A2 License: Costs, 48 HP Limit and Which Motorcycles You Can Ride
At 18, out on the country roads, first motorcycle, first real touring feeling—that’s what the A2 license is made for. For most people, it’s the entry point into real motorcycling, without having to get on a machine with full power right away. You can ride significantly more powerful motorcycles than with a 125cc, but you don’t need to be 24 yet like for the open Class A.
On this page you’ll find answers to the most important questions about the A2 license: what it costs, which motorcycles are permitted, how the test and riding lessons work, and how long the whole process takes.
The MYCOVER® team explains!
Table of Contents
What is the A2 License?
The A2 license is the intermediate motorcycle class in Germany. It sits between A1 (for 125cc) and the open Class A. With A2, you can ride motorcycles that have significantly more power than a 125cc, but don’t yet reach the full performance of Class A. For many, A2 is the first “real” motorcycle license. You can comfortably ride country roads, highways and longer tours with it. That’s exactly why A2 is often more sensible for beginners than jumping straight into the open Class A.
If you’re still at the very beginning and want to compare all classes, you’ll find the overview on our main motorcycle license page.
What Does the A2 License Cost?
The A2 license usually costs around €2,300 to €3,200. That’s a realistic guideline. The exact price depends heavily on how many riding lessons you need, where you live and how your driving school charges. The biggest costs don’t come from theory, but from practical riding lessons. The more confident you become on the motorcycle, the fewer additional lessons you need. It gets more expensive especially if you take a long time or have to repeat a test.
| Cost item | Range |
|---|---|
| Driving School Base Fee (incl. Theory) | approx. €350 to €500 |
| Riding Lessons (Practice and 12 Special Rides) | approx. €1,500 to €2,100 |
| Test Fees (TÜV/DEKRA and Presentation) | approx. €300 to €400 |
| Eye Test, First Aid, Passport Photo, Application | approx. €100 to €180 |
| Learning Materials / App | approx. €50 to €120 |
| Total | approx. €2,300 to €3,200 |
Costs with Prior B or A1 License
If you already have a car license, the A2 license doesn’t automatically become cheap. You may have experience in traffic, but riding a motorcycle is a different world. Balance, visual guidance, cornering technique, braking and slow riding still need to be learned. How much you save depends mainly on your prior license:
- No license: full theory and full practice, often the most expensive.
- A2 License with Class B: less theory, full practice, usually only slightly cheaper.
- A1 for less than 2 years: training can be shorter, so often somewhat cheaper.
- A1 for at least 2 years: upgrade with only practical test, significantly cheaper.
More on this on our upgrade page.
Which Motorcycles Can You Ride with A2?
The selection of A2 motorcycles is huge: naked bikes, adventure tourers, sport tourers and cruisers—almost every manufacturer has suitable models in their lineup. Some are built for A2 from the factory, others can be officially restricted to A2 performance. For a motorcycle to be permitted with A2, three things must be right: the power in kW, the power-to-weight ratio (ratio of power to weight) and for restricted models, the correct entry in the vehicle documents. Sounds like a lot of bureaucracy, but it’s quickly checked when buying a motorcycle.
The Power Limits: 48 HP, 35 kW and the Power-to-Weight Ratio
The decisive factor is the power in kW; in everyday use, it’s converted to HP: 35 kW equals around 48 HP, that’s the central A2 limit. Added to this is the power-to-weight ratio of maximum 0.2 kW per kilogram. The reasoning: a super-light motorcycle with 48 HP would feel like 70 or 80 HP, and that’s exactly what the rule is meant to prevent. In practice, this means: an A2 motorcycle with 35 kW must weigh at least around 175 kg. If it’s lighter, it’s out despite having the right HP. For restricted models, the reduced power must be stated in the vehicle documents, otherwise you’ll have a problem if questioned.
Understanding Restriction on A2 Motorcycles Correctly
Most A2 motorcycles are either designed for 35 kW from the factory or restricted from a more powerful model to A2. Restriction in particular is one of the most important topics with the A2 license and the one where many beginners make mistakes. You should know two conditions:
- Registration is mandatory: The restriction must be stated in the documents. A sticker or a word from the seller isn’t enough.
- Maximum 70 kW original power: The unrestricted motorcycle may have at most double the A2 power. So a 200 HP machine can’t be restricted for A2, but a 95 HP machine can.
If you buy a used A2 motorcycle, always check the vehicle documents: the restricted power must be stated there, not just the original. If in doubt, ask the seller about the registration. And if you’re still unsure whether A1 or A2 is better for you? Then it’s worth looking at our guide to the A1 license.
Displacement and Speed: What is Permitted with A2?
With the A2 license, there’s no cc limit. What matters is power and power-to-weight ratio, not displacement. That’s why a motorcycle with 300 cc, 500 cc or more can be permitted, as long as it complies with the 35 kW and the power-to-weight ratio of 0.2 kW per kilogram. There’s also no separate A2 speed limit. You can ride as fast as the motorcycle, traffic situation and traffic rules allow. Many A2 motorcycles reach around 140 to 180 km/h depending on the model. For beginners, though, speed matters less than the motorcycle being easy to control and the seat height and weight being suitable.
Requirements, Age and Duration
Before you can start A2 training, it’s worth looking at the most important framework conditions. In this section we’ll clarify from what age the A2 license is possible, what documents and requirements you need, and how long the training realistically takes. This way you’ll know from the start what’s coming and can plan better.
From What Age is A2 Possible?
You can get the A2 license from age 18. You don’t need an A1 license beforehand. If you want to start directly at 18, A2 is the most sensible entry point for many. You can usually start training a bit before your 18th birthday. When exactly the theory test and practical test are possible, you should clarify directly with the driving school. Later you can upgrade from A2 to the open Class A, after two years of A2 and at the earliest at age 20. Which age applies to which class can be seen bundled on our main motorcycle license page.
What Other Requirements Do I Need?
For the A2 license you need a few standard documents. Take care of them early, because the application at the licensing office can take time. Without an approved application you can’t take the test. Typical requirements:
- Minimum age 18 years
- valid ID
- biometric passport photo
- Eye test
- First aid course
- application at the licensing office
- registration at the driving school
How Long Does the A2 License Take?
For the A2 license you should realistically plan for about 3 to 6 months. Those who learn intensively and get test appointments quickly can also be done in a few weeks. With little time or a fully booked driving school it can take several months. If you’re upgrading from A1 to A2, it usually goes much faster. Don’t plan too tightly: motorcycle riding needs practice, especially with slow riding, braking and in curves. Those who go into the test confidently save money, because every repeat costs extra.
Your Path to A2: Theory, Practice and Test
You can tackle the A2 license from age 18, either as a direct entry or following A1. In both cases, the training is divided into three stages that build on each other.
- Beforehand: Registration at the driving school, eye test and first aid course
- Theory: Lessons and theory test
- Practice: Practice lessons, special rides and the practical test
Theory: How Many Theory Lessons Do You Need for A2?
If you’re starting without a previous license, 16 double lessons are on the program: 12 on general basic knowledge and 4 about motorcycles, each session lasts 90 minutes. If you’ve already done the car license or another class, the basic material shrinks to 6 double lessons, the motorcycle-specific part remains unchanged. At the end, everyone takes the theory test on a computer, with 30 questions for first-time acquisition and 20 for an extension. Anyone who collects more than 10 error points must take it again.
Practice: How Many Riding Lessons Do You Need for A2?
For the free practice lessons there’s no fixed requirement; their scope depends solely on your learning progress. Different for the special rides: here 12 units are mandatory, distributed across 5 country road tours, 4 on the highway and 3 in poor lighting conditions, each 45 minutes. Since an A2 machine with its up to 35 kW brings noticeably more power than a 125cc, additional practice before the mandatory rides usually pays off.
The Practical A2 Test
For the practical test you should plan around 60 minutes. It starts with the basic riding exercises like slalom, emergency braking and evasion, before you demonstrate in moving traffic that you can safely control your A2 motorcycle.
Upgrading A2: From A1 and to A
You can reach or expand the A2 license in both directions with reduced effort. If you already have A1, you get to A2 cheaper and faster, depending on how long you’ve had A1. And after two years of A2 you can upgrade to the open Class A, with significantly less effort than with a direct entry. All paths, requirements and costs can be found on our upgrade page.
Conclusion: A2 License as the Ideal Entry Point
The A2 license is the most sensible way into motorcycling for most people. You have enough power for country roads, highways and longer tours, without having to get on an open-class machine right away. The selection of A2 motorcycles is huge—from naked bikes to adventure tourers to cruisers, you’ll find models for your individual taste.
What’s important is that you look at the right values when buying: 35 kW power, the appropriate power-to-weight ratio and for restricted models, the correct entry in the documents. Those who’ve had A1 for two years save significantly on the upgrade. Everyone else should plan for around €2,300 to €3,200 and 3 to 6 months of training duration. With good preparation and enough practice lessons, you’ll pass on the first attempt and be on the road faster than you think.
After the license: Protect your motorcycle from day 1
After passing the test, the first motorcycle often arrives quickly. If it’s parked outside, rain, UV radiation, dust and bird droppings directly affect paint, seat, chrome and mechanics. A custom-fit cover protects your motorcycle from day one and helps you maintain its condition long-term. Select your size now and order!
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FAQ: Common Questions About the A2 License
What Can I Ride with A2?
With A2 you can ride motorcycles up to 35 kW (around 48 HP) and a power-to-weight ratio of maximum 0.2 kW per kilogram. More powerful motorcycles are permitted if they’re officially restricted to these values and it’s stated in the documents.
From What Age Can I Get the A2 License?
You can get the A2 license from age 18. You can usually start training at the driving school shortly before your 18th birthday, but the test itself is only possible at 18.
What Does the A2 License Cost?
The A2 license realistically costs between €2,300 and €3,200. The exact price depends on how many riding lessons you need, how your driving school charges and where you live.
Can I Get A2 Without A1?
Yes. You can start directly with A2, without having done A1 first. A2 is an independent license class and not just an upgrade from A1. If you’re still considering starting with Class A1 first, you’ll find all the information there.
How Many cc Can You Ride with A2?
With the A2 license there’s no cc limit. Motorcycles with 500 cc, 650 cc or more are also permitted, as long as power and power-to-weight ratio are right.
How Many HP Can You Ride with A2?
With A2 you can ride motorcycles up to 35 kW, that’s around 48 HP. Additionally important is the power-to-weight ratio of maximum 0.2 kW per kilogram, so the HP number alone isn’t enough.
What Does the 70 kW Rule Mean for A2?
A restricted A2 motorcycle in Germany may originate from a maximum 70 kW machine. So the unrestricted original may have at most double the A2 power. A 200 HP machine therefore can’t be legally restricted to A2.
What is the difference between A1 and A2?
A1 only permits 125cc with 11 kW (around 15 HP) from age 16. A2 permits motorcycles up to 35 kW (around 48 HP) from age 18, so significantly more powerful machines with more displacement and more power. All classes in direct comparison can be found on our main motorcycle license page.
Can I switch from A1 to A2 without a test?
No, it doesn’t work completely without a test. If you’ve had A1 for at least two years, you don’t need a new theory test. But you must take the practical test. How the upgrade between classes works exactly, we explain step by step.
How Long Does the A2 License Take?
Realistically, the A2 license takes 3 to 6 months. If you learn intensively and get many appointments, it goes faster. With little time or fully booked driving schools it can also take several months.
How Fast Can I Ride with A2?
There’s no separate A2 speed limit. You can ride as fast as your motorcycle and traffic rules allow. Many A2 motorcycles reach 140 to 180 km/h.
Is the B License Enough for A2?
No. Class B isn’t enough for A2, B196 isn’t either. With B196 you can only ride 125cc. What else is possible with the car license, you can read on the respective page. For A2 you need separate training with a practical test.
Which Motorcycles Are Best for A2 Beginners?
Beginners often ride better with a lighter, well-mannered motorcycle than with a heavy, heavily restricted machine. Naked bikes with genuine 35 kW from the factory are considered very beginner-friendly, because handling is predictable and the riding position remains relaxed.
Is the A2 License Possible Without a Test?
No. You don’t get the A2 license completely without a test. Even when upgrading from A1 to A2, a practical test is mandatory; only the theory test can be waived with long A1 prior ownership. Class B and B196 aren’t enough; B196 only permits certain 125cc, not A2 motorcycles.
