From April 1, 2014, a new format driver's license is issued in Russia. The changes affected the reverse side of the document containing information on the category of rights.
History of the issue
Not so long ago, the traffic police initiated amendments to the law "On road safety". They considered the previously used system of driving categories to be insufficient and supplemented it with new categories and subcategories necessary for safety reasons. In addition, it was decided to correct the principles of training future road users and carrying out certification activities. In this regard, it became necessary to improve the document on the right to drive, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia did this. From April 1, 2014, everyone who has successfully completed driving training courses will become holders of a new type of license.
What changed?
The back side of the modified document contains sixteen categories and subcategories identified within the framework of the amendments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. An innovation was the M category, created specifically for the legal driving of mopeds and ATVs. To drive a moped now you will need to have such a license, and they are issued only from the age of 16.
Categories such as A, B, C, D, BE, CE, DE have been supplemented with subcategories that specify the engine power of the vehicle and its permissible maximum weight. A1 - designation of a subcategory of rights for driving low-power motorcycles, B1 rights are intended for driving tricycles and ATVs, C1 and C1E are subcategories of rights required by drivers of vehicles weighing from 3.5 to 7.5 tons with and without a trailer, D1 and D1E - buses, in which from 9 to 16 seats with and without a trailer. In addition, marks will appear referring to the driving license for tram and trolleybus: Tm and Tb.
The situation for the lover of cars with an automatic transmission will become more favorable. They will now have rights that reflect the specifics of their vehicle. They no longer need to learn how to drive a car on a "mechanic", as special courses for driving cars with an automatic transmission will be organized. After graduating from such courses, a person will pass an exam on a training machine with an automatic transmission and will receive an AT license.
International driving license of a new type
International class rights will also acquire a new format. Such a certificate looks like a document that looks more like a ribbon made of special paper. Everything that is on traditional rights is indicated on it, only it is done in other languages. The reforms affected the international driving license, enriching it with new categories and subcategories. As in the usual, category B will appear in international rights, marked Automatic transmission only.
You won't have to change your license
Anyone who has already received an old-style driver's license does not have to rush to change their license. They can use the document until its expiration date. However, there is still an unresolved problem. Drivers of mopeds, who previously drove a vehicle without a license, are now legally prohibited from driving. But there is still no place in the country to obtain such category M rights, therefore, during the absence of specialized training programs, representatives of the traffic police will not fine anyone.
