You want to get a motorcycle licence in Belgium. But which category suits you — A1, A2 or A? And how exactly does the process work: 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 getting your licence — with all ages, obligations 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 required, 15 seconds per question, 19 euros, possible from age 17 and 9 months. Theory certificate valid for 3 years. Practical lessons compulsory: at least 9 hours (direct access) or 4 hours (progressive transition). Anyone who has had an A1 licence for 2 years can transition to A2 without a new theory exam — the same applies from A2 to A. |
Step 0: choose your category — A1, A2 or A
The right category depends on your age and the type of motorcycle you want to ride:
Category | Motorcycle type | Minimum age | Typical profile |
A1 | Max. 125cc, max. 11 kW | 18 years | Starters, 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 motorcycles straight away |
A (progressive) | Unlimited power | 22 years | Those who have already held an A2 licence 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 lessons and a practical exam are required. The same applies from A2 to A. Via the progressive route, you can obtain an unlimited category A licence from age 22 — two years earlier than the direct route (age 24). |
The process step-by-step
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 may 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 technology (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 — a mistake costs 5 points, and two major mistakes mean an immediate fail. Theory classes are not compulsory: you can study completely 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 reused car questions. RAPP contains the complete motorcycle theory for A1/A2/A, mock exams with 15-second limits, and automatic error analysis per topic. |
Step 2: Mandatory practical lessons at an approved riding school |
Unlike with driving licence B, practical lessons for a motorcycle licence are always mandatory. Direct access (first motorcycle licence): at least 9 hours of practical lessons at an approved riding school. Progressive transition (from A1 to A2, or A2 to A after 2 years): at least 4 hours of practical lessons. During the lessons, you will learn basic manoeuvres on a closed test track 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 practise further first with a provisional licence. 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 needed. Failing the practical exam costs more than an extra lesson. |
Step 3: Optional: practising with a provisional licence |
After at least 9 hours of lessons, you can apply for a provisional licence at your local town hall (if the riding school deems you ready). This allows you to practise independently on public roads for a maximum of 12 months — without a passenger. This is optional: if you feel ready after your riding lessons, you can take the practical exam directly. The provisional licence is mainly useful for gaining 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 on time — and keep the 3-year validity of your theory certificate in mind. |
Step 4: The practical exam: two tests |
The practical exam for licence A consists of two parts. Test 1 — manoeuvres on a closed test track: slalom, slow riding exercises, swerving and precision braking. Test 2 — riding on public roads: at least 40 minutes in real traffic, where the examiner follows and assesses you via radio. You take both tests with a motorcycle in the category you wish to obtain: 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, school riding lessons are mandatory once again. Tip: Practise the manoeuvres until they become automatic — most candidates fail on the track section, not on the road test. Low-speed control (clutch, rear brake, looking far ahead) is key. |
What 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 (town hall, optional) | approx. 25-30 euros |
Practical exam (track + public road) | approx. 53 euros per attempt |
Collecting driving licence (town hall) | approx. 25-30 euros |
Total direct access: expect to pay between 600 and 800 euros if you pass both exams on your 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 + immediate 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 15 seconds per question, a correct scoring system for major offences, automatic error analysis and the hazard perception test. Start for free, 9.99 for 14 days of Premium. No subscription. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
From what age can you get a motorcycle licence in Belgium? You can take the theory exam from age 17 and 9 months. The licence itself: A1 from age 18, A2 from age 20, A from age 24 (direct access) or age 22 (progressively via 2 years of A2). |
Is the theory exam the same for A1, A2 and A? Yes, completely identical: 50 questions, 41/50 required, 15 seconds per question, 19 euros. Anyone who has already held an A1 licence for 2 years does not need to take a new theory exam when transitioning to A2 — the same applies from A2 to A. |
Are riding lessons compulsory for a motorcycle licence? Yes — unlike for driving licence B. Direct access: at least 9 hours of practical lessons at an approved riding school. Progressive transition (after 2 years of A1 or A2): at least 4 hours. Theory classes are not compulsory. |
How long is the theory certificate for licence A valid? 3 years. You must pass your practical exam within this period. If the certificate expires, you must retake the theory exam. |
How much does a category A licence cost in total? Expect to pay 600 to 800 euros for the direct route if you pass first time: theory exam (19 euros), 9 hours of lessons (450-650 euros), practical exam (approx. 53 euros) and administrative fees. Good theory preparation (9.99 euros) avoids costly re-exams. |
Can you ride a 125cc motorcycle with a car driving licence B? Under certain conditions, yes. Anyone who obtained their driving licence B before 1 May 2011 is automatically allowed to ride an A1 motorcycle — in Belgium only. For those who obtained their B licence later: at least 2 years holding licence B plus 4 hours of training, after which code 372 is added to the licence. Again, this applies only on Belgian territory. For travelling abroad, a genuine A1 licence is required. |
Read also
• Best apps and websites to practice for motorcycle licence A theory in Belgium (2026)
• Theory exam driving licence A: what does it look like and how many mistakes can you make?
• Practice licence A theory on rapp-app.com/rijbewijs-a-theorie
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.