driving licence category
A2 licence in Frankfurt – your entry into motorcycling from age 18
Category A2 is the most popular route onto a motorcycle: from 18 years of age, up to 35 kW (48 hp) – enough for everything that's fun to begin with. At FAHRPLAN you'll learn on the Honda CB500, with an instructor who specialises in two-wheelers. And after two years, you can upgrade to the unrestricted category A with a single practical test.
At a glance
Minimum age
18 years
You may ride
Motorcycles up to 35 kW (48 hp), power-to-weight ratio max. 0.2 kW/kg – base machine max. 70 kW
Included
A1 and AM
Theory
12 double lessons of basic theory + 4 double lessons of motorcycle-specific theory (if you already hold another licence, e.g. for a car: only 6 + 4)
Special training rides
12 compulsory lessons: 5 rural road, 4 motorway, 3 night-time
pass rate
Over 95% of our pupils pass (category A)
Direct entry or upgrade
Two ways to the A2
Direct entry from 18
You start with no prior motorcycle experience straight into the A2 licence – complete training with theory, practice lessons as required, 12 special training rides and both tests.
Progressive access from A1
You've had your A1 for at least two years? Then the practical progressive access test (60 minutes) is sufficient – no theory test. In that case, registration costs just €150, plus practice sessions at €75 each as needed and €165 for the practical test booking. If you have had your A1 for less than two years, you take a shortened training course with reduced special rides (3/2/1).
Theory & Practice
How your training works
Theory
12 double lessons of basic theory plus 4 double lessons of motorcycle-specific theory. You can attend the basic theory at all branches that offer theory lessons and start straight away – the motorcycle-specific theory takes place in Bockenheim. If you already hold another licence, for example for a car, the basic theory is reduced to 6 double lessons.
Practice
You ride the Honda CB500. The meeting point is in Kalbach, near the TÜV – a village character rather than inner-city traffic jams, and precisely where your test will also start later on. Experience shows that direct-access students need about 6–10 training lessons plus the 12 special rides with us – how many you will need is something you plan together with your driving instructor.
Seasonal tip
The best time to start
Depending on the weather, we ride from March to the end of October – sometimes from as early as mid-February and into November. Our tip: Apply in winter, sort out your paperwork and basic theory, take your theory test early – and be on the motorcycle when the season starts.
Final push
The exams
Theory test
30 questions, maximum 10 error points (if you are extending an existing licence: 20 questions / 6 error points).
Practical test
70 minutes at the TÜV in Kalbach – basic riding tasks plus the test drive, in the area where you practiced beforehand. The A1 upgrade test takes 60 minutes.
Your perspective
From A2 to unrestricted category A
After two years on an A2 licence, only a single practical test stands between you and the unrestricted category – no theory test, no compulsory lessons. With us, you prepare for this with 4 to 6 refresher lessons on the Honda CB650. More about category A
Are you 21, 22 or 23 and don't have a motorcycle licence yet? Then compare the A80 licence as well: you take category A straight away, ride category A2 motorcycles until 24 and are automatically unrestricted at 24 – with no upgrade test. If you start at 22 or 23, no route gets you to the unrestricted category sooner than A80; at 21, the route via A2 and an upgrade is one year faster, but more expensive. More about the A80 licence
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 – you submit it yourself. In Frankfurt, the rule is: for your first licence, you can apply via the City's online service (with the online ID function switched on and your PIN, from 16) or at a citizens' office (Bürgeramt); if you already hold one, for example category B, you apply in person at a citizens' office; only the conversion of a foreign driving licence is handled directly by the driving licence office (Am Römerhof). If you do not live in Frankfurt, the driving licence authority for your place of residence is responsible
You can register even before your 18th birthday and start with the theory – the theory test can be taken at the earliest 3 months, and the practical test 1 month before your birthday. During the registration consultation at your branch, we will explain the complete procedure. For driving lessons and the test, you need complete protective clothing – it is best to get it yourself; if need be, we have individual items available, by arrangement.
How much does the A2 cost?
Enrolment €439 (upgrade from A1: €150) · Driving lesson €75 · Special drive €85 · Theory test booking €110 · Practical test booking €175 (upgrade from A1: €165)
Frequently Asked Questions
In a nutshell
How many driving lessons do I need for the A2 licence?
Only the 12 special lessons are legally required. Experience shows that direct entrants need around 6–10 practical training lessons with us – more or less depending on previous experience.
Can I start before my 18th birthday?
Yes! Registration, application and theory can all be done beforehand – the theory test at the earliest 3 months, and the practical test 1 month before your birthday.
What am I not allowed to ride with an A2 licence?
Anything over 35 kW (48 hp) or machines whose unrestricted base version has more than 70 kW – for those you need the unrestricted Category A licence. After two years on an A2 licence, it is only a practical test away.
How much does the A2 cost in total?
Depends on your number of lesson hours – the components: registration €439, lessons €75/85, tests €110/175. Details and examples on the pricing page.
Not sure yet?
Which category suits you?
Ready for the A2?
Just drop in without an appointment
We advise you at four locations in Frankfurt.
More from the guide: The 48 hp rule and all categories · Later to the unrestricted category A licence