You want to get a motorcycle licence in Belgium. But which category suits you — A1, A2 or A? And how does the process work exactly: theory, riding lessons, practical exam? The rules differ per category and per age, and there are direct and progressive routes.
In this article, we outline the entire process: from choosing your category to having your licence in your pocket — with all ages, requirements, and costs.
Motorcycle licence in Belgium in a nutshell Three categories: A1 (max. 125cc / 11 kW, from age 18), A2 (max. 35 kW, from age 20), A (unlimited, from age 24 direct or age 22 progressive via A2). Theory exam: identical for all three — 50 questions, 41/50 needed, 15 seconds per question, 19 euros, possible from age 17 and 9 months. Theory certificate remains valid for 3 years. Practical lessons compulsory: at least 9 hours (direct access) or 4 hours (progressive transition). Anyone who has held A1 for 2 years can upgrade to A2 without a new theory exam — same from A2 to A. |
Step 0: Choose your category — A1, A2 or A
The correct category depends on your age and what type of motorcycle you want to ride:
Category | Motorcycle type | Minimum age | Typical profile |
A1 | Max. 125cc, max. 11 kW | 18 years | Beginners, city traffic, light motorcycles |
A2 | Max. 35 kW (47.6 hp) | 20 years | Mid-range motorcycles, most popular category |
A (direct) | Unlimited power | 24 years | Those who want to ride heavy bikes straight away |
A (progressive) | Unlimited power | 22 years | Those who have already held A2 for 2 years |
The progressive route: cheaper and faster to category A Anyone who has held an A1 licence for 2 years can transition to A2 without a new theory exam — only 4 hours of practical training and a practical exam. The same applies from A2 to A. Via the progressive route, you can get the unlimited A licence from age 22 — two years earlier than the direct route (age 24). |
The step-by-step process
Step 1: The theory exam — from age 17 and 9 months |
The theory exam is completely identical for A1, A2 and A: 50 multiple-choice questions at GOCA exam level, at least 41/50 correct, 15 seconds per question, 19 euros per attempt. You can take it from age 17 and 9 months. The content is motorcycle-specific: in addition to the general highway code, it covers riding dynamics, vehicle mechanics (tyre pressure, chain, brakes), mandatory safety equipment (helmet ECE 22-05 or higher, gloves, boots, protective clothing) and visibility. Note: 5 of the 50 questions concern major offences — an error costs 5 points, and two major errors mean an automatic fail. Theory lessons are not compulsory: you can study entirely independently. The theory certificate is valid for 3 years — you must also pass your practical exam within this period. Tip: Prepare at GOCA exam level with motorcycle-specific questions — not with repurposed car questions. RAPP contains the complete motorcycle theory for A1/A2/A, mock exams on a 15-second timer, and automatic error analysis per topic. |
Step 2: Compulsory practical lessons at an approved riding school |
Unlike with a category B (car) licence, practical lessons for a motorcycle licence are always compulsory. Direct access (first motorcycle licence): at least 9 hours of practical training at an approved riding school. Progressive transition (from A1 to A2, or A2 to A after 2 years): at least 4 hours of practical training. During the lessons, you learn basic manoeuvres on a closed course and riding in real traffic. After the lessons, you decide together with the riding school whether you are ready for the exam, or if you should practice further with a provisional licence first. Tip: The 9 hours is a legal minimum — not a guarantee that you are ready. Ask the riding school for an honest assessment and schedule extra hours if necessary. Failing the practical exam costs more than an extra lesson. |
Step 3: Optional: practicing with a provisional licence |
After at least 9 hours of riding lessons, you can apply for a provisional licence at your local municipality (if the riding school deems you ready). This allows you to practice independently on public roads for a maximum of 12 months — without a passenger. This is optional: if you feel ready after your lessons, you can take the practical exam directly. The provisional licence is particularly useful for building up experience and getting familiar with your own motorcycle. Tip: The provisional licence is valid for 12 months and cannot be extended. Schedule your practical exam in good time — and keep in mind the 3-year validity of your theory certificate. |
Step 4: The practical exam: two tests |
The practical exam for category A consists of two parts. Test 1 — manoeuvres on a closed course: slalom, slow exercises, swerving, and precision braking. Test 2 — riding on public roads: at least 40 minutes in real traffic, where the examiner follows you and assesses you via radio. You take both tests using the motorcycle category for which you want to obtain the licence: a 125cc for A1, a motorcycle between 20 and 35 kW for A2, and a motorcycle of at least 50 kW for A. After two failed attempts at the practical exam, riding school lessons become compulsory again. Tip: Practice the manoeuvres until they become second nature — most candidates fail on the closed course section, not on the road ride. Slow-speed control (clutch, rear brake, looking far ahead) is the key. |
How much does a category A licence cost in Belgium?
Cost item | Amount (indicative price 2026) |
Theory exam (per attempt) | 19 euros |
Theory preparation tool (RAPP Premium) | 9.99 euros for 14 days |
Practical lessons: 9 hours (direct access) | 450-650 euros |
Practical lessons: 4 hours (progressive transition) | 200-300 euros |
Provisional licence (municipality, optional) | approx. 25-30 euros |
Practical exam (closed course + public roads) | approx. 53 euros per attempt |
Collecting the licence (municipality) | approx. 25-30 euros |
Total for direct access: expect 600 to 800 euros if you pass both exams on the first attempt. The progressive route is cheaper per step (4 hours of lessons instead of 9) but spreads the costs over several years.
How long does the entire process take?
• Fastest scenario: Theory exam + 9 hours of lessons + direct practical exam: achievable in 6 to 10 weeks.
• With provisional licence: Theory + lessons + months of independent practice + practical exam: 4 to 14 months.
• Progressive route to A: 2 years A1 → 4h lessons + exam → 2 years A2 → 4h lessons + exam → A. Total: at least 4 years, but without new theory exams.
Start your motorcycle licence with the right theory preparation RAPP contains the complete motorcycle theory for A1, A2 and A at GOCA exam level: motorcycle-specific practice questions, mock exams with a 15-second timer per question, a correct scoring system for major offences, automatic error analysis, and the risk perception test. Start for free, 9.99 for 14 days of Premium. No subscription. |
See also • Best apps and websites to practice for the category A theory licence in Belgium (2026) |
Written by Daan Van Isterdael, co-founder of RAPP. He built the platform that helps more than 10,000 Belgian candidates pass their driving licence test.