Motorcycle Basic Course (Grundkurs) Winterthur

Motorcycle Basic Course Winterthur

Motorcycle Basic Course (Grundkurs) Winterthur

Book your Motorcycle Basic Course (Grundkurs) in Winterthur with DriveLab. Switzerland's mandatory Grundkurs for categories A1, A 35 kW (A restricted) and A — three parts of 4 hours each, structured and safe, at a flat price of the flat price shown in the booking window.

  • 3 parts × 4 hours (12 h total)
  • Flat price incl. course materials
  • For A1, A 35 kW & A
  • Book online
Book the Grundkurs Check requirements

📅 Upcoming course dates in Winterthur

Pick your preferred date for the Motorcycle Basic Course (Grundkurs) in Winterthur and book directly online. Each course includes the three mandatory parts of 4 hours each. The flat price is shown in the booking window.

No course dates currently scheduled in Winterthur. Check back soon or contact us for individual dates.

Binding: dates are loaded live from our booking system. Places are limited (max. 5 participants per course).

👤 Who needs the Motorcycle Basic Course?

In Switzerland the Motorcycle Basic Course (Grundkurs) is mandatory for almost every new motorcycle or scooter rider. The Grundkurs Winterthur is the second official step — after the first-aid course and the learner permit — on the path to your motorcycle exam.

Whether you are 15 and switching to a 45 km/h scooter, 16 and riding a 125 cc for the first time, or a car driver moving up to a heavy motorcycle: the Motorcycle Basic Course Winterthur is for everyone new to powered two-wheelers in the Zürich region. The course follows the OPERA-3 structure and brings you to safe, independent riding competence in 12 hours of practical training.

If you completed the old A1 Grundkurs before 2021 and now want to upgrade to A 35 kW or A unrestricted, you usually only need to complete Part 3. Send us a quick message and we will check your situation and book you into the correct course.

🏍️ Which category is my Grundkurs for?

The Motorcycle Basic Course Winterthur is structurally identical for all three main categories — you take it on a vehicle that matches your category.

Category A1

Scooters & 125 cc motorcycles

up to 125 cc

  • Minimum age 15 (45 km/h scooter) or 16
  • Up to 11 kW power
  • A1 Grundkurs Winterthur: Parts 1, 2 & 3 mandatory
Most popular

Category A 35 kW

A restricted

up to 35 kW

  • Minimum age 18
  • Motorcycles up to 35 kW (max. 0.2 kW/kg)
  • Full Grundkurs (Parts 1–3) required

Category A

A unrestricted

unlimited

  • 2 years on A 35 kW (direct access at 25 abolished in 2021)
  • No power restriction
  • Upgrade: Part 3 alone is enough if you have A 35 kW

🎯 Course content: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3

The Motorcycle Basic Course Winterthur consists of three progressive parts of 4 hours each. Every part has a clear goal and brings you step by step closer to the motorcycle exam.

1

Part 1 — Vehicle control

You learn to handle your motorcycle or scooter safely: starting and stopping, slow-speed riding, slalom, controlled braking with front and rear brake, head-eye coordination and correct riding posture. Goal: confident basic technique on a closed training area.

2

Part 2 — Traffic & safety

In Part 2 we leave the training area and ride in real traffic around Winterthur: lane positioning, intersections, roundabouts, brake readiness, speed and hill starts. Riding with a passenger and defensive riding habits are also covered.

3

Part 3 — Exam-level riding

The final part covers cornering technique, lean angle, counter-steering, evasive manoeuvres, emergency braking, group riding and safe overtaking. You ride at exam level and receive direct feedback — the perfect bridge to the actual motorcycle exam.

12 hours in total — across 3 days

Our Winterthur courses typically run the three parts on three consecutive days, so you stay in the learning flow and can build on each session immediately. All dates are listed above under Upcoming course dates.

✅ Requirements & equipment checklist

To start the Motorcycle Basic Course Winterthur smoothly, you need a small set of essentials. Here is everything you need at a glance.

Mandatory — you cannot start the course without these:

  • Valid Swiss learner permit (Lernfahrausweis) for the matching motorcycle category (A1, A 35 kW or A)
  • Roadworthy motorcycle or scooter matching your learner permit category
  • Vehicle registration (Fahrzeugausweis) and visible L-plate at the rear
  • Full tank
  • Certified, well-fitting motorcycle helmet (mandatory)
  • ID card or passport

Strongly recommended — for your safety:

  • Motorcycle gloves
  • Riding jacket with protectors (shoulder, elbow, back)
  • Long, sturdy trousers — ideally riding trousers with protectors
  • Firm, ankle-high shoes or motorcycle boots
  • Sunglasses or eye protection with an open helmet

Do not have the complete protective gear yet? Come to the course anyway — bring what you have. We will give you on-site advice on how to upgrade your equipment step by step.

💸 Price: Motorcycle Basic Course Winterthur

One clear flat price, no hidden fees. The price covers the complete Motorcycle Basic Course Winterthur with all three parts.

Flat price

Motorcycle Basic Course (Part 1, 2 & 3)

Cat. A1, A 35 kW and A
Flat price in the booking window
  • 12 hours practical training (3 parts × 4 h)
  • Experienced motorcycle instructor
  • Meeting point in Winterthur
  • Online booking & email confirmation
Secure your spot now

Optional add-ons

booked separately
not included

If you feel uncertain before or after the Grundkurs, 1–2 motorcycle lessons in Winterthur are the best investment before the exam.

📍 Meeting point & course location in Winterthur

The Motorcycle Basic Course Winterthur starts at a central location, easily reachable by scooter, motorcycle or public transport — also for participants from Töss, Oberwinterthur, Seen, Wülflingen and Veltheim.

DriveLab meeting point Winterthur

Steigstrasse 26
8406 Winterthur

You will receive the exact meeting spot and parking notes by email after booking. We recommend arriving 15 minutes before the start so we can begin on time together.

Plan route

Service area Winterthur and surroundings: city of Winterthur, Töss, Oberwinterthur, Seen, Wülflingen, Veltheim, Hettlingen, Pfüngen, Elgg, Elsau and neighbouring municipalities of the Zürich region.

🚦 Motorcycle lessons to complement the Grundkurs

The Grundkurs is the mandatory part — the targeted exam preparation comes from individual motorcycle lessons. Especially useful if you have little riding experience or if your motorcycle exam is getting closer.

Before the Grundkurs

More confidence from day 1

  • Get to know vehicle controls in a calm setting
  • Gather first traffic experience
  • Relaxed start to Part 1

After the Grundkurs

Exam preparation

  • Exam-relevant routes around Winterthur
  • Deepen cornering & lean angle
  • Iron out remaining uncertainties

Book a preparation lesson

🎓 From learner permit to motorcycle exam

Here is what the path to the Swiss motorcycle exam looks like — and where the Motorcycle Basic Course Winterthur fits in.

1

Complete the first-aid course

The first-aid course (Nothelferkurs) is a prerequisite for the learner permit and can be booked at DriveLab in Zug within a few days.

2

Learn theory & pass the exam

You study Swiss traffic theory and pass the theory exam at the road traffic office (Strassenverkehrsamt). After that, you receive the learner permit for your category.

3

Complete the Motorcycle Basic Course (Grundkurs)

With the learner permit in hand, you book the Grundkurs (Parts 1–3). You are here — pick your date.

4

Build practice

After the Grundkurs you ride independently (with the L-plate) and complement with motorcycle lessons in Winterthur as needed. This is how you build the routine for the exam.

5

Practical motorcycle exam

Once you ride confidently, you book the practical exam at the road traffic office. Your instructor will accompany you on request.

❓ Frequently asked questions

How much does the Motorcycle Basic Course (Grundkurs) in Winterthur cost?
The flat price covers all three parts of the course (12 hours of practical training) and all course materials, and is shown in the booking window before you confirm. Optional driving lessons before or after the course are booked separately.
Who needs to attend the Motorcycle Basic Course in Switzerland?
The Grundkurs is mandatory in Switzerland for anyone new to riding a motorcycle or scooter on public roads. It applies to categories A1 (scooter / small motorcycle), A 35 kW (A restricted) and A (unrestricted). If you completed the old A1 Grundkurs before 2021, you usually only need to complete Part 3.
How long is the Motorcycle Basic Course?
The Motorcycle Basic Course in Winterthur consists of 12 hours of training, split into three parts of 4 hours each. The three parts typically run on three consecutive days.
What do I learn in Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3?
Part 1 covers vehicle control (slow-speed manoeuvres, slalom, braking, head-eye coordination). Part 2 focuses on real traffic: lane positioning, intersections, roundabouts, speed, hill starts and defensive riding. Part 3 covers cornering, lean angle, counter-steering, evasive manoeuvres, group riding and direct exam preparation.
Do I need a Grundkurs for an A1 license or scooter too?
Yes — the Motorcycle Basic Course is mandatory for category A1 (including scooters up to 125 cc) as well. The A1 Grundkurs in Winterthur follows the same content as larger categories, but you complete it on a vehicle that matches your learner permit.
What do I need to bring to the Motorcycle Basic Course?
Mandatory: a valid Swiss learner permit (Lernfahrausweis), your own roadworthy motorcycle or scooter with an L-plate and full tank, the vehicle registration document (Fahrzeugausweis), and a certified motorcycle helmet. Strongly recommended: gloves, protective jacket, long trousers (ideally with protectors), sturdy boots.
Can I take the Grundkurs if I am still an inexperienced rider?
The Grundkurs is not an absolute beginners course — you should already be able to control your motorcycle and ride from A to B in traffic. If you feel unsure, we recommend booking one or two motorcycle driving lessons in Winterthur first so you can enjoy the course without stress.
Does the course in Winterthur run in bad weather?
Yes — riding in the rain is part of everyday motorcycling, and the Motorcycle Basic Course Winterthur runs in any weather. Safe wet-weather riding is an important part of the training. Only extreme conditions (snow, ice, thunderstorms) cause a course to be rescheduled.
Do I need extra motorcycle driving lessons after the Grundkurs?
Extra lessons are not mandatory but strongly recommended. In additional motorcycle lessons we prepare you for the practical motorcycle exam on exam-relevant routes around Winterthur and iron out any remaining uncertainties.
How do I book the Motorcycle Basic Course Winterthur at DriveLab?
Pick a date on this page and book directly online. You will receive a confirmation by email with all details about meeting point, schedule and the equipment list. Get in touch with us beforehand through the Support Center if you have any questions.
Is the course taught in English?
The Motorcycle Basic Course is taught in German by default. English-speaking instructors are available on request for Winterthur dates — please contact us before booking and we will arrange an English-friendly group when possible.
What is the difference between A1, A 35 kW and A unrestricted?
A1 covers motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW (scooters up to 45 km/h from age 15). A 35 kW (A restricted) covers motorcycles up to 35 kW. After at least two years on A 35 kW you can upgrade to A unrestricted (no power limit). The Grundkurs itself is identical for all three categories — only the exam vehicle differs.

More questions?

Support & help

👨‍🏫 Your motorcycle instructors in Winterthur

The Motorcycle Basic Course in Winterthur is run by experienced, ASTRA-certified motorcycle instructors. Safety, clarity and a respectful tone are standard at DriveLab.

Our Winterthur team knows the typical exam routes and procedures in the region inside out. We don't just train you to pass the Grundkurs — we train you to ride safely and confidently for the long term.

Each part begins with a clear introduction. You get direct, constructive feedback and you can ask questions any time. Uncertainty is welcome — it helps us focus the coaching where you need it.

Ready for your Motorcycle Basic Course in Winterthur?

Secure your spot — flat price, 3 parts × 4 hours, bookable directly online.