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Everything you need to know about the motorcycle licence Germany classes: A, A2, A1 and AM, with the minimum age, the requirements and which motorcycles you are allowed to ride in each. That way you get your motorcycle licence faster.
Information on the motorcycle licence Germany classes
Here you will find a clear and straightforward explanation of every motorcycle licence class, from the earliest entry level to the most demanding one. You will also see from what age you can start and which motorcycles are permitted.
| Class | Minimum age | What you can ride |
|---|---|---|
| AM | 15 | Scooters up to 50 cm³, max 45 km/h |
| A1 | 16 | Up to 125 cm³, max 11 kW, max 0.1 kW/kg |
| A2 | 18 | Max 35 kW, max 0.2 kW/kg |
| A | 24 direct, or 20 after two years on A2 | All motorcycles, no power limit |
| B196 | 25, plus 5 years on category B | Class A1 machines, Germany only B196 is not a licence class in its own right. It is an extension added to your category B licence, and it is valid only in Germany. |
Class AM
- Minimum age: 15
- What you can ride: Light vehicles with two, three or four wheels (scooters, trikes or four-wheeled light vehicles, so-called microcars), with a top speed of up to 45 km/h and either,
• a combustion engine of up to 50 cm³, or
• an electric motor with a maximum continuous rated power of 4 kW.
Ideal for anyone who wants to be mobile early. With the right motorcycle licence class, you can start getting around independently at 15.
Motorcycle licence class A1
- Minimum age: 16
- What you can ride: Motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 125 cm³ and a maximum power of 11 kW. The power-to-weight ratio must not exceed 0.1 kW/kg.
The A1 motorcycle licence is the perfect entry point for young riders who want their first real experience on a motorcycle.
Motorcycle licence class A2
- Minimum age: 18
- What you can ride: Motorcycles with a maximum power of 35 kW and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.2 kW/kg.
This class is an important intermediate step on the way to the unrestricted motorcycle licence.
Motorcycle Theory Test Germany – App for A, A1, A2, AM & Mofa
Prepare efficiently for your motorcycle theory test with official TÜV and DEKRA questions, identical to those used in the real exam and always up to date. Ideal for anyone who wants to save time and pass with confidence.
All official exam questions (TÜV / DEKRA)- Explanations for every question
- Bonus e-book TheorieKOMPAKT
LEARN MORE
Motorcycle licence class A (unrestricted)
- Minimum age:
• 24 for direct access, or
• 20 if you have held class A2 for at least two years. - What you can ride: All motorcycles and three-wheeled vehicles, with no power restriction.
The classic route to the unrestricted motorcycle licence.
The B196 extension
- Minimum age: 25
- Requirements: at least 5 years holding a category B licence, plus a special training course – at least nine teaching units of 90 minutes each, made up of four theory units and five practical units.
👉 With no further riding test. - What you can ride: The B196 extension lets you ride class A1 motorcycles, meaning machines with an engine capacity of no more than 125 cm³ and a maximum power of 11 kW, with a power-to-weight ratio no higher than 0.1 kW/kg.
- Validity: the B196 extension is valid only in Germany and is not recognised abroad. You can read more about it in our full guide to the B196 extension.
An important tip from our specialists: protective clothing is compulsory
Whichever motorcycle licence class you are aiming for, in Germany you are only allowed to take your riding lessons and your test in full protective gear: helmet, gloves, jacket with protectors, trousers and boots. Without the right equipment, the examiner will not let you ride. Budget for this from the start.
👉 You will find more details on the equipment you need, plus a full overview of all the fees, in our dedicated article: Motorcycle Licence Cost in Germany.
Bereit für die Anmeldung?
• Berechne dein Budget mit unserer Übersicht der Motorradführerschein-Kosten.
• Wenn du bereits seit mindestens 5 Jahren die Klasse B besitzt, könnte die vereinfachte B196-Regelung für dich interessant sein.
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