What driving licence can I get at 16 in Spain?

At 16 the A1 licence unlocks — the first 'real' motorcycle you can ride in Spain. It authorises motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW of power, with a power-to-weight ratio of 0.1 kW/kg max, and motor tricycles up to 15 kW. It is the natural step from AM: if you already have the moped permit, part of the theory overlaps and the practical exam will feel familiar. Also at 16 you can obtain the LVA (Agricultural Vehicle Licence) if your use is tractors or farm machinery on rural roads. If you stay on AM, it remains valid — no need to renew when you turn 16. Key decision: if you're going to buy a small motorcycle, skip AM and go straight to A1; if you only want 50 cc scooters in the city, AM is enough.

Permits accessible at 16

• AMAM licence

  Moped up to 50 cc, 45 km/h.

• A1A1 licence

  Motorcycle up to 125 cc and 11 kW. Motor tricycle up to 15 kW.

• LVALVA licence

  Self-propelled agricultural vehicles (tractors).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a driving school or can I go independent?

In Spain it is legal to take any DGT licence as an independent candidate. In practice the theory can be prepared free online, but the practical road exam is almost always taken via a driving school because the dual-control lessons are the standard way to prepare it. For AM or A1 some people go independent; for B the vast majority go through a school, even though the practical lessons are the highest variable cost of the budget.

When is a good time to start studying the theory?

The theory can be prepared online at any age — the material is public and free. It pays to start at least 4-8 weeks before the target exam date, especially if you've never touched signs or rules. If you're going to obtain several permits progressively, parts of the syllabus overlap across AM → A1 → A2 → B, so each successive exam is somewhat easier than the previous one.

Better to get the AM first and then A1, or go straight to A1?

If you intend to ride 125 cc bikes, go straight to A1 at 16 — AM is not a prerequisite and the A1 cost is closer to €500-900. If you only want small city scooters and want to start at 15, AM is valid and doesn't expire. Going from AM to A1 requires a fresh theory exam (no exemption) but you share most of the syllabus, so studying is faster than starting from zero.