Training
Motorcycle License
Class A2 from age 18 to start, Class A direct access or via the 2-year A2 bridge, Class A1 from age 16 for 125cc young-rider access: the right motorcycle school for your project exists near you. Dedicated training pads, loaner gear, expert big-bore instructors. Intensive course available. Free quote in 2 minutes, 48h callback, no commitment.
The essentials
The French motorcycle license authorises riding motorcycles, split into three categories: A1 from age 16 (125cc bikes, 11 kW max), A2 from age 18 (bikes up to 35 kW) and A for all engine sizes (age 24 direct access, or 20 via the A2-to-A bridge). Training includes the motorcycle theory test (ETM, 40 two-wheeler-specific questions), an off-road skills area and an on-road section. Average A2 license price ranges from EUR 1,290 to EUR 1,600 depending on the motorcycle school.
A1, A2, A direct or Bridge: which motorcycle license course to choose?
Quick comparison of the 4 paths to a motorcycle license in France 2026.
| Course | Min. age | Max engine size | Average price 2026 | Training | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 License | 16 yrs | 125 cc / 11 kW | EUR 700 - 1,000 | 20 h (8 plateau + 12 road) | ETM + plateau + road |
| A2 License | 18 yrs | 35 kW (47 hp) | EUR 1,290 - 1,600 | 20 h (8 plateau + 12 road) | ETM + plateau + road |
| A2 to A Bridge | 20 yrs (after 2 years on A2) | All engine sizes | EUR 250 - 400 | 7 h (2h theory + 2h plateau + 3h road) | No exam |
| A License (direct) | 24 yrs | All engine sizes | EUR 1,400 - 1,800 | 20 h (8 plateau + 12 road) | ETM + plateau + road |
Sources: ONISR and French Road Safety 2026. National average prices. The 7h bridge remains the most common route to access the Class A license.
Everything about the motorcycle license
A motorcycle license is a symbol of freedom, but also a commitment: riding on two wheels requires demanding training, both technically and mentally. In France, motorcycle access is progressive and supervised by the Sécurité Routière: at age 18, the A2 license opens access to bikes restricted to 35 kW; after 2 years of experience, the A license gives access to all engine sizes. Training includes a theory part (ETM - Motorcycle Theory Test, specific since 2020), an off-road part (skills area) and an on-road part. DevisPermis compares prefecture-approved motorcycle schools near you, whether your project is a leisure A2 or a progression to the full A license.
Why get a motorcycle license?
- Unmatched freedom of movement: fluid urban traffic, shorter trips, easier parking.
- Real fuel savings and often lower maintenance costs than a car.
- A community and a passion: a world of road trips, tracks and shared experiences.
- Professional value for certain jobs (delivery, escort, maintenance, police forces).
Who is this course for?
- Teens from age 16 with the A1 license (light motorcycles up to 11 kW) to progressively get started.
- Adults from age 18 for the A2 license, ideal as a first motorcycle license.
- Experienced riders aiming for the A2-to-A transition after 2 years of experience.
- Experienced riders aiming for direct access to the A license from age 24.
- Candidates in a hurry aiming for an intensive motorcycle course over 2 to 3 weeks, with skills area and road back to back.
How does the training work?
- Motorcycle code (ETM): specific test with 40 questions on behaviour, equipment and safety.
- Off-road training: slow handling, fast handling, emergency braking.
- On-road training: minimum 8 hours in town and on expressways with a fully-equipped instructor.
- Skills-area exam then road exam (32 minutes, checks and manoeuvres).
- Issuance of the A2 license, then transition to A after 2 years (7h course + exam).
- Title update via ANTS within 2 to 4 weeks after issuance.
Our tips to choose wisely
- Prefer a motorcycle school with a dedicated training track and a recent bike fleet (less wear, better equipped).
- Check both skills-area AND road exam pass rates: they often differ between schools.
- Expect around 20 hours of training on average - beware of very low offers that hide extra-hour fees.
- Gear (ECE 22.06 helmet, CE gloves, jacket, boots) is mandatory from the first lesson: check what the school provides.
- Before riding in a major city, check your future bike’s Crit’Air classification to comply with current ZFE rules.
Motorcycle License courses available
2 courses01
Choose your course
Select the training that fits your project and profile.
02
Receive your quote
Answer 5 questions in 2 minutes. An advisor calls you back within 48h*.
03
Start your training
Enrol in the nearest partner driving school.
*Excluding Sundays and public holidays.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car license to take a motorcycle test?
No. It is possible to take the A2 or A license without a car license. However, the general theory test (highway code) is mandatory if you do not already hold a license.
What is the official progression for motorcycles?
The official progression is: A1 (light motorcycles 11 kW, age 16) → A2 (bikes up to 35 kW, age 18) → A (all bikes, age 24 direct access or age 20 with the 7-hour bridge after 2 years on A2).
How much does a motorcycle license cost in France?
Costs vary by category. Expect €1290 to €1600 for the A2 license, and €250 to €400 for the A2-to-A bridge (7h of training). Request a free quote for prices in your city.
Can a minor take a motorcycle test?
Yes. The A1 license (light motorcycles 11 kW) is accessible from age 16 with a full exam (ETM theory + skills area + road). The A2 is accessible from age 18.
What is the ETM and how does it differ from the standard highway code?
The ETM (Motorcycle Theory Test), introduced in 2020, is a motorcycle-specific code with 40 questions focused on two-wheeler riding: mandatory gear, trajectories, specific risks, basic mechanics. It is required for any motorcycle license and replaces the B code for candidates without a car license.
How many practical hours are needed for the A2 license?
The legal minimum is 20 hours (8h skills area + 12h on road), but the real average is 25 to 30 hours. Beginners often need 5 to 10 extra hours to master the skills area.
What is the difference between the skills-area exam and the road exam?
The skills-area exam is off-road on a dedicated track: slow handling, fast handling (avoidance + braking at 50 km/h), technical checks. The road exam assesses real-condition riding in town and on main roads for around 35 minutes.
Is the motorcycle license CPF-eligible?
Yes, since 2020, A, A2 and A1 licenses are eligible to the CPF via Mon Compte Formation if the training is done in a Qualiopi-certified school and linked to a professional project (e.g. delivery driver, instructor). France Travail can also co-finance in case of professional retraining.
Which motorcycle should I choose after passing A2?
Pick a bike suited to your build and use: roadsters (Yamaha MT-07, Kawasaki Z650, Honda CB500F) are very popular in A2 as they are manoeuvrable and versatile. Avoid pure sportbikes at the start: the position is tiring and reactivity excessive for a beginner.
By city
Motorcycle License in the largest cities
Discover schools, success rates and practical tips for your training in each city.
Paris
Île-de-France
Marseille
PACA
Lyon
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Toulouse
Occitanie
Nice
PACA
Nantes
Pays de la Loire
Strasbourg
Grand Est
Bordeaux
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Lille
Hauts-de-France
Montpellier
Occitanie
Rennes
Brittany
Reims
Grand Est
Le Havre
Normandy
Saint-Étienne
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Toulon
PACA
Grenoble
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Dijon
Burgundy-Franche-Comté
Angers
Pays de la Loire