Riding a motorbike in Switzerland begins at 16: category A1 for 125s, A 35 kW from 18, unrestricted A after two years. Here is the whole route – Lernfahrausweis, theory, the twelve hours of basic training, the test, the costs – and where to find a motorbike driving school near you.
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Categories A1, A 35 kW and A compared
| Category | Motorbikes | Minimum age | Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | up to 125 cm³ and 11 kW | 16 | theory (if not yet sat) + practical test; with category B, basic training only |
| A 35 kW | up to 35 kW and 0.20 kW/kg | 18 | theory (if not yet sat) + practical test |
| A | all motorbikes | 20 | none – entered after two years on A 35 kW without licence withdrawal |
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Step 1: the Lernfahrausweis for the motorbike
You submit the application to the Strassenverkehrsamt of your canton of residence – as with the car, with an eye test (no more than 24 months old) and a Nothelferausweis (first-aid certificate, no more than six years old). Both drop away if you already hold a category B licence. How the application works is explained under Applying for the Lernfahrausweis.
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Step 2: the theory test
The basic theory is the same for cars and motorbikes: 50 questions in 45 minutes, at most 15 error points. Anyone who has already passed it for B does not have to sit it again. For revision: the best apps compared; everything about the test itself: the Swiss theory test.
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Step 3: the practical basic training, twelve hours
Compulsory for all motorbike categories and only possible at a driving school: twelve hours of basic training, usually in small groups over two or three days. Content: vehicle control on the practice ground, cornering technique, braking, then riding in traffic. Without confirmed basic training you cannot register for the test – and with category B it is the only step to A1.
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Step 4: lessons and the motorbike test
How many lessons you need after the basic training is up to you; many pass the test with only a few extra lessons. The practical motorbike test is conducted by an examiner from the Strassenverkehrsamt: riding in traffic, plus manoeuvres such as slalom, braking and slow riding depending on the canton. As with the car there are no error points; the examiner judges on the overall picture.
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From A 35 kW to A: the staged access
Since 1 January 2021 there has been no direct entry to the unrestricted category A. Two years on A 35 kW without your licence being withdrawn, then the Strassenverkehrsamt enters A without any further test. Anyone who buys a more powerful motorbike before that has to have it restricted and registered.
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Scooters, e-scooters and the question of riding «without a licence»
Up to 45 km/h and 50 cm³ (or 4 kW electric), category M from 14 is enough, or for many scooters category A1 from 16; anyone who holds B may ride this class anyway. The only thing you ride entirely without a licence is an e-bike up to 25 km/h. All categories at a glance: Swiss licence categories.
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Finding a motorbike driving school
Not every driving school teaches on motorbikes. The search above with the motorbike filter shows you the schools with motorbike prices within reach of your postcode – for example Zurich, Winterthur, Bern, Lucerne or Basel.