Progression A1 → A2 → A: Step by step to the open category

The three motorcycle categories build on one another: A1 from age 16 (125cc, 15 hp), A2 from 18 years of age (up to 48 hp), A open – from the 24th onwards direct entry or from as early as 20 with at least two years of holding a category A2 licence (section 10 of the Driving Licence Ordinance (FeV)). Every higher category includes the lower ones. The crucial thing about the tiered system: Previous ownership time is worth hard cash and saved tests – the two years on the smaller licence category replace the theory test, required hours and special drives of the next step. Important to know: B196 does not count as prior ownership – the progression only starts with a real A-Class.

Have you held A1 or A2 since at least two years, the step-by-step access is radically streamlined (§ 15 para. 3 FeV): no theory test, no compulsory theory lessons, no special driving lessons – only the practical promotional examination. That lasts 60 minutes (instead of 70) and demands four basic riding manoeuvres (instead of six). In preparation, you take a few individual practical lessons on the next category's machine – none of this is legally required, but it still makes sense: more power and more weight need to be experienced, and the test is taken on the large motorcycle. Clever timing: you can take the practical test up to one month before the expiry of the two-year period passing (§ 17 FeV) – so the upgrade can take place seamlessly on the anniversary.

You don't have to wait - the ascent is also possible earlier, but then as a regular extension: theory lessons (6 double lessons of core material + 4 of supplementary material), the shortened special journeys 3 / 2 / 1 (rural roads / motorway / night – instead of 5/4/3), practical lessons as required and both exams, theory and practice. The standard minimum age for the target licence category applies: A2 from 18, A from 24. Who it is worth it for: anyone who never wanted the smaller category as an intermediate step – such as an 18-year-old with A1 who now wants to go straight to a 48 hp motorcycle and doesn't want to wait the two years. However, it is always more expensive and more complex than the ideal route.

The sums usually speak in favour of starting early: those who pass their A2 licence at 18 and the upgrade test at 20 are riding the open class four years earlier as a direct entrant – and will then already have two years of real motorcycle experience when the high-performance category is unlocked. Exactly for that purpose is the staged licensing system built: increases in performance at the pace at which experience grows. The price for this is the second examination including fees and preparation lessons. Starting directly at 24 is especially worthwhile if you were planning to start later anyway – as a late starter with a category B licence, it’s the shortest route to the unrestricted category. Only one thing is almost never worth it: waiting until you're 22 or 23 for the direct access route instead of getting your A2 right away – waiting around doesn't ride a motorcycle.

• „A2 automatically becomes A after two years.“ No – without passing the upgrade test, you'll stay permanently at 48 hp, no matter how many years go by.
• „B196 counts as previous ownership for the upgrade.“ No – B196 is an endorsement, not a motorcycle category; the tiered access route is only open to A1/A2 licence holders.
• „With a promotion, the probationary period starts all over again.“ No – the probationary period only applies upon initial acquisition; promotion does not trigger a new one.
• „For the promotion exam, I have to go back into theory.“ No – with two years of previous ownership, there are neither lessons nor a theory test; a voluntary look at the current rules never hurts anyway.
• „Riding restricted is always an option.“ For A2 only if the unrestricted power output is at most 70 kW – the basic rule that determines whether you buy a motorcycle.

The simple plan: 1. Check your anniversary date – when are the two years up? The exam is possible from one month prior. 2. Plan around the season – if the appointment falls in the winter, it's better to postpone it to the spring; the preparation needs to take place in drivable weather. 3. Arrange preparation lessons – a few hours on the machine of the target category, with a focus on the four basic riding exercises and the different riding feel (weight, brakes, acceleration). 4. Have your exam readiness assessed honestly – your driving instructor will tell you when the time has come. The whole process is usually done in a few weeks – compared to initial training, upgrading is the most relaxed test of your driving life.