The French motorbike licence landscape was reshaped by the January 2013 reform, then adjusted in 2020 and 2024. In 2026, four access routes coexist: 7h training for 125cc with B licence, A1 licence, A2 licence, A licence by bridge. This guide summarises rates, durations, exams and strategic choices for each formula.
7h training: 125cc with B licence
Since 2011, B-licence holders for 2+ years can ride a 125cc motorbike (MP3, Yamaha X-Max 125, BMW C400) after completing 7-hour school training. No exam, simple certificate. Average 2026 French rate: €280-420. Content: 2h theory (regulation, equipment, mechanics, safety), 2h off-road practice (low-speed mastery, avoidance, braking), 3h on-road. This route suits urban commuters, suburban trips.
A1 licence: 125cc from 16
A1 licence is accessible from 16 and authorises 125cc motorbikes (max power 11 kW, 15 hp). Training: 20 hours minimum (theory + practice), motorbike-specific code exam + off-road (plateau) + traffic. Average 2026 French rate: €750-1,100. Main interest: start two-wheeled motorised driving at 16 without waiting for the 18 required for A2.
A2 licence: restricted motorbikes up to 35 kW
Since the 2013 European reform, any 18-24 year-old candidate must go through A2 before accessing full A. A2 authorises motorbikes restricted to 35 kW (47.5 hp max) for 2 years. Training: 20 hours minimum between theory, plateau (low and high-speed manoeuvres), traffic. Three-part exam (code + plateau + traffic). Average 2026 French rate: €850-1,200.
Motorbikes accessible in A2
About 80% of market models can be restricted to 35 kW to comply A2. Popular examples: restricted Yamaha MT-07, Kawasaki Z650 A2, KTM 390 Duke, Honda CB500F, Suzuki SV650 A2, Triumph Trident 660 A2. Restriction done at dealer or approved preparer (€200-400 per model). At 21 after 2 years of A2, derestriction authorised by simple bridge.
A licence: free access after 2 years of A2
Since the 2020 reform, the A licence (no power limit) is obtained by bridge after holding A2 for 2 full years. The bridge includes a mandatory 7-hour school training (no exam) and rights payment. Average 2026 French rate: €280-420. This bridge allows riding any motorbike, including supersport (1000cc, 200+ hp), road, trail, custom without power limit.
2026 motorbike licence exam
Three parts. Motorbike Theory Test: since 2020, a motorbike-specific code (40 questions, 35 minimum, adapted themes: equipment, motorbike physics, specific risks). €30 fee. Plateau: 5 minutes, 10 manoeuvres (slalom, emergency braking, avoidance, slow pass), scored out of 21 points, pass 17. Traffic: 40 minutes on urban and road route, assessment by inspector with radio earpiece. All three must be validated.
Obligations during 2 years of A2
During A2 probation, several specific rules. Motorbike limited to 35 kW max and power/weight ratio ≤ 0.2 kW/kg. « A2 » or « A » (apprentice) disc optional (not mandatory in France, mandatory in some EU countries). Blood alcohol limited to 0.2 g/L (like B probationaries). Speeds: identical to confirmed riders. Equipment obligations: homologated helmet, CE-approved gloves, high-cut boots, jacket or equivalent with CE EN 17092-standard reinforcement.
A2 to A: the 7h bridge
At end of 2-year A2, you can take the 7-hour A2-to-A bridge training. Content: 2h theory (regulatory evolution, powerful motorbikes, increased risks), 5h practice (high-power manoeuvres, braking mastery, acceleration). No exam. A licence updated by ANTS (2-4 weeks after certificate). Average 2026 rate: €280-420.
AM licence: 50cc scooter (formerly BSR)
AM licence (formerly BSR) allows riding a 50cc moped (max 45 km/h) or a licence-free microcar from 14. Training: 8 hours minimum in school (4h theory + 4h practice), no exam. Average 2026 rate: €190-290. No right for 125cc or A1 motorbikes. Useful for short teen trips, even if success has waned since 2020 in favour of bikes and e-scooters.
2026 rate and duration comparison
7h training (125 with B): €280-420, 1 day, no exam. AM licence: €190-290, 2 days, no exam. A1 licence: €750-1,100, 4-8 weeks, full exam. A2 licence: €850-1,200, 4-8 weeks, full exam. A2-to-A bridge: €280-420, 1 day, no exam. Full package A1 then A2 then A (18-25): about €2,000-2,600, 4-6 years total.
Choosing your 2026 motorbike formula
Four types to orient your choice. Profile 1 - Active adult already B-licensed, urban/suburban use: 125 7h training. Profile 2 - Teenager 16-17 no licence, leisure use: A1 (125cc). Profile 3 - Young 18-24, leisure or daily use, future large motorbike desire: A2 direct. Profile 4 - Experienced 25+, powerful motorbike desire from start: A2 mandatory then A bridge at 27 minimum.
France motorbike licence or 7h training quote
DevisPermis.fr lists specialised motorbike schools across France: A1, A2, bridges, 125 training. Our partners specify learning vehicles (recent, A2 restricted), exam timelines and equipment included. Fill our form for 3 personalised quotes within 48h.
Next step
How to get the right support?
DevisPermis.fr connects you for free with a certified driving school near you. Answer 5 questions in 2 minutes, and an advisor will call you back within 48h* to offer a tailored package.
Discuss it for free*Excluding Sundays and public holidays