AM licence vs A1 licence
AM is the most basic licence for a moped (up to 50 cc and 45 km/h), available from age 15. A1 is one step up: motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW from age 16. AM is enough for a small city scooter from a young age; if you want a proper motorcycle as soon as you're 16, skip AM and go straight to A1.
| Feature | AMAM License - Moped | A1A1 License - 125 cc Motorcycle |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 15 years | 16 years |
| Authorised vehicles | Mopeds up to 50 cc and light quadricycles. | Motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW. |
| Exam questions | 20 | 20 |
| Exam time | 20 min | 20 min |
| Max errors | 2 | 2 |
| Options per question | 3 | 3 |
AM License - Moped
Mopeds and light quadricycles.
See syllabus & testA1 License - 125 cc Motorcycle
Motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW.
See syllabus & testFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between the AM and A1 licences?
AM is the most basic licence for a moped (up to 50 cc and 45 km/h), available from age 15. A1 is one step up: motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW from age 16. AM is enough for a small city scooter from a young age; if you want a proper motorcycle as soon as you're 16, skip AM and go straight to A1.
What is the minimum age for each?
AM licence: age 15. A1 licence: age 16.
How is the DGT theory exam in each case?
AM: 20 questions, 20 minutes, max 2 errors. A1: 20 questions, 20 minutes, max 2 errors.
What vehicles can I drive with each licence?
AM: Mopeds up to 50 cc and light quadricycles. A1: Motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW.
Which one should I get first?
If by age you can only access the AM (minimum age 15), start there and consider stepping up to the A1 when you reach 16. If you already have the age for both, going straight to the A1 is usually more cost-effective (one training, one exam, one fee) — the AM loses relative value if the A1 covers every vehicle you're interested in.
Can I step up from AM to A1 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 AM and step up to the A1 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.