A1
Category A1 — scooters & 125s
Scooters and motorcycles up to 125 cc
Up to 11 kW power
Minimum age 15 (45 km/h scooters) or 16
Basic course parts 1, 2 & 3 mandatory
Riding in Switzerland
Motorcycle licence in Switzerland: A1, 35 kW and A explained
Everything you need to get on two wheels in Switzerland — in English. Which category fits your age and machine, the mandatory 12-hour basic course, what it all costs and every step from learner permit to the practical motorcycle exam.
Which licence do I need?
The three Swiss motorcycle categories
Switzerland splits motorcycle riding into three main categories. Your age and the machine you want to ride decide where you start — the training path is the same for all three.
35 kW
Category A 35 kW — restricted
Motorcycles up to 35 kW (max. 0.2 kW/kg)
Minimum age 18
Full basic course (parts 1–3) required
Gateway to the unrestricted A licence
A
Category A — unrestricted
No power restriction
From 25, or after 2 years on A 35 kW
Part 3 alone is enough if you hold A 35 kW
The final step for big bikes
Not sure motorcycles are your path at all? See the full overview of all Swiss driving licence categories — or the moped & e-bike exam guide if 45 km/h is all you need.
How it works
From learner permit to motorcycle exam, step by step
The Swiss motorcycle path follows a clear sequence — the same for categories A1, A 35 kW and A. Budget a few weeks from first application to exam-ready, depending on how often you ride.
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1
First-aid course + eye test
The ten-hour first-aid course (Nothelferkurs, CHF 120 at DriveLab) and a quick eye test at any optician are needed before you can apply for the learner permit. The first-aid certificate also counts for the car licence.
First-aid course in English → -
2
Theory test
Apply for your learner permit at the cantonal road traffic office (Strassenverkehrsamt) and pass the multiple-choice theory test. It can be taken in English at most cantonal offices.
How the theory test works → -
3
Learner permit (Lernfahrausweis)
With the theory test passed, you receive the learner permit for your motorcycle category. You need it — plus a roadworthy motorcycle or scooter of the matching category with an L-plate — to take part in the basic course.
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4
Motorcycle basic course (Grundkurs)
The mandatory basic course: three parts of four hours, 12 hours in total, CHF 520 flat at DriveLab. From machine control on a closed training area to real traffic and exam-level riding.
Basic course dates & details → -
5
Practice + motorcycle lessons
After the course, ride as much as you can and close the remaining gaps with targeted motorcycle lessons. One or two lessons shortly before the exam are the best investment most riders can make.
Find a motorcycle instructor → -
6
Practical motorcycle exam
Book the practical exam at your cantonal road traffic office. Exam and permit fees are paid directly to the office. Pass it and the category is entered on your licence.
The mandatory course
Motorcycle basic course: 3 parts, 12 hours, CHF 520
The basic course (obligatorischer Grundkurs) is mandatory for categories A1, A 35 kW and A. At DriveLab it runs as three progressive parts of four hours — typically on three consecutive days — for a flat CHF 520, all parts included. You ride your own machine, matching your learner permit category.
1
Part 1 — vehicle control
Starting and stopping, slow-speed riding, slalom, controlled braking with front and rear brake, head-eye coordination and correct riding posture — on a closed training area.
2
Part 2 — traffic & safety
Into real traffic: 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
Cornering technique, lean angle, counter-steering, evasive manoeuvres, emergency braking, group riding and safe overtaking — the bridge to the actual motorcycle exam.
Four locations, one course
See course dates
Zurich · Zug · Lucerne · Winterthur
The course is identical at every DriveLab location — same three parts, same flat price. Pick whichever city is most practical for you and book your date online.
The budget
What the motorcycle licence costs
The basic course is the biggest fixed item. Lessons vary with your starting level — scooter experience shortens the path considerably.
Basic course (parts 1–3, mandatory)
CHF 520 flat
First-aid course (if not yet done)
CHF 120
Motorcycle lessons (optional, recommended)
per lesson, by instructor
Learner permit, theory test & practical exam
cantonal fees
Permit and exam fees are paid directly to your cantonal road traffic office — DriveLab never adds a surcharge. Lesson prices are shown per instructor on the motorcycle lessons page before you book.
Moving up
Upgrading between categories
The Swiss system is built as a ladder: start on A1 as a teenager, move to A 35 kW at 18, and after two years of riding the restricted category you can upgrade to unrestricted A — or enter A directly from 25.
The good news for upgraders: if you already hold A 35 kW, Part 3 of the basic course alone is enough for the step up to A. The same usually applies if you completed the old A1 basic course before 2021 — drop us a line and we check your situation before you book.
Category A upgrade details →
For expats
Riding lessons in English
DriveLab lists independent motorcycle instructors across German-speaking Switzerland — each profile shows the languages they teach in, so you can pick one who coaches in English. The theory test can be taken in English at most cantonal offices.
Already ride abroad? A foreign motorcycle licence can often be exchanged like a car licence — check the licence exchange guide before you start from scratch.
Find your motorcycle instructor →
Frequently asked
Motorcycle licence in Switzerland: your questions
How do I get a motorcycle licence in Switzerland?
Complete the first-aid course, pass the theory test and receive your learner permit. Then complete the mandatory motorcycle basic course (three parts of four hours), practise until you are exam-ready and take the practical exam at your cantonal road traffic office. The same sequence applies to categories A1, A 35 kW and A.
What is the minimum age for a motorcycle licence in Switzerland?
Category A1: 15 for 45 km/h scooters, 16 for 125 cc motorcycles up to 11 kW. Category A 35 kW (restricted): 18. Category A (unrestricted): 25, or after two years of riding with category A 35 kW.
Is the motorcycle basic course (Grundkurs) mandatory?
Yes. The basic course — three parts of four hours, 12 hours in total — is mandatory for categories A1, A 35 kW and A. You need a valid learner permit for the matching category to take part.
How much does the motorcycle licence cost in Switzerland?
The mandatory basic course costs CHF 520 flat at DriveLab, all three parts included. On top come the first-aid course (CHF 120, also valid for the car licence), the cantonal fees for the learner permit, theory test and practical exam, plus any motorcycle lessons you take to prepare.
Do I have to repeat the basic course when upgrading to a bigger motorcycle?
Usually not in full. If you already hold category A 35 kW and upgrade to unrestricted A, Part 3 alone is enough. If you completed the old A1 basic course before 2021 and now upgrade to A 35 kW or A, you also usually only need Part 3.
Do I need a motorcycle licence for a moped or e-bike?
No — mopeds and fast e-bikes have their own requirements: category M starts at age 14. If you only want to ride a moped or e-bike, see our moped and e-bike exam guide instead of the motorcycle path.
Ready to ride?
Book your motorcycle basic course
Three parts, twelve hours, one flat price — in Zurich, Zug, Lucerne or Winterthur. Add a motorcycle lesson whenever you want targeted feedback.