FAQ
Questions and answers
Here are the questions that come up most often in the first months after getting a licence. The answers are short and general; when it comes to the rules, we name the clause so you can check it in the official text, and your owner's manual will tell you how your particular car works.
There are no awkward questions behind the wheel; the only awkward thing is pretending everything is clear when it isn't.
About the guide
Is this the site of the people who were here before?
No. The former site on this domain was about learning to drive and has long since closed. Its content was not preserved; this guide does not reproduce it and offers nothing on its behalf.
Can I learn to drive with you?
No. We do not teach driving and do not run practice drives. This is only reference material for people who already have a licence.
Why don't you name car makes?
Models and trim levels change often, and the right car depends on what you need it for. Instead of model lists, we look at which qualities of a car matter for your needs, and the decision stays with you.
What is your advice based on?
On the official text of the Russian traffic rules, the Basic Provisions for the Admission of Vehicles to Operation, and general road safety materials. This is not legal advice.
First trips
Where should I drive alone for the first time?
On a familiar route, in daylight and at quiet times when there are fewer cars on the road. Ideally the route won't need tricky lane changes and will have places to pull over.
How do I deal with nerves?
Prepare in advance: route, seat position, mirrors, phone put away. Drive at your own pace and don't hesitate to stop in a safe place to catch your breath.
What if someone honks behind me?
Don't rush and don't honk back. Make sure you're not blocking traffic by mistake, and keep driving calmly and predictably.
When should I try the highway or night driving?
When you feel confident with the car in town. For the first time, choose good weather and, if you can, bring an experienced driver along as a passenger.
Rules and documents
Is the "new driver" sign mandatory?
Under the Russian rules, yes: it is fitted at the rear of a car driven by someone with less than 2 years' experience (Basic Provisions, clause 8). It's a yellow square with a black exclamation mark.
Can I talk on the phone while driving?
Only with a device that lets you talk without using your hands (clause 2.7). Holding the phone in your hand while driving is not allowed.
Do I need to buckle up in the back seat?
The driver must not carry passengers who aren't buckled up (clause 2.1.2), so everyone must have their seat belt on, including those sitting in the back.
Which documents should I carry?
The list of documents a driver must carry is given in the general duties of drivers in the Russian traffic rules. Check the official text of the rules currently in force, and in a disputed situation consult a lawyer.
Read next
- Safety
Seat belt, phone, fatigue, weather, night driving and children on board: rules and habits that protect you and your passengers.
- Kids and roads (in Russian)
Archive note for parents: how to explain road rules to a child and how to carry children in a car under the Russian traffic rules.
- Faults
Warning lights, unfamiliar noises, a dead battery and a flat tire: when you can calmly drive on and when you must not.
Sources
- Traffic Rules of the Russian Federation (official text)
- Basic Provisions for the Admission of Vehicles to Operation (Russia)
Rule requirements are quoted from the official text of the Russian traffic rules as of the date each page was prepared; the rules are updated from time to time. Every car has its own layout and controls, so the rules in force and your car's owner's manual remain the main reference.