The gateway to motorcycling
Class A2 Motorcycle License
The A2 license is accessible from age 18 and allows you to ride motorcycles with a maximum power of 35 kW (47 bhp) and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.2 kW/kg. It is the mandatory first step in France’s motorcycle progression: since 2016, direct access to the A license no longer exists (EU Directive 2006/126/EC). After 2 years on the A2, you upgrade via a simple 7-hour A2 to A bridge with no exam. Training includes the Motorcycle Theory Test (ETM, separate from the car ETG since 2020), an off-road manoeuvring exercise and a road riding test. According to ONISR, the national pass rate for the A2 is around 80% on the ETM and 75% on the practical exams. Mandatory equipment: ECE 22.06 approved helmet, CE-certified gloves, armoured jacket.
The essentials
The French A2 motorcycle licence is the gateway to the motorcycle world from age 18, allowing motorcycles up to 35 kW (47 hp) with a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 0.2 kW/kg. Training comprises 20h of practical riding (8h plateau + 12h road) and the specific motorcycle theory exam (ETM). 2026 price between EUR 1,290 and EUR 1,600. After 2 years of A2, the 7-hour bridge gives access to the unlimited Class A.
Pricing and rates for Class A2 Motorcycle License
The price of the A2 license ranges from €1,290 to €1,600 depending on the motorcycle school and region (Paris at the high end). The fee includes the motorcycle-specific code (ETM), 20 hours of practical training across manoeuvring and traffic riding, motorcycle school rental, gear loaned for lessons, and exam presentation. Extra hours: €50 to €70/hour. To finance: CPF via Mon Compte Formation for theory, State Permis 1€/jour (up to €1,200), France Travail for jobseekers in retraining (delivery riders, urban couriers).
Intensive training
Intensive A2 training takes 2 to 3 weeks at 4 to 6 hours of manoeuvring and traffic riding per day. Format especially suited to motivated candidates who already hold the car license (the ETG counts as equivalence for the ETM in some cases) or experienced two-wheel candidates (BSR, 125cc training). Surcharge: €200 to €400 for priority on exam slots and manoeuvring sessions. The most-used exam centres in Île-de-France are Rosny-sous-Bois (93), Nanterre (92), Saint-Denis (93) and Versailles (78), with median ONISR delays of 45 to 90 days.
How it works
01
Theory training
Learning motorcycle-specific riding: equipment, risks, traffic rules.
02
Manoeuvring exercise
Controlling the bike at low speed: slalom, reverse, emergency braking.
03
Road riding
Riding in real traffic with an instructor, in town and on fast roads as you progress.
04
Exam
The exam includes an off-road manoeuvring exercise (eliminating) and a road riding test with an examiner.
What's included
- Motorcycle-specific theory training (ETM/DSA)
- Manoeuvring exercise (off-road)
- Training on circuit and in traffic
- Manoeuvring and traffic riding exam
Prerequisites
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a car license (or "gateway" option without one)
- Have passed the ASSR 2 or ASR theory test
Frequently asked questions
Can I go straight from A2 to A?
Yes. After 2 years riding on an A2, you can access the A license by completing a 7-hour course at a motorcycle school. No exam is required.
Do I need a car license to take the A2?
No. It is possible to take the A2 without a car license. However, if you don’t have a car license, the highway code theory test is mandatory before motorcycle training.
What equipment is mandatory for A2 riding?
Approved helmet, CE gloves, jacket or suit with armour, ankle boots. This equipment is required both for riding and for the exam.
How much does the A2 license cost?
A2 training costs between €1290 and €1600. This includes motorcycle-specific theory, the manoeuvring and road riding tests. Cost varies by city and hours needed.
What motorcycle can I ride on an A2?
The A2 license allows you to ride motorcycles with a maximum of 35 kW (47 bhp) and a power-to-weight ratio under 0.2 kW/kg. Many modern bikes are available in an A2-restricted version. You cannot carry a pillion passenger for the first 2 years.
Is the motorcycle code (ETM) different from the car code (ETG)?
Yes, since 1 March 2020, the Motorcycle Theory Test (ETM) is separate from the car ETG. The ETM contains 40 motorcycle-specific questions (equipment, two-wheel riding, road sharing, specific pictograms). The approved operators are the same: La Poste, Objectif Code SGS, Pointcode. Pass mark remains 35/40.
What financial aid for the A2 license?
The A2 license is eligible for CPF via Mon Compte Formation for theory training. The State Permis 1€/jour scheme includes the A2 (up to €1,200). France Travail tops up if you are a jobseeker. Holding a car license entitles you to a shortened A2 course: in some cases the ETG counts as equivalence for the ETM.
Riding in LEZ with an A2 license?
All motorcycles over 50 cc need a Crit’Air sticker to enter Low Emission Zones (Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, Grenoble, Reims). Crit’Air 4 motorcycles (Euro 1, registered before 2003) and more polluting are progressively banned. A new Euro 5 motorcycle gets a Crit’Air 1. Check classification on the official Crit’Air sticker site.
Wait time for the A2 practical exam?
Variable by region. ONISR median wait times range from 45 to 105 days depending on the department. Slots are allocated via the RdvPermis platform (managed by your motorcycle school). In Île-de-France, the most-used exam centres are Rosny-sous-Bois (93), Nanterre (92), Saint-Denis (93) and Versailles (78).
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