Anyone who wants to get a motorcycle licence — A1, A2 or A — starts with the theory exam. But what exactly does that exam look like? How many questions do you get, how many mistakes can you make and what are those notorious major offences that can fail you in one fell swoop?
In this article, we explain the complete exam: the procedure, the points system, the motorcycle-specific content and the most common mistakes.
The category A theory exam in figures 50 multiple-choice questions. At least 41/50 correct to pass — maximum 9 penalty points. 15 seconds per question. 5 questions are major offences: a mistake costs 5 points instead of 1. Two major mistakes = instant fail, even if the rest was perfect. Cost: 19 euros per attempt. Can be taken from 17 years and 9 months of age. The theory certificate is valid for 3 years. The exam is completely identical for A1, A2 and A. |
How does the category A theory exam work?
Step | What happens? |
1. Registration | You register at an approved GOCA exam centre with your identity card. You will be refused without a valid ID. You pay 19 euros. |
2. Taking your seat | You are assigned a computer screen with headphones. The questions are read aloud and shown with images. |
3. Answering 50 questions | Each question shows a traffic situation or statement with multiple-choice answers. You have 15 seconds per question — after that, the exam automatically continues. |
4. Instant result | After the last question, you will immediately see whether you have passed. If successful, you will receive your theory certificate — valid for 3 years. |
The points system: how many mistakes can you make?
You start with 50 points and lose points for each incorrect answer. You pass with a minimum of 41 points — so you can lose a maximum of 9 penalty points. However, not every mistake carries the same weight:
Type of mistake | Loss of points | Example |
Minor mistake | 1 point | Traffic sign misinterpreted, distance estimated incorrectly |
Major offence | 5 points | Ignoring a red light, speeding, crossing a continuous white line |
The rule that surprises candidates every year: 2 major mistakes = fail Out of the 50 questions, there are 5 that qualify as major offences. Each mistake on such a question costs 5 points. Two major mistakes mean 10 penalty points — more than the maximum of 9. You fail immediately, even if you answered the remaining 48 questions perfectly. The 5 categories of major offences: ignoring a red traffic light, crossing a continuous white line, failing to follow the instructions of an authorised officer, speeding offences, and other 3rd and 4th-degree violations. |
Calculation examples: pass or fail?
Scenario | Penalty points | Result |
9 minor mistakes, 0 major | 9 points | Passed (41/50) |
4 minor mistakes, 1 major | 9 points | Passed (41/50) |
5 minor mistakes, 1 major | 10 points | Failed (40/50) |
0 minor mistakes, 2 major | 10 points | Failed — even though all the rest is correct |
What makes the category A exam different from category B?
The format is identical to the B exam — but the content includes motorcycle-specific topics that you won't find anywhere else:
• Riding dynamics of a motorcycle: Braking behavior on two wheels, behavior in corners, risk of falling due to overload or incorrect loading, avoidance manoeuvres
• Pre-trip technical checks: Tyre pressure and tread depth, chain tension, brakes, oil, lights — these are standard exam questions
• Compulsory protective gear: Helmet (ECE-approved), motorcycle gloves, jacket with long sleeves, long trousers, boots with ankle protection — compulsory since 2011
• Visibility and road position: Motorcyclists are less visible. Which riding positions and behaviors increase your visibility to other road users?
• Riding in poor conditions: Rain, wind, slippery road markings, tram tracks, leaves — the risks and the correct adjustments
• Passengers and cargo: From what age are you allowed to carry a passenger? How does cargo affect riding behavior?
Practise with motorcycle-specific questions — not recycled car questions Some practice tools offer 'licence A theory' but in practice show the same questions as licence B. Those who practise this way miss out on the motorcycle-specific topics that do indeed appear on the exam. Always check whether your practice tool contains genuine A questions about riding dynamics, technical checks and gear. |
The most common mistakes on the category A theory exam
• Underestimating major offences: Candidates practise all topics equally — even though 5 questions can end the exam in an instant. Spend a disproportionate amount of time on red lights, continuous lines, speed and police instructions.
• Not training the pace: 15 seconds per question is short. Those who practise at home without a timer run out of time on the exam and start guessing.
• Skipping technical questions: Tyre pressure, chain tension, brake check: it feels like a side issue, but these are standard exam questions that get you free points if you know them.
• Confusing gear questions: What is legally compulsory (helmet, gloves, long sleeves/trousers, ankle protection) versus what is recommended (back protector, high-vis vest)? The exam tests exactly that distinction.
• Not analysing mistakes: Every mistake you don't understand, you will repeat on the exam. Analyse after each practice session: which rule was it, why did I think otherwise?
When are you ready for the exam?
The objective standard: you score above 43/50 on 3 mock exams in a row with 15 seconds per question. That 2-point buffer above the passing threshold absorbs exam stress. Those who score exactly 41/50 at home without time pressure are not ready — stress costs an average of 2 to 3 points on exam day.
Practise the exam as it really is RAPP simulates the licence A theory exam exactly: motorcycle-specific questions at GOCA level, 50 questions in 15 seconds, correct 5-point system for major offences and automatic error analysis by topic. That way, you know objectively when you are ready. Start for free, 9.99 for 14 days of full access. No subscription. |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How many mistakes are you allowed on the category A theory exam? A maximum of 9 penalty points out of 50 questions — you pass with 41/50. Minor mistakes cost 1 point, major offences 5 points. Two major mistakes (10 points) mean an instant fail, even if everything else is correct. |
What are major offences on the category A theory exam? Five categories: ignoring a red traffic light, crossing a continuous white line, failing to follow the instructions of an authorised officer, speeding offences and other 3rd and 4th-degree violations. 5 out of the 50 exam questions fall into this category — each mistake costs 5 points. |
How many questions does the category A theory exam have? 50 multiple-choice questions, with 15 seconds response time per question. The exam is identical for A1, A2 and A. You will receive the result immediately after the last question. |
Is the category A theory exam more difficult than category B? The format and difficulty level are similar, but the content differs: the A exam contains motorcycle-specific topics such as riding dynamics, technical checks, compulsory gear and visibility. Those who only practise with car questions will miss that material. |
From what age can you take the category A theory exam? From 17 years and 9 months. The theory certificate is valid for 3 years — you must take your practical exam within that period, otherwise you have to do the theory again. |
What happens if you fail the theory exam twice? After 2 failures, you are obliged to take 12 hours of theory lessons at an approved driving school (average 150-250 euros) before you can make a third attempt. Each attempt also costs 19 euros. Thorough preparation at exam level avoids those costs. |
See also
• Getting licence A, A1 or A2 in Belgium: the full process step-by-step (2026)
• How much does a category A licence cost in Belgium? Full cost overview
• Best apps and websites to practise for category A theory 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.