Category A 35 kW Switzerland: A restricted simply explained
A 35 kW — officially "A with power restriction", colloquially A35 or A restricted — is the standard entry into the real motorcycle world. Here you'll find all the requirements, the basic course, the test, and the path to A unrestricted.
- Locations Zürich, Winterthur, Rapperswil, Zug, Luzern
- Bookable online & flexible dates
- Own motorcycle or school motorcycle possible
A35 explained in 30 seconds
The key facts about the Swiss motorcycle Category A with power restriction — for a quick read-in.
Power
Motorcycles with a maximum engine power of 35 kW and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.2 kW/kg.
Minimum age
18 years for the learner's permit A 35 kW.
Riding alone
The learner's permit A entitles you to learner rides without a supervising driver.
Basic course
Practical motorcycle basic course: a total of 12 hours, not on an A1 vehicle.
Test motorcycle
Motorcycle without a sidecar, max. 35 kW, max. 0.2 kW/kg, 2 seats, no A1 machine.
A35 ≠ A2 (formally)
In Switzerland the category is officially called A with power restriction. "A2" is an EU term and in Switzerland only colloquial.
Upgrade to A unrestricted
After 2 years on A35 with a clean driving record, you can apply for the learner's permit A unrestricted.
Want to start safely with A35?
Book your motorcycle basic course or an A35 driving lesson at DriveLab in Zürich, Winterthur, Rapperswil, Zug or Luzern.
A35, A restricted or A2 — which is correct?
Three terms, one category. The confusion is built in — and it arises because Switzerland and the EU label the same concept differently.
In the Road Traffic Licensing Ordinance (VZV, SR 741.51) the category is officially called "Category A with power restriction". In everyday use, at driving schools and in the industry, it is referred to as "A35" or "A restricted" — both refer to the same power limit of 35 kW.
Anyone searching for "A2 Switzerland" almost always means the same category: A2 is the term commonly used in Germany and the EU for motorcycles with the same power values (max. 35 kW, max. 0.2 kW/kg). In substance, the Swiss A 35 kW is therefore the counterpart of the German A2 — but formally it is not called that in Switzerland.
| Name | Where common? | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A with power restriction | Official (VZV, Road Traffic Office) | Swiss legal term for the 35 kW motorcycle category. |
| A 35 kW / A35 | Swiss everyday language, driving schools | Short form with power figure — means the same category. |
| A restricted | Swiss everyday language | Another short form — again the same category. |
| A2 | EU / Germany | EU counterpart with practically identical power values. Not the official name in Switzerland. |
Which motorcycles am I allowed to ride with A35?
Two values are decisive: the maximum engine power and the power-to-weight ratio. Both are stated in the vehicle registration document — not on the motorcycle itself.
With the Category A 35 kW driving license you may ride motorcycles without a sidecar if both conditions are met at the same time:
"Engine power no more than 35 kW and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.2 kW/kg."
The 0.2 kW/kg ratio is the lesser-known — but decisive — figure. It means: a 35 kW motorcycle must have at least 175 kg of own weight in the legally relevant sense. A very light motorcycle with 35 kW can blow this condition and is then not A35-compliant, even if the raw power figure fits.
| Motorcycle type | Allowed with A35? | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Originally ≤ 35 kW | Yes | Built from the factory at max. 35 kW, power-to-weight ratio ≤ 0.2 kW/kg. |
| Motorcycle restricted to 35 kW | Yes, if properly registered | The reduction must be officially recognized and noted in the vehicle registration document; the power-to-weight ratio must still be ≤ 0.2 kW/kg. |
| > 35 kW (unrestricted) | No | Belongs in Category A unrestricted — not rideable with A35. |
| Very light motorcycle with 35 kW | Only if 0.2 kW/kg is met | With too little own weight in the legally relevant sense, it no longer falls under A35. |
| A1 motorcycle (up to 125 cc / 11 kW) | Yes, within the permission | In substance not an A35 vehicle, but anyone holding A or A35 may generally also ride A1 motorcycles. |
| Motorcycle with sidecar | Separate rules | Sidecar combinations are regulated separately in the VZV — when in doubt, clarify with the cantonal Road Traffic Office. |
What's always decisive is the entry in the vehicle registration document and the VZV in its current version. The examples above are for guidance only and don't replace an official statement from the cantonal Road Traffic Office.
Can I ride alone with the A35 learner's permit?
Short answer: yes. But "may" and "should" aren't the same thing.
The learner's permit for Category A — and therefore also A 35 kW — entitles you to learner rides without a supervising driver. Unlike with a car, you don't need to bring along an experienced driver once your learner's permit is issued and you've completed the basic course and the other requirements.
What "being allowed to ride alone" doesn't mean:
- That you should head off without any practice.
- That the road is your best teacher from day one.
- That a professional driving lesson would be unnecessary.
Especially when switching from a scooter or A1 motorcycle to a heavier machine, a lot changes at once: braking distance, seating position, finding the friction point when setting off, lean-angle feeling, behavior in wind and with luggage. A guided start dramatically shortens the learning curve.
Start safely — with DriveLab
With the A35 learner's permit you're allowed to ride alone. But especially the switch to a heavier motorcycle is easier when a driving instructor accompanies you at the start.
Basic course for A35: What you need to know
The practical motorcycle basic course is the ticket into Category A. It's mandatory — and at the same time the best investment in your first season.
Duration
A total of 12 hours, usually spread over several days. Content and structure are prescribed by the ASTRA directive.
Vehicle
For A or A35 not on an A1 motorcycle. Otherwise the basic course doesn't count for the higher category.
Requirements
Learner's permit A already issued, helmet, suitable motorcycle gear. School motorcycles can be arranged on site.
Content
Vehicle control, braking, cornering technique, turning, slalom, traffic observation, behavior in road traffic.
When to book?
As soon as the learner's permit A is issued — ideally early in the season so you can build up practice afterwards.
Where at DriveLab?
Locations Zürich, Winterthur, Rapperswil, Zug, Luzern — with school motorcycles or on your own motorcycle.
Binding information on crediting earlier basic courses and on recognition is provided by the cantonal Road Traffic Office of your canton of residence.
Book A35 basic course online
You'll find available dates on our basic-course overview. If you're unsure — for example because you've never been on a heavier machine — we recommend booking an A35 driving lesson first.
From A1 to A35: What changes?
A35 is more than just "the next bigger motorcycle". The step from 125 cc or 11 kW to an A35 motorcycle means a noticeably different machine.
| What changes? | A1 | A 35 kW (A restricted) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age learner's permit | 16 years (in the 125 cc variant) | 18 years |
| Maximum engine power | up to 11 kW | up to 35 kW |
| Maximum displacement (typical) | up to 125 cc | no displacement limit (power & kW/kg decisive) |
| Basic course | Practical motorcycle basic course | Practical motorcycle basic course — not on an A1 vehicle |
| Test motorcycle | A1-compliant motorcycle | Motorcycle without sidecar, max. 35 kW, max. 0.2 kW/kg, 2 seats, no A1 machine |
| Learner rides with supervisor | Possible without supervising driver | Possible without supervising driver |
If you already have A1, you bring experience with you — but the basic course and test for A35 must be done on a suitable, non-A1 motorcycle. So plan at least one familiarization ride on the new machine before going into the basic course.
If you want to start with a scooter or 125 first, read our A1 page — there you'll find the requirements, the basic course and the test for the smaller motorcycle category.
From A35 to A unrestricted: The next step
For most people, A35 is the direct route to the "big" motorcycle driving license — but it isn't the end. Here's how the upgrade works.
To apply for the Category A driving license without power restriction, the following points generally apply:
- At least two years of holding the Category A driving license with power restriction (A35).
- During that time, a clean driving record — i.e. no serious offenses that would block the upgrade.
- Application for the learner's permit A unrestricted at the cantonal Road Traffic Office of your canton of residence.
- Practical test A unrestricted with a suitable motorcycle.
Whether additional basic training is required in an individual case, or which transitional rules apply for older driving licenses, is best clarified directly with your cantonal Road Traffic Office. Anyone who obtained their driving license before 2021 may, under some circumstances, encounter different conditions.
More details on Category A unrestricted are on our A unrestricted page — including requirements, test motorcycle and typical timeline.
Which motorcycle is suitable for the basic course and test?
For the basic course the same principle applies as for the test: no A1 vehicle. But the requirements are a bit more precise.
| Requirement | Suitable for A35? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle without sidecar | Mandatory | Sidecar combinations are not permitted. |
| Engine power max. 35 kW | Mandatory | Original or officially recognized restriction. |
| Ratio kW/kg max. 0.2 | Mandatory | Derived from power output and the decisive vehicle weight. |
| Two seats | Mandatory | Single-seat machines are excluded as test vehicles. |
| A1 motorcycle | Not permitted | Neither for the A basic course nor for the A 35 kW test. |
The cantonal Road Traffic Office checks the test motorcycle before the test starts. Bring the vehicle registration document with you — it contains the values decisive for admission.
Why an A35 driving lesson before the basic course makes sense
In the basic course you learn in a group. A one-on-one lesson beforehand makes sure you're not fighting with the basics during the basic course — but actually taking in the content.
First meters without pressure
Setting off, shifting, braking, clutch — alone with your driving instructor in peace instead of in front of the group.
Switching from A1 / scooter
Heavier motorcycle, different push-feeling, more torque — this is not trivial.
Get to know your own motorcycle
Before you sit on an unfamiliar machine in the basic course, you can first get to know your own bike cleanly.
More output in the basic course
Anyone who already has the basics down can focus on cornering technique, observation and road riding during the basic course.
Safety gain
Statistically the most critical phase is the first season. If you learn cleanly early on, you benefit for a long time.
Individual feedback
In a 1:1 setting you see and correct your own patterns — that's not possible in a group.
How to book your A35 driving lesson
Book online, note "Category A 35 kW / A restricted" in the comment field, and whether you need your own motorcycle or a school motorcycle. We arrange the meeting point individually.
A1 vs. A35 vs. A unrestricted
The three Swiss motorcycle categories in direct comparison — so you can see at a glance where you stand and what's coming next.
Entry
Scooters and motorcycles up to 125 cc / 11 kW. From 16 (in the 125 cc variant).
Standard entry into "big motorcycle"
Motorcycles up to 35 kW and 0.2 kW/kg. From 18. This page.
Unrestricted
Motorcycles without power restriction. Usually after 2 years on A35 with a clean driving record.
| Category | Minimum age | Power | Basic course | Typical vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 16 (125 cc variant) | up to 11 kW | Practical motorcycle basic course | 125 cc scooter, 125 cc motorcycle |
| A 35 kW (A restricted) | 18 | up to 35 kW & max. 0.2 kW/kg | Practical motorcycle basic course — not on an A1 vehicle | Mid-class motorcycle, often a naked bike |
| A unrestricted | usually after 2 years on A35 | no power restriction | Depending on prior license — cantonal Road Traffic Office decides per case | Large touring motorcycles, sport machines |
Decision tree: Which motorcycle category do I need?
- You're 16 or 17 and want to ride a motorcycle? → A1 (125 cc variant).
- You're 18+ and want to ride a "real" motorcycle right away? → A 35 kW is the standard entry.
- You already have A1 and want more power? → A 35 kW. But the basic course must be done on a non-A1 motorcycle.
- You've had A35 for two years and want full power? → A unrestricted.
- You're unsure? → Book a driving lesson, talk to a DriveLab driving instructor, then the plan will fall into place.
→ Category A1 (scooter / 125) · → Category A unrestricted · → Motorcycle basic course
A35 basic course and driving lessons at our locations
DriveLab offers motorcycle basic courses and A35 driving lessons at five locations in German-speaking Switzerland.
Zürich
Motorcycle basic course and A35 driving lessons in Zürich — close to the city, with trained motorcycle driving instructors.
Winterthur
A35 basic course in Winterthur with its own city page and fixed date series.
Rapperswil
A35 basic course and driving lessons in the Rapperswil area — dates on the basic-course overview.
Luzern
A35 basic course in Luzern — dates bookable via the central basic-course overview.
Driving lessons everywhere
A35 driving lessons can be booked individually at all locations — we clarify the meeting point after booking.
Frequently asked questions about Category A 35 kW
What is Category A 35 kW (A restricted)?
Is A35 the same as A2?
Which motorcycles am I allowed to ride with A35?
Can I ride alone with the A35 learner's permit?
Do I really need a basic course for A35?
If I already have A1 — do I have to take the basic course again?
Which motorcycle do I need for the A35 test?
How long does the practical A35 test take?
How do I move from A35 to A unrestricted?
Where can I do the A35 basic course at DriveLab?
Is an A35 driving lesson before the basic course worth it?
What should I write in the comment field when booking?
Ready for A35?
Book your basic course or a driving lesson online and note in the comment field that you're doing Category A 35 kW / A restricted. Locations Zürich, Winterthur, Rapperswil, Zug and Luzern.
Legal status: Road Traffic Licensing Ordinance
VZV (SR 741.51),
in particular Art. 3, 6, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 24 and Annex 12, as well as the
ASTRA directive on the acquisition of motorcycle categories.
Binding information is provided by the cantonal Road Traffic Office of your canton of residence.
Last review of this page: 2026-05-17.