Driving license with category B1 in Russia 2021, features of obtaining and driving

30.04.2016

Holders of new licenses are faced with many questions related to an additional type of transport and incomprehensible notes in column 12. The biggest concern is category B1 (AS) of a driver’s license, for which even traffic police departments cannot always give intelligible answers.

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

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

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

As of 2021, category B includes two subcategories:

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

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

Fine for lack of special marks on the license

These marks do not raise any questions for those drivers who are receiving CV for the first time and they receive all explanations on this issue during theoretical classes.

Problems may arise for experienced drivers who exchange their driving document for a new model and do not pay attention at all to some incomprehensible designations and reason in this way: well, it’s necessary, that’s how it should be. They don’t think at all that the whole meaning is hidden in these symbols. Due to the introduction of new subcategories and designations, it is difficult to figure out which category specifically corresponds to which vehicle. This ignorance often results in a violation that is punishable by a large monetary fine.

For an identified violation, the inspector may impose a fine in the amount of 5 to 15 thousand rubles. It all depends on the situation. Driving a vehicle that does not correspond to the category open in the license is equivalent to driving without a license. Immediately the driver will be asked to leave the car in order to send the vehicle to the impound lot using a tow truck. The tow truck service and every day the car is in the impound lot are paid by the violator of the rules. Everything happens according to the scenario of driving without a driver's document.

What cars can be driven with category B1?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The difference between category B1 and B

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

• passenger cars;
• minibuses;
• pickups;
• jeeps.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How does the AS mark stand for?

The new type of driver's license with the subcategories A1, B1, C1, etc. that have appeared there, confuses many drivers, resulting in confusion in the explanation of the different marks. Let's take a closer look at what AS means in paragraph 12 of a driver's license. First of all, AS stands for Automotive Steering, that is, automobile steering.

In this case, the driver has the right to drive a vehicle that has an automobile type, which means a regular round steering wheel and a seat like a regular car. The AS mark is used on a license provided that the driver has one of the categories: either A or B.

If both categories are open, the AS mark is not placed in the rights. All explanations are given in Federal Law No. 196-FZ (Clause 7, Article 25). Thus, AS allows the driver to legally ride an ATV that has a steering type. Before the advent of a new type of driver's license, special documents were required to drive an ATV.

Due to the fact that subcategories A1 and B1 have appeared, the question arises what kind of license is needed for an ATV. There are different models of ATVs, that is, light ones with a motorcycle steering wheel and heavy ones with a car steering wheel, so there are two subcategories - A1 and B1. The conditions are:

• A1 includes driving ATVs weighing up to 400 kg and with a motorcycle steering wheel;
• to B1 – driving tricycles and ATVs weighing more than 400 kg and having a car-type steering wheel.

This distinction avoided confusion. Now, for an incorrectly issued driver's license, the traffic police inspector will fine the driver in the amount of five to fifteen thousand rubles.

We also read: Check deprivation of rights in the traffic police database using a driver’s license. How long is a medical certificate valid?

Subcategory B1 marked AS

By analogy with the AS mark, a driver’s license may contain the MS (Motorcycle Steering) mark, which means driving a motorcycle or tricycle with a motorcycle seat and steering wheel type. Thus, AS is placed next to category B1, provided that the driver has undergone special training, has an open category B, and is allowed to drive car-mounted ATVs and tricycles.

The MS mark is placed only for open category A opposite A1 if the driver is driving a tricycle or ATV with a motorcycle seat. Now, the designation of categories of driver’s licenses of the new model and subcategories in them has made it possible to issue licenses to adult citizens of young people after appropriate training, which will certainly have a positive impact on road safety.

Requirements for obtaining category B1

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

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

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

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

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

  

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

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

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

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

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

Required documents to obtain category B1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to get category B1 in 2021?

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

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

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

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

Now some minor clarifications on this list.

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

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

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

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

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

How to get a category B1 license

There is an opinion that it is impossible to study for category B1, and it is only available to those who already have a license of category B or C. This statement is completely false - Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1097 and the Administrative Regulations for holding examinations of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate contain all the provisions regarding the procedure for training and conducting examinations for this category. The difficulty is that it is not easy to find a driving school that has a category B1 driver training program. And it is easier for the students themselves to study in category A or B, which will automatically open B1.

However, it is possible to study for category B1 without receiving A or B. To do this, you must enter into an agreement with the driving school and provide:

• passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;
• birth certificate;
• 2 photographs (for a personal file and a certificate of completion of a driving school);
• medical report in form 003-B/u about the absence/presence of medical contraindications for driving.

Certificate 003-B/u can be obtained from any type of medical organization; for this you need to obtain a positive conclusion:

• psychiatrist;
• narcologist;
• ophthalmologist;
• therapist.

Requirements for obtaining rights

Only adults can study for a license of category B1, since training driving in a vehicle of this type is permitted from the age of 18. An approximate course of study is approved by the provisions of Order of the Ministry of Education and Science No. 1408 and includes:

• 128 hours of theoretical classes;
• 56 hours – practical driving;
• 4 hours – exam.

At the end of the training, students take an internal exam. To receive a certificate of completion of a driving school, you need to make no more than 2 mistakes in the theory exam (20 questions), and score no more than 5 penalty points when taking exams at the race track.

Traffic police exam

To be admitted to the traffic police exam you must provide:

• statement;
• passport;
• certificate of completion of a driving school;
• certificate 003-В/у.

The traffic police exam consists of two parts:

• theory - you need to answer 18 out of 20 questions correctly;
• practice on the site (autodrome).

Drivers taking the test must complete the following exercises:

• “slide” (stopping and starting on an uphill);
• maneuvering in confined spaces;
• entering the box in reverse;
• parallel parking;
• driving through the intersection (for automated intersections).

When performing exercises, you need to score no more than 5 penalty points.

Important

You do not need to take a city driving test to obtain a category B1 license.

If the candidate successfully passes the exam, he or she can apply to the traffic police to obtain a license. To the list of documents, including a passport, certificate of completion of a driving school and certificates in form 003-B/u, you must add a receipt for payment of the state fee (2 thousand rubles).

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Exam for category B1

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

The entire training period is distributed between:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AS mark on license - what is it?

The abbreviation AS stands for Automotive Steering. This mark is placed on the driver's license only opposite one category - B1 and means that the driver is allowed to drive vehicles with a round steering wheel and a car seat.

If a motorist is trained in two categories - A and B - and has confirmed his knowledge by successfully passing the exam, then both categories will be indicated on the license and the AS mark will not be affixed. Those. There are no restrictions on driving a vehicle with a motorcycle handlebar and seat.

In the case where a citizen does not have category A, but is admitted to category B, admission to B and B1 will be marked on the back of the driver’s license with the mark AS. This means that he has the right to drive not only a car, but also a tricycle or ATV.

There are also cases when, instead of o, the decoding is written in paragraph 14 “B1” - a car seat or a car-type steering wheel.