driving licence category
A1 licence in Frankfurt – onto a 125cc at 16
Get mobile at 16 without waiting for buses and trains: the A1 licence is the real motorcycle licence for 125cc bikes – valid across the EU and the first step on your motorcycling journey. At FAHRPLAN you will learn on the Honda CB125. Important for parents: safety is our top priority – full protective clothing from your very first lesson and quiet streets for practice in Kalbach, away from the inner-city traffic.
At 17 you can additionally begin your car driving licence: BF17 – accompanied driving from 17 on our main page.
At a glance
Minimum age
16 years
You may ride
Motorcycles up to 125 cm³ / 11 kW, power-to-weight ratio max. 0.1 kW/kg
Enclosed
AM (mopeds/motorised scooters up to 45 km/h)
Theory
12 double lessons of basic theory + 4 of motorcycle-specific theory
Special services
12 compulsory lessons: 5 rural road, 4 motorway, 3 night-time
pass rate
About 95% our pupils pass (Class A)
Important to know
A1 or B196 – the difference
A1 – the real driving licence
From 16 · Valid EU-wide · Real progression route: to A2 after 2 years with only one practical test.
B196 – the extension
For drivers aged 25 and over · no test required · but only valid in Germany and offers no progression. More on B196
Theory & Practice
This is how your apprenticeship works
Theory
12 double lessons of basic material (at selected branches, can be started immediately) plus 4 double lessons of additional motorcycle material in Bockenheim.
Practice
You're riding the Honda CB125. The meeting point is in Kalbach, near the TÜV – that's where you'll practise the basic manoeuvres at your own pace before heading out into traffic. How long it takes depends on where you start: with prior experience, 6–8 practice lessons plus the 12 compulsory rides are often enough. If you start completely from scratch at 16, you'll need significantly more – after all, you're learning all about road traffic AND how to ride a motorcycle at the same time. Your driving instructor will plan this realistically with you, step by step.
Final push
The exams
Theory test
30 questions, a maximum of 10 penalty points.
Practical test
70 minutes at the TÜV in Kalbach – basic driving tasks plus the practical test, in the area where you practised beforehand.
Your perspective
Your motorcycling journey starts here
After two years of A1, you can upgrade to A2 with just a practical test – and later, in the exact same way, to the unrestricted A licence. Anyone who starts at 16 will be riding a large motorcycle by the time they are 20. More about the A2
Documents
You need this for the registration
- Eye test (no older than 2 years)
- First-aid course (9 units)
- Biometric passport photo
- Identity card
- Driving licence application – can be submitted conveniently online via the City of Frankfurt, at a citizen service office (Bürgeramt) or at the driving licence office (Am Römerhof 19)
Registration and theory lessons can start even before your 16th birthday – the theory test at the earliest 3 months before. Parents are very welcome at the registration meeting in the branch – we will explain the complete procedure to you together. Protective clothing is compulsory from the first driving lesson: we have rental helmets, and we recommend getting your own gear early.
How much is the A1?
Enrolment €439 · Driving lesson €75 · Special drive €85 · Theory test booking €110 · Practical test booking €175
Frequently Asked Questions
In a nutshell
What am I allowed to ride at 16 with A1?
Motorcycles and scooters up to 125 cm³ and 11 kW – EU-wide. Category AM (mopeds up to 45 km/h) is included automatically.
A1 or B196 – which one is right for me?
At 16, there is only the A1 – B196 is only available from 25 and exclusively for car drivers. The A1 is the real licence: valid EU-wide and with a progression route to A2 and A.
How long does the A1 take?
With prior knowledge, often 6 to 8 practice lessons plus the 12 mandatory special rides. Anyone starting completely from scratch needs significantly more – traffic rules and riding a motorcycle are learned at the same time. Your driving instructor will plan realistically with you.
Are my parents allowed to come along?
Of course – I'd be happy to. At the registration appointment in the branch, we will answer all your questions together.
Not sure yet?
Which category suits you?
Ready for the 125cc?
Just drop in without an appointment
Gladly together with your parents – at four locations in Frankfurt.
More from the guide: All classes at a glance · B196 or A1 – which is better suited?