Choose a city and start directly with the appropriate pre-selection for driving license class A1.

The A1 driving license is the classic entry into the motorcycle sector and allows light motorcycles up to 125 cc. Here you can find out what requirements apply, how long the training and examination take and what costs you should expect. You can also compare suitable driving schools for class A1 on VEHI.

At A1, didactic quality and a good balance of practice and feedback are particularly important - especially for beginner drivers. A comparison will help you find driving schools with a transparent price structure, suitable vehicles and reliable scheduling.

A1 is the first full-fledged motorcycle class in the German tier system. It is limited to light motorcycles and serves as a safe introduction to motorized two-wheeled traffic.

Core features:

• Motorcycles up to 125 cc
• Power up to 11 kW
• limited power-to-weight ratio according to legal requirements

A1 is therefore an independent driving license and cannot be equated with the B196 extension. Anyone who owns A1 has a classic motorcycle driving license within this class.

The minimum age for A1 in Germany is generally 16 years. Many driving students therefore start theory and practice early, often parallel to school or training.

It is usually possible to start training before your birthday if the driving school and the authorities coordinate the schedule accordingly. This means that theory and driving training can be completed on time.

As a special rule, later level advancement is particularly relevant: with experience from A1, the change to A2 is often more structured and safer.

With A1, light motorcycles can be driven within the class limits. These include:

• 125cc motorcycles
• 125cc scooter
• light machines with performance suitable for everyday use

Typical areas of application:

• School and training path
• Commuting in the city and surrounding areas
• Getting started with touring on smaller machines

More powerful motorcycles in the A2 or A category are not permitted.

The typical requirements are:

• Minimum age according to legal regulations
• Eye test
• First aid course
• Application at the driving license office
• Registration at a driving school

Since A1 is often the first driving license, organizational preparation plays a major role. If you submit documents early, you can avoid delays in admission to the exam and scheduling appointments.

The training combines theory and practical driving techniques. In theory you will learn traffic rules, danger perception, environmental aspects and basic vehicle technology.

In practice the focus is on:

• safe starting, shifting and braking
• Stable vehicle control at low and medium speeds
• Gaze technique and curve behavior
• Defensive driving style in mixed traffic

In addition, compulsory parts and special trips are part of the training path. The aim is for you to master typical everyday situations not just somehow, but in a controlled and risk-conscious manner.

Theory test The theory test covers general and motorcycle-specific content. Rules knowledge, danger recognition and situation-related decisions are tested. Good preparation means continuous learning instead of just short-term training.

Practical exam The practical test tests vehicle control and traffic skills. This includes driving technique tasks, safe behavior in internal and external situations and anticipatory driving. What is important is not speed, but controlled and safe participation in traffic.

The costs for A1 vary depending on the region, driving school and individual number of hours. The need for practice hours can vary, especially for novice drivers.

Typical cost points:

• Basic amount and learning material
• Theory lessons
• practical driving lessons
• Special trips
• Examination fees
• If necessary, additional lessons or repeat classes

The total costs often range from around 1,800 to 3,500 euros.

Delimitation in the two-wheeler sector:

• AM: Mopeds and slow mopeds.
• A1: Light motorcycles up to 125 cc.
• A2: Motorcycles up to 35 kW.
• A: Motorcycles without power limitations.
• B196: 125cc extension for drivers, but not a full A1 class.

A1 is therefore the classic and sustainable entry-level class for anyone who seriously wants to ride a motorcycle.

A1 is ideal for anyone who wants to get started with motorcycle mobility early and acquire a real two-wheeler driving license. The class offers a balanced ratio of suitability for everyday use, learnability and later development opportunities in the level system.

If you are planning A1, choosing the right driving school is particularly worthwhile. On VEHI you can compare driving schools for class A1 and find the offer that suits you in terms of subject matter, organization and price.