Motorcycle license: Classes, costs and requirements at a glance
Table of Contents
- Which motorcycle license is right for you?
- How much does a motorcycle license cost?
- What requirements do you need for a motorcycle license?
- How long does it take to get a motorcycle license?
- How many mandatory and driving lessons do you need?
- How theory, practice and exams work for the motorcycle license
- Motorcycle license intensive course: is it worth it?
- So, which motorcycle license is right for you?
- Frequently asked questions about motorcycle licenses
If you want to get your motorcycle license, you primarily need to clarify four things: Which class suits you, how much it costs, when you are allowed to ride a motorcycle, and how the training and exams work. In Germany, there are classes AM, A1, A2, and A. If you already have a car license and want to ride a 125cc, the B196 extension can be an option without full motorcycle training.
If you already have a rough idea of where you’re headed, jump straight to Class AM, Class A1/125cc, Class A2, Class A open, B196, which motorcycles you can ride with a car license or how you can upgrade your license.
The MYCOVER® team explains!
Which motorcycle license is right for you?
The right license class depends on how old you are, what you want to ride, and whether you already have a car license or a smaller motorcycle class. In Germany, the following classes are particularly relevant.
A1, A2 or A: What is the difference?
| Class | What you can ride | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| AM | Mopeds up to 45 km/h | 15 (domestic), 16 (abroad) |
| A1 | Light motorcycles up to 125 cm³ and max. 11 kW | 16 years |
| A2 | Motorcycles up to 35 kW | 18 years |
| A | All motorcycles without power limit | 24 years direct, 20 years via A2 |
| B196 (Class B extension) | 125cc based on Class B, not a separate motorcycle class | 25 years plus 5 years Class B |
What can I ride at 16?
At 16 years old, A1 is the relevant class for you. This allows you to ride light motorcycles up to 125 cm³ and a maximum of 11 kW, which is the first entry into motorcycling for many. AM is more of an option if you only want to ride mopeds up to 45 km/h.
How much does a motorcycle license cost?
The cost of a motorcycle license varies depending on the class, region, and driving school. On top of that, there are driving lessons, exam fees, and a few incidental costs. To give you an initial orientation, you will find an overview of the costs per class here.
Overview of costs by class
The table shows you rough comparison ranges for the most important classes. These are only orientation values and not fixed prices. Driving lessons, basic fees, and exam organization in particular can differ significantly depending on the driving school.
| Class | Rough cost orientation | Briefly categorized |
|---|---|---|
| Class AM | approx. €1,000 to €1,500 | affordable entry for mopeds up to 45 km/h |
| Class A1 / 125cc | approx. €2,600 to €3,400 | typical 125cc entry from age 16 |
| Class A2 | approx. €2,300 to €3,200 | entry from age 18 for motorcycles up to 35 kW |
| Class A open | approx. €2,500 to €4,000 | direct entry into the open class |
| B196 | approx. €700 to €1,100 | 125cc extension for car drivers, only in Germany |
What factors affect the costs?
Several cost blocks come together for a motorcycle license: the driving school’s basic fee, regular practice lessons, legally required special trips, and the fees for the theory and practical exams. In addition, there are incidental costs such as an eye test, passport photo, first aid course, and the official application.
You need motorcycle clothing for the practical lessons: a helmet, jacket, gloves, and sturdy footwear often have to be purchased first. Overall, the price of a motorcycle license can fluctuate significantly depending on the region, driving school, and personal learning progress.
How can I save money on my motorcycle license?
If you want to get your motorcycle license as cheaply as possible, you shouldn’t just look at the lowest entry price. It usually only becomes truly cheaper if the driving school plans transparently, you learn regularly, and you avoid unnecessary extra lessons. Those who push through theory and practice quickly often save more than someone who only relies on a cheap offer and later needs many extra lessons.
What requirements do you need for a motorcycle license?
Before you can start at the driving school, there are a few requirements. If you clarify these early on, you will save yourself unnecessary delays with the application.
Documents for the application:
- valid ID card or passport
- biometric passport photo
- eye test certificate (not older than 2 years)
- proof of a first aid course
- helmet and protective clothing for the driving lessons
Costs you should plan for:
- driving school basic fee
- driving lessons and special trips
- theory and practical exam
- official fees (varies by federal state)
- buffer for additional practice lessons
Good to know for afterwards:
- a motorcycle that suits you
- insurance and parking space
- suitable weather protection for outdoors with the MYCOVER® cover
Exactly what to expect depends on the class. You can find all the details at A1 / 125cc, A2, A open and B196.
How long does it take to get a motorcycle license?
Depending on the class and personal learning pace, the motorcycle license takes different amounts of time. To help you plan better, here is an overview of typical timeframes:
| Class | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| AM | 1 to 3 months |
| A1 | 3 to 6 months |
| A2 | 3 to 6 months |
| A (direct) | 3 to 6 months |
| A (upgrade) | 1 to 2 months |
| B196 | 2 to 4 weeks |
Those who stay on the ball regularly and don’t let theory and practice slide for weeks are usually finished much faster. You can find exactly how the training works for your class under the individual classes: Class AM, Class A1 / 125cc, Class A2, Class A open, B196 and Upgrade.
How many mandatory lessons and driving lessons do you need for a motorcycle license?
Mandatory lessons and driving lessons are a fixed part of every motorcycle training. Exactly how many there are differs depending on the class. In addition, there are extra practice lessons, the number of which depends on your learning level and driving experience.
Overview of mandatory lessons per class
| Class | Mandatory theory | Mandatory practice |
|---|---|---|
| AM | 12 double lessons basic material + 2 double lessons additional material | no fixed number of mandatory driving lessons |
| A1 | 12 double lessons basic material + 4 double lessons additional material | 12 special trips |
| A2 | same as A1 | 12 special trips |
| A | same as A1 | 12 special trips |
| B196 | 4 teaching units of 90 min each | 5 teaching units of 90 min each |
How many normal driving lessons you need in addition always depends on your learning level and driving experience. Details on mandatory lessons, special trips and training can be found under the individual classes: Class AM, Class A1 / 125cc, Class A2, Class A open and B196.
How theory, practice and exams work for the motorcycle license
The process for a motorcycle license is usually similar: you register at the driving school, do the theory first, then do your practical lessons and take the exams at the end. Depending on the license class and whether you already have a license, the exact scope can be slightly different.
Theory lessons and theory exam
Theoretical training forms the foundation for your motorcycle license. Here you will be taught all the right-of-way rules and traffic-specific knowledge for your chosen class. This module concludes with the theory exam.
If you already have a Class B (car) license, getting started is often easier. The amount of theory is significantly reduced in many cases. You also benefit from special regulations when upgrading within the motorcycle classes, which shorten the path to the new license.
Practical training and motorcycle exam
Practical training begins after the theory. You first get used to the motorcycle and then step-by-step train safe riding in traffic. This includes basic riding tasks and special trips, which are also important later in the motorcycle exam.
In the practical exam, it’s not just about vehicle control. The decisive factor is above all that you ride calmly, attentively and safely. Nervousness, haste or unclear vision can lead to mistakes. But don’t worry: that’s exactly what you train for in driving school until you can safely assess typical exam situations and react calmly.
Motorcycle license intensive course: is it worth it?
An intensive course can be useful if you are flexible with your time and want to get your license as compactly as possible. This also applies to a motorcycle license crash course. This refers to training in a tight rhythm, where theory, practice and exams are as close together as possible. This primarily saves time between the individual steps, but does not automatically make the license cheaper or easier. It’s best to ask directly on site whether your driving school offers an intensive course.
So, which motorcycle license is right for you?
It’s best to start with your goal: what do you want to ride, how old are you and what license do you already have? The key is not to end up in the largest class as quickly as possible, but to choose the entry point that really suits you.
Are you just starting out? Then take a look at Class A1 / 125cc or Class A2, depending on your age and motorcycle. Already have a car license? Then B196 or With a car license is often the fastest way to a motorcycle license. Want to upgrade from a smaller class? Then you can find all paths and costs under Upgrade.
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FAQ – Motorcycle license
What is the difference between A1 and A2?
A1 is from age 16 for light motorcycles up to 125 cm³ and 11 kW, A2 is from age 18 for motorcycles up to 35 kW. A2 is therefore the next step if you want to ride significantly more powerful motorcycles. You can find all the details on requirements, mandatory lessons and the process in the respective guides for Class A1 and Class A2.
How much does a motorcycle license cost if you already have a car license?
This can be significantly cheaper, but it depends on the path. If B196 is an option for you, you often save around 55 to 60 percent of the costs compared to A or A2 and also have significantly less theory work. When entering A or A2 directly with an existing car license, the amount of theory is smaller, but the practical training and exams still remain a major cost factor.
How much does a motorcycle license cost at 16?
If you start at 16, it’s usually about A1. You should roughly expect around 2,600 to 3,400 euros, depending on the driving school, region and additional driving lesson requirements.
Can you get a motorcycle license more cheaply?
Yes, but not necessarily with the cheapest driving school. You’re more likely to save if you learn regularly, are well prepared and don’t need unnecessary extra lessons. You can buy clothing second-hand. You shouldn’t skimp too much on the helmet because it has to fit perfectly and professional advice is useful.
Do you have to do theory again for a motorcycle license if you already have Class B?
That depends on the path. With a prior Class B license, the amount of theory is significantly reduced (6 instead of 12 double lessons of basic material, shorter theory exam with 20 instead of 30 questions). When upgrading from A1 to A2 or A2 to A after two years of possession, the theory is omitted completely. B196 runs as mandatory training without an exam. You can find out exactly what applies to your class at Class A1, Class A2, Class A open and B196.
How much does a motorcycle driving lesson cost?
A motorcycle driving lesson usually costs approx. €60 to €100 per 45 minutes, depending on the region and driving school. Special trips can be slightly more expensive. More important than the price of a single lesson, however, is how many practice lessons you need in total and how transparently the driving school breaks down its prices.
What should I look for in a motorcycle driving school?
Transparent costs, available dates for theory and practice, and good organization are important. If you are looking for a motorcycle driving school nearby, you should therefore not only look at the location, but also at the process and price structure.
Can you ride a motorcycle without an exam?
Generally no. For the normal motorcycle classes AM, A1, A2 and A, you need training with an exam. An important exception is B196: this allows you to ride 125cc bikes in Germany if you meet the requirements and complete the prescribed driver training. There is no theoretical or practical exam involved.
Do you need a license for an e-motorcycle?
Yes, in many cases you do. For an e-motorcycle, it’s not the fact that it runs electrically that counts, but which vehicle class it legally falls into. Depending on the power and classification, you might need AM, A1, A2 or A, for example. The decisive factor is therefore not the drive system, but which class the vehicle has.
Can you get a car and motorcycle license together?
Yes, that is fundamentally possible. The training consists of a theoretical and a practical part, which are linked together. Many driving schools offer to do car and motorcycle licenses in parallel. Whether this makes sense depends primarily on your time, your budget and the organization of the driving school.
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