Who can drive an AMP: analysis of driver categories and legal nuances

Cars with automated routes (AMR) are vehicles that travel along pre-programmed routes, often within logistics companies, delivery services or municipal services. Recently, interest in such vehicles has been growing: they are used to transport goods, passengers (for example, at airports or in closed areas) and even in agriculture. But who exactly has the right to manage the AMR, what rights are needed, and what restrictions apply in 2026?

In this article we will look at which categories of drivers can work with AMR, what requirements apply to their qualifications, and what legal nuances are important to consider. We will also consider how driving an AMR differs from regular driving, and what risks may arise if the rules are violated. If you are planning to connect your career with automated transport or are simply interested in the topic, this material is for you.

What are AMPs and where are they used?

AMP (Automated Route Schedules) are vehicles equipped with autopilot or semi-autonomous control systems that follow specified routes with minimal human intervention. They should not be confused with fully autonomous cars (e.g. Tesla or Waymo), since AMR most often requires the presence of an operator or driver for control and intervention in emergency situations.

Where are AMPs used?

• 🚛 Logistics and warehouse complexes: automatic distribution of goods inside warehouses (for example, Amazon Robotics or systems Kiva).
• 🚌 Passenger transportation: shuttles at airports, university campuses or industrial sites (e.g. Navya or EasyMile).
• 🚜 Agriculture: autonomous tractors and combines (for example, John Deere with the system AutoPath).
• 🏗️ Construction and mining: unmanned dump trucks in quarries (e.g. Caterpillar or Komatsu).

It is important to understand that AMRs do not always travel on public roads. Many of them work in closed areas (warehouses, quarries, airports), where the requirements for drivers may differ from standard ones Traffic rules. However, if the AMR is driven onto public roads, all traffic laws apply and the operator must have the appropriate license.

Who can legally govern the AMR in 2026

In Russia and most CIS countries, AMR management is regulated by both general Traffic rules, and special regulations for automated transport. Basic requirements:

1. Having a driver's license the appropriate category (for example, B for passenger cars AMP, C for freight).
2. Additional training according to the automated vehicle control program (if the AMP is equipped with a level autopilot system L3-L4 by classification SAE).
3. AMP Operator Certificate (required for working in closed areas, for example, in quarries or warehouses).
4. Medical certificate with permission to drive vehicles with automated systems.

In some cases (for example, to operate warehouse robots), internal training from the employer is sufficient, but if the AMR travels on public roads, a full driver's license is required. For example, to control a passenger shuttle Navya in Moscow, a driver must have a category D and take a course on how to operate the autopilot system.

⚠️ Attention: If the AMP is equipped with a level autopilot system L4 (full autonomy in limited areas), the driver must still be ready to take control in the event of a failure. The absence of a driver's license in such a situation is equivalent to driving without a license and is punishable by a fine of up to 30 000 ₽ or deprivation of rights.

Categories of AMP drivers: from beginners to professionals

Depending on the type of AMP and the scope of its application, drivers are divided into several categories. Let's look at them in more detail:

Driver category	AMP type	Qualification Requirements	Application examples
Warehouse AMR operator	Robot loaders, trolleys	Internal training (1-2 weeks), skills in working with management software	Warehouses Wildberries, Ozon, logistics centers
Passenger shuttle driver	Autonomous minibuses (L4)	Category D, autopilot course (30-50 hours)	Airports, university campuses, parks
Quarry AMR operator	Unmanned dump trucks, excavators	Category C or D, certificate in mining technology	Mines, quarries (SUEK, Norilsk Nickel)
Agricultural truck driver	Autonomous tractors, combines	Category B or C, training on ISO 25119	Farms, agricultural complexes

For example, to work on an autonomous tractor John Deere 8R with the system AutoPath enough category B and completing a course from the manufacturer. But to control a passenger shuttle in Sheremetyevo category required D and a separate certificate for working with autopilot.

How to obtain the right to manage an AMP: step-by-step instructions

If you want to become a driver or AMR operator, follow this algorithm:

Obtain a driver's license of the required category (B, C, D)|Pass a medical examination with access to automated systems|Sign up for courses on driving AMR (if necessary)|Take an internal exam at the employer or at a training center|Take out insurance (if AMR drives on public roads)-->

Let's look at each stage in more detail:

1. Obtaining a driver's license. To operate an AMR on public roads, you need a standard set of documents: passport, medical certificate, certificate of completion of a driving school. If AMP belongs to the category D (passenger transportation), you will need at least driving experience 1 year.
2. Additional training. For AMP with autopilot levels L3-L4 you need to take courses ranging from 30 to 100 hours. For example, in Moscow Automobile and Road College there is a program “Unmanned Transport Operator” (cost ~50 000 ₽).
3. Certification. After training, an AMR operator certificate is issued. To work in closed areas (warehouses, quarries), sometimes corporate training without a state certificate is sufficient.
4. Insurance. If AMR goes on the roads, a compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance with a mark on automated control is required. The cost of the policy may be higher by 20-30% due to increased risks.

For example, to get a job as an autonomous shuttle driver in Skolkovo, you will need:

• Category rights D.
• AMP Operator Certificate (available from Unmanned Technology Training Center).
• Minimum driving experience 3 years.

Limitations and risks when managing AMR

Despite automation, AMR management is associated with a number of risks. Here are the main ones:

• 🚨 Technical glitches: errors in the autopilot software can lead to an accident. For example, in 2023 Dubna autonomous shuttle Matreshka braked suddenly due to a lidar failure, which led to a collision with a pedestrian.
• 📜 Legal liability: If AMR gets into an accident, the blame can be placed on both the operator and the software manufacturer. In Russia there is no clear regulation of such cases yet.
• 🔋 Limited autonomy: Most AMPs require recharging every 4-6 hours, which complicates logistics. For example, warehouse robots Amazon work in shift mode with mandatory recharging.
• 🛑 Route restrictions: AMP levels L3-L4 can only move along pre-approved routes. Traveling outside of them is considered a violation.

⚠️ Attention: If the AMP is equipped with a remote control system (for example, the operator controls it from a remote control), then in the event of an accident, responsibility falls entirely on the operator, even if he was outside the vehicle. This is stated in Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1415 (2022).

To minimize risks, follow these rules:

• Before starting your shift, check the functionality of all AMP sensors and cameras.
• Do not be distracted from monitoring the autopilot system, even if the route is familiar.
• In case of failure, immediately transfer the AMP to manual mode and notify the dispatcher.

What to do if the AMP refused to go?

If AMP has stopped due to a failure, check:

1. Condition of sensors (lidars, cameras, radars) - they may be dirty or damaged.

2. Connection to the management server (if AMP operates using cloud technology).

3. Battery charge level - some systems block movement when the charge is below 20%.

If the problem is not resolved, place the AMP in emergency mode and call technical support.

Prospects for the AMR driver profession: salaries and demand

The demand for AMR operators is growing along with the development of automated transport. According to hh.ru, in 2026, average salaries in this area are:

Position	Average salary (₽)	Region	Requirements
Warehouse AMR operator	45 000 — 70 000	Moscow, St. Petersburg	Training 1-2 weeks, category B
Passenger shuttle driver	60 000 — 90 000	Moscow, Kazan, Sochi	Category D, autopilot course
Quarry AMR operator	80 000 — 120 000	Kuzbass, Yakutia, Murmansk region	Category C, experience working with special equipment
Agricultural truck driver	50 000 — 85 000	Krasnodar region, Rostov region	Category B or C, knowledge of agricultural technology

The prospects for the profession are related to the development of unmanned technologies. According to forecasts McKinsey, by 2030 to 15% cargo transportation in Russia will be carried out using AMR. This means that the demand for skilled operators will only increase, especially in the logistics and mining industries.

In addition, AMR drivers have the opportunity to retrain in related specialties:

• 🤖 Automation Systems Engineer (salary from 100 000 ₽).
• 📊 AMP Control Center Manager (salary from 80 000 ₽).
• 🛠️ Unmanned vehicle maintenance technician (salary from 70 000 ₽).

Conclusion: is it worth connecting your career with AMR?

Driving cars with automated routes is a promising and in-demand profession, especially in the context of the development of unmanned technologies. However, it requires not only standard driving skills, but also the ability to work with automated systems, understand the principles of their functioning and quickly respond to failures.

If you're willing to learn and adapt to new technologies, a career as a driver or AMR operator could be an excellent choice. The key is to carefully consider training, certification and insurance to avoid legal and technical problems in the future.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about AMR drivers

Do you need a license to operate a warehouse AMR that does not go on the road?

For most warehouse AMRs (for example, robotic forklifts), internal training from the employer is sufficient. However, if the AMR is technically classified as a vehicle (for example, an electric car with autopilot), a category may be required B.

Is it possible to drive an AMP with a tractor driver's license?

Yes, if the AMR relates to agricultural or special equipment (for example, an autonomous tractor). In this case, a tractor driver's license of the category B, C or D (depending on the power of the equipment).

What happens if AMP gets into an accident due to a program failure?

Liability depends on the circumstances. If the failure was caused by the software manufacturer, the blame may be placed on the company. If the operator did not monitor the system or ignored warnings, responsibility will fall on him. In 2026, Russia is considering a bill on insuring the risks of unmanned systems.

Where can I get training to become an AMR operator?

Courses are available at specialized training centers such as:

• Drone Technology Training Center (Moscow),
• Driving school "Formula" (St. Petersburg, program “Operator of Autonomous Transport”),
• Corporate courses from manufacturing companies (for example, KAMAZ or GAZ).

Tuition fees range from 20 000 up to 100 000 ₽ depending on the program.

Which companies in Russia are actively hiring AMR drivers?

Largest employers:

• 🚚 Logistics: Wildberries, Ozon, SDEK, Business lines.
• 🏗️ Construction and mining: SUEK, Norilsk Nickel, Eurocement.
• 🚌 Passenger transportation: Yandex.Taxi (project of unmanned taxis), Mosgortrans (test routes).
• 🚜 Agriculture: Rusagro, Miratorg, Agrocomplex.

Job vacancies can be found at hh.ru, SuperJob or on company websites.