A1 licence vs A2 licence
Both are motorcycle licences, aimed at different stages. A1 allows motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW from age 16 — ideal for starting out. A2 raises the cap to 35 kW and requires age 18, unlocking most popular bikes and remains the mandatory step before A. If you're 16-17, only A1 is available; from 18, going straight to A2 is usually the better call.
| Feature | A1A1 License - 125 cc Motorcycle | A2A2 License - Motorcycle |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 16 years | 18 years |
| Authorised vehicles | Motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW. | Motorcycles up to 35 kW. |
| Exam questions | 20 | 20 |
| Exam time | 20 min | 20 min |
| Max errors | 2 | 2 |
| Options per question | 3 | 3 |
A1 License - 125 cc Motorcycle
Motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW.
See syllabus & testA2 License - Motorcycle
Motorcycles up to 35 kW.
See syllabus & testFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between the A1 and A2 licences?
Both are motorcycle licences, aimed at different stages. A1 allows motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW from age 16 — ideal for starting out. A2 raises the cap to 35 kW and requires age 18, unlocking most popular bikes and remains the mandatory step before A. If you're 16-17, only A1 is available; from 18, going straight to A2 is usually the better call.
What is the minimum age for each?
A1 licence: age 16. A2 licence: age 18.
How is the DGT theory exam in each case?
A1: 20 questions, 20 minutes, max 2 errors. A2: 20 questions, 20 minutes, max 2 errors.
What vehicles can I drive with each licence?
A1: Motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW. A2: Motorcycles up to 35 kW.
Which one should I get first?
If by age you can only access the A1 (minimum age 16), start there and consider stepping up to the A2 when you reach 18. If you already have the age for both, going straight to the A2 is usually more cost-effective (one training, one exam, one fee) — the A1 loses relative value if the A2 covers every vehicle you're interested in.
Can I step up from A1 to A2 without sitting a new full exam?
It depends on the category. Some permit pairs allow experience-based promotion with a simplified test (e.g. A1 → A2 after 2 years, or A2 → A after 2 years, with a short course and the specific tasa 2.3 fee of €28.87). Others, such as B → C or C → C+E, require full training and a specific exam even if you already hold the lower one. Check with your driving school or your Provincial Traffic Authority before enrolling.
How much time difference is there between passing one and the other?
Getting either takes 2 to 6 months if you study consistently and book sittings without delays. If you already hold the A1 and step up to the A2 by experience (when the promotion path is available), the time drops to 4–8 weeks. Going directly to both at separate moments adds the time of each: the wait for official DGT sittings is the longest factor, not training itself.
Practice the test for whichever licence you pick
Free DGT 2026 test with official questions for both licences. No signup.