A1 Driving License: Costs, Age, and Everything About the 125cc Class
With the A1 driving license, you can ride a real 125cc Motorcycle from the age of 16, not a restricted Scooter, but a proper light Motorcycle. For most, A1 is thus the first serious entry into motorcycling if you are still too young for A2. We clarify step by step what the fun costs, exactly what you are allowed to ride, and how long the training takes.
Still unsure if A1 is really right for you? On our main page for Motorcycle driving licenses, you can compare all classes at a glance. And if you’ve already decided on the 125cc, you’ve come to the right place.
The MYCOVER® team explains!
Table of Contents
- What is the A1 driving license?
- What does the A1 driving license cost?
- Which Motorcycles can you ride with A1?
- 125cc Motorcycles: What does 125cc mean?
- From what age can you get the A1 driving license?
- Your path to the A1 driving license: from registration to examination
- How long does the A1 driving license take?
- Key numbers 79.03, 79.04, and 79.05
- Extend A1 driving license
- Conclusion: For whom is the A1 driving license worthwhile?
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the A1 Motorcycle Driving License
What is the A1 driving license?
The A1 driving license is the license for light Motorcycles up to 125 cm³ displacement and a maximum of 11 kW, which corresponds to approximately 15 hp. In everyday life, it is therefore often simply called the 125cc license. This class is particularly interesting for young riders, as you can get it at 16 and are much freer on the road than with AM, which is limited to 45 km/h. Thus, A1 is for many the first real step into motorcycling: a full driving license that remains deliberately beginner-friendly.
What does the A1 driving license cost?
The costs for the A1 driving license are made up of several components. Driving lessons account for the largest share, with the rest distributed among the basic fee, examination, and incidental costs.
| Item | Range |
|---|---|
| Driving school basic fee | approx. €300 to €400 |
| Riding Lessons (Practice and 12 Special Rides) | approx. €1,850 to €2,300 |
| Examination fees (TÜV/DEKRA and driving school presentation) | approx. €300 to €400 |
| Eye test, first aid, passport photo, application fee | approx. €100 to €180 |
| Learning Materials / App | approx. €50 to €120 |
| Total | approx. €2,600 to €3,400 |
The biggest lever is the driving lessons. The faster you master shifting, steering, and basic driving maneuvers, the cheaper it will be. Additional practice lessons, however, quickly drive up the price.
The range of approximately 2,600 to 3,400 Euros initially sounds wide. It arises because both the regional prices of driving schools and your personal skill play a role. In large cities, hourly rates are often higher than in rural areas, and those who need more practice lessons quickly end up in the upper range.
Special feature for car drivers
If you already have Class B, you do not automatically get the A1 driving license. Training and examination remain necessary, so you do not automatically save on mandatory costs. It can only become somewhat cheaper if your experience in road traffic means you need fewer practice lessons.
For 125cc Motorcycles, there is also B196. This extension is often faster and cheaper than A1, but it is only valid in Germany, is not a separate Motorcycle class, and does not allow for a later upgrade to A2 or A. If you only occasionally want to ride a 125cc Motorcycle and meet the requirements, also check out riding a Motorcycle with a car driving license.
Which Motorcycles can you ride with A1?
With A1, you can ride light Motorcycles that comply with these key limits: displacement, power, and power-to-weight ratio. For three-wheeled vehicles, an additional separate power limit applies.
Allowed are:
| Feature | Limit |
|---|---|
| Displacement | max. 125 cm³ |
| Power | max. 11 kW |
| Power-to-weight ratio | max. 0.1 kW/kg |
| Three-wheeled motor vehicles | max. 15 kW |
Expressed in hp, this is the already mentioned approximately 15 hp. Legally, however, the value in kW always counts, not the hp number. It is also important that all three values match, i.e., displacement, power, and power-to-weight ratio, not just one of them.
If you buy a used Motorcycle, always check the vehicle documents. They contain displacement, power, and other technical data. Do not rely solely on the description in an online advertisement.
How fast can you ride with A1?
A fixed top speed is not the decisive factor. The technical limits of class A1 are decisive. How fast a 125cc Motorcycle actually goes depends on the model, rider weight, wind, gearing, and condition.
Many 125cc Motorcycles are roughly in the range of 90 to 120 km/h. However, this is only a rough guide. For the driving license, displacement, power, and power-to-weight ratio are more important.
125cc Motorcycles: What does 125cc mean?
125cc describes the engine’s displacement. Simply put, it’s about how much space is available in the engine for the fuel-air mixture. More displacement can mean more power, but it’s not the only factor.
For A1, 125 cm³ is only one of several limits. A Motorcycle must also fit the power and power-to-weight ratio. Therefore, when buying, you should never just look at the designation “125cc”.
Typical vehicles in this class are:
- Naked Motorcycles
- Sporty 125cc Motorcycles
- Enduro and Supermoto
- 125cc Scooters
- Light electric Motorcycles
Especially for beginners, the strongest model is not automatically the best. More important are seat height, weight, braking feel, and handling. Your first Motorcycle should feel controllable and give you confidence.
If you can barely touch the ground with your feet when test-sitting or if the weight overwhelms you, the model is probably not ideal. In the beginning, control counts more than appearance.
From what age can you get the A1 driving license?
You can officially hold the A1 driving license from the age of 16. You can usually start the training beforehand so that you are ready for the exam as close as possible to your birthday. It is best to clarify the exact start date directly with your driving school.
| Driving license class | Minimum age | Typical vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| AM | mostly from 15 or 16 | Mopeds up to 45 km/h |
| A1 | from 16 | Light Motorcycles up to 125cc |
| A2 | from 18 | Motorcycles up to 35 kW |
| A | depending on entry from 20, 21 or 24 | Open Motorcycle class |
So A1 is the right class if you want to ride a real light Motorcycle at 16. For many, this is the perfect compromise between early freedom and manageable power.
If you are still unsure whether A1 or another class is a better fit, our main page for Motorcycle driving licenses will help you compare.
Your path to the A1 driving license: from registration to examination
For many, A1 at 16 is their very first driving license. The process is divided into three stages: the organizational steps beforehand, the theory part, and finally the practical part with the two exams.
- Beforehand: Registration at the driving school, eye test and first aid course
- The theory: Lessons and written exam as a basis
- The practice: Practice rides, mandatory special rides, and the practical exam
Theory: How many theory lessons do you need for A1?
Since A1 is often the first driving license obtained, the scope of theory here is the largest: twelve double lessons of basic material plus four double lessons of Motorcycle-specific additional material, each unit lasting 90 minutes. If you already have another class, such as a car driving license, the basic material is halved to six double lessons, while the additional material remains unchanged at four. The theory exam on the computer concludes the training, with 30 questions for first-time acquisition and 20 for existing licenses. More than ten error points lead to failure.
Practice: How many driving lessons do you need for A1?
The number of practice rides you take is determined individually by your driving instructor; there is no legal minimum. However, the twelve special rides are mandatory, divided into five cross-country rides, four rides on the motorway, and three at dusk or in darkness, each lasting 45 minutes. Especially on a light Motorcycle, it is worthwhile to build up enough confidence before these mandatory rides.
The practical A1 exam
The practical exam for A1 lasts approximately 45 minutes. On the practice area, you demonstrate basic driving maneuvers such as slalom, evasive action, and emergency braking, followed by a ride in public road traffic, where you prove that you can safely control your 125cc Motorcycle.
How long does the A1 driving license take?
For the A1 driving license, you should realistically plan about 3 to 6 months. If you have regular time, get through the theory quickly, and exam dates are readily available, it can also go faster, with a bit of luck in about six to eight weeks. However, if the driving school and examination center are busy or the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ll likely end up at the upper end.
The duration mainly depends on how regularly you take driving lessons. One lesson every two weeks will advance you slower than several appointments per week. The theory exam, application to the authorities, and practical exam can also slow down the schedule.
Key numbers 79.03, 79.04, 79.05: what do they mean?
Key numbers are found on the driving license in field 12 and can restrict or extend your driving authorization. For A1, 79.03, 79.04, and 79.05 primarily cause questions. This overview shows what the individual numbers mean:
| Key number | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 79.03 | Restriction to three-wheeled vehicles |
| 79.04 | Three-wheeled vehicles with trailers up to 750 kg permissible total mass |
| 79.05 | Light Motorcycles with a power-to-weight ratio exceeding 0.1 kW/kg |
79.03, 79.04, and 79.05: What can you ride with them?
With key numbers 79.03 and 79.04, you are only allowed to ride three-wheeled vehicles (trikes); a normal two-wheeled Motorcycle or a 125cc Motorcycle is taboo. Don’t worry: you won’t get these entries if you get your A1 normally at a driving school. They almost exclusively appear on re-issued older driving licenses, for example, for a Class B from before January 19, 2013.
Key number 79.05 works exactly the opposite way: it extends your permission to light Motorcycles with a power-to-weight ratio exceeding 0.1 kW/kg and is primarily relevant for holders of older driving licenses. When in doubt, simply check which numbers are listed behind your A1, or ask your driving school.
Extending the A1 driving license: What’s possible afterwards
The A1 driving license is not the end: for many, it is the first step towards a larger Motorcycle driving license. If you have held A1 for at least two years, you can extend to A2. For this tiered extension, you usually do not need a new theory exam, but only practical preparation and a practical exam.
Why starting with A1 is worthwhile:
- Early routine: You gain valuable experience in real road traffic
- Technical know-how: You learn technology, cornering, and braking behavior from scratch
- Safer progression: Steering and balance are already established when you switch to a heavier Motorcycle
You can find more details on our page about progression. If you are just starting out and want to understand the differences between all classes, also check out the main page for Motorcycle driving licenses.
Conclusion: For whom is the A1 driving license worthwhile?
The A1 driving license is particularly worthwhile if you want to ride a Motorcycle properly at 16 and not just be limited to 45 km/h. With A1, you get significantly more freedom than with AM, but you remain in a beginner-friendly class. If you later want to extend to A2 or A, A1 is your sensible entry point. You gain driving experience early and won’t have to completely re-learn motorcycling later. If, on the other hand, you’ve had a car driving license for a long time and only want to ride a 125cc Motorcycle in Germany, B196 might be sufficient.
Still undecided? On our main page for Motorcycle driving licenses, you can compare all classes at a glance.
After the driving license comes the Motorcycle
With the driving license in your pocket, all that’s missing is the right 125cc motorcycle. We show you how to properly care for and keep your new motorcycle in top condition in our magazine article “Motorcycle Cleanliness“. And to protect it from rain, UV radiation, and dirt from day one, a high-quality, durable cover is worthwhile. Find the right size for your new motorcycle in three clicks below.
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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the A1 Motorcycle Driving License
What does a driving lesson for the A1 driving license cost?
A normal driving lesson usually costs about 60 to 90 Euros, depending on the driving school and region. Special lessons such as cross-country, motorway, and night rides are more expensive, often costing 70 to 100 Euros per hour. However, for your total costs, not only the individual price is important, but above all the number of practice lessons until the exam. That’s precisely why the A1 driving license can end up costing very different amounts for two driving students.
Are the A1 driving license costs different in Bavaria or North Rhine-Westphalia?
The A1 driving license costs can indeed vary in Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and other federal states. However, there is no fixed price per federal state. The prices of your driving school, local demand, and how many driving lessons you need are always decisive.
How much horsepower can you ride with A1?
With A1, you can ride Motorcycles up to a maximum of 11 kW. This corresponds to approximately 15 hp. In addition, a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 0.1 kW per kilogram applies, so looking at the hp number alone is not enough. You can read about what other limits apply in the section “Which Motorcycles can you ride with A1?”
Can you ride a quad or tractor with A1?
A1 is primarily intended for light Motorcycles up to 125 cm³ and certain three-wheeled motor vehicles. For quads, Class B is usually relevant, and for tractors, Class L or T, depending on use. If you want to ride a specific vehicle, always check the vehicle documents and the appropriate driving license class.
Can you get the A1 driving license at 15?
You can only get the A1 driving license from the age of 16. However, you can usually start the training beforehand so that you are ready for the exam around your 16th birthday. You can clarify the exact start date directly with your driving school.
Is there a 125cc driving license without an exam?
You cannot get the actual A1 driving license without a theory exam and a practical exam. For car drivers, there is B196, where a driver training course without an exam is sufficient. However, B196 is not a full A1 driving license, is only valid in Germany, and does not allow for a later upgrade to A2 or A. You can find out exactly how the extension works under B196 Extension.
What does the A1 driving license cost if Class B is already held?
If you already have Class B, you do not automatically get the A1 driving license cheaper. Training and examination remain necessary. You can only save on practice lessons if your experience in road traffic helps you. If, on the other hand, you only want to ride a 125cc Motorcycle in Germany, B196 is often the faster and cheaper way.
Which 125cc Motorcycles are available for the A1 driving license?
Many 125cc Motorcycles are suitable for A1, for example, naked Motorcycles, sporty models, enduro, supermoto, Scooters, and light electric Motorcycles. Not only power is important. Seat height, weight, and handling must suit you. Once your 125cc Motorcycle is in the garage or outdoors, it’s best to protect it from rain, UV radiation, and dirt. You can find the right size for your model in 3 clicks using our size finder.
How many theory lessons do you need for A1?
For A1 as a first class, 12 double lessons of basic material and 4 double lessons of additional material are mandatory, each lasting 90 minutes. With prior ownership of another class, such as a car driving license, 6 double lessons of basic material are sufficient.
Do you have A1 if you have B?
With Class B, you do not automatically get the A1 driving license. If you want the actual A1 driving license, you still need training, a theory exam, and a practical exam. For car drivers, there is the B196 extension. This allows you to ride 125cc Motorcycles in Germany after driver training, but you do not acquire a Class A1 driving license through it. Furthermore, a later upgrade to A2 is not possible. You can read about what else is possible with a car driving license regarding Motorcycles on our page With a car driving license.
Is the A1 exam difficult?
The A1 exam is manageable if you are well prepared and can safely control your Motorcycle. It usually becomes difficult if you are unsure about the basic driving maneuvers, have too little routine in traffic, or get nervous during the exam.
Most important are steering, slow riding, safe braking, evasive action, and a calm riding style in road traffic. If these points are solid, the practical exam is not rocket science. Therefore, don’t skimp on the last practice lessons if you still feel unsure.
Can you ride a 125cc Motorcycle at 16?
At 16, you can ride a 125cc Motorcycle as soon as you have passed the A1 driving license. A1 is the appropriate class for this: from 16, light Motorcycle up to 125cc and 11 kW. You can start the training beforehand so that you are ready for the exam around your 16th birthday.
