Category E on a driver's license: basic information

What does category E mean in driving license?

Category E is an additional stamp on the license, confirming the ability to drive a vehicle in conjunction with a trailer.
However, such a license cannot be obtained without a preliminary exam for the rights of the main categories (B, C or D), since different types of cars require the use of special trailers. Holders of type A and B1 licenses, required to drive motorcycles, ATVs and tricycles, do not need an additional license. The power of the listed types of transport will not allow the use of a trailer, the carrying capacity of which will affect the quality of driving. Persons with type B license (driving a passenger car) do not always require an “E” permit. To use trailers weighing up to 0.75 tons, you do not need to undergo additional training, since a small-sized trailer does not affect the deterioration of the vehicle’s performance.

If the weight of a passenger trailer is greater than the permitted maximum (750 kg), it is necessary to undergo training to open category E in accordance with the type of vehicle being used.

What is category "E"

“E” itself implies driving not just a certain type of car, but a vehicle with a trailer. The driver must have certain skills in driving large vehicles, so passing for category E requires taking additional driving courses.

But what types of trailers does this category mean? You can understand this using a specific example. For example, you are going to the country or fishing, and at the same time you have attached a small trailer for a boat or crop to your car. It is very likely that an inspector will stop you and try to issue you a fine, but this is a serious violation of the law! According to the laws, a traffic police officer can issue a fine if the weight of the trailer is more than 750 kg.

E rights are provided as additions to the usual existing categories. Let's look at them in more detail:

• BE license is an addition to B license, allowing you to drive passenger cars with a trailer weighing more than 750 kg. With a smaller trailer weight, a new category is not required, and the inspector does not have the right to record violations;
• CE license - issued as an addition to the C license, it allows you to drive heavy trucks with a trailer weighing more than 750 kg. If the vehicle weight is more than 3.5 tons;
• DE license - issued as an addition to D license, allows you to drive a bus with a trailer where the number of passenger seats exceeds 8.

At the same time, another subcategory of driver’s license has been added, designated as C1E or D1E. This was done not so long ago, so not all car enthusiasts still understand exactly what they mean. C1E implies the ability to drive trucks with a trailer weighing more than 750 kg. Considering that the weight of the trailer itself cannot be greater than the weight of an empty truck. D1E implies the ability to drive passenger cars with no more than 16 seats, with a heavy trailer.

Who is who?

Category "E" is considered a more serious issue. It can be said that not everyone gets it. And there are a number of objective reasons for this.

Let's start with the fact that you have abolished the concept of category E. It does not exist independently. Three subtypes are currently used:

• BE (BE);
• DE (DE).

Russia and Ukraine use approximately the same standards, so I am sure that the situation in the neighboring country is similar.

• BE means obtaining permission to drive vehicles that belong to category B, together with a light trailer weighing more than 750 kg;
• Almost similar conditions are provided for CE. A driver with such a license can drive a vehicle from category C together with a trailer whose weight ranges from 750 to 3500 kg;
• The DE category is considered the most serious. Here the driver receives the right to drive buses with more than 8 passenger seats. Additionally, the vehicle can pull a trailer weighing 750-3500 kg.

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I’ll say right away that buying DE rights is extremely difficult. And I don’t recommend it, because they impose serious responsibility. This is not an ordinary passenger car, but a whole road train. If you are pulling tractor trailers behind you, and there are a dozen other people sitting in the cabin, then you are responsible for them. Don’t take risks, but complete the entire training package.

Today, many driving schools offer the corresponding licensed courses in the cities of Moscow, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, St. Petersburg, Kyiv, etc. In small towns with a certified educational institution there may be problems.

New subcategories

Driving instructors remind you that category E has disappeared as a separate category. But three subcategories appeared:

• BE - passenger cars with a trailer (previously they were classified as category B),
• CE - trucks with trailers,
• and the last category DE - articulated buses (relevant for large cities, where such passenger buses usually operate).

Training period

The training course consists of two parts:

• theoretical - special emphasis is placed on the control of large-sized mechanisms;
• practical – mastering driving skills in a vehicle of the appropriate category with a trailer weighing more than 750 kg, first the instructor teaches at the training ground, then the training is carried out in the city.

Learning driving rules involves:

• consideration of situations in practice according to traffic rules;
• technical part - the design of the trailer, methods of securing it, possible difficulties on the road;
• providing first aid to victims;
• ensuring traffic safety.

Completion of the course marks the passage of a qualification test for tickets for knowledge of traffic rules approved by the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate. A practical exam takes place at a race track to establish the skills of driving a vehicle with a trailer, then a trip to the city with a traffic police officer is carried out.

Particular attention is paid to two exercises at the race track: reversing in a straight line and approaching the platform in this position. They will definitely ask about the meaning of road signs with trailers and where they are installed.

The average training period in Russia is from 2.5 to 3 months. During this time, they listen to the theoretical part to study the rules of the road, explain the design of the mechanism, and the principles of its operation. During this period, driving skills training is also provided on the race track and in the city.

Find out how much a diagnostic inspection card costs in 2021 in the article: diagnostic inspection card. Where can I insure a taxi under OSAGO? Find the answer on this page.

The procedure for calculating compulsory motor liability insurance for legal entities is described here.

Cars for professional drivers

The main difference between professionals on the road is that they are allowed to drive large and heavy vehicles with trailers or semi-trailers. To learn how to drive a truck with a trailer, you must first study for category C - driving trucks. In order to drive a car with a trailer, category E is not required.

Category E is not needed to drive a trailer weighing less than 750 kg.

According to new changes in the rules, category E is not assigned separately. Now it goes in combination with other categories:

• BE. Category BE allows you to drive a passenger car with a trailer weighing more than 750 kg.
• SE. Category CE allows you to drive a truck weighing more than 3.5 tons with a trailer or semi-trailer weighing more than 0.75 tons.
• DE. Category DE allows you to drive buses and minibuses with more than 8 passengers and a trailer weighing more than 750 kg.
• C1E. Category C1E allows you to drive a cargo vehicle with a trailer weighing more than 750 kg, but the weight of the trailer must be less than the weight of the vehicle itself.
• D1E. Category D1E allows you to drive minibuses and small buses with a maximum of 16 passengers, plus you can attach a heavy trailer.

New designations were taken from abroad. They have been practicing there for a long time.

What are the categories?

Currently, there are 5 categories of driver's licenses and a number of subcategories. The name is indicated on the driving license.

Each of them defines:

• what you can drive, i.e. the brand of transport that you are allowed to drive (GAZ Valdai, Gazelle cargo, Kamaz, etc.);
• how many passengers can you carry;
• Do you have the right to drive vehicles (truck, minibus, bus, tow truck, truck);
• whether the driver is allowed to drive a vehicle, whether he has a license to trailer it;
• a vehicle up to how many tons can be driven by a driver of one category or another.

The table of categories is available on the Internet, you can familiarize yourself with it when enrolling in studies and taking driving courses. How to pass your license cat. “E” - we’ll talk about this a little lower.

Obtaining one category or another requires separate training, and the cost will vary.

It is worth noting: subcategories can be opened automatically. For example, drivers of any category have the right to drive mopeds and ATVs.

What categories of driving are there, what each of them means, what you can drive and at what age you can get them, see the table.

Interestingly, there are currently 5 categories of driver’s licenses in Kazakhstan. For example, to transport cat. "B" and "C" and tackle. “C1” refers to self-propelled chassis designed for transporting goods.

How to get category "E"?

To open the “BE”, “CE”, “C1E” category, a citizen must meet the following requirements:

• be over 18 years of age;
• have a driving experience of at least one year.

To open categories “DE” and “D1E” you need:

• age 21;
• driving experience for more than a year.

Look at the photo for clarity:

It should be remembered that the age limit does not apply to the study of theoretical traffic rules. Books with driving principles can be bought at any bookstore, and you can start familiarizing yourself with traffic rules exam tickets from school.

When receiving category “E” you must pass a theoretical and practical exam.

Practical skills testing will take place in two stages:

1. Autodrom. The driver must demonstrate the skills of coupling and disengaging with a tractor, the ability to stop, reverse and correct parallel parking for loading.
2. City - test of driving in real conditions in compliance with traffic rules.

Watch the video about new exercises for categories BE, CE, DE, B1E, C1E:

If a citizen fails the exam, the authorized person must notify him of the reason for failure in writing. However, he will be able to retake it. This option is available no earlier than a week after receiving a negative result.

Package of documents

To apply for a driver’s license for category “E”, you must collect the following package of documents:

• identification document;
• fee payment receipt;
• a certificate from a medical institution confirming a medical examination;
• certificate of completion of a driving school or specialized courses;
• driver card if available;
• document confirming driving experience.

Since 2013, there is no possibility of self-training. Now, in order to pass the traffic rules exam, you must have a certificate of completion of training in a driving school with the appropriate license.

What is the price?

You can undergo training for category “E” at any driving school that is accredited in this area.

Before choosing a specialized institution, you need to pay attention to the availability of a license and the number of reviews.

Before starting your studies, it is recommended to make sure that the driving school is equipped, has specialized classes and the necessary simulators for driving training. There must be a race track on the territory that meets all regulatory requirements.

You should familiarize yourself with the production base in advance, check the qualifications of the instructors and the quality of the vehicles provided.

When choosing a driving school, it is important to pay attention not to the cost of training, but to the number of graduates who passed the exam the first time.

The price for taking courses to obtain a category “E” driver’s license varies everywhere.

Significant factors for determining the cost of training are the reputation of the school, the technical equipment of the institution, the experience of instructors and location.

As a rule, the price ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 rubles.

This video talks about obtaining the “CE” category, how much time and money it takes:

Deadlines

When attending classes 1-2 times a week, the training period is usually 1-1.5 months. In most driving schools, 16 hours are allocated for category E theory training, and 24 hours for practical classes.

Who and how can get group E

A special driver's license is not required to travel to a country house. Category B is quite suitable for this, but when performing professional duties with a heavy two-axle trailer, you will have to add the letter E.

This example does not imply the simultaneous receipt of two groups. Moreover, in order to have the latter, you must reach the age of majority and gain driving experience.

Therefore, for opening a form with a trailer, the following rules exist:

1. Groups BE, CE and C1E can be obtained by citizens over 18 years of age. Series DE and D1E - 21. The latter require at least three years of driving experience, which is precisely explained by the required age.
2. The minimum driving experience for each group must be at least 12 months. After driving a car and truck for a year and a half, the driver is just ripe for receiving the DE series. By enrolling as a cadet at a driving school and passing the exams, a young man can drive automatic buses.

Here it should be said about educational institutions of special education. According to the new rules for driving schools, not every educational institution has the right to train drivers of mobile units with a trailer.

You should make sure that the selected institution has the appropriate permit and has been accredited. Admission to school is also preceded by a medical examination not only by general doctors, but also by specialist doctors in specialized dispensaries.

To open category e, you must have the following:

• driver's license;
• open group B for requalification to BE;
• open group C for requalification to CE;
• experience in driving a mobile vehicle of the relevant groups is not less than 12 months;
• medical certificate with no contraindications.

Moreover, the latter must relate to a certain openable series of rights.

Drivers with a certain age limit of 18 to 21 years and a driving experience of 12 to 36 months are granted the right to drive vehicles with automatic couplers. Moreover, the latter must correspond to the transport group chosen by it.

Do I need a category for a trailer for a car?

If the permissible maximum weight of the trailer does not exceed 750 kilograms and the total permissible maximum weight of such a combination does not exceed 3500 kilograms, then a special subcategory is not needed, in all other cases it is necessary. On a driver's license it looks like this: BE, CE and DE.

In order to open one of these categories, you must first have 1 year of driving experience. If, for example, you need a trailer for a car, then you must first drive for a year with a category B license and only then undergo training. Yes, there are special courses that teach drivers how to drive vehicles with trailers. Then you take the exam at the traffic police and after that they will open the required subcategory for you.

Conditions for obtaining category E

Vehicles with heavy trailers are characterized by large overall dimensions and weight, so training in Cat E is required. Even if it is possible to buy this category or do it through an acquaintance, it is better to unlearn it. An experienced instructor will show you the secrets of driving a long trailer, how to drive through intersections, if, for example, a 16-meter trailer or semi-trailer is attached.

Training for category "E"

Training for category “E” occurs in the same way as for other categories of driver’s licenses - in two stages. The first stage is the study of theory, during which the student masters the rules of the road, the design of a vehicle of this category, and the procedure for providing medical assistance to victims of an accident. Traffic legislation, liability for violating traffic rules and other issues are also studied.

The second stage is practical training, where the skills of driving vehicles with trailers of category “E” are acquired, both on the autodrome and on city roads.

Upon completion of training at a driving school, an internal exam is taken, and only after successfully passing it will you be allowed to take exams at the traffic police.

What cars can be driven with category CE or C1E?

A driver's license with category C is issued for driving trucks whose weight exceeds 3.5 tons. These are different vehicles from a regular truck with a trailer to a multi-ton truck.

Therefore, categories C and E are combined if the driver needs to drive this type of transport with a trailer.

1. Category “CE” - vehicles of category “C” coupled to a trailer, the permissible maximum weight of which exceeds 750 kilograms. 2. Code category “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 .

Part 1, Article 25 of Federal Law No. 196-FZ “On Road Safety”

Choosing a driving school

If you want to get category E (as well as any other), first of all pay attention to the choice of driving school. This must be a specialized educational institution with an appropriate license. Now this is a mandatory condition.

Before enrolling, be sure to make sure that there are training classes equipped with simulators where you can start learning to drive. A driving school must have its own site or racing track that meets all modern requirements.

Look at the cars you will be training on in advance and get to know the instructors. That is, the production base of the educational institution must be at its best.

When choosing a driving school, it is recommended to focus not on the cost of training, but on the percentage of graduates, the number of people who passed the traffic police exam the first time, and the reputation of the school.

Category DE

Finally, category DE is the most age-appropriate category of car licenses in our country. at least 22 years old can open a DE .

Trailers in this category are also divided into two types . The first includes analogues of trailers for passenger cars, but due to the greater weight of the tractor, they can also have a greater load capacity . As in the previous case, we are talking more about trailers towed by D1E vehicles, but so far there are no separate exams for such towing, therefore, upon successful passing of the DE exam, both categories are assigned to your license . The same situation arises when replacing an old driver’s license with category DE with a new, European type driver’s license, adopted since 2013.

How is the PIC calculated for insurance when opening a new category in your license?

The second option - DE - usually means an articulated bus , an “accordion”. Despite the fact that structurally it represents one vehicle, legally the rear part of the “accordion” is considered a trailer with all that it implies. As we have already said, a driver who is at least 22 years old can receive this category. The cost of training for this category is also the highest of the “trailer” ones - from 20,000 rubles, depending on the region, learning ability, options, etc. This category is also most often received by professional drivers who intend to work on the most capacious buses on city routes.

How do you pass exams for category E?

To obtain an o or “DE” certificate, you do not need to pass a theoretical exam. It is clear that the candidate knows the theory, since he has the right to drive a heavy truck and a bus.

A vehicle with a trailer requires high skill; it is not for nothing that such drivers are called true professionals.

The exam is taken in two stages:

• at the race track;
• on the highway or in an urban environment.

In the first case, the examiner tests the candidate's ability to drive a heavy truck. There are certain exercises that the candidate must cope with: straight reversing and placing the vehicle with its back side to the platform. Provided that the student has completed these tasks, he can proceed to the second part of the tests.

The real-time exam involves choosing a route with heavy traffic and pedestrian traffic. This will allow the examiner to determine how ready the candidate is for independent professional activity. If mistakes were made, the reason for failure will be indicated on the exam sheet. You can retake the test in a week.

A feature of category E is the high degree of responsibility that the driver must have. He will also need high skill and deep knowledge.

Passing exams at the traffic police for category “E” (“BE”, “CE”, “C1E”, “DE” and “D1E”)

Passing the traffic police exams takes place in two stages: theory and practice.

The theoretical exam is taken using exam cards, which you can familiarize yourself with, test your knowledge and take training here.

Having successfully passed the theoretical exam, you are allowed to take the practical exam at the traffic police race track (site), where you must correctly position the tailgate to the platform (Exercise No. 9) and straight-line reverse movement (Exercise No. 10).

After successfully passing the test at the race track, you must pass driving in the city.

Remember that if you fail the exam at one of the stages, you will be given a retake only after a week, not earlier. But if you failed to pass the exam in the city three times, subsequent retakes will be scheduled at intervals of a month. If in 6 months you still fail to pass the “city” test, you will have to retake the theoretical exam again.

Having successfully passed the traffic police exams, you receive the right to drive trains with category “E” trailers.

Passing exams at the traffic police and exercises at the race track

It is noteworthy that in order to open E (CE, C1E, DE, etc.), you do not need to pass the theory. You just need to go through two stages of testing your practical skills in driving a vehicle with a trailer:

• The first is testing the skills of driving a vehicle with a trailer at the traffic police track. During the test drive, the driver will need to demonstrate simple skills in driving a car with a trailer, parking skills on an overpass, and the ability to reverse;
• the second stage is testing the driver’s ability to drive a vehicle with a trailer in real city traffic conditions.

If under any circumstances you were unable to pass the traffic police driving test the first time, you will be able to retake the test for driving a car with a trailer in 7 days.

Receiving stages

There are several mandatory steps in order to be able to drive tractors:

• Obtaining rights of the main category: B, C or D.
• Acquiring the necessary experience to drive vehicles. Repeating training after a few years for subcategory “E”.
• Passing a special medical commission.
• Passing exams at a driving school.
• Collection of documents for the traffic police. The kit includes documents in the form of a civil passport, a military service ticket, a medical certificate, a receipt for payment of state duty, a certificate of training at a driving school, an application, and a driver’s license.
• Submitting all documents to the traffic police and passing exams there.

Certification includes theory and practice:

• The theoretical part is taken in the traffic police building. It is presented in the form of tests with 20 questions that must be answered correctly. Only 2 mistakes are allowed.
• Practice consists of driving and performing certain tasks on the training ground.

If everything goes well, the driver can pick up his license. They will be marked with a new o.

Replacement of rights with category E

According to the current legislation, for drivers who issued an E driver's license before the end of 2000, the “Special notes” field will contain information that E is available for all existing categories. In other words, if B, C and D exist, the entry E will be added to B, C and D in the “Special Notes” field - when passing the exam, CE, BE and DE will be opened.

If you opened E in 2001 or later, you can only replace the rights to the category that was opened. In other words, if you have DE open, then to get CE and BE you will have to take the exam separately.

Getting the rights

Previously, the E mark on your license allowed you to drive any vehicle with trailers without restrictions. Since 2001, the procedure for replacing a driver's license has been changed. Today, when replacing a license, traffic police officers are required to automatically add category E to B, C and D. If they refuse, they must refer to the Ministry of Internal Affairs document 09.27.2007 13/5-184 “Instruction from the head of the traffic police department on the procedure for replacing certificates with permitted category E.” The requirement of traffic police officers to pass a driving test for a car with a trailer is unlawful. The validity period of the certificate remains the same - ten years.

If you had a license with index B, in order to get a new one with an additional category E, you must undergo training. Training is carried out in special driving schools according to special programs. In addition, driving experience must be at least 1 year. It must be borne in mind that according to Resolution No. 1396 of 1999, driving experience is counted from the date of issue of the driver's license. Category E training is not necessary if you intend to drive a vehicle with a light trailer. You just need to comply with the standards for managing such a vehicle composition.

Towing

“B” license allows you to drive a “vehicle + trailer” combination in the following cases:

• The trailer is light (less than 750 kg). It is allowed to tow with a total train weight of more than 3500 kg. Category E to B is not required.
• The trailer is heavy (more than 750 kg). Towing is not prohibited when its loaded weight does not exceed the total weight of the tractor, and the total weight of the train does not exceed 3500 kg.

If the trailer is heavy and the total weight of the car + trailer is more than 3 thousand 500 kg, and the driver’s license is without category E, then you need to undergo training at a driving school. This is defined in the instructions to the order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of July 20, 2000 No. 782. After training for 2-3 months and passing exams, E will be added to category B. It is also recommended that those who do not have the skill to drive a car with a light trailer apply to a driving school. It is useful to get several lessons in driving a vehicle from experienced instructors. There are control features that you need to master in order to avoid getting into an accident.

Conditions of education

The standard training program for category E allows cadets to receive categories E to B, C and D. Most driving schools offer several study options: daytime, evening, and weekends. The retraining program “category E to B” includes theoretical training for 12-20 hours. Professional training in driving a car with a trailer lasts 10-16 hours.

Such training costs 8-9 thousand rubles or 10-12 thousand rubles in most licensed driving schools. The cost is calculated depending on the terms of payment (cash, credit), as well as the number of hours of practical driving. Some driving schools have special programs to improve driving skills. They are recommended to be used by those who have a driving license with O, but do not have an E category. The price of one hour of classes with an experienced instructor is 150-350 rubles.

Fine for driving without a category

According to the law, fines for driving without a category are equivalent to fines for driving a car without a driver's license at all. And this:

• a fine in the amount of 5 to 15 thousand rubles;
• evacuation of the vehicle to the impound area;
• withdrawal of rights.

The exception is those cases when the driver is just undergoing training to open E, and a qualified instructor with an open license to drive vehicles is nearby.

Opening E requires considerable experience in driving and operating a car, as well as ideal knowledge of traffic rules.