Class A Motorcycle License: Everything You Need to Know About the Unrestricted Motorcycle License
Do you want to ride a motorcycle without having to worry about horsepower limits or restrictions later on? Then the Class A motorcycle license is the right way to go. It is the highest motorcycle license class in Germany and entitles you to ride any motorcycle without power or displacement limitations.
We’ll clarify here how much it costs, at what age you can start, and what else you need to know.
The MYCOVER® team explains!
Table of Contents
- What is the Class A motorcycle license?
- How much does the Class A motorcycle license cost?
- What can I ride with a Class A license?
- When can I get the Class A motorcycle license?
- Requirements for the Class A motorcycle license
- Class A: How the training proceeds until you get your license
- Conclusion: Is the Class A motorcycle license worth it?
- After getting your license: Properly protect your motorcycle
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the Class A motorcycle license
What is the Class A motorcycle license?
The Class A motorcycle license, colloquially also known as the “big motorcycle license” or “unrestricted motorcycle license,” is the highest German driving license for motorcycles. Unlike the smaller classes, there are no longer any limits on power, displacement, or top speed. You ride what you want.
What makes the Class A driving license special:
- It automatically includes all other motorcycle classes (AM, A1, A2)
- You are allowed to ride unrestricted machines with any power and horsepower
- Large trikes over 15 kW are also permitted (from 21 years of age)
- The Class A driving license is valid throughout the EU, not just in Germany
The Class A motorcycle license is worthwhile for anyone who wants to ride long-term without restrictions and keep their options open for powerful machines. For a pure entry, however, the smaller classes A1 or A2 are often sufficient. You can clarify which class suits you best by comparing all classes in our motorcycle license guide.
How much does the Class A motorcycle license cost?
How expensive the Class A motorcycle license will be depends primarily on how many practice hours you need until you are ready for the exam. For direct entry, the full scope of training is required; via the staged route from A2, it becomes significantly cheaper (more on this here: Upgrade from A2 to A). The following overview shows you the individual items.
| Cost item | Range (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Driving school basic fee | 300 to 450 € |
| Driving lessons (practice + 12 special lessons) | 1,800 to 3,100 € |
| Exam fees (TÜV/DEKRA + driving school presentation) | 200 to 300 € |
| Eye test, first aid course, passport photo, application | 100 to 180 € |
| Learning materials & apps | 50 to 120 € |
| Total | approx. €2,500 to €4,000 |
Your prior experience makes the biggest difference. Those who have already ridden an A1 motorcycle or a Scooter can manage with fewer practice hours. Those starting completely from scratch will likely need 10 to 20 hours at 60 to 100 € each (45 minutes) until they are ready for the exam. This is precisely what determines whether you end up at the lower or upper end of the range.
How much does the Class A motorcycle license cost if I already have a car license?
If you already have a car license, you get a small advantage in theory. Since you already know parts of the basic material, 6 double lessons are sufficient instead of 12. The practical part, however, remains fully intact. Here’s what the scope looks like with a Class B license:
- Basic theory: 6 instead of 12 double lessons
- Motorcycle-specific theory: 4 double lessons (unchanged)
- Special lessons: all 12 remain mandatory
- Theory and practical exam: you take them regularly
Ultimately, with a car license, you realistically save 100 to 200 € on the theory part. Prior ownership only really makes a difference if you already have an A1 or A2 license. Then significantly more hours are dropped. You can find out what other options are available to car drivers on our page Riding a motorcycle with a car license.
There is a way to get on two wheels earlier and without full motorcycle training: the key number B196. From the age of 25 and with five years of car license ownership, you can ride a 125cc after a short training course, without an exam (only valid in Germany and cannot be credited towards higher classes).
What can I ride with a Class A license?
Class A is complete freedom on two wheels: no power limit, no displacement limit, no restrictions. From agile Scooters to 200 hp machines, you can ride whatever you fancy. Whether it’s a tourer for long journeys, a supersport, naked bike, or cruiser, with Class A, the entire motorcycle world is open to you. This makes the Class A motorcycle license the only class that truly leaves every door open for you.
Specifically, Class A entitles you to:
- Motorcycles of all types with more than 50 cc displacement
- Motorcycles with a design-related top speed over 45 km/h
- Vehicles with sidecars without power limitation
- Three-wheeled motor vehicles with more than 15 kW power (from 21 years of age)
- All vehicles of classes AM, A1, and A2, which are automatically included
If you want to get a 1000cc machine later, there’s no way around Class A. It’s the only class without a power limit and gives you complete freedom in choosing your motorcycle.
When can I get the Class A motorcycle license?
There are three paths to the Class A motorcycle license with different age limits. Which one suits you depends on your age and your existing licenses.
Direct entry at 24 years: You get the Class A motorcycle license in one go, without having A1 or A2 beforehand. Done and dusted. This is the classic path for anyone who starts motorcycling later.
Staged entry from 20 years: You have already held a Class A2 license for two years and then upgrade to Class A. The big advantage: The theory test is completely waived, and you need significantly fewer practice hours. More details can be found in our article on upgrading from A2 to A.
Trikes from 21 years: A special rule for three-wheeled trikes with more than 15 kW of power. Those who exclusively want to ride trikes can get the Class A motorcycle license at 21 years of age. However, a two-wheeled motorcycle is not permitted with this option.
You can take the theoretical exam three months before your birthday, and the practical exam one month before. So, if you want to have your license in hand exactly on your 24th birthday, you should start in good time.
Requirements for the Class A motorcycle license
Before you register at a driving school, you should ensure that you meet all basic requirements. The list is manageable, but each point is mandatory.
- Minimum age reached (24, 21, or 20 years, depending on the path)
- Eye test by an optician or ophthalmologist (not older than two years)
- First aid course with 9 teaching units of 45 minutes each
- Biometric passport photo for the driving license
- ID card or passport as proof of identity
- Application at the driving license office of your place of residence
You submit the application to the local citizens’ office or driving license authority. In most cases, you can also prepare it online. Plan for four to six weeks of processing time here, as police inquiries are often made. Those who start too late risk delays in their exam date.
You can complete the eye test and first aid course parallel to registering at the driving school. The first aid course is valid indefinitely. If you have already completed it (for example, for a car), that is also sufficient for the Class A motorcycle license.
Class A: How the training proceeds until you get your license
Once you have clarified the requirements and enrolled in a driving school, you will undergo training in two blocks, at the end of which are the theoretical and practical exams.
- Theory: Lessons and theory test
- Practice: Practice lessons, special rides and the practical test
The actual scope depends primarily on your prior experience. However, no one can avoid a certain mandatory basic level.
Theory lessons for the unrestricted Class A
For direct entry without another class, the mandatory part comprises 12 double lessons of basic knowledge and 4 double lessons on motorcycle technology, calculated in units of 90 minutes. If a driving license such as Class B is already held, the basic material is reduced by half to 6 double lessons, while the 4 motorcycle-specific lessons remain. The final theory exam is taken on a computer and asks 30 questions for first-time acquisition or 20 for an extension. More than 10 penalty points mean failure.
Which driving lessons are mandatory for Class A
The number of regular practice hours is determined by your driving instructor as needed; it is not legally prescribed. However, for direct entry, 12 special lessons are mandatory, divided into 5 overland, 4 highway, and 3 at night, each lasting 45 minutes. If you already hold an A1 or A2 license, but have not yet reached 2 years on A2, the workload is reduced to 3, 2, and 1 lesson. Those who have completed 2 years on A2 no longer need any special lessons and can upgrade directly after a few practice hours on the larger machine. You can find the details on our page about upgrading from A2 to A.
The practical exam for Class A
For direct entry, the practical exam lasts about 60 minutes; for upgrading from A2, it’s 40 minutes. First, you’ll perform basic maneuvers, including slalom, evasive action, emergency braking, and maneuvering at walking speed. Afterward, you’ll demonstrate your confident control of the motorcycle on a longer route in public traffic.
Conclusion: Is the Class A motorcycle license worth it?
If you want to ride a motorcycle long-term and without power limits, the Class A motorcycle license, i.e., the unrestricted Class A motorcycle license, is the right choice. It is an investment from which you will benefit for decades. The driving license itself is valid indefinitely; only the license document needs to be renewed every 15 years. If you are younger than 24, the staged route via A2 is usually worthwhile. You gain two years of experience on an easily manageable machine, and the later upgrade to Class A is significantly shorter and cheaper. You can find a direct comparison of all classes in our comprehensive motorcycle license guide.
After getting your license: Properly protect your motorcycle
When you eventually get your dream motorcycle, it should be well protected from the start. A high-quality motorcycle Cover protects the paint from sun, rain, and curious glances, whether the machine is outside or in the garage. We offer premium protection with custom-fit recommendations for over 2,500 motorcycle models. Find your correct size in 3 clicks:
Your size in 3 clicks
Find your cover now!
If your model year is not on the list, select the model of the same type. If the size does not fit, we will of course take the product back or exchange it.
Fill in the fields above to receive recommendations
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the Class A motorcycle license
How much does the Class A motorcycle license cost?
For direct entry, you’ll usually pay between 2,500 and 4,000 €. The exact amount depends primarily on the number of your practice hours. The staged route from A2 is significantly cheaper because most mandatory hours are waived. Do you already have A2? Here’s how you save when upgrading from A2 to A.
How long does the Class A motorcycle license take?
For direct entry, it usually takes three to six months. When upgrading from A2 to A, it’s much faster, often just one to two months. If you’re in a hurry, you can choose an intensive course and complete the training in a few weeks.
How many horsepower can I ride with a Class A motorcycle license?
There is no upper horsepower limit. With a Class A motorcycle license, you can ride any motorcycle, whether it’s 50 hp, 150 hp, or more. The power-to-weight ratio also plays no role, unlike with Class A2.
What does the “A” on the driving license mean?
The “A” stands for driving license class A, i.e., the unrestricted motorcycle license. The smaller classes A1 (up to 125 cc) and A2 (up to 35 kW) are automatically included.
What happens if I ride a Class A motorcycle with an A2 license?
This is considered driving without a license and is a criminal offense. Possible consequences include a fine, points in Flensburg, and revocation of the driving license. In the event of an accident, the insurance company may also refuse to pay out.
Can I get the Class A motorcycle license in an intensive course?
Yes, many driving schools offer intensive courses. The complete training is completed in a few weeks, often full-time. The costs are usually slightly higher than for regular training, but you save a lot of time.
What is the difference between A1, A2, and A?
The three classes differ primarily in the permitted power and minimum age. You can ride A1 from 16 with up to 125 cc and 11 kW, A2 from 18 with up to 35 kW, and the unrestricted Class A from 24 (or from 20 via the staged route) completely without restriction. Practically, this means: With a Class A motorcycle license, you are automatically allowed to ride everything that also falls under A1 and A2. Do you want to see all classes at a glance? You can find the complete comparison in our comprehensive motorcycle license guide.
How many theory lessons do I need for the Class A motorcycle license?
For direct entry, it’s 16 double lessons (12 basic material plus 4 additional material). With prior ownership of Class B, the basic material is reduced to 6 double lessons. When upgrading from A2 with two years of prior ownership, theory lessons are completely waived.
Is the Class A motorcycle license time-limited?
The driving license is valid indefinitely. However, the document (i.e., the plastic card) must be renewed every 15 years. This is purely administrative and does not require a new exam or eye test.
What does key number 196 offer compared to the Class A motorcycle license?
The key number B196 allows Class B holders to ride 125cc motorcycles in Germany. Requirements: 25 years old, five years of Class B ownership, and a short training course. This is not a Class A motorcycle license and is not valid abroad.
