New Rules for Category D Driver’s Licenses in Russia: Stricter Requirements and Impacts on Bus Operators
In September, Russia’s State Duma advanced a plan to tighten the prerequisites for obtaining a category D driver’s license, the credential required to operate passenger transport with nine seats or more, including buses and minibuses. The revised bill would issue category D licenses only to individuals who already hold experience in categories B or C. People familiar with the discussions indicate that deputies intend to move this government measure forward as a priority.
Support for the plan appears broad across parliamentary factions. The justification hinges on road safety, noting a troubling number of incidents involving professional drivers. The data cited in the bill show that bus operators were responsible for more than 3,000 traffic incidents in 2021, resulting in 166 fatalities and 5,325 injuries. The document reports a 3.1% rise in the death toll from the prior year. The proposed changes would also extend penalties to professionals who previously operated under the influence of alcohol and to owners of foreign driving licenses, with sanctions expected to be tougher.
Under the current framework, category D allowed individuals to work as managers of passenger transport without requiring prior driving experience in other categories, provided they meet age and health criteria and complete training at a driving school. The new proposal specifies that a person must have driving experience in at least one of the B or C categories before applying for category D. In addition to the intermediate experience requirement, applicants would need to be at least 21 years old, pass a medical examination confirming no contraindications, and complete approved training programs. This shift aims to ensure that drivers who operate larger passenger vehicles have verified competency and a proven safety track record before working in commercial settings.
Despite the legislative intent, practical hurdles persist. Several driving schools reportedly hesitate to enroll applicants lacking B or C licenses, even though current law does not mandate prior category B or C experience for category D. Observers note that the gap between practice and formal requirements can create confusion in the market. The administration of the new rules may also require clearer guidance for licensing authorities, vocational schools, and transportation firms to align expectations with the updated criteria. The broader goal is to raise professional standards across the sector while protecting passengers and reducing the likelihood of traffic-related harm.
In addition to revising eligibility for category D, the bill touches on enforcement and compliance. Authorities may introduce closer monitoring of drivers already on the road, with an emphasis on identifying operators who may not meet the new standards. The measures reflect a broader shift toward professionalizing the workforce in passenger transport and elevating the overall safety profile of municipal, regional, and private bus services. Stakeholders from industry groups and labor unions are watching the process closely, balancing safety objectives with the practical realities of training, licensing, and workforce availability.
From a public policy perspective, the changes align with patterns seen in several countries where licensing upgrades accompany goals to improve road safety and reduce accident rates among commercial drivers. Proponents argue that raising the barrier to entry for category D will deter less prepared applicants and encourage stronger vocational pathways. Critics warn that stricter rules could worsen driver shortages if training capacity and certification processes are not expanded. The debate continues as the legislative timeline progresses, with committee discussions and potential amendments likely before final approval.
For commuters relying on bus services, the revisions signal a period of adjustment. Operators and students training for the category D license will need to navigate the revised prerequisites, plan for extended preparation, and ensure that all regulatory steps are completed in a timely manner. If enacted as described, the policy would mark a notable shift in how passenger transport professionals enter the field and how authorities assess readiness for safe operation on busy roads.