What is the difference between categories A, AM and A1 in motorcycle licenses?

Opening subcategories when obtaining and exchanging a driver's license

When exchanging a driver's license, all previously opened categories are preserved, and the corresponding subcategories are additionally opened.
Now, before exchanging a driver’s license, if the driver has, for example, category “B”, then he will not need category “B1” - he can already drive both cars. It is interesting that subcategory B1 automatically opens even if category A is available. But there are differences - in this case, you can drive vehicles falling under category B1 with motorcycle control. When category B is open, subcategory B1 opens with controls like a car (there is a car steering wheel and gas pedal). That is, in fact, vehicles falling under subcategory B1 exist in two versions, differing in controls. The type of control is specified in the driving restrictions (column 3 in the driver’s license): “AS” – automobile driving, and “MS” – motorcycle driving. If you have categories A and B open, then B1 without restrictions (both options).

What is category A1 and how does it differ from A

Which trailer can be towed with category B?
Category A1 gives the right to drive ATVs and light motorcycles.

The main difference between this category and others is age. You can obtain such rights at the age of 16. Essentially, it is a mini version of the older category A. In addition to the age of receipt, there are other restrictions placed on vehicles that can be driven under this category.

Naturally, you cannot drive a car with such a license. In addition, not all motorcycles and ATVs will fit. There are restrictions on their weight and speed.

The main parameters of the vehicle falling under section A1 of rights:

1. The weight of the vehicle cannot exceed 550 kg.
2. The maximum speed of such vehicles is 45 km/h.
3. Engine power is limited to 11 kW.
4. Engine chamber volume – up to 125 cm2.

Separately, you need to write about what an ATV is. Many of the drivers do not know what this means and still confuse the quadricycle and the ATV.

These are two different types of vehicles. Despite the similarity in sound, they are radically different. But only one letter in the word is different!

A quadricycle is a four-wheeled vehicle that can be used on roads. The ATV looks the same in appearance, but it is prohibited to ride it within populated areas and on roads. This is an all-terrain vehicle designed to travel exclusively off-road. Snowmobiles are also classified as ATVs.

Russian standards also impose weight and power restrictions on ATVs. These vehicles must not reach a speed of more than 25 km/h, and their weight must be within 400 kilograms. They are usually equipped with only one driver's seat. The carriage of goods and passengers on them is prohibited.

For quadricycles, more “serious” licenses of category B1 will be required. Or their “parent” variant B.

Although category A1 is related to A and M, it is placed in a separate paragraph. In this case, the hierarchy is as follows: category A consists of sections A1 and M, A1 contains M.

If sections A1 and M of a license can be obtained from the age of sixteen, then the entire section A is available only from the age of eighteen.

Do you need a license to drive a motorcycle?

To ride a motorcycle you need a driving license. Moreover, starting from 2021, the list of categories of rights for connoisseurs of this type of vehicle has expanded.

Categories of rights for driving two-wheeled motor vehicles

Adherents of motorcycle technology have access to the following driving categories and subcategories of vehicles:

• Category A license. Their owner can drive any type of motorcycle - without restrictions on power and engine size. Category A driver's license allows you to drive motorized wheelchairs, as well as operate a 250cc motorcycle.

• Category M license. Allows you to control low-power mechanical vehicles, which include mopeds, scooters and motorcycles up to 50 cc.
• Category A1. A license in this category allows you to drive motorcycles up to 125cc.
• Category B. The holder of such license can drive tricycles and quadricycles. Let us explain what these terms mean. Tricycles and quadricycles are motor vehicles with three and four wheels, respectively. The first ones are widely used as three-wheeled cargo-passenger motor vehicles in Asian countries. The domestic analogue is the “Ant” scooter. An example of a quadricycle is a motorized wheelchair, which in the USSR was called a “disabled car.” It was produced (model SMZ-S3D) at one time by the Serpukhov Automobile Plant.

What does category A1 mean, assigned to the military registration and enlistment office?

Driver category c

First, let's briefly look at how a decision is made about the suitability of a particular conscript for service in the army. This depends on a number of factors, including health status. The latter is determined after passing a medical examination - a person must undergo examination by several specialists:

• neurologist;
• psychiatrist;
• surgeon;
• therapist;
• ophthalmologist;
• otolaryngologist;
• dentist

Based on the conclusions they make, a decision is made on which category the conscript will be assigned. Currently, there are 5 of them. These categories are designated by several consecutive letters of the Russian alphabet - from “A” to “D”. Each of them has its own decoding. For example, the first 2 - the conscript is fit for military service (in the second case - with certain minor restrictions). Category “D” means that the person is not fit to perform military duties.

Let's take a closer look at what it means if a conscript is assigned category “A1” at the military registration and enlistment office. One point needs to be explained here - the number in this case means a subcategory. Generally speaking, this verdict means that the conscript is fit for military service without any restrictions. In particular, he has no (or is within acceptable deviations) problems related to the functioning of internal organs, vision, allergic reactions, parasitic lesions, infections, congenital anomalies, and mental disorders.

However, that's not all. In addition to the categories, as mentioned above, there is also a subcategory. In particular, “A1” is the highest here. It means that the conscript does not have any serious health problems, and he can serve in units of the Russian Armed Forces that belong to the elite category, such as the airborne troops, marines, special forces, and so on.

In order for a conscript to be assigned category “A1”, he must meet certain criteria. This, in particular, is the absence of 2nd degree obesity. In this case, height should be in the range from 170 to 175 centimeters, with no deviations in terms of color sensitivity. There is also a criterion in terms of whisper audibility - 6/6 m

Particular attention is also paid to vision. For persons classified as category “A1”, visual field limitation should be completely absent or not exceed 20 degrees

The weight of the conscript also matters. For example, to serve in the ranks of the Airborne Forces, this figure should not exceed 90 kilograms. Another important point is the absence of limb fractures and previous serious illnesses. In fact, everyone to whom the military commissariat assigned this category are absolutely healthy young people, fit for service in any of the branches of the Russian Armed Forces.

Additional subcategories

What high mileage cars can you buy?

Typically, training in a driving school is conducted only in one of the categories for which a driver’s license is subsequently issued. But often circumstances develop such that you may need to open an additional subcategory. Not all of them open automatically, and sometimes even additional training may be required.

So, to drive a truck with a heavy trailer, you need to open the CE or C1E subcategory. This is not so easy to do. You will need:

• wait until you reach 21 years of age;
• obtain driving experience in category C1 (or C) for at least one full year;
• undergo driving training in category E at a driving school;
• pass the exam at the traffic police department.

The only good thing is that the exam, which consists of two stages, does not include a theoretical part. The first stage of the test takes place on a special racing track, the second - in real road conditions, where you will need to drive with an examiner along a pre-approved route. After successfully passing the exam you will receive the following mark:

• CE, which gives the right to drive a truck weighing more than 3.5 tons, with a trailer that weighs more than 0.75 tons;
• or C1E, which allows you to drive a truck with a trailer that weighs more than 0.75 tons, but less than the weight of the truck itself.

You can receive a CE or C1E mark only if you pass a special medical examination, which will confirm your good health with an appropriate certificate.

How much does it cost to get a motorcycle license?

Many people are interested in how much it costs to pass a category A license. We present the answer in table format.

Thus, the cost of a motorcycle license can be 25–30 thousand rubles.

Management of new types of passenger transport

These types include tricycles and quadricycles. The right to drive such cars is granted by subcategory “B1”. But even here there are some specific nuances. The first of them is the technical parameters of transport innovations. The engine capacity cannot be more than 50 cc. cm, and the maximum permitted weight is up to 550 kg. The second nuance is an attentiveness test. Quadricycle and ATV are two different vehicles. The second option is an SUV equipped with a frame instead of a cab and used outside public highways. Permission to drive an ATV is granted by the “M” category, which is automatically opened when transferring from an old-style license to a new driver’s license. It remains to be determined what each of the automotive innovations represents in the eyes of the traffic police inspector. From a technical point of view, these are vehicles that reach a speed of 50 km/h and have an engine power of 50 cubic meters. see or 250 kW for electric motor vehicles. A tricycle is a vehicle on three wheels. It is subject to registration and is allowed to travel on public roads. A quadricycle, by analogy with a tricycle, is a four-wheeled vehicle that is also subject to registration and is allowed on highways. Technical parameters defining the quadricycle:

• Weight up to 400 kg (550 kg if the motor vehicle is intended for cargo transportation);
• Speed ​​more than 25 km/h;
• The maximum power of the internal combustion engine is 20 hp. or 15 kW.

The last nuance regarding permission to drive a tricycle or quadricycle relates to the control system. There are two types of motorized vehicles. The former are equipped with a car-style steering wheel, the latter with a motorcycle-style steering wheel. Accordingly, a driver’s license may be accompanied by an additional note: AS - if there is only category “B” and MS - if there is only category “A”.

What category of license is needed for a motorcycle?

The Federal Law “On Road Traffic Safety” has divided the previously familiar category “A” for driving motorcycles into two subcategories: “A” and “A1”. This happened in 2013. The reason for the innovation was the huge variety of motor vehicles on the roads of the Russian Federation. Today, scooters, ATVs and other varieties have become very popular. Depending on the engine size, maximum speed and some other parameters, each of them requires certain control skills. For example, a powerful motorcycle is much more difficult to control than a light scooter.

Since 2013, many new categories and subcategories have appeared in driver's licenses

The Russian Federation did not become a pioneer in dividing categories for driving motorcycles in driver's licenses. She adopted foreign experience. In European countries, similar innovations in traffic rules have been in effect for several decades. It all started when Chinese scooters and light motorcycles poured into the world market en masse. At first, most of their owners drove without a license at all or with a motorcycle category. But this situation led to chaos and an increase in the number of road accidents involving “unlicensed” drivers, which forced European authorities to take emergency measures at the legislative level.

Category “A” allows driving all motorcycles. Category “A1” is provided for persons who operate light motorcycles and scooters whose engine capacity does not exceed 125 cubic meters. cm.

Is there a need for a category for motocross motorcycles?

Despite their high technical characteristics, motocross motorcycles are classified by legislators as sports equipment. They should be used exclusively during sports competitions and preparation for them. Riding a cross-country motorcycle involves driving on unpaved surfaces without going onto a public road. Therefore, you do not need to obtain a driver’s license for this category of motorcycles.

You don't need a license for a dirt bike

What category is needed for a scooter?

A driver's license is required to operate a scooter. The category in this case directly depends on the engine size:

• less than 50 cubic meters cm - opening of category “M” will be required;
• from 50 to 125 cubic meters cm is category “A1”;
• scooters of greater power already imply a full-fledged category for motorcycles - “A”.

The category of license for a scooter directly depends on its power

Light motorcycle category

On motorcycles with engine capacity up to 125 cc. cm you can drive with category “A1”. All motorcycles that have larger engines are considered medium or heavy and require category “A”.

Category for motorcycle with sidecar

Motorcycle sidecars are relatively rare to see today. Most often they are used by Russians living in the provinces. To drive motorcycles with sidecars whose total weight does not exceed 400 kg, you will need to have a category “A” license, regardless of the power of the motorcycles themselves.

Today a motorcycle with a sidecar can be found most often in the Russian provinces

Pit bike category

The ancestor of the pit bike is considered to be the bicycle. Today pit bikes are very popular among the younger generation. What category of license is required to drive them directly depends on the power and engine size. If it is up to 50 cc. cm and the maximum speed according to technical characteristics does not exceed 50 km/h, then you can limit yourself to the “M” category. Up to 125 cc cm, category “A1” is suitable, and above that, category “A” is required. An exotic vehicle will also require registration with the traffic police.

Category for ATVs

ATVs are considered to be off-road vehicles. By the way, the legislation equates snowmobiles with them. The design speed of this vehicle does not allow for movement above 50 km/h. But the engine size and power when driving off-road and rough terrain should be large. But this does not serve as a determining parameter for the driver's category. In terms of engine volume, category “A” would be needed, but the law requires only category “A1”.

To operate a quadrocycle you will need to open category "A1"

Reasons for introducing a new category

Since 2021, the driver's license has undergone a number of changes. Previously unfamiliar abbreviations to drivers were introduced, and well-known categories were expanded. Now drivers are wondering why B1, a new category of rights, was introduced.

The main reasons for changes in the main driving document:

• concern for improving road safety;
• increase in sales of new types of vehicles due to increased interest from the population.

The fact is that the appearance of tricycles and quadricycles makes them comparable to passenger cars, and not to motorcycles. They are on the same board in terms of their technical characteristics.

Since 2009, the law on introducing amendments has been considered. In 2011, the State Duma approved the introduction of new subcategories and special marks. A few months later, modified driver's licenses began to be issued in several regions to work out the new idea in practice. The pilot project was approved, and since 2014, modified driver's licenses have become widespread under the order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs that entered into force. From April 4, 2021, the columns were supplemented with special marks. Measures have been taken to increase driver responsibility and tighten discipline.

How are these classes different?

Basic class C allows you to drive a truck weighing more than 3500 kg and a trailer weighing up to 750 kg. But for the CE class, the weight of the trailer that a car can have ranges from 750 kg to 3.5 tons.

Our category is C1. Needed to drive a vehicle weighing from 3500 to 7500 kg. The trailer must not weigh more than 250 kilograms.

Subsection C1E of the previous group, associated with a trailer. Allows you to drive cargo vehicles with a heavier trailer - from 750 kg and above. The total weight of the vehicle and trailer should not exceed twelve tons.

All rights with the letter C prohibit driving vehicles in which passengers are transported. For this you need category D. In addition, the driver's license for driving freight transport does not give the right to drive cars. You must remember that driving a type of vehicle that is not permitted by your license is equivalent to driving without a license. And is punished accordingly.

What documents will be needed

To apply to the traffic police to take the exam, you will need the following documents:

1. Application in the prescribed form. An application template can be obtained from the examination department of the traffic police. But the most convenient way at present is to submit an application electronically. It can be filled out on the Unified Portal of State Services.
2. Passport.
3. Medical report. Even though you underwent a medical examination before the exams for category “B”, you need to take it again. After all, motorcycles and cars are different vehicles in many ways. And medical contraindications to managing them are also different.
4. Certificate of completion of a car or motorcycle school.
5. Driver's license.
6. Receipt for payment of state duty. If the fee is paid through the State Services website using a bank card, then you do not need to provide a receipt.

If you submit an application through the State Services portal, you must provide the details of all the listed documents. The originals must be provided to the traffic police immediately before taking the exam.

Notes to the driver A1, B1, C1, D1, C1E and D1E

On April 1, 2014, Order No. 6 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia dated January 9, 2014 “On Amendments to the Regulatory Legal Acts of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia” came into force. This order partially changed the appearance of driver’s licenses - new categories, subcategories and marks appeared in them.

Thus, for driving mopeds and light ATVs, a new category was introduced - “M”, while it is now possible to obtain a driver’s license for a scooter or moped only from the age of 16.

Anyone who has a “license” of any category does not need to open the “M” category and take exams for it - they only need the driver’s license they already have to drive a moped, and when they exchange their driver’s license, the “M” category will be opened to them automatically.

Now Russian driver's licenses will have such designations as “A1”, “B1”, “C1”, “D1”, “C1E” and “D1E”

Within the already existing categories ("A", "B", "C", "D", "BE", "CE" and "DE") subcategories were introduced. Now Russian driver's licenses will have such designations as “A1”, “B1”, “C1”, “D1”, “C1E” and “D1E”. Category “A1” will give the right to drive low-power motorcycles, with an internal combustion engine displacement not exceeding 125 cubic centimeters and a maximum power of not more than 11 kW. "B1" is required for driving tricycles and quadricycles. With the subcategory “C1” it will be possible to drive vehicles with a permissible maximum weight of over 3.5 tons, but not exceeding 7.5 tons, and with the subcategory “D1” - vehicles intended for the transport of passengers, having from nine to sixteen seats, in addition to the driver's seat. Subcategories “C1E” and “D1E” provide the opportunity to drive vehicles of categories “C1” and “D1” with trailers with a maximum permitted weight of over 750 kg. All these designations will now be reflected on the driver's license.

The law also allowed the test to be taken in cars with automatic transmissions. The corresponding mark will now appear on the driver’s licenses of such drivers - in section 14 “Restrictions” the designation “AT” will be placed - driving only a car with an automatic transmission.

Moreover, if in the future the driver wants to switch to a manual transmission, he will need to pass a practical test on a vehicle with a manual transmission, otherwise he will be held administratively liable for driving a vehicle by a driver who does not have the right to drive it.

There is no mandatory exchange of driver's licenses. You only need to replace your driver's license when it expires.

https://dtpptz.ru/dtp/popul/2767-na-zametku-voditelyu-a1-v1-c1-d1-c1e-i-d1e

https://www.dosaafgagarin.ru/content/novye-kategorii-v-voditelskih-udostovereniyah

https://www.fors36.ru/kategoriya-s.html

https://autoschool.org.ua/na-c1-perepodgotovka/

https://kulikavto.ru/kategorii/c1.html

https://avtojurcon.ru/novosti/chto-oznachaet-kategoriya-c1-voditelskix-prav.html

What can you ride?

If you put together all the characteristics of category A motorcycles, you can derive certain criteria within which the vehicle must be located:

• The loaded mass should not be more than 400 kg;
• Number of wheels from 2 to 4;
• The use of a side trailer is acceptable.

Thus, the holder of a driver’s license has a varied selection of motor vehicles, which open category A allows them to drive. Based on the characteristics presented above, you can drive the following vehicles:

• Motorcycles of all types and modifications intended for public roads;
• Scooters, mopeds and bicycles with a suspended engine;
• Tricycles
• Quadricycles

What are tricycles and quadricycles with a license with category A and AS mark

If you have the AS mark in column 12 of your driver's license opposite category B1, then a prerequisite for driving tricycles and quadricycles is the presence of a crossbar-shaped steering wheel (not in the shape of a circle) and a riding position. The absence of such a mark indicates that a driver’s license allows you to drive a car and gives you the right to ride a quadricycle or tricycle with a car seat (sofa or chair) paired with a steering wheel. No one should have any questions about the concept of a tricycle. The answer lies on the surface - it is a motorcycle with 3 wheels (sometimes a car). Moreover, the axle with two wheels can be located both in front and behind. But the quadricycle raises many questions among unenlightened holders of licenses with category A and open in a pair of B1. From the name it becomes clear that this is a four-wheeled vehicle intended for public roads. Often their appearance is not much different from ATVs. But an ATV is an off-road vehicle that is subject to registration with Rostechnadzor, and implies that its owner has rights to the tractor. A quadricycle is a road vehicle that is subject to registration with the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate. In other words, a driver’s license with open category A allows you to drive quadricycles and tricycles that have a PTS (vehicle passport) and are intended for driving on roads. To give a very rough definition, the documents must be issued as for a car or motorcycle in order to be registered with the State Traffic Inspectorate.

Frequently asked questions

Despite the abundance of information on the Internet, our compatriots have questions about obtaining a license to drive a motorcycle. Here are the answers to the most “popular” ones:

• Is it possible to get a license without a driving school? Until 2013, independent theoretical training was allowed. Now it is impossible to save money this way. Law enforcement agencies explain the introduction of this ban by the large number of accidents that occur due to insufficient knowledge of traffic rules. That is, in 2021, taking courses at a driving school is a prerequisite for obtaining a category A license.
• Do you need a license for a motocross motorcycle and mopeds? There is no need to open category A to drive motocross motorcycles and mopeds. The fact is that these vehicles are classified as a type of specialized sports equipment intended for participation in competitions on special tracks. Riding motocross bikes on regular roads is prohibited, so you do not need to have a driver's license.
• At what age can you drive a moped? Mopeds with an engine capacity of up to 50 cubic meters are classified as M category. Persons over 16 years of age can drive such two-wheeled vehicles.

How to open category A1 in rights.

If category A is already open on the driver’s license, then A1, and along with it M, are entered automatically when the driver’s license is replaced. And if there is none at all, you will have to study. Unfortunately, the days are gone when you can pass the exam externally, without studying at a driving school. Now, in order to be admitted to the traffic police exam, the pilot must have a personal card in his hands, indicating successful completion of theoretical and practical courses in the training organization. But first things first

First you need to pass a medical examination

According to the new rules, a medical certificate is valid for 1 year, so if you plan to learn and get a driver’s license for a car or other vehicles, it is better to pass a medical examination for several categories at once. We classify these actions as initial ones, for the reason that the future motorcyclist can pay for and begin motorcycle training at a specialized institution, and after some time begin to pass doctors to the necessary categories, including A1. It may happen that the candidate may be found to have contraindications specifically for driving motorcycles and be rendered unfit to drive vehicles. An organization that has already taught several lessons to a failed driver will naturally not return money for training materials already provided.

We are trained in a certified school

Teaching the basics of driving light motorcycles falling under category A1 is divided into several stages and lasts 1.5 - 2.5 months. After their completion, a driver’s card is issued, giving the right to take exams at the traffic police. Stages include:

• Taking a theoretical course and studying traffic rules
• Acquiring the necessary driving skills on a specially equipped site under the supervision of a driving instructor
• Passing the internal qualification exam

Submit your license to the traffic police

At the traffic police, the student will have to go through 2 stages before receiving a driver’s license with the desired category:

• Answer 20 questions on the exam paper. The maximum number of errors is two. At the same time, if the motorist answered with errors, he will have to answer additional questions on the tickets.
• Take your driving test at the race track. Mandatory maneuvers include: acceleration and braking, gear shifting and straight-line movement, turns, U-turns, snakes and figure eights and high-speed maneuvering.

It sounds a little scary, but to get an A1 category license you need to have minimal confidence and the ability to hold the steering wheel firmly. Excitement here is inappropriate, since if you fall from a motorcycle, fail to engage neutral gear, or stop the engine while moving away, the exam will not be passed, and a retake will be available only after 7 days. After receiving your license, you will go out on the road already prepared and confident a driver with a driver's license for light motor vehicles, suitable for category A1. This should definitely improve road conditions, reduce accidents and increase the safety of all road users.

Training in a driving school for category “A”

Contrary to popular belief, it is not possible to pass exams as an external student when obtaining a motorcycle category. You'll have to undergo training. A driving school or driving courses must be licensed. It is worth inquiring about the availability of a license before submitting documents.

Getting category “A” or “A1” is the easiest, if we talk about all the possibilities in a driver’s license. But drivers of motorcycles, cars and professionals need to know the Rules of the Road equally. Therefore, the theoretical basis requires the same preparation.

When choosing a driving school, you should pay attention to the following factors:

• duration of training and its intensity. The higher these parameters, the better the quality of driver education;
• reviews of people who completed training in this organization;
• teacher qualifications. It is quite difficult for an uninitiated beginner to determine it, but to do this, you can ask for certificates, diplomas, or at least inquire about the length of work at this place;
• transport, which is used for practical training. The newer and better it is, the easier it is to learn and the more trustworthy the training organization is;
• the room in which training takes place;
• training base of the organization, availability of modern technology. The most modern driving schools even offer their students training on special virtual simulators. It is very effective, but quite expensive;
• informally, you can ask about the percentage of students who received their license by passing the exams on the first try. The higher it is, the better the quality of the driving school.

The better equipped the driving school is, the more effective the training will be.

The theory and practice of driving are studied in a driving school or in courses. The theoretical part includes three disciplines:

• theory of traffic rules. This is a basic discipline. The majority of the entire course of study is devoted to it, approximately 60%;
• technical device of vehicles;
• providing first aid to victims of road accidents.

About 20% of the entire training period is devoted to practical driving. There is simply no single program approved by the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate or any relevant department for the preparation of driver candidates. There are only general methodological developments and principles.

Some educational institutions provide online learning opportunities. But it can take only part of the time, significantly shortening the stay in auto classes. You can thoroughly improve the theory of traffic rules while sitting at a computer, but you definitely won’t be able to gain practical motorcycle driving skills this way.

Video: obtaining a motorcycle license

Fines for non-compliance with rights

According to the traffic rules, if you drive a car with an inappropriate category, then this is regarded as driving without a license at all and, in accordance with Article 12.7 Part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offences, is punished as follows:

• fine from 5 to 15 thousand rubles;
• car detention;
• deprivation of driver's license.

Features of obtaining category B licenses

To open category B rights, you need to do the following:

• study at a driving school and pass an exam, which includes both theory and practice of traffic rules;
• obtain a certificate from a medical institution stating that you can drive a car for health reasons;
• successfully pass the traffic police exam.

A driver's license is issued to the driver by the State Traffic Inspectorate if he has reached the age of 18. You can take the exam at the age of 17, but you will only receive your license once you reach adulthood. Category BE can be obtained from the age of 19.

The procedure for obtaining a motorcycle license step by step

The complete process of obtaining rights includes the following steps:

1. Completing training at a driving school or driving course.
2. Preparation of documents, obtaining a medical certificate.
3. Exams passage.
4. Obtaining rights.

What documents will be required

Upon completion of training at a driving school or course, students are issued documents indicating that they have completed training for a certain category of driver's license. This document will be required for admission to the traffic police exams. But even after successfully obtaining a driver's license, it should not be thrown away. If you have to restore your driver's license or category for any reason, you will need a document confirming completion of training. In addition, the following documents are required:

• general passport;
• conclusion on successful completion of a medical examination;
• a receipt confirming payment of the state duty;
• application with a request to be allowed to take theoretical and practical exams.

When obtaining a license by persons under 18 years of age, the written consent of their parents, certified by a notary, will be required, which should be submitted at the stage of admission to a driving school or course.

To obtain a license you will need a certificate of completion of a driving school.

Obtaining a medical certificate

A medical examination for future motorcyclists includes an examination by a therapist (or general practitioner, family doctor) and an ophthalmologist (ophthalmologist). It can be completed in a licensed state, municipal or private clinic. In addition, you will need certificates from a narcologist and a psychiatrist. They can be taken at dispensaries or from specialists at government medical institutions strictly at the place of registration or temporary registration. Certificates from narcologists and psychiatrists are valid for one year. Additionally, a referral for electroencephalography is possible, but only if the doctor has doubts about the health status of the person being examined. A narcologist may refer you for blood and urine tests to determine the content of narcotic or psychotropic substances.

If a candidate driver has passed a medical examination and no contraindications have been identified, he will be given a medical certificate, which will be necessary for admission to take exams at the traffic police registration office. Its validity period from July 1, 2021 is only one year. Previously, medical certificates for motorcyclists were issued for two years (for those under 21) and three for older drivers. All of them continue to operate until their end. But you will have to receive a new certificate according to the current rules.

Passing exams at the traffic police

The main outcome of training in a driving school is exams at the traffic police to obtain a driver’s license or the corresponding category therein. Usually, before exams at a driving school or driving courses, internal exams or tests are held, by which teachers can find out how prepared students are for successful graduation.

Motorcycle driving is rented out at a special site

The traffic police exam is divided into two stages:

1. Theoretical - passing an exam on knowledge of the Rules of the Road using exam cards that include a wide variety of questions.
2. Practical. It is necessary to demonstrate the ability to operate a motorcycle on a specially equipped area. Unlike the exam for category “B” (passenger car), which involves driving on city streets or country roads, you don’t have to go anywhere on a motorcycle. A motor vehicle area can be equipped directly at a driving school or at the traffic police department. To successfully pass the exam, you will need to drive along it without breaking the rules, carefully fit into turns, and perform all maneuvers. There are six driving elements in total:
   high-speed maneuvering;
3. passenger disembarkation;
4. garage;
5. snake;
6. overall eight;
7. large corridor.

If you fail the first part of the exam, you can start taking it again in at least a week. This can only happen three times, then you are allowed to retake it only no more than once a month. You will not be allowed to practice driving without successfully passing a test on your knowledge of the Road Traffic Rules. When the first part of the examination process is completed successfully, you can move on to driving. The results of the traffic rules theory exam are valid for six months. During this period, you must pass a practical exam, otherwise you will have to retake the tickets again.

Video: passing motorcycle driving tests in St. Petersburg

How much does a motorcycle license cost?

The total cost consists of several components: tuition fees, medical certificates and state fees.

The cost of training in driving schools in Moscow and the region is significantly higher than in other cities. You can significantly reduce the cost of rights if you have the opportunity to choose a region of the country where courses cost less. Muscovites and residents of the region will be able to learn how to drive a motorcycle for about 29–30 thousand rubles. And in Volgograd it will cost about 15–16 thousand rubles. In Tyumen, the cost of training will not exceed 11 thousand rubles, as in Chita or Omsk. The price also depends on the quality of training, technical base, and qualifications of teachers. Opening category “A” from “A1” differs in cost only slightly. A couple of thousand rubles maximum. A full category for driving a motorcycle costs more.

The cost of a medical commission varies for residents of the Russian capital and region within 3-4 thousand rubles. In the regions, you can get a certificate for almost half the amount. As an economical way, it is worth considering contacting government medical institutions.

The state duty is 2000 rubles, it is the same for all regions. You can save on it if you pay through the Gosuslugi portal using a non-cash method. In this case, there is a 30% discount, that is, you will have to pay 1,400 rubles.

Obtaining rights

There are several ways to submit documents for a license:

• at the traffic police department. Obtaining a license takes place in the department where the exams were taken and to which the driving school is assigned. An application is submitted there, and you can immediately obtain a driver's license.
• through the Gosuslugi portal. To receive the service you must have a verified account. After authorization, you have the opportunity to submit an application electronically and make an appointment with the traffic police at a convenient time. The application indicates the numbers of the medical certificate and document confirming completion of the driving school. On the portal, immediately upon submitting the application, you need to pay the state fee or send a scanned copy of the receipt. You will need to come to your appointment at the traffic police in person with original documents and a printed registration slip;
• at the MFC. The application is written by hand, the form will be issued at the center itself, you must take the original documents with you. The date of the visit to the traffic police is scheduled at the reception.

The certificate is issued directly at the traffic police registration center at the specified time. There, the future motorcyclist is photographed and given a document to sign. The whole procedure takes about an hour.

A driver's license can be obtained from the traffic police department.

For what reasons can a motorcycle license be denied?

There may be several reasons for refusal to issue a category “A” license. Let's list the main ones:

• the age of the applicant who has not yet reached the minimum threshold for receiving the category;
• health restrictions;
• failing a motorcycle driving test;
• lack of documents.

What is a Category A driving license?

A category “A” license allows you to drive two-wheeled motorcycles with a volume of 125 cubic centimeters or more. This document provides for the additional possibility of driving four-wheeled vehicles whose weight does not exceed 400 kilograms. Practice shows that in most situations the average training time is two months. During this period, instructors at the driving school will tell you about the features of driving motorcycles and teach you all the rules of the road. Once training has been completed, each student must take a driving and theoretical skills test in the form of a multiple choice test. If a driving school visitor successfully passes the exam, according to the law, he must be issued an “A” license within 15 working days from the date of announcement of the results.

At what age is it possible to obtain categories “A” and “A1”

When opening categories for motorcycles, there are age restrictions. Category “A1” can be opened at the age of 16, and category “A” licenses are issued from the age of 18 . You can enroll in training earlier, but exams are taken immediately upon reaching the permitted age.

The duration of training in a course or driving school usually takes no more than two months. Some more time is allotted to prepare for the exams. As a result, everything will take from two to three months.

Vehicles approved for driving in category B1

In recent years, the number of tricycles and quadricycles on Russian roads has increased, although they still look exotic to some drivers. However, they have their own distinctive characteristics.

A quadricycle is a motorized vehicle with four wheels. You can drive it on city roads. Just like a passenger car, it must be registered with the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate and received the appropriate title.

A tricycle, like a quadricycle, is considered a motorized vehicle, only it has three wheels instead of four. It is registered with the same government agency (State Traffic Safety Inspectorate), the documents for it must be prepared the same as for the above-mentioned vehicle.

Quadricycles and tricycles are a cross between a mini car and a large motorcycle.

They differ in the following characteristics:

1. the weight of the vehicle must be no more than 400 kg without load and 550 kg with load;
2. have an engine capacity of no more than 50 cm3;
3. can reach a speed of no more than 50 km/h.

Do not confuse a quadricycle and an ATV - these are two different vehicles.

To operate the latter, you need a tractor driver’s license of category “A1”.

Main differences:

1. ATVs are registered with the State Technical Supervision Authority, and quadricycles with the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate.
2. An ATV is an off-road motor vehicle without a cabin, but a quadricycle can have one.
3. ATVs cannot be used on public roads, but a quadricycle can.

In fact, a quadricycle is a cross between a motorized stroller and a microcar.

How to get license for category C1

You can undergo training and pass an exam at the traffic police as soon as you turn 18 years old. There is no separate training for driving trucks in the C1 subcategory, since it opens simultaneously with category C. This means that you need to go to a driving school for training in category C and get a license that will immediately open to C1.

If you already have a job in mind that you hope to occupy after completing training, we advise you to immediately ask your employer for details about driving with a trailer. Sometimes during the work it turns out that a heavy trailer can be added to the truck, the weight of which exceeds 0.75 tons. This means that you will need to undergo additional training to open a subcategory that allows driving such a road train. A certificate with categories C and C1 does not give such a right.

How to get category B1

The category will immediately appear in the rights even when replacing them in case of loss or expiration.

Step-by-step instructions for obtaining category B1:

1. Take training at a licensed driving school.
2. Pass the internal theoretical exam.
3. Correctly answer the questions regarding electronic tickets to the traffic police.
4. Go through a racing track with an instructor from a driving school.
5. Go through the designated traffic area with an inspector.
6. Pay the state fee for obtaining a certificate (in 2021 - 2000 rubles).
7. Contact a medical facility and go through all the necessary specialists.
8. Prepare documents and contact your local MREO office.

When applying for a license, do not forget to prepare a personal photograph and a copy of the documents.

When passing the med. inspection you will have to visit the following specialists:

• therapist - to assess the general condition of the body;
• ophthalmologist - will look at the condition of the eyes;
• surgeon - will exclude the presence of pathologies associated with the musculoskeletal system.
• Laura - will check how well the future driver is able to respond to sound signals;
• a neurologist and a psychiatrist - they will assess whether a person is able to cope with stress on the roads;
• narcologist - to examine for the presence of bad habits that have a detrimental effect on health.

In addition to this, you can undergo chest fluorography to check whether there is curvature of the spine and, if so, how much. When driving a car, a lot of stress is placed on the spine.

The following diseases are considered a stop signal for admission to the steering wheel:

• poor vision, blindness of one eye, strabismus, the presence of an inflammatory process in the lacrimal sac and other chronic diseases;
• one-sided deafness;
• deficiency of fingers or phalanx;
• insufficient height (up to 150 cm);
• increased blood sugar levels;
• heart and vascular diseases.

As a rule, the medical examination passes without problems, and drivers gain access to driving the vehicle.

Category B1 is placed immediately together with category B or A.

It is not possible to study separately only for category B1. After studying at a driving school and passing a theoretical and practical exam, drivers immediately receive the following license:

• with open category B and the mark “AS” in subcategory B1;
• with open category A and the mark “MS” in subcategory B1.

The mark is given depending on the category passed.

How to get category “A” if you already have category “B”

Previously, the transition from the highest to the lowest category on a driver's license was much easier. But since 2013, drivers with category “B” on their licenses will have to re-train at a driving school and pass exams to obtain a motorcycle license. The exception applies only in one case: if the car license was obtained less than 3 months ago. Then you don't have to take the theoretical exam. If the practical motorcycle driving test is failed, the applicant will simply remain with the license that he had. He can only be admitted to the next test in a week.

The same documents are needed plus a driver's license. They will need to be replaced with the introduction of a new category. The state duty will be 2 thousand rubles. You do not need to re-issue a medical certificate if you have a valid one in hand. Provided that there are no contraindications to driving a motorcycle.

I would like to share my own recent experience in opening category “A” with a category “B” license. For a person who has never driven a motorcycle, passing the driving test is not easy in most cases. It was difficult even for me, although I had experience driving a motorcycle since school. It is recommended to practice beforehand. In addition, it is advisable to find out which brand of motorcycle you will have to take the driving test on. One of the important indicators will be its power. I previously found out the type of motorcycle on which I will have to pass the practical exam. I agreed with friends who had something similar. This is exactly what helped me. Another feature for me was the need for a note on the medical certificate. Unfortunately, it was not done in advance, although a valid driver’s medical certificate was in hand. Therefore, I had to go through the driver’s medical examination again, which led to additional costs and time.

What is the difference between A and A1

Many people interested in obtaining rights are wondering what the difference is between the categories in question. The main difference is the type of vehicle that citizens plan to drive. “A” grants the right to drive vehicles whose volume is more than 125 cubic centimeters and capable of accelerating more than 50 kilometers per hour. “A1” makes it possible to freely control lightweight motorcycles, the power of which varies from 50 to 125 cubic centimeters.

According to the requirements of domestic legislation, the minimum age for obtaining a license is 16 years. If you have successfully completed category “A”, you do not need to undergo training again to be able to drive transport for “A1”. This rule does not work in reverse order. In this case, when a traffic inspector stops a driver with category “A1” driving a motorcycle with a volume of 150 cubic centimeters, the latter will not be able to prove that he is right.

What is needed to obtain rights to category C1

In principle, having received a truck driving license with the letter C, the driver automatically becomes able to drive medium and light trucks of the C1 subgroup.

At least, there is no separate training specifically for C1. What does it mean? Nowadays, studies in driving schools are structured in such a way that a graduate who has received a class C license is allowed to drive vehicles from subsection C1. New certificates are issued with these two categories.

For example, when you come to the traffic police to exchange your old driver’s license, which has a truck category, point C1 will be automatically added to the new document issued.

Studying will be much easier and faster if you already have a license for a passenger car. Instead of 4 months, it will be reduced to two. After all, the student already knows most of the theoretical and practical material. The cost of such training is also significantly lower.

It must be remembered that the traffic police will pay more attention to exams for this category. This is due to the fact that a truck is a source of increased danger on the roads.

It must be remembered that the traffic police will pay more attention to exams for this category. This is due to the fact that a truck is a source of increased danger on the roads. Traffic police exams for future truck drivers consist of three parts: answers to traffic rules tickets, demonstration of truck driving skills on a race track, and practical driving around the city.

What needs to be shown to the inspector at the site:

• stopping a truck;
• turning a truck;
• ability to start moving on a sloped road;
• parallel parking skills in reverse;
• entrance to the garage;
• “Snake” exercise with maneuvers and avoiding obstacles.

The inspector may require any three exercises from this list to be completed. But in courses at a driving school you should be taught how to do everything.

While driving around the city, you need to show your skills in crossing intersections, turning, changing lanes from one lane to another, overtaking, the ability to brake and drive at high speed.

Exam for category “A1”

First of all, it must be said that the exam is divided into 2 parts:

• theoretical;
• practical.

In the first part, the future driver must show his theoretical preparedness, as far as he knows the traffic rules. Preparation for the exam is carried out using valid traffic tickets.

If the first exam for category A1 is failed, a retake is scheduled exactly one week later.

As soon as the theoretical exam is passed, the practical exam is not scheduled immediately, but is given another 3 months to prepare.

The practical part of the exam from September 6, 2021 includes 3 groups of exercises:

1. The first is a demonstration of skills in driving vehicles at low speed, driving through the “Figure Eight and Corridor”, the “Snake” exercise and driving with high-speed maneuvering;
2. The second is movement with a demonstration of the maneuver of parking and leaving a parking space;
3. The third is a passage with a stop for boarding or disembarking passengers.

This video is a clear example of how the above exercises should ideally be performed:

A week is also given to retake the driving test, but if in the second case it was not possible to pass the practical exam, the student is sent to re-training.