons.
I note that drivers with category D can drive buses of subcategory D1, and drivers with category DE can drive buses with trailers of subcategory D1E.
Category E
Currently, category E has disappeared from driver's licenses. It was replaced by the categories BE, CE, C1E, DE, D1E presented above.
If you are still using a license with category E and want to change it, then I recommend reading the article “Transferring category E to new rights.”
Category M
category "M" - mopeds and light quadricycles;
Category M was introduced on November 5, 2013. It allows you to control mopeds and light quadricycles.
Drivers who do not have category M, but have any other category of driver's license, can also drive vehicles of category M.
Please note that the tractor driver's license does not allow you to drive mopeds.
Categories Tb and Tm
category "Tm" - trams;
category “Tb” - trolleybuses;
In 2021, driving trams or trolleybuses requires category Tm or Tb, respectively.
Let me remind you that previously trolleybuses and trams were not allocated to separate categories. Information about driving these vehicles was entered in the column “special about How to add an additional category to your license?” It's actually quite simple. You need to undergo training at a driving school and pass an exam for the appropriate category.
Well, in conclusion, I would like to remind you once again that driving a vehicle without the appropriate category of license entails a fine of 5,000 - 15,000 rubles. In addition, the driver is suspended from driving the vehicle, and the car is sent to the impound lot.
Good luck on the roads!
Features of opening category “C” in the presence of category “B”
When deciding how to get category “C” if there is “B”, it is worth noting that training and an exam are implied in any case, unless the previously passed traffic rules exam for category “B” did not exceed 6 months. The difference is that the existing license of the Central Driving School of Moscow allows our students not to learn everything from scratch, but rather to take a retraining course at a driving school, pass three exams and pay the state fee.
Retraining program (if category “B”): theoretical course - 8 hours, driving practice - 7 hours in a car with a manual or automatic transmission.
Training time: 1 - 2 months.
To attend lectures, you can choose any of the offered options: weekdays - morning / evening, weekends - morning / afternoon. Classes can be attended according to your individual schedule!
Step-by-step instructions for obtaining category C if you have B
- It is necessary to undergo a medical examination to ensure that there are no contraindications for driving a category “C” vehicle. Please note that the medical certificate contains marks for the open categories and subcategories you have (we have our own preferential Medical Commission).
- Take the theoretical training course responsibly. We allow ONLINE distance learning. Take notes, ask questions to the traffic rules teacher.
- Check out all the tickets collected in the examination edition of categories “C” and “D”, subcategories “C1” and “D1”. Try to understand the tasks and remember the answers to them.
- Pass the internal theoretical exam at a driving school.
- Take training at a driving school on how to drive a car on a training ground and in the city. Take internal driving tests at a driving school.
If the internal exam at a driving school is not passed, we recommend taking additional classes. After successfully passing internal exams at a driving school, you can take exams at the traffic police.
Video: How to pass the theoretical exam in the traffic police. Advice from auto experts.
Category of rights A: what does it allow you to manage and at what age is it issued?
A license of this level allows the driver to drive absolutely all motorcycle vehicles, without restrictions on engine size and maximum speed. These include:
- motorcycles themselves;
- scooters and mopeds;
- quadricycles;
- three-wheeled vehicles;
- motorcycles with sidecars and trailers.
Note! According to traffic regulations, the maximum weight of a fully equipped three-wheeled and four-wheeled motor vehicle suitable for driving by a driver with a category A license is 400 kilograms. To drive heavier vehicles, you must obtain a higher category.
This class of driver's license is available to all citizens who have reached the age of 18 and have passed the traffic police exam.
Category A1: what is it intended for and who is it suitable for?
Subcategory A1 allows the driver to drive a light motorcycle. The concept of light motorcycles, according to traffic regulations, includes the following characteristics:
- engine capacity no more than 125 cubic centimeters;
- The power of the power plant does not exceed 11,000 W.
In addition, subcategory A1 allows you to manage:
- three-wheeled transport with an engine capacity of up to 125 cubic centimeters;
- motor vehicles weighing less than 550 kilograms when loaded.
Citizens who have reached the age of 14 have the right to undergo training for subcategory A1 driving license. Direct receipt of a license and subsequent driving of a light motorcycle is possible from the age of 16.
You will also be interested in:
- Is it possible to drive a scooter with category B or without a license?
- Is it possible and how can I pass and get a license for a car and a motorcycle at the age of 16?
- Do you need a driver's license for a bicycle with a gasoline engine or an electric motor?
When is it enough to apply for subcategory M?
According to Article 25 of the Federal Law, subcategory M allows you to manage:
- mopeds;
- scooters;
- minibikes;
- light quadricycles.
The motor vehicles described above must have an engine capacity of no more than 50 cubic centimeters and a power of up to 4,000 W. In addition, motorcycles and scooters driven by a driver with subcategory M must have a maximum speed limit of 50 km/h.
If subcategory M is not open, but there is any other category of driver’s license, the citizen automatically receives the legal opportunity to drive the vehicles listed above.
How to pass the traffic police exam for category “C” if there is category “B”?
Students are allowed to take exams after presenting payment of the state fee to the traffic police. You will need to successfully pass the theory exam. The examination ticket consists of 20 questions. 20 minutes are given for answers. 2 errors are allowed. For each of the 2 errors, 5 additional questions on this topic and 5 minutes of time are given.
If you successfully pass the theory exam, the traffic police allows you to take a practical driving test on our site at the driving school. At this stage, the student must demonstrate starting, stopping on a hill, parallel parking, “snake,” “90-degree turns,” U-turn, and entering the pit. Driving lessons for category C consist of two parts - exercises on the training ground
and driving a car in
real traffic conditions
. Successfully completing the exercises on the site means moving on to the next stage of the test - driving in urban conditions. The exam will be passed if you drive along the route in the city without grossly violating traffic rules.
Friendly and best driving experts in Moscow will help you master driving, drive it safely and fall in love with the road.
In 2021, 4 masters of driving instruction from the Central Driving School were recognized in Moscow as “The Best in the Profession.”
We remind you that only traffic police representatives come to the Central Driving School to take a practical exam. It’s easier to pass the exam in your own home!
How is the exam conducted at the State Traffic Inspectorate?
By analogy with the internal certification at the end of a driving school, the driving license exam takes place in 2 stages.
First, the candidate for a driver's license will have to pass the test in 20 minutes, answering 20 theoretical questions on traffic rules. To be admitted to the practical part, at least 18 answers must be correct.
Until the planned changes take effect, those who have successfully passed the tests demonstrate their acquired driving skills, first on a race track, then when driving in urban conditions.
For information!
If you fail the driving test after passing the test, you can try to retake the test 3 times at weekly intervals without additional fees.
Next, a retake is scheduled no earlier than a month later.
If the exam is not passed within six months, the test will have to be taken again.
The next day after successful completion, the student comes to the traffic police, takes a ticket and, using his number, receives a license to drive a car indicating the category of the vehicle.
If you don’t have time to get your license right away, you can do it on another day:
- by submitting an application through State Services (if you have an identified personal account);
- Sign up via the electronic queue in the terminal for an appointment at the MREO, choosing a convenient time.
You have decided to study with us, read on!
To study and open category “C”, call us and get a free consultation by phone. +7 (495) 122-00-15 or contact the Administrator. We not only train drivers from scratch, but also retrain them taking into account existing skills when obtaining other driving categories. Only in our Holding there are the following advantages:
- Loyal attitude towards missing theoretical classes (possibility of distance learning theory). For us, the main thing is your knowledge and skills in the exam!
- Possibility of passing the traffic police exam on our cars here, on our site.
- Low prices for training.
- Modern teaching aids and driving simulators.
- Individual approach to each student.
- The best instructors in Moscow, only foreign cars!!!
- Free retake of exams in the traffic police.
Our leadership is proven by the high percentage of passing exams, our awards, positive feedback from students, and accident-free driving of former students.
Useful links:
- “How to pass the traffic police exam the first time”
- “General principles and tips for preparing for exams”
Only traffic police officers come to our driving school to take exams!
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+7 (495) 122-00-15
Or fill out an application to enroll in a driving school and the administrator will definitely call you back:
What can be simplified in obtaining category “B”?
It is possible to pass the theoretical exam for driving license category “C” or “D”. However, the validity period of the test is extremely minimal - 3 months. Exceeding this period of time entails the need to retake theoretical knowledge, and therefore, paid training. If the deadlines are met, you will need to contact the traffic police to clarify how to count previously successfully passed exams. There are a number of indirect simplifications for persons with an open “C”. This includes driving experience and confirmation of reaching the age of majority. To obtain category “B” you need to provide the following documents to the traffic police:
- Statement;
- Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;
- Driver's license with a coupon;
- Medical certificate confirming that there are no contraindications to driving;
- Documents confirming training in a driving school and payment of the state fee.
The medical certificate must contain the signature of specialized specialists and be certified by the seal of the institution. If there is a need to retake exam tests, you will have to contact the appropriate educational institution. When choosing a driving school, you need to make sure that the institution has a license to train drivers for the appropriate category.
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.
