Swiss Category A1 Driving License: Scooters, 125 cc & Basic Course
A1 is the entry point on two wheels in Switzerland: scooters, 125 cc motorcycles and the 45 km/h variant. Here you'll find all the requirements, the path from learner's permit to category — and how to get started safely with DriveLab.
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A1 in 30 seconds
The key facts about the Swiss Category A1 driving license — compact and without bureaucratic language.
Which vehicles?
Motorcycles with up to 125 cm³ engine displacement and up to 11 kW power output — including the more powerful scooters.
Minimum age
15 years for A1 restricted to 45 km/h, 16 years for A1 without speed restriction.
Ride alone
With the A1 learner's permit you may practice without a supervising driver.
Motorcycle basic course
12 hours of practical basic training are mandatory — within the validity of your learner's permit.
B holders test-exempt
If you already hold Category B (car) or B1, you get A1 after the basic course without a practical test.
Theory
Basic theory test at the Road Traffic Office; waived if a corresponding category is already held.
What is Category A1?
A1 is the Swiss entry-level category for light motorcycles and the more powerful scooters. It is the bridge between the small categories (M / F) and the more powerful motorcycle categories (A35 and A unrestricted).
Under the Road Traffic Licensing Ordinance (VZV, SR 741.51), Category A1 covers:
«Motorcycles with an engine displacement of no more than 125 cm³ and a power output of no more than 11 kW.»
In addition, Switzerland recognizes an A1 variant restricted to 45 km/h top speed: max. 50 cm³ engine displacement or max. 4 kW power output, minimum age 15. Anyone who takes the practical A1 test on a motorcycle restricted to 45 km/h may afterward only ride such motorcycles.
Important context:
- A1 is not the moped category (that is M, up to 30 km/h).
- A1 is not the F category for slow motor vehicles up to 45 km/h.
- A1 does not authorize you to ride more powerful motorcycles (that is A35 / A restricted with 35 kW or A unrestricted).
A1 45 km/h or A1 125 cc — which fits you?
A1 has two variants. The right one depends on age, riding goal and the future vehicle.
| Variant | Minimum age | Vehicle | Typical use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 restricted to 45 km/h | 15 years | Max. 50 cm³ engine displacement or max. 4 kW power output, max. 45 km/h | Entry to scooters or small motorcycles for school or apprenticeship commuting. |
| A1 without speed restriction | 16 years | Max. 125 cm³ engine displacement, max. 11 kW power output | Classic 125 cc machines and more powerful scooters for everyday and leisure use. |
Those who obtain A1 before turning 16 effectively ride in the 45 km/h variant. In Switzerland, the restriction is not necessarily entered as a code in the license but can also be controlled via the date of birth — the exact handling is set by your canton of residence and the Road Traffic Office.
By contrast, anyone who takes the practical test on a motorcycle restricted to 45 km/h may later only ride motorcycles with that restriction — even after turning 16. An upgrade to full A1 (125 cm³ / 11 kW) is possible, but does not happen automatically.
Not sure which A1 variant fits you?
When in doubt, book an A1 driving lesson at DriveLab and discuss your case with the driving instructor. That way you plan the path cleanly — including timing for the basic course and the test.
Which vehicles can I ride with A1?
A1 covers a clearly defined vehicle group. What counts is always the entry in the vehicle registration document — not what «looks like a scooter» or «looks like a motorcycle».
| Vehicle type | Allowed with A1? | Key conditions | Typical example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 125 cc motorcycle | Yes | Max. 125 cm³ engine displacement, max. 11 kW power output. | Classic 125 cc machine. |
| More powerful scooter | Yes | Within the A1 limits (125 cm³ / 11 kW). | 125 cc scooter for everyday use and commuting. |
| Scooter up to 45 km/h | Yes (A1 45 km/h) | Max. 50 cm³ or 4 kW, minimum age 15. | Classic entry-level scooter for the school commute. |
| Motorcycle > 125 cm³ or > 11 kW | No | Requires A35 (A restricted) or A unrestricted. | Classic 600 cc machine. |
| Moped (Cat. M) | Separate category | Mopeds (up to 30 km/h) are covered by Category M. | Classic moped. |
What counts is always the entry in the vehicle registration document and the current VZV. The examples above serve as orientation and do not replace official information from the Road Traffic Office.
A1 vs. A35 vs. A unrestricted — the motorcycle staircase
A1 is the entry point. For more powerful machines, you move up step by step.
| Category | For what? | Minimum age | Basic course | Practical test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Scooters and motorcycles up to 125 cm³ / 11 kW (or 45 km/h variant) | 15 (45 km/h) / 16 (125 cm³) | 12 hrs mandatory | Yes — unless Category B / B1 already held |
| A35 / A restricted | Motorcycles with up to 35 kW power output | generally 18 | Check creditability | Yes, with an A-class motorcycle in the corresponding power class |
| A unrestricted | Motorcycles without power restriction | from about age 20 (after 2 years on A35) | Check creditability | No more direct access (since 2021); the path leads via 2 years on A35 plus a new test |
Detailed knowledge about the next levels is available on our sister pages on Category A35 (A restricted) and Category A unrestricted.
Requirements for the A1 learner's permit
The path to the A1 learner's permit follows a clear pattern. These are the points you must fulfill.
Reach the minimum age
15 years for A1 restricted to 45 km/h, 16 years for A1 without speed restriction.
Eye test
Before applying, you take an eye test, e.g. at an optician. The result is confirmed on a form.
First-aid course
A valid first-aid certificate (10 hours) is mandatory. At the time of application, the course may not be older than 6 years.
Application at the Road Traffic Office
With the eye test, first-aid certificate, proof of identity and a photo, you submit the application to the Road Traffic Office of your canton of residence.
Basic theory test
Before the learner's permit you take the basic theory test — unless you already hold a category that covers it.
A1 learner's permit
Once you pass the theory, the learner's permit is issued. It is generally valid for 4 months — plan the motorcycle basic course accordingly.
Cantonal fees and administrative details vary. Binding information is provided by the Road Traffic Office of your canton of residence.
Can I ride alone with the A1 learner's permit?
One of the most common questions — and one of the most important to answer.
Yes: the A1 learner's permit authorizes learner rides without a supervising driver. Unlike with the Category B learner's permit, you don't need a supervising driver next to you — on two wheels that wouldn't work anyway. To be ready to go, however, all requirements must be met (learner's permit issued, basic theory passed, motorcycle properly registered and insured, helmet and protective gear).
What «being allowed to ride alone» does not mean: that a first ride is easy without practice. Keeping your balance, shifting, braking, shoulder check, behavior in heavy traffic — that often feels unfamiliar at the start. Many beginners therefore book a first driving lesson before heading out alone into traffic.
Start safely — with DriveLab
With the A1 learner's permit you may practice alone. If you don't want to start on your own, a driving lesson at DriveLab will help — especially before the first basic course.
Do I need the motorcycle basic course for A1?
Yes — the practical basic training («motorcycle basic course») is mandatory for everyone acquiring Category A1.
The motorcycle basic course covers 12 hours of practical basic training. It is completed at an approved driving school and teaches basic riding technique: balance, shifting, braking, emergency braking, cornering, behavior in traffic. The basic course must be completed within the validity of your learner's permit.
Three points many people underestimate:
- Order: learner's permit first, then basic course. Theory and learner's permit come before.
- Learner's permit extension: after completing the basic course, the learner's permit is generally extended. The exact extension period in each case is confirmed by the Road Traffic Office.
- Test exemption for B holders: if you already hold Category B (car) or B1, you are exempt from the A1 practical test after completing the 12-hour basic course — the category is entered directly at the Road Traffic Office.
Book the A1 basic course with DriveLab
We offer the motorcycle basic course at all our locations. Book online, choose your dates flexibly, bring the driving school motorcycle or your own — we'll coordinate it with you.
From A1 to A35: how the next step works
A1 is the entry level. Those who want to ride more powerful motorcycles later move to A35 (A restricted) and finally to A unrestricted.
The typical path looks like this:
- A1 → entry: 125 cm³ / 11 kW or the 45 km/h variant.
- A35 (A restricted) → motorcycles up to 35 kW power output. Move generally from age 18, with its own learner's permit and its own practical test. The complete overview is on our A35 page.
- A unrestricted → full power. Requires two years of clean riding with A35 plus a further practical test — direct access from age 25 was abolished in 2021. Details on the A unrestricted page.
Which steps are specifically necessary — for example which basic course can be credited — is best clarified directly with the Road Traffic Office of your canton of residence. We help you with the practical preparation at every level.
Read on directly to the next level
→ Category A35 (A restricted) — 35 kW power output, from age 18.
→ Category A unrestricted — full motorcycle power, the third step.
A1 after exchanging a foreign driving license
If you move to Switzerland from abroad and already had A1 entered in your original license, that can be carried over — often including the 45 km/h restriction.
Three typical cases:
- A1 without restriction in your home country → generally carried over directly as A1 into the Swiss license.
- A1 with 45 km/h restriction in your home country → generally also carried over with the restriction.
- Other motorcycle category → the Road Traffic Office decides on a case-by-case basis which Swiss category is equivalent.
The exact procedure, any control rides and deadlines can be found on our page about the exchange of foreign driving licenses. Ultimately, the Road Traffic Office of your canton of residence decides.
How the A1 test works
The A1 practical test is administered by the cantonal Road Traffic Office. Here are the key points — and what to prepare for.
Preparation
After the motorcycle basic course, gather targeted riding practice — ideally on the same motorcycle you will ride at the test. Curves, braking, emergency braking, shoulder check: those are the classics.
Test vehicle
What is required is a motorcycle that meets the A1 requirements (125 cm³ / 11 kW or the 45 km/h variant, depending on the target license). The motorcycle must be roadworthy and properly registered. Don't forget helmet and protective gear.
Traffic ride
The examiner accompanies you (e.g. by radio and with a chase vehicle) and assesses safe riding, traffic observation, lane choice, adapting to the situation, and anticipatory behavior.
Common mistakes
Insufficient shoulder check, poor lane choice in roundabouts, hasty braking, inadequate speed adjustment in curves, lack of observation when pulling away.
Checklist before the test
- Vehicle registration document and insurance valid.
- Helmet, gloves, protective gear — visual check and fit.
- Lights, brake light, indicators, horn and tires checked.
- Learner's permit and proof of identity with you.
- Aim for the meeting point with the Road Traffic Office on time, plan buffer time.
The points above are a practical orientation. They replace neither the official requirements catalog of the cantonal Road Traffic Office nor the instructions of the examiner. Exact minimum durations and procedural details of the practical test may change — for current rules see the Road Traffic Office or ASTRA.
What does Category A1 cost?
A1 is cheaper than a car driving license — but the cost is spread across several items. Here are the realistic ranges per cost block plus a total-cost overview for two typical scenarios.
| Cost block | What's included? | Range CHF | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eye test | Optician or eye doctor | CHF 20–30 | One-time item. |
| First-aid course | 10 hours of life-saving first-response measures | CHF 100–150 | Validity: 6 years. |
| Application & learner's permit | Road Traffic Office fee + passport photo | CHF 50–80 | Varies by canton. |
| Basic theory test | Theory test at the Road Traffic Office | CHF 30–40 | Per attempt; retakes cost again. |
| VKU (if required) | Traffic Awareness Course, 8 hours | CHF 200–300 | Waived if already completed. Order changes as of 01.01.2027. |
| Motorcycle basic course (12 hrs) – mandatory | Practical basic training at DriveLab, at all locations | CHF 500–600 | Flat-rate price at DriveLab depending on location (e.g. Lucerne CHF 480, Zürich CHF 500, Winterthur CHF 520). |
| Optional A1 driving lessons | e.g. entry, maneuvers, test preparation | CHF 93 / 179 / 269 | DriveLab rate: 45 min. CHF 93, 90 min. CHF 179, 135 min. intensive CHF 269. Bookable online. |
| Practical test | Road Traffic Office fee | CHF 100–130 | Waived for holders of Category B or B1. |
Total cost of Category A1 — two typical scenarios
The mandatory items added up. Optional driving lessons are not included — they are added as needed.
Scenario A — new entrant (no other category held):
- Eye test, first-aid, application, theory, basic course, practical test — mandatory.
- VKU depending on canton/situation: an additional CHF 200–300.
- Total range: approx. CHF 800 – 1,330 (mandatory items without driving lessons).
- With 1–3 additional driving lessons: +CHF 100 – 550.
Scenario B — you already hold Category B or B1:
- Eye test, first-aid, theory and VKU are generally already completed.
- A1 practical test is waived (test-exempt after the 12-hour basic course).
- What remains: A1 learner's permit + motorcycle basic course.
- Total range: approx. CHF 550 – 680 (mandatory items without driving lessons).
The ranges are based on typical market prices in German-speaking Switzerland and on the current DriveLab rates for the motorcycle basic course and A1 driving lessons. Cantonal fees at the Road Traffic Office (learner's permit, theory, practical test) vary — for binding information, ask the Road Traffic Office of your canton of residence. Anyone using A1 as a precursor to A35 or A unrestricted should plan for additional costs for the next level.
When is an A1 driving lesson worthwhile before the basic course?
The basic course is mandatory — an additional driving lesson before or between is voluntary, but often worth its weight in gold.
Very first ride
If you have never been on a motorcycle, you build a sense of balance and brake control in a calm environment — not in traffic.
Before the basic course
With some basic feel you enter the 12 hours more relaxed — and the learning effect during the basic course is significantly higher.
Switching to your own motorcycle
If you switch to your own motorcycle after the basic course, a guided ride on the new vehicle helps.
City traffic
Inner-city riding in Zürich, Winterthur, Zug or Luzern is demanding. Guided lessons are especially worthwhile here.
Test preparation
One or two lessons before the practical test help enormously: you ride the routes, know the tricky spots, and know what the examiner pays attention to.
Confidence after a long break
Anyone who hasn't ridden in a while quickly gets the routine back with one or two lessons.
How to book your A1 driving lesson
Book online and write your category and vehicle in the comment. That way we assign the right driving instructor for you.
A1 basic course and driving lessons at our locations
We are present in German-speaking Switzerland — with motorcycle basic courses and A1 driving lessons at all locations.
Zürich
Motorcycle basic course and A1 driving lessons in the greater Zürich area. View Zürich basic course.
Winterthur
Motorcycle basic course in Winterthur, with experienced motorcycle driving instructors. View Winterthur basic course.
Rapperswil
A1 driving lessons and basic-course coordination in Rapperswil and the surrounding area. Motorcycle basic course overview.
Zug
Motorcycle basic course in Zug, ideal for learners from Zug, Cham and Baar. View Zug basic course.
Luzern
Motorcycle basic course in Luzern — meeting point in the Luzern region. View Luzern basic course.
Looking for an A1 driving lesson?
Book online and choose your location. To booking.
Category A1 in 7 steps
This is what the path from «I'm considering A1» to a passed license looks like in concrete terms.
First-aid course
If your first-aid certificate has expired or you never completed one: catch up now.
Eye test & application
Complete the eye test, submit the application for the A1 learner's permit to the Road Traffic Office.
Basic theory test
Learn the theory and take the test at the Road Traffic Office (waived if you hold a suitable existing category).
A1 learner's permit
Once you pass the theory, the learner's permit is issued. Riding alone is permitted.
Motorcycle basic course (12 hrs)
Complete the practical basic training at DriveLab — within the validity of the learner's permit.
Riding practice & driving lessons if needed
Practice in traffic, additional A1 driving lessons if needed — especially before the test.
Practical test
Register via the Road Traffic Office. Waived for holders of Category B or B1.
Frequently asked questions about Category A1
What can I ride with a Category A1 driving license?
What is the difference between A1 45 km/h and A1 125 cc?
From what age can I get Category A1?
Can I ride alone with the A1 learner's permit?
Do I need the motorcycle basic course for A1?
Do I have to take a practical test for A1?
How long is the A1 learner's permit valid?
How do I move from A1 45 km/h to A1 without restriction?
Can I later move from A1 to A35 (A restricted) or A unrestricted?
Do I need VKU (Traffic Awareness Course) for A1?
I have a foreign driving license with A1 (e.g. 45 km/h). What applies in Switzerland?
When is an A1 driving lesson worthwhile before the basic course?
Where does DriveLab offer A1 basic courses and driving lessons?
Ready for A1?
Book your motorcycle basic course or an A1 driving lesson online in Zürich, Winterthur, Rapperswil, Zug or Luzern. Write your category and vehicle in the comment — we'll coordinate the rest with you.
Legal status: Road Traffic Licensing Ordinance (VZV, SR 741.51) in conjunction with the revision of the
driving license regulations (OPERA-3,
ASTRA).
Binding information is provided by the Road Traffic Office of your canton of residence.
Last review of this page: 2026-05-17.