Upgrade 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 35 kW or 48 hp), A unrestricted – from 24 by direct entry or from as early as 20 with at least two years of holding category A2 (§ 10 FeV). In addition, from 21 there is category A with code 80 (A80): category A2 motorcycles until 24, then automatically unrestricted category A. Every higher category includes the lower ones. The crucial thing about the staged 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 upgrade test. 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 – you can also upgrade earlier, but then as a regular extension: theory lessons (6 double lessons of core material + 4 of supplementary material), the reduced special training rides 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 category applies: A2 from 18, A from 24. With A1 you can also take category A with code 80 (A80) directly from 21: category A2 motorcycles until 24, then automatically the unrestricted category – if you already hold A2, it does not let you ride more powerful motorcycles before 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 at 21, 22 or 23 for direct entry – you can't ride while you wait.

From 21 there is also a third route: category A with code 80 (A80). You complete one course of training on the big bike with a theory and a practical test, ride category A2 motorcycles until 24 and are automatically in the unrestricted category at 24 – with no upgrade test. If you start at 22 or 23 without a motorcycle licence, no route gets you to the unrestricted category sooner; at 21 the route via A2 and an upgrade would be one year faster, but with one more practical test and one more application. More about the A80 licence

• „A2 automatically becomes A after two years.“ No – without the upgrade test, you stay at the A2 limit of 35 kW (48 hp) permanently, 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.
• “The probationary period starts again when you upgrade.” No – the probationary period only applies when you first get a licence; an upgrade does not trigger a new one.
• “For the upgrade test I have to go back to theory lessons.” 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.