Moto

How to Get a Swiss Motorcycle License in 2027

Learn how to get a Swiss motorcycle license in 2027, including categories, training, tests, costs, and insurance.

Swiss Motorcycle License: How It Works

The Swiss motorcycle licence system uses a step-by-step structure:

A1 from age 15: Light motorcycles limited to 45 km/h
A1 from age 16: Motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW
Restricted category A from age 18: Motorcycles up to 35 kW
Unrestricted category A: Motorcycles with no power limit
Category B holders: A1 can be added after the required motorcycle training without a practical test

Most adult beginners start with restricted category A. To move to unrestricted A, you normally need at least two years of experience with a 35 kW motorcycle and must pass another practical test.

Switzerland calls the 35 kW licence “category A with restriction.” It is not officially presented as a separate Swiss A2 category.

Which Swiss Motorcycle License Category Do You Need?

Engine size is only one part of the licence rules. Your age, the motorcycle’s power, and its power-to-weight ratio can also affect which category you need.

Category	Minimum age	Motorcycle limit	Practical test
A1 light motorcycle	15	Up to 50 cc and 45 km/h	Usually required for first-time riders
A1 motorcycle	16	Up to 125 cc and 11 kW	Required unless added through category B
Restricted A	18	Up to 35 kW and 0.20 kW/kg	Required
Unrestricted A	After the required restricted-A period	No power limit	Required

A1 light motorcycle

Minimum age

Motorcycle limit

Up to 50 cc and 45 km/h

Practical test

Usually required for first-time riders

A1 motorcycle

Minimum age

Motorcycle limit

Up to 125 cc and 11 kW

Practical test

Required unless added through category B

Restricted A

Minimum age

Motorcycle limit

Up to 35 kW and 0.20 kW/kg

Practical test

Required

Unrestricted A

Minimum age

After the required restricted-A period

Motorcycle limit

No power limit

Practical test

Required

Motorcycle limit

1. Category A1 for Light Motorcycles

This category is available from age 15. It covers light motorcycles with a maximum speed of 45 km/h and, for combustion engines, a capacity of up to 50 cc. It is mainly used for small scooters and mopeds.

2. Category A1 for Motorcycles Up to 125 cc

From age 16, A1 covers motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 125 cc and power of up to 11 kW. It is a practical option for city travel, short commutes, and new riders.

3. Restricted Category A Up to 35 kW

Restricted Category A is available from age 18. The motorcycle must not exceed 35 kW or a power-to-weight ratio of 0.20 kW/kg. This category covers many popular entry-level and mid-range motorcycles.

Unrestricted Category A

Unrestricted category A has no power limit. Most riders must first hold restricted A for at least two years, meet the clean-driving requirement, and pass another practical test. Direct access is limited to certain professional groups, including qualifying motorcycle mechanics, police officers, and traffic experts.

How to Get a Motorcycle License in Switzerland

If you are wondering how to get a motorcycle license in Switzerland, the process starts with choosing a category and applying through your cantonal road traffic office. Some requirements are waived if you already hold category B, B1, or A1.

Step 1: Choose the Right Motorcycle Category

Choose a category that matches your age and the motorcycle you plan to ride. You should also check whether your training and test motorcycle meets the relevant engine, power, and power-to-weight limits.

Step 2: Submit Your Learner Permit Application

The exact application process differs by canton, but you will usually need:

A completed learner permit application
A valid identity document or residence permit
A recent passport photo
An eyesight test
A medical certificate when required

Submit the application to the road traffic office in your canton. Check its current document rules, fees and submission method before applying.

Step 3: Complete First Aid and Theory Requirements

First-time drivers must normally complete a ten-hour first-aid course and pass the basic theory test. The first-aid certificate is generally valid for six years.

You may also need to complete the traffic-awareness course before taking the practical test. If you already hold a Swiss category B licence, you generally do not need to repeat the first-aid course, basic theory test, or traffic-awareness course.

Step 4: Receive Your Motorcycle Learner Permit

The learner permit is initially valid for four months. Completing the required motorcycle course within this period normally extends it by another 12 months.

While learning, you must display a visible blue “L” on the motorcycle. You may ride without an instructor. However, you can only carry a passenger if that person holds the required motorcycle licence category.

Step 5: Complete the 12-Hour Basic Motorcycle Course

The compulsory practical basic instruction lasts 12 hours. It is usually divided into three modules of four hours and must be completed during the first four months of the learner permit.

The training covers motorcycle control, road positioning, cornering, braking and hazard awareness. Under the current system, riders only need to complete this basic motorcycle course once.

Step 6: Practice and Pass the Practical Test

The practical exam normally assesses:

Motorcycle control and low-speed manoeuvres
Emergency braking
Observation and road positioning
Safe riding in traffic
Independent decision-making

The exam generally lasts around 60 minutes, although the format and duration may differ by canton. Your motorcycle must meet the test requirements, be roadworthy and have valid registration and insurance.

Can You Get a Motorcycle License With a Swiss Car Licence?

A category B car licence shortens the process, but it does not automatically allow you to ride every motorcycle.

To add A1, category B holders must apply for a learner permit and complete the 12-hour basic motorcycle course. After completing the course, they can normally have A1 added without taking a practical test.

Restricted category A is different. Category B holders must still complete the relevant motorcycle training and pass a practical test. A car licence alone does not allow you to ride a 125 cc motorcycle in Switzerland. A1 must first appear on your licence.

How Much Does a Swiss Motorcycle License Cost?

There is no fixed national price. Cantonal charges, riding-school fees, equipment, and the number of private lessons all affect the final cost.

Expense	Estimated cost
Eyesight test	CHF 10–20
First-aid course	CHF 100–200
Learner permit	CHF 40–80
Theory test	CHF 30–40
12-hour motorcycle course	CHF 200–600
Traffic-awareness course	CHF 200–250
Practical test	CHF 90–130
Licence issuance	CHF 30–70
Optional riding lesson	CHF 80–120 per lesson
Protective equipment	CHF 500–1,500+

Eyesight test

Estimated cost

CHF 10–20

First-aid course

Estimated cost

CHF 100–200

Learner permit

Estimated cost

CHF 40–80

Theory test

Estimated cost

CHF 30–40

12-hour motorcycle course

Estimated cost

CHF 200–600

Traffic-awareness course

Estimated cost

CHF 200–250

Practical test

Estimated cost

CHF 90–130

Licence issuance

Estimated cost

CHF 30–70

Optional riding lesson

Estimated cost

CHF 80–120 per lesson

Protective equipment

Estimated cost

CHF 500–1,500+

Estimated cost of Swiss motorcycle insurance

A first-time rider should plan for at least CHF 1,500. The total can be higher if you need several lessons or buy new protective gear. Category B holders often pay less because several courses and tests are waived.

These estimates do not include the motorcycle, registration or insurance. See our guide to motorbike insurance costs when planning your full riding budget.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The timeline depends on your current licence and test availability:

Category B to A1: You may qualify after the 12-hour course and administrative processing.
New A1 or restricted A rider: Allow several months for courses, practice and the test.
Restricted A to unrestricted A: You must normally wait at least two years before upgrading.

Some cantons limit or suspend motorcycle tests during winter. Apply early enough to finish your training and test before your learner permit expires.

What Do You Need Before Riding on Swiss Roads?

Passing the test is not the final step. Your motorcycle must be registered, and third-party liability insurance must be active before the cantonal authority issues licence plates.

You can also add partial casco or full casco to protect your own motorcycle. Insurers may consider your age, riding experience, canton, claims history, and motorcycle power when setting the premium.

Before choosing motorcycle insurance in Switzerland, check whether the policy covers theft, collision damage, protective clothing, roadside assistance and trips outside Switzerland. New riders can also review the options for insurance for a new motorcycle rider.

FAQ

No. Category B alone is not enough. You must obtain a motorcycle learner permit, complete the required 12-hour course, and have A1 added to your licence.

First-time licence applicants normally do. Existing category B holders are generally exempt from repeating the basic theory test.

Yes. You must display a visible blue “L.” You may only carry a passenger if that person holds the required motorcycle category.

Yes. After completing the required period with restricted category A, you must pass another practical test to remove the power restriction.

Yes. Third-party liability insurance must be active before your motorcycle can be registered and issued with licence plates.

AutoMotoplus

4 September 2026

Related blogs

Voitour

Comprehensive Motor Insurance in Switzerland 2026: Premiums

Comprehensive motor insurance in Switzerland: excesses, CHF premiums, residual value thresholds and a comparison of AXA, Allianz, and Helvetia to help you…