Protective clothing for the motorcycle licence: what is required in riding lessons and the test

The only thing legally required on a motorcycle is the Helm (§ 21a StVO) – everything else is not a legal obligation, but a mandatory requirement of the testing bodies and driving schools (TÜV | DEKRA arge tp 21 guideline): Without complete protective clothing the practical exam is not taking place, and reputable driving schools won't let you into a driving lesson without them either. The difference is legally fine, practically irrelevant – you need the equipment either way. And for good reason: on two wheels, your clothing is your crumple zone.

• Helm a suitable, ECE-approved motorcycle helmet. Suitable means: it fits snugly without pressing – it must not be possible to pull it off when the chin strap is fastened.
• Motorcycle gloves: real motorcycle gloves with armour – no work or cycling gloves. The hands are always on the ground first in any crash.
• Motorcycle jacket with protectors on the shoulders and elbows.
• Back protector: separate or integrated into the jacket – integrated is fine as long as it's truly built in (check with cheaper jackets!).
• Motorcycle trousers with knee and hip protectors – normal jeans won't do.
• Boots or sturdy, ankle-high footwear: ankle protection is the decisive factor – trainers and low shoes fail.

Individual testing centres interpret the list with varying degrees of strictness – the safe approach is: genuine motorcycle clothing instead of borderline cases. Anyone who turns up for the test in jeans without protectors risks cancellation along with the fees.

Yes – the exact same equipment belongs in every riding lesson, from the very first minute. That isn't harassment, it's logic: especially at the beginning, when minor topples at walking pace are factored in, clothing needs the most protection. For the start, you therefore don't need to buy everything straight away: With us you can hire equipment for the first few hours – but the clothes should be your own by the time of the exam at the latest, if only because fit and familiarity matter.

As a rough guide for a decent starter set: 500 to 700 euros. Here’s how to allocate it wisely:

• First helmet and gloves – they must fit individually and accompany you from hour one. Iron rule: Always buy a new helmet, never used – invisible prior damage renders it worthless.
• Then jacket with protectors (ideally including a back protector).
• Trousers and boots last – complete by the exam at the latest.
• Second-hand is fine with jacket, trousers and boots, if everything fits and is undamaged – never with a helmet.

You can find the complete cost planning for the training in the guide How much does a motorbike licence cost?

Yes – and with the right clothing, it's not an ordeal: Well-ventilated summer motorcycle jackets Jackets with mesh inserts and protectors are available in every price range; they offer full protection and are more comfortable to ride in when it’s hot than any hooded top. What is not an option is to go without protectors in hot weather – neither during your riding lessons nor in your test, and sensibly, not afterwards either. The tarmac is just as hard in July as it is in April.

Are protective jeans enough? Motorcycle jeans with integrated protectors and abrasion-resistant fabric are accepted by many testing centres – ordinary jeans are not. In case of doubt, the rule is: go for proper motorcycle trousers and there will be no argument.

Are trainers or work boots okay? No sneakers. Sturdy, ankle-high shoes (e.g. robust boots) may be accepted for driving lessons – for the test, motorcycle boots are the safe choice.

Do glasses work under a helmet? Yes – many helmets have eyewear channels in the padding. Simply try them on with glasses when buying the helmet.

Do the clothes have to belong to me? No – borrowed equipment is allowed, as long as it fits and is complete. For getting started, borrowing is completely normal.