Category M license: how to get it and how much it costs

In one of the previous articles, we found out whether you need a license for a scooter in Ukraine. Russian officials have adopted a bill in which perhaps the most important innovation is the introduction of category M in a new driver’s license. Officially, the initiators of innovations in the Road Safety Rules explain the ban on riding a scooter without a license by the large number of accidents involving motor scooters.

Read on to find out what it means, how and in which driving school you can open or buy category M, as well as how much training costs in 2021.

What does category M mean in driving license?

Category M in the license means the ability to drive vehicles provided for it. The open category M gives the right to ride a moped, scooter, light ATV, the internal combustion engine capacity of which does not exceed 50 cubic meters or the maximum electric motor power of up to 4 kW. Driving any type of vehicle based on this category is prohibited. Also, according to the Road Traffic Regulations, such vehicles should not be structurally capable of exceeding a speed of 50 km/h.

If we speak in simple Russian, then in 2021 you do not have the legal right to drive fifty dollars Honda Dio and similar scooters without an M class driver's license. But there are some nuances here, which are discussed below.

Driving school training

Based on the results of completing the course at the driving school, the following requirements are imposed on the student:

• confirm your knowledge in the field of traffic regulations, legally approved and in force on the territory of the Russian Federation;
• knowledge of the psychophysiological basis of behavior on the roads;
• knowledge of the basics of providing first aid in the event of an emergency;
• knowledge of the basic operating mechanisms of the vehicle to eliminate basic breakdowns;
• confirmation of driving skills in the city, as well as maneuvering on the site.

After a citizen has completed the course and confirmed his knowledge, he can apply to the traffic police department to obtain a driving license of category M.

How to get category M

To help you avoid trouble when meeting with police officers (the fine for riding a scooter without a license in 2021 is 5-15 thousand rubles), we will tell you how to pass for category M.

To obtain a category M license, the following conditions must be met:

1. You need to undergo a medical examination and receive a certificate with a mark in the appropriate category field
2. Complete training and pass an internal exam at a driving school
3. Pass the theoretical and practical exam for category M at MREO
4. You must be at least 16 years old at the time of taking the exam.

If you have never had a driver’s license for the right to drive any vehicle, then we recommend stamping the medical certificate in the category A column, and if you are already 18 years old, then in the group B and even C cells.

Why? Having received category A, you will be able to drive all types of motorcycles, mopeds and scooters, regardless of engine capacity. Having opened rank B and (or) C, category M opens automatically “as a gift”.

Driving schools teaching category M must have a state license and permit. The result of the training is an internal test in theory (tickets) and practice (driving).

To be allowed to take the exam at any traffic police department throughout Russia, you need:

1. Present a certificate issued by a driving school
2. To write an application
3. Pay the state fee

The traffic police exam is analogous to a test in a driving school: first tests with 20 questions (no more than 2 mistakes are allowed on the ticket), and then practical driving (snake and figure eight, going into the city on a moped is not provided). Each exam can be retaken up to three times. If you fail the tests, you will not be granted access to the next stage.

Let us add that you can start studying at a motorcycle school before the age of 16 and pass your license after reaching the specified age.

Now let’s talk about whether category M is needed if there is A or B. This question is not so clear.

On the one hand, the Law of the Russian Federation “On Road Traffic Safety” clearly states that a driver’s license of any category or subcategory gives the opportunity to drive a type M vehicle. But some traffic police officers require owners of a new type of license to have an open class M. We advise you to replace the license in advance open category M or you will have to carry excerpts from the law of the Russian Federation with you. In disputes with representatives of the traffic police, you can also be helped by a court decision on this matter, which can be viewed here.

Let's summarize: if you have an old-style driver's license, then you do not need to specifically obtain category M in order to drive a moped up to 50cc. When receiving new rights, it is better to immediately open this category to avoid unpleasant moments in the future.

In any case, always wear a scooter helmet and obey traffic rules.

Requirements for obtaining a certificate

To obtain a category M driver's license, there are a number of mandatory requirements:

1. Passing a medical commission at an accredited medical institution. Doctors must give opinions on the state of health, on the basis of which a general conclusion will be issued.
2. Training in a driving school that has a license to teach you how to drive the appropriate vehicle. Upon completion of training, the trainee undergoes internal testing and receives a certificate confirming that he has completed the training and can be allowed to take the driver's license exam.
3. Submission of documents to the traffic police department at the place of study with payment of the state fee.
4. Passing the traffic police exam.

The traffic police examination consists of a theoretical and practical part. The list of theoretical questions will include:

• basics of traffic rules;
• features of vehicle management;
• the procedure for communication permitted when driving this type of vehicle;
• the degree of responsibility for offenses and driving a scooter in the absence of permits.

When passing the “theory”, the cadet is “allowed” to make no more than two mistakes. After this, he will be admitted to the practical part of testing, which includes:

• movement within a limited area, acceleration, braking and turning;
• basics of maneuvering and figure eight movement;
• other requirements of inspectors.

If the test cannot be passed immediately, a second and third attempt is allowed (each with a break of 7 days). In case of failure three times, the next admission to the practical test can only be obtained in a month.

Tuition price

Several years ago, when the new law on traffic safety was adopted, even in Moscow it was very difficult to find a driving school that provided training for category M. In 2021, the situation is much better, but still, if you want to open a category for a scooter not in a metropolis (such as St. Petersburg or Rostov-on-Don), prepare to go for motorcycle driving training (A/A1).

The price of passing for a category M license depends on the region (the cost in Kaliningrad and Orenburg will be different) and the “package of services” of the driving school, so it is difficult to say exactly how much it costs to pass for a category M license.

On average, tuition prices range from 7 to 34 thousand rubles:

• From 7,000 to 12,000 rubles for a theoretical course consisting of 16 lessons
• From 16,000 to 26,000 rubles for a theoretical and practical course (18 hours of driving)
• From 20,000 to 34,000 rubles for a theoretical course, driving training, passing a medical examination, registration with the traffic police and support, equipment for a scooter, plus other services.

It is worth considering that the cost of the license is affected by the price of fuel, medical certificate, state duty, availability of your own moped, etc.

conclusions

A person driving a moped or scooter becomes a full-fledged participant in traffic and must be responsible for his actions and safety. Therefore, in order to drive a light two-wheeled vehicle with a speed limit of 50 km/h, he must undergo training at a driving school, pass an exam at the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate and obtain a driver’s license of category M.

Obtaining a license with a valid category M, which allows you to drive a moped or scooter, is allowed from the age of 16. You cannot pass your license at 14-15 years old. Training and passing the test at the traffic police for applicants for opening this driving category are carried out in the same manner and according to the same rules as when obtaining driver's licenses for other categories.

How much does it cost and where to buy a category M license?

We will not go into detail about the reasons why you need to buy a license for a scooter. This could be due to loss of documents or lack of time. The only thing we strongly advise is not to buy a driver’s license if you do not have experience driving mechanical vehicles or are not confident in your knowledge of traffic rules.

Buying category M licenses in Moscow, St. Petersburg or Novosibirsk is not difficult. This service costs from 10 to 30 thousand rubles, depending on the availability of a certificate from a medical institution, a certificate from a motorcycle school and other open categories. Companies selling driver's licenses online promise privacy, quality and delivery, but you need to be careful because buying, making and selling fake documents is a criminal offense.

We hope that we have clearly explained how to get a license for a category M scooter and there will be no problems during training and passing the exam.

Moped driving license

If you want to get a category M license, come to our REAL driving school. With us you can get all the necessary knowledge and skills to not only pass the traffic police exams, but also feel confident on the real road.

The main advantages of studying at a REAL driving school include:

• Experienced instructors. All REAL driving school instructors have at least 10 years of driving experience.
• Modern material and technical base. Technological simulators, visual materials and stands contribute to easier and more effective learning of the material.
• Online training. If you do not have time to attend lectures, you can take the theoretical part of the course online.
• Convenient location. Our branches are located in various cities of the Moscow region: Kurovsky, Noginsk, Elektrostal, Orekhovo-Zuevo and Lyubertsy.
• Modern teaching methods. We abandoned classic outdated programs and introduced the most progressive teaching methods of European countries into our driving schools.
• Availability of a license. REAL driving school has state accreditation issued by the Ministry of Education of the Moscow Region.

In addition, it is worth noting the pricing policy for courses in our driving school. We try to make training as accessible and effective as possible, so we are not only ready to guarantee the lowest cost of the course, but also offer installment plans, as well as all kinds of promotions and discounts for our students.

The process of interaction with our students is structured as follows:

• You leave a request on the website or call our manager.
• Come to the office and sign a training agreement.
• Take theoretical and practical training courses.
• You take an internal exam at a driving school.
• You pass the exam at the traffic police and get your license.

You can get more detailed information about our driving school by calling ☎. In addition, you have the opportunity to personally come to one of our branches and get acquainted with classrooms, simulators, etc. Branch addresses can be found on the website.

Reviews from our students

Irina Ryzhikova 07/03/2021

I would like to express my gratitude to instructor Tagir, it’s a shame I didn’t get to see him right away... From the first days he teaches me to make decisions independently, without criticism and excessive control. Classes are a breeze, always different routes. Don't be put off by the long entry, it's worth it. Tagir, you are the best instructor at the school!!! I won’t get tired of repeating this)

Instructor:

Uteshev Tagir Ravilievich

Nikolay Sergeevich 06.26.2021

I express my deep gratitude to the Real driving school, and especially to the instructor Yuri Yuryevich Belov! During classes, Yuri Yuryevich explained everything intelligibly and clearly, was always punctual and polite, and in general a professional in his field. Thanks to him, I successfully passed the traffic police exams and am already confident in driving my own vehicle. I wish the Real driving school further prosperity, and personally Yuri Yuryevich Belov further success in his difficult task. Thanks a lot. I recommend to everyone.

Instructor:

Belov Yuri Yurievich

Nadya Burova 06/11/2021

I would like to say thank you to Real Driving School for this opportunity and willingness to accommodate me halfway. I would like to say a special thank you to Valery Mikhailovich Maslov for his knowledge, clear explanation and desire to help the student in difficulties, as well as for his professionalism and approach to everyone

Instructor:

Semenov Sergey Viktorovich

Alexey Bakharev 06/03/2021

Instructor Maxim is an excellent teacher!!!! Yesterday, 05/02/2021, I took the test for category A, I passed everything I was taught on the first try and put it into practice. As a result, high-speed maneuvering arrived in 19 seconds.

Instructor:

Karfidov Maxim Viktorovich

How to open categories C, D and subcategories C1, D1?

To open category C, D or subcategories C1, D1 you must pass:

1. Theoretical exam. The set of tickets for the theoretical exam of category C is the same as the set for category D.

2. Practical exam in the city, which includes several exercises that were taken at the race track before April 1, 2021:

• entering the box in reverse;
• parallel parking in reverse;
• turning in a confined space;
• stopping and starting on an incline;
• straight-line reversing and parking for loading (unloading) on ​​a loading ramp (platform) (only for categories C and C1);
• stopping for the safe embarkation or disembarkation of passengers (only for categories D and D1).

How to behave at the traffic police?

So, all internal exams have been passed.
Only the most decisive step lies ahead - the exam at the state inspectorate. Compared to previous checks, this is one of the most important and responsible steps. After all, not only knowledge and driving skills play a role here, but also the excitement of the future driver. And, alas, not everyone can cope with this. Before applying for a category M license, you must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Calm down. In this case, it is better not to take any sedative sedatives. This can affect the speed of your reaction and the final result of the submission.
2. Study. This should be done throughout the entire class period, and not on the penultimate day. Remember that you need knowledge not to pass the exam, but to prevent accidents on the road.
3. Learn the rules, not specific tickets. All knowledge should help on the road even in stressful situations.

Understanding the categories

According to the federal law of the Russian Federation dated May 7, 2013, number 92-F3, some changes have been made in establishing categories and subcategories of vehicles. Among them are:

1. Category A and A1. Owners can safely ride all types of motorcycles.
2. Category B and B1, BE. This legally includes cars with fewer than eight seats and a weight of up to 3.5 tons, as well as tricycles and quadricycles.
3. Category C, CE and C1, C1E. With such a license you can drive cars with a total weight of over 3.5 tons. In addition, C1 is limited to cars with a maximum weight of up to 7.5 tons.
4. Category D, DE, D1 and D1E. With these cars you can carry out passenger transportation with a number of seats from 8 to 16.
5. Category Tm and Tb. If they are available, you can control trams and buses respectively.
6. Category M. Allows you to drive mopeds and light quadricycles.

I have B open, I want A - do I need to study and take the exam again?

Until 2013, there was a legal possibility of obtaining category A for license holders with open category B without an additional theoretical exam and training in a driving school.

However, at the moment, according to Russian Government Decree No. 1097, all license holders, regardless of their existing category, are required to undergo repeated training and pass exams to obtain any other category (except M).

The need to retake the exam is due to:

• differences in rules for different modes of transport;
• the need for additional testing of the driver’s knowledge;
• regular changes in traffic rules.

Admission to the exam is subject to availability:

• applications to the traffic police for an additional category;
• documents confirming the fact of completing training at a driving school;
• passports;
• medical certificate of health.

Meaning of mark as and ml

A driver's license may be supplemented with special marks that restrict the driver in certain actions. These restrictions usually apply to the management of a specific type of transport:

1. O, located in column 12, prohibits driving motorcycle-type vehicles from categories B1 and M.
2. A similar column may also contain o. It, in turn, prohibits driving vehicles belonging to category M, regardless of its type.

In most cases, these marks are given to persons with a certain diagnosis, which is a contraindication to driving a certain type of transport. You can remove the mark from your license only after recovery.

What does driving license category M mean?

Since 2014, new letters have appeared in the table on the back of the driver’s license. Among them is category M. Opposite it is a drawing or pictogram depicting a moped, scooter, mokick.

At the same time, there are categories A and A1 with large and smaller motorcycles. Until 2014, there was no such differentiation. Since there must be serious reasons for introducing new categories, it is necessary to understand the issue using laws, standards and other normative documents as arguments.

Normative base

Since we are talking about official standards, it is necessary to compile a list of them, which can later be referred to and used to prove what is possible or not.

1. Law No. 196 regulating road safety
2. Russian standard 51815, establishing requirements for quadricycles
3. Russian standard 52051, establishing requirements, including for two-wheeled motor vehicles
4. Government Regulation No. 1604 Establishes medical requirements for drivers
5. The Constitution - its provisions will also be used for argumentation. Actually, it should be put in first place, but due to the fact that the mention will be too general...

Each of the listed documents has the force of law. The requirements set out in it are mandatory. If gaps are found, comments will be provided to explore possible options.

The difference between category M and A

The law [1] defines motorcycles of category A, mopeds of category M, and this also includes light quadricycles.

Now you need to find out how the vehicles listed in the categories of rights differ, what categories up to how many cubic meters and kilowatts mopeds and quadricycles belong to. The information is in the standard [2]:

• Two- and three-wheeled mopeds must have a motor with a cylinder capacity of up to 50 cubic meters or a power of up to 4 kW (5.3 hp) and be able to accelerate to a speed of no more than 50 km/h
• Motorcycles - two-wheeled or three-wheeled, if with a sidecar - have a motor larger than 50 cc and more powerful than 4 kW, with a top speed above 50 km/h.

The standard [3] refers to quadricycles. Among them are light ones with a weight of up to 350 kg, an engine capacity of up to 50 cc, a power of up to 4 kW and a speed of up to 45 km/h.

Based on the data presented, we can conclude: everything on two wheels is more powerful than 4 kW, with an engine capacity of more than 50 cubic meters. cm and travels faster than 50 km/h - motorcycles with category A or A1. What is included in the restrictions are mopeds with the letter M.

For four-wheeled vehicles, speed is limited to 45 km/h, weight – 350 kg. Fits within the limits of a light quadricycle, category M, exceeds A or A1.

What can you drive with category M?

After a detailed analysis of the differences in the law and traffic regulations of categories M and A, we can repeat once again what the holder of a driver’s license can control, up to how many cubic meters category M (as well as kilowatt, kilogram, km/h).

This

• Two- and three-wheeled mopeds with engines up to 50 cc. cm and 4 kW, driving at speeds up to 50 km/h

• Lightweight quadricycles with engines up to 50 cc. cm and 4 kW, weighing up to 350 kg, driving at speeds up to 45 km/h.

The list is closed.

What is prohibited from driving?

Now about the forbidden. The previous paragraph specifically outlined the boundaries of what is permitted, what can be driven with an open category M. Anything that goes beyond these limits is prohibited. Of course, we are not talking about long-haul tractors. This means prohibiting control:

• Motorcycles, starting with light ones with an engine capacity of more than 50 cc, power above 4 kW, speed faster than 50 km/h
• Quadricycles heavier than 350 kg, with an engine capacity of more than 50 cc, power above 4 kW, speed faster than 45 km/h
• Passenger cars, since they do not fit into the framework of light quadricycles.

For all of the above, you need to open category A1, A or even B in your license.

Are old licenses still valid?

Driver's licenses issued before 2014 did not contain categories M and A1. Instead, or rather before them, there was only the letter A. With the advent of innovations, they began to ask the question: is it necessary to change the license in order to drive mopeds and quadricycles with an open motorcycle category A?

As the Constitution states [5], the law is irreversible. Consequently, previously, before the introduction of changes, the received driver’s license continues to be valid in full until its expiration date.

After the expiration of the period, a new certificate is issued. There is no requirement to pass any exams.

Quadcycles and ATVs - what's the difference?

All license holders with the “M” category did not rejoice at their happiness for long when they learned that full-fledged off-road vehicles with a small engine capacity are not included in this category. This means that he is prohibited by law from driving it.

Note! To drive an ATV you need a driving license category that allows you to drive a tractor! And it is designated as “A1”.

Let's explain what the difference is:

• the quadricycle's seats are similar to car seats and they are located at right angles;
• the design feature of the quadricycle is the roof (and even in some cases it is missing);
• all 3 pedals (clutch, brake and gas) are located in the lower part of the cabin;
• in ATVs there is a steering wheel, and in ATVs there is a steering wheel, like on motorcycles.

How to open category E (BE, CE, C1E, DE, D1E)?

To open categories BE, CE, DE or subcategories C1E, D1E you must pass:

1. Theoretical exam (exam papers).

2. Practical exam in the city, which includes several exercises that were taken at the race track before April 1, 2021:

• entering the box in reverse;
• parallel parking in reverse;
• turning in a confined space;
• stopping and starting on an incline;
• straight-line reversing and parking for loading (unloading) on ​​a loading ramp (platform) (only for categories CE and C1E);
• stopping for the safe embarkation or disembarkation of passengers (only for categories DE and D1E);
• coupling and disengaging or disengaging and re-coupling the trailer with the tractor.

Do not forget that to obtain category E you must have a license for at least 1 year in which the corresponding category is open (B, C or D) or all of the listed categories at the same time.

For example, to open category DE, you must have at least a year of experience driving a category D bus.

International rights: necessary or not?

This question is certainly of interest to people who often travel abroad. As you know, in Europe and most civilized countries, the optimal means of transportation is not a car, but a bicycle, or a small moped, or a scooter.

Therefore, a completely reasonable question arises: “Does category M, opened in Russia, operate on the territory of other states?” After all, this vehicle, like any other, can be rented for short or long term.

There are no problems if you received your driver's license after March 2011. According to the law, all documents after this point were brought to international standards, which allows you to travel around Europe on a moped or scooter almost unhindered.

But if you still want to acquire an international license, then you should contact the local traffic police department, submit a standard package of papers and pay the state fee. It won't take much time or effort. International licenses for category M will allow you not to worry about translations or any other problems with documents.