The two paths to the A2
Via direct access (from scratch at 18): you pass the common theory, take the motorcycle course at a driving school, sit the circuit exam and then the on-road exam. It is the more expensive path but the only one available if you don't already hold a motorcycle licence.
Via experience from A1 + 2 years: if you already hold the A1 and 2 years have passed since you got it, you can access the A2 with a shorter driving-school course and a simplified practical test — no theory retake. This route halves the cost and is completed in a few weeks. It is the natural route for someone who took the A1 at 16.
Plan for the A2 theory exam
The A2 theory shares format with other permits (30 questions, 3 errors max, 30 minutes) but the bank includes motorcycle-specific questions: protective gear, two-wheel braking technique, weight dynamics in corners, motorcycle priority at intersections, mandatory rider equipment and A2 restrictions. Full breakdown in the official DGT theory exam guide.
Practical plan: 3–4 weeks with daily 30-question simulations plus targeted sessions on weak blocks (motorcycle vertical signage, right of way, motorcycle-specific rules). Aim for 5 consecutive simulations with 1 wrong or fewer before booking the official sitting — the benchmark most correlated with first-time pass.
The A2 circuit exam
The A2 circuit exam is taken on a closed track with cones and floor markings. Three blocks: slow-speed manoeuvres (zigzag between 5 cones in a line within a minimum time, balance on a straight line without touching the side, figure-of-eight inside a rectangle); medium-speed manoeuvres (avoidance of an obstacle at 30 km/h without touching it, S-route); high-speed manoeuvres (emergency braking from 50 km/h within a maximum 14-metre distance).
The most common circuit error is mis-calculating the emergency braking: riders who brake too softly fail by exceeding 14 metres; those who brake too hard skid or stop short before the marked zone. Correct technique: progressive firm front brake (70 % of braking) plus accompanying rear brake (30 %), weight on the footpegs, hips back. Practical lessons focus on internalising this.
Why people fail the on-road exam
The on-road exam lasts 25–30 minutes in real traffic with the examiner following you in a car giving instructions over radio. Most common fail causes: not checking the blind spot before lane changes (penalised more on a bike because the examiner sees instantly if you don't turn your head), inadequate cornering speed (too fast entering, too slow exiting), wrong lane position (you must ride centred, not against the kerb) and poor anticipation at intersections.
Recommendation: in the last two weeks do at least 3 on-road practice sessions with the instructor who will examine you, in the area where you'll take the exam. The examiner's official routes are public ground — the driving school knows them. Doing the route 2–3 times beforehand dramatically reduces test-day anxiety and surprise-driven errors.
What the A2 costs
Direct access: €700–€1,200. Via A1 + 2 years: €350–€600 (much cheaper). Full breakdown of any licence cost in how much a Spanish driving licence costs in 2026.
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Frequently asked questions about the A2
- What is the minimum age for the A2 motorcycle licence?
- The minimum age for the Spanish A2 licence is 18. It allows motorcycles up to 35 kW (47 hp) and a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 0.2 kW/kg. If the bike is derived from a more powerful model, the base model can't exceed 70 kW (95 hp) — the 35 kW version must be a homologated restricted variant.
- Do I need the A1 before getting the A2?
- No. A2 can be obtained via direct access from scratch at age 18, without ever having held A1. The other route is by experience: if you already hold A1 with at least 2 years' seniority, you can obtain A2 via a simplified test and a shorter school course. Direct access costs more and requires all three full exams; the A1-route is faster and cheaper.
- How many questions does the A2 theory exam have?
- The A2 theory exam is 30 multiple-choice questions, 30 minutes and a maximum of 3 wrong answers to pass — the same common format as the B licence. What changes is the question bank: it includes motorcycle-specific blocks (protective gear, two-wheel braking technique, bike dynamics, priority and motorcycle-specific manoeuvres) alongside the common syllabus on rules, signage and road safety.
- What is the A2 practical test like?
- The A2 practical has two tests. First, a closed-circuit test: slow-speed manoeuvres (slalom between cones, figure-of-eight, balance on a line), medium-speed manoeuvres (avoidance, obstacle dodging) and high-speed manoeuvres (emergency braking from 50 km/h within a minimum distance). Second, an on-road test in real traffic for 25–30 minutes with the examiner following in a car giving instructions via radio. From the A1+2-years route you do a reduced practical only.
- How much does the A2 licence cost in Spain?
- Via direct access, the total A2 cost runs €700–€1,200 on average. Includes the DGT fee (€94.05), medical (€35–€60), driving-school enrolment (€100–€250) and motorcycle lessons (€25–€40 each, minimum 8–12). Via the A1+2-years route, the cost drops to €350–€600 because the category-change fee is lower (€28.87, tasa 2.3) and you need fewer lessons.
- What about the A2 if I already hold a B licence?
- The B licence does not authorise A2 motorcycles directly. All the B grants on two wheels is: motorcycles up to 125 cc / 11 kW (category A1) after 3 years' seniority with the B, with some Spanish regions requiring an additional 9-hour course. For A2 (35 kW) bikes you must hold the A2 licence with its corresponding exams — the B does not grant access by seniority.
- Can I step up from A2 to A (unrestricted motorcycles)?
- Yes. After 2 years holding the A2, you can obtain the A (no power restriction) via a short theory-and-practical course at a driving school and a simplified test. The specific fee is tasa 2.3 (€28.87). This is the standard path for most riders in Spain: A2 at 18, A at 20–21 after the mandatory 2 years.
- How long does it take to get the A2?
- Via direct access, the average is 2–4 months from enrolment to having the licence in hand. The theory can be prepared in 3–4 weeks with 30–45-minute daily practice. Circuit practice requires 6–12 sessions depending on your prior base (more if you've never touched a motorcycle, fewer if you come from a bike or scooter). The wait between sittings depends on your Provincial Authority.