Categories of tractor licenses in 2022: new type licenses

What do tractor licenses mean?

In appearance, a driver's license that covers the ability to drive a tractor does not differ from those required by the owner of a car or truck.

Thanks to this document, you can manage two categories of transport:

• First of all, these are different types of self-propelled vehicles that have certain properties. For example, a tractor, snow removal, construction or agricultural machinery. In a word, everything that can make human work easier;
• The second type is a category that allows you to control military equipment.

Such a certificate is issued to a person by the traffic police, its validity is ten years.

Why are tractor licenses required?

Driving a tractor or self-propelled special equipment without a driver's license is a gross violation of established rules (traffic regulations), which is punishable by a fine. In this case, category “B” rights are not enough; dates opposite and other letters must be present. Their absence implies administrative liability for the violator.

Therefore, before you get behind the wheel of such equipment, you must obtain a tractor license in the prescribed manner. It should be understood that today special vehicles have complex functionality, have an on-board computer and are equipped with electronics. Therefore, completing training and passing the qualifying exam is a necessity. This will ensure safety on the road and eliminate unauthorized driving of large equipment and unprepared drivers.

What categories of tractor drivers exist?

It is not enough for an employee to obtain a license for a tractor of a certain category; the company obliges him to undergo regular certification. Upgrading your qualifications expands a driver's options and usually has a direct impact on his salary. To obtain a rank, you must pass an exam, during which the inspector tests the person’s skills, knowledge and abilities. After this, one of the following categories is assigned:

1. 2nd category. It allows the driver to operate the equipment under the control of an experienced tractor driver and carry out repairs if necessary. This applies not only to the internal units of transport, but also to all its mechanisms, in particular loading and self-gripping ones.
2. 3rd category. The driver is allowed to drive equipment without the accompaniment and control of more experienced persons, to grab cargo using special devices and to carry out unloading work. If necessary, we repair equipment or replace consumables ourselves.
3. 4th category. Drivers, by opening it, gain access to the operation of cars whose propulsion system power is less than 100 horsepower. They can independently carry out unloading work, perform storage or carry cargo over any distance.
4. 5th category. Self-propelled vehicles equipped with a motor system with a power of more than 100 hp. These are typically operators of tracked excavators and bulldozers.
5. 6th category. Without receiving it, a driver of any category of tractor driver is not allowed to operate powerful large equipment used for repair or construction purposes. This applies to bulldozers, tractors and excavators with engines over 200 hp.

To obtain a certain rank, you must carefully prepare to pass the exam, which includes a theoretical part and practice. First, you need to pass a test that determines your theoretical level of training, after which your driving skills are tested.

Tractor driver vacancies on the labor market, salary level

The profession of a tractor driver, as already mentioned, is in great demand in many areas of the national economy - from road construction to street cleaning and snow removal. There are always plenty of vacancies for people with a tractor driver’s license on the labor market.

In general, representatives of this specialty have a fairly high salary level, however, it is difficult to calculate specific amounts. A tractor driver working on shifts in the north earns significantly more than a housing and communal services worker, his working conditions are completely different, and his salary can reach up to 100 thousand rubles a month.

Types of special equipment

A license to drive a tractor is required for everyone who operates the following types of self-propelled machines:

• tractor;
• trackless vehicles;
• road cars;
• excavators;
• forklifts;
• snowmobiles.

They can only be managed by obtaining a certificate or temporary document, which is issued after completing an internship at a business enterprise.

Who is authorized to drive self-propelled vehicles?

Let us immediately note that using self-propelled vehicles without presenting a document from the list below is illegal. To drive special vehicles, you must have one of the following tractor licenses:

• tractor driver's, tractor driver's license;
• temporary certificate giving the right to drive self-propelled vehicles;
• clause, invalid from November 28, 2015: temporary permit allowing you to drive a self-propelled vehicle.

The difference between a temporary permit and a certificate was that the first was issued to persons who raised doubts in the commission about the success of the subsequent operation of self-propelled equipment, but at the same time passed the exam well. This applied, for example, to citizens with certain medical contraindications.

A temporary certificate is given to students for the duration of their practical training. Permanent rights are issued for them only after final exams at a professional institution.

Now let’s figure out what categories of tractor licenses exist in the Russian Federation.

Tractor classification

This technique includes self-propelled vehicles, the main functional load of which is considered to be:

• performing most types of agricultural work;
• road construction work;
• transportation in enterprises;
• excavation work.

Their distinctive feature is low speed compared to conventional machines while maintaining increased traction. There is also a difference in the design. Main components of self-propelled vehicles:

• body;
• engine;
• transmission;
• chassis;
• control system.

Based on the type of travel, a distinction is made between tracked and wheeled vehicles. The former work on a dirt road, the latter perform tasks on an asphalt road, therefore they are more in demand in production and in road construction. The traction force of wheeled vehicles on loose soil drops noticeably, so to increase functionality they are made with all-wheel drive. On the one hand, this is a plus, but on the other hand, when performing agricultural work, wheeled equipment greatly compacts the soil.

Explanation of categories and subcategories of tractor rights

Self-propelled vehicles are increasingly being transformed, modernized, and their functionality is increasing every year. Therefore, for their successful management, the usual knowledge acquired in a driving school when obtaining a license with an open category “B” is not enough.

Drivers with qualifications, which are confirmed by a certain letter on their license, are allowed to drive such equipment. Before you get a license for a tractor, it is worth clarifying where it is included, because each group has its own characteristics and requirements.

A small table showing their decoding will help you visually understand the categories of tractor licenses.

CategoryCharacteristicMode of transport

The table provides a description of the categories of tractor licenses that everyone who plans to apply for them should familiarize themselves with. The main requirements for obtaining a driving license are the absence of medical contraindications, passing exams and reaching a certain age. It should be noted that categories A3, A2, A1 and A4 appeared relatively recently; before 2011, it did not exist. They are present in everyone who received a new type of tractor driver’s license.

What does the issued certificate look like?

When passing exams in the categories of self-propelled equipment, the specialist receives a professional tractor driver certificate.
Previously issued rights of such a plan are withdrawn from him, and all authorizing records and marks are transferred to a new document.

The necessary restrictive, permissive and informational entries are entered in the “Special notes” column . This may be length of service, qualification restrictions, blood type, mark of control in lenses or glasses, and so on.

A tractor driver's or simply a tractor driver's license is issued for a period of up to 10 years . After this time, the document must be replaced as it is considered invalid.

Current changes in the rights of a tractor driver

In addition to the abolition of temporary licenses, the concept of "self-training" was also abolished. In other words, for a long period of time it was possible, without approval from the technical control department, to simply pass theoretical and practical driving tests and obtain a tractor license. Now - no, because a mandatory condition for admission to the exam is a certificate of completion of the course from the State Technical Supervision.

The current version of the tractor driver's license was introduced in 2011. This is a laminated cardboard or plastic card with information about the owner and a printed photo. Cardboard or plastic - at the discretion of the recipient (the plastic version is more expensive).

Now, in addition to the individual number, the tractor driver’s certificate contains a unique barcode. According to the creators of the new document, this simplifies the actions of the inspector. There is no need to send the details of the tractor driver to Gostekhnadzor in order to obtain additional information (unpaid fines, etc.).

Several years ago, a new type of rights was introduced in the Russian Federation. These are evidences that have several categories and subcategories.

New sample certificate

Since 2011, a new type of car license has been issued in Russia. They differ not only in size and appearance (now they resemble a regular bank card), but also in the presence of a barcode. Using it, the inspector can obtain the necessary information when checking a document.

However, the tractor license has remained virtually unchanged, but since 2015, temporary driver’s licenses are no longer issued. The form of the document is approved by Gostekhnadzor and has a uniform appearance in all regions of the Russian Federation. It is a card that contains information on both sides. On the front side of the license there is still a photograph of the driver, information about registration, place and date of birth, signature, name of the State Inspectorate, date of issue, validity period and seal. On the reverse side there is a table with categories, special marks, as well as a driver’s license code.

How to check for authenticity

In appearance, a forged document is difficult to distinguish from a real one. Signs of a fake are the absence of watermarks, blurry printing without an eagle, and a fake hologram. As a rule, inspectors easily identify counterfeits, but sometimes employers need to check the driver’s license. They do this in order to make sure whether the driver is deprived of his license, whether he received a tractor license legally or not. It is necessary to send a request to the Gostekhnadzor register on the official website, entering the series and number of the document, the date of issue. If it is real and valid, the following information will be displayed:

• driver's date of birth;
• validity period of the driver's license;
• open categories.

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In cases where rights were deprived for violations, the corresponding item will appear. If there is no information about the issued certificate, there is reason to think about illegal receipt . There is no point in deceiving the employer about the open category. After verification, the company will be forced to refuse employment to the driver.

For whom are tractor driving licenses intended?

A driver's license for the right to drive those categories of vehicles that include tractors is required for agricultural workers. The specificity of the use of processing vehicles also implies nuances in obtaining such rights. The document is called a tractor driver's license. Such rights will also be useful for people who prefer extreme entertainment, such as riding ATVs and snowmobiling. The required age to acquire a driver's license for self-propelled vehicles depends on the type of transport used:

• From the age of 16, a license is available for driving self-propelled vehicles of category “A 1” - SUVs, which can be driven outside the territory of highways and highways. These are ATVs, snowmobiles, motor sleighs;
• At the age of 17, licenses of categories “B”, “C”, “E” and “F” are available for wheeled and tracked units, self-propelled vehicles used in agriculture;
• From the age of 18, category “D” licenses are permitted for wheeled units with engine power exceeding 110.4 kW;
• At the age of 19, you can obtain a license of categories “AII” and “AIII”, that is, for SUVs with passenger seats up to 8 seats;
• At the age of 22, a license of category “AIV” is issued, used for transporting more than 8 passengers.

Passing the relevant qualification exams is a necessary condition for obtaining a tractor driver’s driver’s license. Training courses are conducted in specialized educational institutions with a mandatory state license.

How many skills do tractor drivers have?

Free legal advice: All of Russia In the CIS countries, tractors are classified according to a system that is based on the traction characteristics of the equipment. Today we will get acquainted with such a concept as the traction class of tractors. The table and description of each class will help us with this.

The traction class expresses the most important characteristic of tractors - the maximum level of traction that the machine can develop. But there is one nuance here: this very force may depend on the type of soil and operating conditions of the equipment. For example, a tractor will not be able to pull a load as successfully on a wet meadow or swampy area as on sand or a dry field.

Therefore, the traction class of a tractor is measured under strictly standardized conditions. In the case of agricultural machines, the classification is made according to the force developed under the following conditions:

• Soil humidity – 20-30%
• Slippage: 16% – for 4x2 wheels; 14% – for wheeled 4x4; 3% – for tracked vehicles.
• Soil type – stubble of grain crops.
• Soil hardness is normal.

The traction class of tractors is indicated by a number indicating the traction force in ton-force (tf). Sometimes the class is indicated in kilonewtons (kN).

Converting one value to another is not at all difficult: 1 kN is approximately 10 tf. Therefore, if it is written, for example, that a tractor belongs to the 14 kN class, then it is a 1.4-traction class.

Today, there are 17 traction classes, covering all equipment, from small walk-behind tractors to tractors with record power. Current models of agricultural machines are in the first eight classes.

Three more classes are reserved for walk-behind tractors and mini-tractors. In recent years, powerful Class 7 agricultural machines have also appeared. Previously, this class included only industrial tractors.

The table below will help you better understand what the traction class of tractors is. Agricultural tractors, depending on their purpose, are divided into six groups:

• Universal tractors. These are cars from 0.6 to 2 class. The equipment is intended for general farm work, cultivation, processing and harvesting of row crops.
• General purpose tractors. This group includes classes from 3 to 7. The machines are intended for energy-intensive operations: plowing, cultivation, snow retention, stubble peeling, reclamation work and transport operations. Such tractors are usually used on large fields.
• Mini tractors. This includes representatives of classes 0.2-0.4. The equipment is designed to work in small areas and involves the use of additional mounted or trailed equipment. Also suitable for transport work.
• Specialized tractors.
• Universal row crops. In terms of class, these are the same tractors as in the previous group. However, they are intended for primary soil cultivation (plowing, harrowing, cultivation), sowing, harvesting, cultivating crops and solving transport problems.

Differences between rights to a tractor and rights to a car

The first difference is that here the issuance of documents falls under the responsibilities of an organization called GOSTEKHNADZOR. Training requires attending specialized courses that differ from conventional programs designed for passenger cars.

The license itself can only be obtained at the place of registration of the citizen who plans to operate the equipment. If the document is lost, then to restore it you will have to take the theoretical part of the exam again.

The driver's tractor license continues to be valid for ten years.

What are tractor licenses?

The main purpose of a tractor license is a document that gives the right to drive certain types of self-propelled equipment. A license is not needed if the vehicle is used only on personal territory, without entering public areas. In other cases, the presence of a document is required.

Operating a certain type of equipment is the main difference between a tractor and a car license. And the issuance rules are another important difference. If documents are lost, some time may pass before you are eligible to retake the exam and gain access to your license.

Admission to examination tests

To be allowed to take exams for one of the categories of transport licenses, a citizen must have the following with him:

• a diploma, certificate or other document confirming the availability of appropriate professional education that allows you to drive self-propelled vehicles and, in particular, tractor equipment;
• a certificate of passing a medical examination, an examination proving the absence of contraindications to driving and operating a tractor;
• for those taking the exam for tractor category “A” (except for group “I”) - a driver’s license of the appropriate category, driving experience of at least 1 year.

Procedure for obtaining rights

Only an organization that has received a license to carry out such activities can train drivers of tractor equipment. After a person has listened to lectures and mastered practical skills, he submits the necessary package of documents to the government agency. A day is set for the exam, which takes place in two stages:

1. Theoretical part. Includes testing knowledge of the features of operating self-propelled equipment, traffic rules, accident and injury factors, and standards for safe transport management. It takes place in the form of testing, after which a mark is given about successful (or not) passing.
2. Practical part. Vehicle control skills, maneuvers, turns, starting and braking at different speeds are tested. During the route, the use of knowledge of traffic rules and features of safe operation of the vehicle are noted.

How to get a license for a tractor? In fact, it’s quite simple: successfully pass the theory and practical part, showing a high level of preparation and skills. For all this, 7 days are usually allocated, and 3 attempts are given to pass. Successful completion of the theoretical test is valid for three months. You can renew your rights in the future at the MFC; you do not have to contact the government agency itself. Tuition costs depend on the region and the school itself.

It is important to know! During the registration process, the suitability of the person, his vision, and the absence of medical contraindications are checked.

How is training to become a tractor driver carried out?

Our institute is pleased to offer everyone training to become a tractor driver. Having chosen this profession for yourself, you first need to pass a medical examination and be fit for study and work. If there are no health restrictions, you can begin training. You can begin training to become a tractor driver at the age of 17 (categories B, C, E), and category D at the age of 18.

Tractor driver and tractor driver-driver are professions that are quite in demand, especially in the following industries:

• Construction
• Department of Housing and Utilities
• Agriculture

What conditions must be met by course participants?

• The student must meet the age requirement.
• He must have a driver's medical certificate stating that he has no contraindications for driving a self-propelled vehicle (tractor).

Answers on questions

Who has the right to operate MTZ 82 on slopes with a slope of more than 9 degrees?

The MTZ-82-N tractor is a low-clearance self-propelled vehicle. To operate it, you need a tractor driver’s license, at least two years of experience working on flatland tractors and undergoing appropriate training.

Is it possible to independently prepare for the exam to open a license for an MTZ 80 or 82 tractor?

To open a category of rights for MTZ 82 or 80, training is required. Self-preparation for the exam is allowed only for categories A and B. MTZ 80 and 82 tractors require a category C license.

Is it possible to take the exam to open the category of rights to the MTZ 80/82 tractor at a place other than your place of residence or registration?

You can take the tractor driver exam at a place other than your place of residence or registration only in exceptional cases - for example, if the applicant is a refugee or is on a long business trip. The decision to conduct an examination in this case is made by the chief engineer-inspector of Gostekhnadzor.

What licenses are needed for an MTZ 82 with a trailer?

The category of rights for a tractor opens depending on the type of chassis and engine power, therefore, for an MTZ 80 or 82 with a trailer, an open category “C” is also required.

What do tractor driver training courses consist of?

Training to become a tractor driver or tractor driver is the study of the following issues:

• Classification and technical parameters of tractors.
• Competent operation, repair work and troubleshooting.
• Information about safety measures when performing work with various mounted equipment.
• Traffic rules
• Features of labor protection and first aid.

As soon as the theory is studied, the student moves on to consolidate the basics in practice - learns to drive transport. This requirement is classified as mandatory - without it it is impossible to complete the training.

The training program involves learning basic skills that will be enough to begin performing work duties. A training mode that is convenient for the student is selected, and after 1.5-2 months a qualification exam is scheduled at the Gostekhnadzor commission.

What is the job of a combine operator?

A combine is a special grain harvesting machine controlled by a driver - a combine operator.

The machine operates by mowing and threshing the ears, and pouring grain into a special tank. The straw is then collected by another machine.

The work of a combine harvester is not only about harvesting crops; his responsibilities include:

Working on a combine

• refueling the car;
• lubrication of all trailer devices;
• maintaining all components and attachments in good condition;
• performing minor routine repairs;
• if it is impossible to eliminate the malfunction on your own, take the combine harvester to a specialized service center;
• The operation of the motor is constantly monitored by ear, and the entire unit is monitored by readings from dashboard sensors.

While the machine is operating, a professional must simultaneously control it and monitor the condition of the soil and surface of the earth.

Related video: Combiner

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