driving licence category
Driving licence category A in Frankfurt – unrestricted motorcycle riding
Category A is the full motorcycle licence: no power limit, no engine capacity limit – any motorcycle you like. At FAHRPLAN, you learn at four locations in Frankfurt on the Honda CB650 – with a dedicated instructor who specialises in two-wheelers. Training in English is also available upon request.
At a glance
Minimum age
24 Years (direct entry) · 20 years, after 2 years of category A2
You may ride
All motorcycles – without power restriction, also with sidecar
Enclosed
A2, A1 and AM
Theory
12 double lessons of basic material + 4 motorcycle additional lessons (with car driving licence: only 6 + 4)
Special services
12 compulsory lessons: 5 rural road, 4 motorway, 3 night-time
pass rate
About 95% our pupils pass (Class A)
Direct entry or progression
Two ways to category A
Direct entry from 24
You start straight in the unrestricted category with no prior motorcycle experience – complete training with theory, practice lessons as required, 12 special training rides and both tests.
Progressive access from A2 (from 20)
You've had your A2 licence for at least two years? Then only the practical upgrade test is left – no theory test and no mandatory special driving lessons – we plan the practical lessons individually. We won't send you there unprepared, though: as a rule, 4 to 6 driving lessons on the unrestricted bike are enough. Registration for the upgrade costs just €150.
Theory & Practice
This is how your apprenticeship works
Theory
12 double lessons of core material plus 4 double lessons of motorcycle supplementary material. You can attend the core material at selected branches and start immediately – the motorcycle supplementary material takes place in Bockenheim. If you already have a car driving licence, the core material is reduced to 6 double lessons.
Practice
You ride the Honda CB650. The meeting point for the driving lessons is in Kalbach, very close to the TÜV – chosen deliberately: slightly village-like character instead of inner-city traffic jams, and that is precisely where your test will start later too. You take as many practice lessons as you actually need; you determine that together with your driving instructor. If you drive a car, things usually move faster: the traffic rules are already second nature – the biggest part of the work is getting used to the motorcycle and practising the basic riding manoeuvres that are guaranteed to come up in the test. In addition, there are the 12 mandatory special drives.
Seasonal tip
The best time to start
Depending on the weather, we run practical training from March to the end of October – in good years, from as early as mid-February right through to mid-November. Our tip: Sign up as early as winter. Then you submit your documents at your leisure, attend the basic theory lessons and study for the test. At the start of the season, the motorcycle-specific theory is added, you take your theory test early – and you'll be on your motorcycle right at the beginning of the season, before it gets busier.
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 – first the basic driving tasks such as slalom, emergency braking and evasive manoeuvres, then the test drive in traffic. The advantage: the test takes place on the same site where you practised beforehand. The A2 upgrade test lasts 60 minutes. With our preparation: a pass rate of over 95% for Class A.
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)
We will explain how everything works step by step during your registration chat at your local branch – just drop by. After registering, you will be added to your driving instructor's calendar and can book your appointments directly there.
For driving lessons and the test, you need complete protective clothing: helmet, gloves, jacket with protectors, motorcycle trousers and boots. We have loan helmets available – but we recommend getting your own gear early on: it's more hygienic, fits better, and you'll need it after the test anyway.
How much does a Category A licence cost?
Registration €439 (upgrade from A2: €150) · Practice session €75 · Special journey €85 · Theory test booking €110 · Practical test booking €175
Frequently Asked Questions
In a nutshell
How many driving lessons do I need for a category A licence?
No legal minimum number apart from the 12 special rides. When upgrading from A2, 4–6 hours are usually enough; for direct entry, you plan the scope together with your driving instructor – anyone coming from a car primarily needs time for the machine and basic riding tasks.
Can I get a category A licence without A1 or A2?
Yes – that's the direct entry from age 24: complete training including theory and practical test, with no prior motorcycle experience required.
What happens if I take my test on an automatic motorcycle?
Then your driving licence is only valid for motorcycles without a clutch. That is why you learn with us on manual bikes (Honda CB650).
How much does a Category A licence cost?
Enrolment €439 (upgrade from A2: €150), practical lesson €75, special drive €85, test presentations €110/€175 – all details on the prices page.
Can I get category A at 21?
Yes. Section 10 of the Driving Licence Ordinance (FeV) for class A, name three minimum ages: 24 years for direct access, 20 years after two years of prior possession of A2 and 21 years old for the journey via the Code 80.
First things first: you learn and are assessed on the big machine. Annex 7 of the FeV stipulates a motorcycle with at least 50 kW and 600 cm³ for category A, and that is precisely what your training is aiming for. No special vehicle, no interim solution, the same test as for direct access at 24.
The driving licence will then be issued with the code number 80. Wording in Annex 9 FeV: „Only for holders of a driving licence for three-wheeled motor vehicles of category A, who have not yet reached their 24th birthday.Therefore, the restriction depends on age. It lapses on your 24th birthday, without a new assessment and without an application.
Until then, you ride motorcycles up to 48 hp regarding the restricted A2 category. From 24 then everything without a power limit.
Why it's almost always worth it at 21:
- Waiting for direct entry: You won't be driving anything at all until you're 24, then a full apprenticeship.
- Via A2 with later progression: two trainings and two practical exams.
- Category A with code 80: an apprenticeship, one Test on the heavy bike, set off immediately, at 24 the licence automatically upgrades to unrestricted.
Practical note on the schedule: The You can take your theory test as early as three months before your 21st birthday take it about a month in advance. So register in good time, then you will be on the bike on your birthday. Just drop by without an appointment, we will sort it out with you.
Not sure yet?
Which category suits you?
Ready for the open class?
Just drop in without an appointment
We advise you at four locations in Frankfurt.
More from the guide: Progression A1 → A2 → A Step by Step · Getting a motorcycle licence over 40