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Motorcycle licence in Switzerland: categories, costs in CHF and steps

Realistic budget, timelines and steps for the motorcycle licence in Switzerland in 2026: categories A1, restricted A and unrestricted A, prices, tests…

A1, restricted A, unrestricted A: which category to choose

Allow between CHF 3,500 and 5,500 and six to twelve months from registration to the definitive licence. These orders of magnitude depend on the category sought, the canton and the number of hours of practice required. The rules come from the Ordinance on the Admission of Persons and Vehicles to Road Traffic (OAC/VZV) and are overseen by the FEDRO (OFROU) (astra.admin.ch).

The category depends on age and power. Three tiers exist.

A1: from age 16, motorcycles up to 125 cc and a maximum of 11 kW.
Restricted A: from age 18, motorcycles up to 35 kW (47.6 hp), with a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 0.2 kW/kg.
Unrestricted A: all power outputs, accessible by two routes that we detail below.

The minimum ages of 16, 18 and 25 are set by the OAC. Check these thresholds on the website of your canton's road traffic office before registering, as federal rules change. The A1 licence suits a first urban two-wheeler. Restricted A already covers the majority of entry-level road motorcycles, often restricted at the factory to 35 kW.

For an 18-year-old, restricted A remains the most sensible choice: it avoids having to retake a full practical test for an A1 that is abandoned after a year. For a first motorcycle, favour a 35 kW model that is common on the second-hand market. Its residual value holds up well, which makes resale easier after two seasons.

Learner's permit: conditions and price

The learner's permit is the first administrative step. It is obtained from the road traffic office of your canton of residence. Allow a total budget of CHF 100 to 200 for the file, the eyesight test and the first aid course. The exact fee is set by each canton; consult its official website.

The file generally comprises the following items.

The application form for a learner's permit, signed.
A recent passport photo.
The eyesight test, carried out at an approved optician or ophthalmologist (about CHF 10 to 30).
The first aid course certificate (lifesaver course), in principle valid for six years (about CHF 100 to 150).
A copy of the identity document or residence permit.

The learner's permit is valid for 24 months. During this period, you must pass the theory test and then the practical test. Once you hold the permit, an accompanying person is not compulsory on a two-wheeler, but riding on the road is subject to strict conditions: see the OAC and your canton's information sheet.

Workshop tip: have the eyesight test done on the very day you submit the file. Without it, registration remains blocked and the summons to the theory test is delayed.

Awareness course (CSS) and basic theory course

The basic theory course is compulsory for category A. It lasts about eight hours, spread over one day or two evenings depending on the school, and generally costs between CHF 150 and 300. It prepares you directly for the theory test: right of way, signage, speed, alcohol, behaviour in a group.

The awareness course (CSS), often called the traffic awareness course, also lasts eight hours. Its price is around CHF 200 to 300. It focuses on the risks specific to motorised two-wheelers: visibility, cornering lines, braking, safety distances. It is generally taken after the theory test and before or during practical training.

Two practical tips.

Compare at least three approved schools: the price range is wide, and a 'theory + practical' package is only worthwhile if the driving hours are clearly itemised.
Keep your certificate safe: it is required for the summons to the practical test.

Check the exact fees directly with the approved schools in your canton or on tcs.ch, which offers courses in French-speaking Switzerland.

How much does a motorcycle licence really cost in Switzerland?

The total budget in practice lies between CHF 3,500 and 5,500, depending on the canton, the number of driving hours required and the equipment purchased. These amounts are orders of magnitude: check the precise fees on your road traffic office's website and with approved schools.

Here is a typical budget for restricted A, in CHF.

Learner's permit (file, eyesight test, first aid): 100 to 250
Basic theory course: 150 to 300
Awareness course (CSS): 200 to 300
Driving hours (allow 10 to 20 lessons of 50 minutes, at about CHF 80 to 110): 800 to 2,200
Theory and practical test fees: 100 to 300 depending on the canton
Gear (helmet, gloves, jacket, trousers, boots): 600 to 1,500
Realistic total: 3,500 to 5,500

The item that varies most remains the number of practical lessons. A student who has already ridden a scooter or a fast e-bike often needs fewer hours. Conversely, a complete beginner may exceed 20 lessons.

For equipment, do not skimp on the helmet or the gloves. A good ECE 22.06-approved helmet starts at around CHF 250 and remains usable for several years. Keep this equipment after the licence: it resells poorly, but it will serve you on your first motorcycle.

For a local price comparison and a budget breakdown, consult the blog of a Vaud driving school such as auto-ecole-pittet.ch, which publishes an annual comparison.

Item	Amount	Share
Driving hours (10 to 20 lessons of 50 min at CHF 80-110)	CHF 800 – 2'200	approx. 33-40%
Gear (helmet, gloves, jacket, trousers, boots)	CHF 600 – 1'500	approx. 17-27%
Awareness course (CSS)	CHF 200 – 300	approx. 5-6%
Basic theory course	CHF 150 – 300	approx. 4-5%
Theory and practical test fees (depending on canton)	CHF 100 – 300	approx. 3-5%
Learner's permit (file, eyesight test, first aid)	CHF 100 – 250	approx. 3-5%
Total	CHF 3'500 – 5'500 (typical restricted A budget)	100 %

Driving hours (10 to 20 lessons of 50 min at CHF 80-110)

Amount

CHF 800 – 2'200

approx. 33-40%

Gear (helmet, gloves, jacket, trousers, boots)

Amount

CHF 600 – 1'500

approx. 17-27%

Awareness course (CSS)

Amount

CHF 200 – 300

approx. 5-6%

Basic theory course

Amount

CHF 150 – 300

approx. 4-5%

Theory and practical test fees (depending on canton)

Amount

CHF 100 – 300

approx. 3-5%

Learner's permit (file, eyesight test, first aid)

Amount

CHF 100 – 250

approx. 3-5%

Total

Amount

CHF 3'500 – 5'500 (typical restricted A budget)

100 %

Driving hours and equipment weigh more than half of a motorcycle licence budget approaching CHF 5,000

Key takeaway

Driving hours (CHF 800-2,200) and gear (CHF 600-1,500) together account for more than half of the budget, and the number of practical lessons remains the most variable item.

Source: Typical restricted A budget — orders of magnitude to be checked with the cantonal road traffic office and approved schools; rules: OAC, FEDRO (astra.admin.ch)

The theory and practical tests: format, failures, pitfalls

The theory test takes place on a computer at the cantonal testing centre. It comprises 50 questions and lasts about 45 minutes. You must obtain at least 90% correct answers, with a maximum margin of 5 mistakes, according to the FEDRO's calculation method. The waiting time before the summons varies from a few weeks to more than two months depending on the canton.

The practical test takes place in two phases: handling exercises on a closed area, then road riding with an examiner. It generally lasts 45 to 60 minutes.

The most frequent mistakes are well known to instructors.

Lack of control at low speed: slalom, U-turns, balance at walking pace.
Poorly directed gaze: the eyes stay on the front wheel instead of aiming at the corner exit.
Insufficient emergency braking: front too soft, rear locked.
Forgetting the blind-spot check before a lane change.
Failure to respect the speed limit at pedestrian crossings or in 30 zones.

Failure rates vary by canton and by year. Enquire with your canton's road traffic office or your driving school for recent figures. A failure is not a catastrophe: it generally means paying a new fee and waiting a few weeks, rarely starting all over again.

To avoid wasting budget, ask your instructor to simulate the test route on the school motorcycle. Ride on the same machine as on the day of the test if the school allows it.

Progressive access or direct access after age 25

After age 25, two routes lead to unrestricted category A. Progressive access first requires two years of restricted A licence. Direct access is then possible from age 25. Direct access allows you to take the test directly on a motorcycle of more than 35 kW, without going through restricted A. Progressive access follows a two-stage route.

Progressive access: restricted A licence from age 18, then moving to unrestricted A after two years of riding, with a new practical test, generally on a more powerful motorcycle. This route spreads the expense and lets you learn on a less demanding machine.

Direct access: from age 25, training and test directly on a motorcycle of more than 35 kW. The cost may be higher, as the hours are done on a heavier and more powerful motorcycle. The advantage: only one practical test to pass.

Budget advice: if you are aiming for a motorcycle of 70 kW or more, compare the total cost of the two routes. Going through restricted A means buying a first restricted motorcycle, then reselling it. Take into account the residual value on resale and the transfer costs.

For a first motorcycle bought on lease, check that the contract allows early return without an excessive penalty. A lease on a restricted motorcycle, terminated after two years, can be expensive in exit fees.

Cantonal differences: Vaud, Geneva, Fribourg, Valais, Neuchâtel, Jura

Federal law sets the framework, but each canton manages its own summonses, fees and testing centres. Timelines and fees vary. Always check the cantonal source before registering.

Here are the competent offices in French-speaking Switzerland.

Vaud: Service des automobiles et de la navigation (SAN) (Road Traffic and Navigation Office), in Lausanne and in the regional centres (vd.ch).
Geneva: Office cantonal des véhicules (OCV) (Cantonal Vehicle Office).
Fribourg: Service de la circulation et de la navigation (SCN) (Traffic and Navigation Service), in Granges-Paccot.
Valais: Service de la circulation routière et de la navigation (SCRN) (Road Traffic and Navigation Service), in Sion.
Neuchâtel: Service des automobiles et de la navigation (SCAN) (Road Traffic and Navigation Office), in Neuchâtel (scan-ne.ch).
Jura: Service des véhicules (Vehicle Service), in Delémont.

Summons timelines for the practical test vary greatly from one canton to another and from one season to another: spring concentrates demand. Test fees are set by each canton. I therefore do not give a precise amount here: consult the fees page of the office concerned.

A pragmatic tip: if you live close to a cantonal border, make enquiries. The test is taken in your canton of residence, but the driving school may be located elsewhere. Compare approved schools, notably on the driving hours included and the type of school motorcycle used.

After the licence: insurance, equipment, first motorcycle

With the licence in your pocket, the real budget begins: insurance, plates, equipment and maintenance. For a first motorcycle of 35 kW, allow about CHF 400 to 900 per year for compulsory third-party liability, depending on age, canton and history. Partial or comprehensive cover adds several hundred francs. Compare at least three insurers; a new rider's premium can vary by a factor of two.

To reduce the bill, reread our advice on motorcycle insurance: an appropriate excess, annual rather than monthly payment, and possible winter suspension depending on the contract.

On the machine side, three workshop rules.

Buy a mainstream production motorcycle, with a good parts network and a stable residual value.
Have the condition checked before purchase: chain, tyres, brakes, steering play. Consider the cantonal inspection if the motorcycle is imported or modified.
Avoid all-season tyres on a sporty two-wheeler: their grip when leaning is lower than that of a dedicated motorcycle tyre.

If you finance by lease, compare the total cost with a cash purchase. On a CHF 8,000 motorcycle, a loss in value of about 10 to 15% per year is a common order of magnitude, but varies according to the model and mileage. Always negotiate the buy-back before signing.

Finally, contact your canton's road traffic office or compare approved driving schools before registering. Ask for a detailed written quote: number of lessons, fees included or not, school motorcycle, arrangements in case of failure.

"The information in this article is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice; it may change and does not replace official requirements, so for any personal situation, please consult the cantonal road traffic office or a qualified professional."

FAQ

From age 16 for category A1 (125 cc, 11 kW maximum), from age 18 for category A restricted to 35 kW, and from age 25 for direct access to unrestricted category A. These ages are set by the OAC.

Allow between CHF 3,500 and 5,500 in total: learner's permit, compulsory courses, driving hours, test fees and equipment. The number of lessons and the canton cause the bill to vary. Check the fees with your road traffic office.

Between six and twelve months on average between submitting the learner's permit application and obtaining the licence. The timeline depends on test summonses, which vary greatly by canton and season, as well as on your availability for the courses.

Restricted A authorises motorcycles up to 35 kW (maximum power-to-weight ratio of 0.2 kW/kg). Unrestricted A lifts this restriction. You gain access either after two years of restricted A, or directly from age 25. Confirm the details on the FEDRO website.

A failure does not cancel the learner's permit, which is valid for 24 months. You must pay a new test fee and wait for a new summons. Work with your instructor on the weak points: low speed, gaze, emergency braking.