7-hour mandatory training to ride any motorcycle
A2 to A Upgrade
Direct access to the A license has not existed in France since 2016 (EU Directive 2006/126/EC transposed into French law). Today, the only way to ride a motorcycle without power restriction is the A2 to A upgrade: hold the A2 license for at least 2 years, then complete a mandatory 7-hour training course at a prefecture-approved motorcycle school. No exam at the end, just a certificate of completion, then an ANTS process to add category A to the title. See the official Service Public fact sheet for the complete procedure.
The essentials
The French Class A motorcycle licence authorises riding all motorcycles without power restriction (over 35 kW). Two routes: direct access from age 24 (full training of 20h), or the A2-to-A bridge after 2 years of A2 (7h of training, EUR 250-400). The bridge is the most common route. The licence stays valid for life, but the motorcycle theory (ETM) must be passed beforehand.
Pricing and rates for A2 to A Upgrade
The price of the A2 to A upgrade ranges from €250 to €350 depending on the motorcycle school and region (Paris and major cities at the high end). It is one of the cheapest license courses since it takes a single day (7 hours) without an exam. The fee covers the 2h theory on large displacements, the 2h manoeuvring on a >35 kW motorcycle, the 3h riding session, motorcycle rental, the final certificate and the ANTS process. No additional tax stamp. CPF via Mon Compte Formation can fund the upgrade for professional purposes (delivery rider, urban courier).
Intensive training
The A2 to A upgrade is by nature an intensive course since it takes place in a single 7-hour day. No long-duration training is needed. To optimise: choose a Saturday or day off, check 2 years from the issue date of your A2 license (date on the title, not the registration date for training), bring full gear (ECE 22.06 helmet, CE gloves, boots, jacket). Once the day is finished, the certificate is delivered immediately and category A appears on your license within 2 to 4 weeks via ANTS.
How it works
01
Eligibility check
Provide proof of 2 years of A2 license seniority (issue date on the card, not enrolment date in training).
02
7-hour training
A single day at the motorcycle school: theory on high-power bikes, manoeuvring on a >35 kW motorcycle, then on-road riding.
03
Certificate + ANTS
Certificate issued by the instructor at the end of the day. ANTS process to add category A to your license (within 2 to 4 weeks).
What's included
- Theory module: accident analysis and high-power motorcycle handling (2h)
- Off-road module: manoeuvring exercises on a >35 kW motorcycle (2h)
- Road module: real-traffic riding with the instructor (3h)
- Certificate of completion issued at the end (no exam required)
- ANTS process to update your license (category A added)
Prerequisites
- Hold an A2 license for at least 2 years (issue date of the A2 card)
- Take the 7-hour course at an approved motorcycle school
- No upper age limit, no mandatory medical check
Frequently asked questions
Can I still take the A license through direct access?
No. Since 2016 (EU Directive 2006/126/EC transposed into French law), direct access to the A license has been removed. The only way to obtain the A license is the A2 to A upgrade after 2 years of A2.
Do I need to take an exam for the A2 to A upgrade?
No, no exam is required. The 7-hour training ends with a simple certificate of completion issued by the instructor. No graded manoeuvring, no graded road riding, no theory test to retake.
How much does the A2-to-A upgrade cost?
The 7-hour upgrade course generally costs between €250 and €350 depending on the motorcycle school and region. It runs over a single day. No additional exam fee or stamp duty required.
When do the 2 years of A2 seniority start?
The 2 years count from the issue date of the A2 license (date on the card), not from the date you enrolled in driving school or passed the practical exam. Check the date on your license before signing up for the upgrade.
Is there a maximum age for the A2 to A upgrade?
No upper age limit. No medical check is required for the A2 to A upgrade, unlike some professional licenses. Good physical condition is nonetheless recommended for high-power motorcycles. The Sécurité Routière publishes guides on safe high-power riding practices.
Can the A2 to A upgrade be financed?
Yes, the CPF via Mon Compte Formation can fund the 7-hour course for upgrades with a professional purpose (2-wheel courier, urban delivery rider). France Travail covers the training for jobseekers retraining. Some regions offer a top-up grant of €200 to €500 via the regional council or local employment offices for young people under 26.
Which motorcycles can I ride with the A license?
All motorcycles without power restriction: >35 kW, over 600cc, sports bikes, big trail, hypersport. The A license also gives access to motorised 3-wheelers (A equivalence) and heavy quadricycles. To ride in a ZFE on a motorcycle, check the vehicle’s Crit’Air classification based on first-registration year. See the Service Public fact sheet on license categories for the full equivalences.
Get your quote for A2 to A Upgrade
Free · No commitment · Reply within 48h*
Get my free quote →*Excluding Sundays and public holidays.