Motorcycle licence categories (AM, A1, A2, A)

In the European Union, licences for two- and three-wheeled motor vehicles are split into categories. The basic rules come from the EU driving licence directive, and member states may adjust some age limits.

• AM – mopeds and light quadricycles with a top speed of up to 45 km/h.
• A1 – motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW, with a power-to-weight ratio of up to 0.1 kW/kg; from age 16.
• A2 – motorcycles up to 35 kW, with a power-to-weight ratio of up to 0.2 kW/kg; from age 18. A restricted bike must not be derived from a model with more than double that power.
• A – unrestricted motorcycles; directly from age 24, or earlier after holding an A2 licence for at least 2 years.

Exact age limits, training and test requirements differ between countries – check your national licensing authority before buying a bike.