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 and sit the tests required for this route. Confirm the procedure and services that apply to you with the DGT and the provider.
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. Amounts and timing depend on the quote and your preparation; ask the provider for an itemised offer. 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 weeks before the test, ask your instructor which on-road skills and local conditions to practise. Confirm what practice and route familiarisation the school offers, without assuming a fixed number of sessions.
What the A2 costs
The total depends on the quote and the services you choose. Full breakdown of any licence cost in quote calculator to add up your costs.
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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. The route you can take depends on your existing licence and the requirements for the A2; confirm the applicable procedure with the DGT and your driving school.
- 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?
- The A2 total depends on the route and services you choose. Ask for an itemised quote and compare enrolment, theory or materials, medical check, lessons and other charges. Check the fee that applies to your procedure with the DGT’s official source.
- 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?
- The time needed depends on your preparation, availability and experience, as well as the school and exam schedules. Ask your instructor which skills to work on and confirm available dates directly with the provider.