A1 licence and bike categories

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Motorcycle Licence: from Learner Permit to Test

You do not hold a driving licence yet – here is how it works

  1. Complete a first aid courseThe first aid certificate (10 hours, valid for six years) is required before you can apply for the learner permit.
  2. Have an eyesight test at an optician or doctorThe result stays valid for two years.
  3. Submit the learner permit applicationHand in the signed form together with your first aid certificate, the eyesight test confirmation and one current colour passport photo in person at the residents registration office of your municipality or directly at the road traffic office – bring your ID. You may apply at the earliest one month before you reach the minimum age.
    Apply for the learner permit at the road traffic office of Zurich
  4. Sit the theory testOnce your application has been submitted you receive your registration details by post. You then take the theory test without an appointment and without booking – either at the road traffic office Zurich-Albisgütli or in Winterthur. Bring a valid identity document (ID card, passport or residence permit) and the letter with your personal details. If you do not pass, wait one day and simply come back without booking.
  5. Receive your learner permitAfter passing the theory test your motorcycle learner permit arrives by post – on request also digitally as an electronic learner permit (eLFA). Keep an eye on its period of validity.
  6. Attend the basic riding coursesAll 12 hours within four months of receiving your learner permit – after that the learner permit remains valid for one more year.
  7. Traffic theory course8 hours – you need to hold the learner permit already.
  8. Pass the practical testAfter that your motorcycle licence is yours.
Good to know: If you later add a car licence, the theory test and the traffic theory course are waived. And if you live outside the canton of Zurich or would like to take the test in another canton, that is possible with a permit – ask the road traffic office responsible for you.

You already hold a car or motorcycle licence

  1. Submit the learner permit applicationYou receive the form from the road traffic office.
  2. Eyesight test at an optician or doctorValid for two years.
  3. Send in your documentsSigned form with a colour passport photo to the road traffic office of the canton of Zurich.
  4. Receive your learner permitIt will be sent to you by post.
  5. Attend the basic riding coursesWithin four months – not required if you already completed the basic course for another motorcycle category after 1 January 2021.
  6. Pass the practical testFor A restricted (35 kW) and A. With a car licence (B) you receive category A1 without a test – the basic course is enough.
If you already hold a driving licence you skip the theory test and the traffic theory course – the route to your motorcycle learner permit is considerably shorter.

Licence categories

for motorcycle or scooter

The motorcycle categories in Switzerland are set out in the driving licence: which categories exist, and which motorcycles may you ride with them? A1, A restricted and A unrestricted differ in engine capacity, power output and minimum age. Once you know the motorcycle categories, you know straight away which Honda models are an option for you.

Motorcycle categories in Switzerland at a glance

M

Moped

from 14 years

  • moped up to 30 km/h
  • max. 50 cm³ or 1 kW
  • e-bike: pedal assist up to 45 km/h
not a motorcycle
A1

Light motorcycle 45 km/h

from 15 years

  • up to 45 km/h
  • max. 50 cm³ engine capacity
  • max. 4 kW
A1 subcategory
A1

Motorcycle 125 cm³

from 16 years

  • max. 125 cm³ engine capacity
  • max. 11 kW / 15 hp
A1 motorcycle models
A restr.

A restricted / A2

from 18 years

  • max. 35 kW / 48 hp
  • max. 0.20 kW per kg
A2 motorcycle models
A

A unrestricted

from 20* years

  • no power limit
  • after 2 years on A restricted and a test
Category A models

* Only people who need such motorcycles for their job can go straight into category A at 18 – for example apprentice motorcycle mechanics, police officers and driving examiners. Everyone else needs at least two years of offence-free riding on A restricted and then takes a practical test.

Honda category A1 motorcycles 2024 at Honda Motorrad Zürich

Category A1

125 cc · up to 11 kW
Minimum age
From 15 for small motorcycles up to 50 cc, no more than 4 kW and 45 km/h. From 16 for the remaining A1 machines up to 125 cc and 11 kW.
First aid course
Required and no older than six years – unless you already hold category B or B1.
Theory
Basic theory test required – not needed if you already hold category B or B1.
Basic course
Practical basic course of 12 hours; once completed it remains valid indefinitely.
Practical test
Required – unless you already hold category B or B1; then the basic course is enough.
Matching machines: Honda 125cc motorcycles for A1.
Honda category A motorcycles 2024 with the CB750 Hornet at the Honda Dream Dealer Zurich

Category A restricted

up to 35 kW · 48 hp
Minimum age
From 18.
Machine
No more than 35 kW and a power to kerb weight ratio of at most 0.20 kW/kg.
First aid course
Required and no older than six years – unless you hold category B, B1 or A1.
Basic course
12 hours are mandatory – but only once: if you completed it for category A1 after 1 January 2021, you do not repeat it.
Practical test
Always required.
Next step
After at least two years of offence-free riding (no offence leading to a licence withdrawal) you may move up to category A unrestricted – with a practical test.
Matching machines: Honda starter bikes for A restricted.
Honda category A motorcycles 2024 including the Africa Twin at Honda Motorrad Zürich

Category A unrestricted

no power limit
Minimum age
Usually from 20 (after two years on A restricted), with direct entry from 18.
Machine
More than 35 kW or a power to weight ratio above 0.20 kW/kg – open ended.
Direct entry
Only for people who need such motorcycles for their job – for example apprentice motorcycle mechanics, police officers and driving examiners. Everyone else first needs two years of offence-free riding on category A restricted.
Basic course
Optional – the 12 hours were already completed for the previous category.
Practical test
Required for everyone who obtained category A restricted on or after 1 January 2021. Anyone who obtained it earlier can have the restriction lifted on request without a test.
With no power limit the entire Honda range is open to you – from the CBR supersport bikes and the Africa Twin CRF1100 to cafe racers and custom bikes, automatic models with DCT and motorcycles for women.

What kind of rider are you?

With category A unrestricted the entire Honda range is open to you. A few directions to explore:

Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP supersport bike for category A unrestricted
Curve hunterWhen the mountain pass is the whole reason for the ride.CBR supersport bikes
Honda CRF1100 Africa Twin adventure bike with pannier set for long tours
GlobetrotterWhen the pass is only the beginning of the journey.Africa Twin CRF1100
Honda CB650R without fairing for category A
PuristNo frills – just engine, chassis and riding feel.Honda naked bikes
Honda GB350 custom bike in cafe racer style from Zurich
IndividualistWhen your bike should look like no other.Cafe racers, bobbers and custom bikes
Honda NT1100 with DCT gearbox for long distances
Long distance riderComfortable and relaxed over long distances.Honda models with DCT
Honda CBR500R with E-Clutch as a motorcycle for women with low seat height
Female riderMatched to seat height and weight, without compromising on fun.The best motorcycles for women

Frequently asked questions about the Swiss motorcycle licence

Switzerland has three licence levels for motorcycles: subcategory A1 (motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW, from 16 – small motorcycles up to 45 km/h from 15), A restricted (up to 35 kW and 0.20 kW/kg, from 18) and A unrestricted (no power limit, after at least two years of offence-free riding on A restricted and a practical test). Each category covers different motorcycles. Motorcycle licence Switzerland
From 14 you may ride a moped or fast e-bike with category M – that is not a motorcycle yet. From 15 a small motorcycle up to 45 km/h and 50 cc (category A1), from 16 any A1 motorcycle up to 125 cc and 11 kW, from 18 motorcycles up to 35 kW (A restricted). Without a power limit (category A) you ride after at least two years of offence-free riding on A restricted and a practical test, usually from 20. A1 motorcycles from Honda – 35 kW Honda motorbikes
Category A1: from 16, up to 125 cc and 11 kW (small motorcycles up to 45 km/h from 15). Category A restricted: from 18, up to 35 kW and 0.20 kW/kg. Category A unrestricted: no power limit, after at least two years of offence-free riding on A restricted and a practical test. Direct entry is only possible for people who need it for their job, such as apprentice motorcycle mechanics, police officers and driving examiners. Motorcycle licence categories at a glance
First complete a first aid course and an eyesight test at an optician or doctor, then hand in the learner permit application with one colour passport photo at the residents registration office of your municipality or directly at the road traffic office. Within about 14 days you receive the details for the theory test; after passing it the learner permit arrives by post. Then follow 12 hours of basic motorcycle training within four months, 8 hours of traffic theory and the practical test. Step by step to the motorcycle licence
Yes. For a learner permit in categories A and A1 you need the first aid course of 10 hours; the certificate is valid for six years. Anyone who already holds a licence in category A, A1, B or B1 is exempt. Motorcycle safety training
The practical basic motorcycle course lasts 12 hours and is mandatory for A1 and A restricted (35 kW). All 12 hours must be completed within four months of receiving the learner permit. It is only required once: if you completed it for a motorcycle category after 1 January 2021, you do not repeat it for the next one. Motorcycle courses in Switzerland
No, a car driving licence (category B) does not entitle you to ride a motorcycle in Switzerland, not even a small motorcycle. The advantage: with category B you receive category A1 (up to 125 cc and 11 kW) without a theory or practical test – you only need the learner permit and the 12-hour basic course. For A restricted the theory test and the traffic theory course are waived, the practical test remains. Motorcycle licence information
At least two years of offence-free riding with the 35 kW licence (category A restricted) – without any offence that led to a licence withdrawal. After that you receive the learner permit for category A unrestricted and take a practical test – since 1 January 2021 the upgrade is no longer possible without a test. A new theory test is not required. 35 kW Honda motorbikes in stock
With the A1 licence (up to 125 cc, max. 11 kW) you can ride Honda 125cc models such as the MSX125 Grom or the CB125R. You will find all A1 Honda models in our showroom in Volketswil. A1 motorcycles Honda 125cc – 125cc motorcycles from Honda
With the 35 kW licence (A restricted) you ride motorcycles with at most 35 kW and 0.20 kW/kg – as standard for example the CB500 Hornet, CBR500R, NX500 and CMX500 Rebel, restricted for example the NC750X, CB750 Hornet and XL750 Transalp. On newer motorcycles the power may be reduced by at most half; the restriction is entered in the vehicle registration document. All 35 kW Honda motorbikes in stock
Official fees are set by each canton. In the canton of Zurich (as of 1 January 2026) the learner permit costs CHF 40, admission to the driving test CHF 40, the basic theory test CHF 36, the practical test for category A or A1 CHF 134 and the licence itself CHF 40; for the first issue the identity check of CHF 20 is added (non-binding, prices may change at any time). On top come the first aid course, 12 hours of basic motorcycle training and 8 hours of traffic theory, whose prices are set by the course providers. Motorcycle financing and leasing
Yes. On motorcycle learner rides no accompanying person is required as a rule. The L plate must always be fitted, learner rides are only allowed in Switzerland, and any passenger must hold a corresponding licence. Important: all 12 hours of basic training must be completed within the first four months. Motorcycle taster course
Yes, absolutely! A motorcycle taster course at MX-Academy in Schlatt helps you find out whether motorcycling is for you – without a licence, with a motorcycle and full gear provided. Ideal as a first experience before the licence. Book a motorcycle taster course
For beginners we recommend light, easy-to-handle Honda models such as the CB500 Hornet, CMX500 Rebel or NX500. They have at most 35 kW as standard and can therefore be ridden with the 35 kW licence. If you want more power later, choose a model that can be restricted, such as the CB650R or CB750 Hornet – it can be opened up again after you move up to category A. Beginner motorcycles from Honda – Motorcycles for women
Yes! With a valid learner permit for the matching category, a test ride or motorcycle rental at Honda Motorrad Zürich AG is possible – with the L plate fitted. A contribution towards costs applies to the test ride and is credited against the purchase. This way you find out before your licence which Honda model suits you best. Honda motorcycle test ride and rental
For the basic motorcycle course, Honda Motorrad Zürich AG recommends MX-Academy in Schlatt – the largest motorcycle school in Europe, on a NASAK facility, approved and supported by FOSPO as well as by Swiss Olympics. Ideal preparation for the practical test. Learn to ride a motorcycle – All motorcycle courses in Switzerland
Yes! Many Honda 35 kW motorcycles are restricted versions of more powerful models and can be opened up to full power again by an authorised dealer once you have moved up to category A. The power change is entered in the vehicle registration document with the confirmation of the brand dealer. That saves you buying a new motorcycle. 35 kW Honda motorbikes
Yes! Honda Motorrad Zürich AG offers special motorcycle courses for women – ideal preparation for the licence. For every age, every height and every level of experience. With a motorcycle and full gear provided. Motorcycle course for women
Switzerland has no separate scooter licence. Scooters are classified in the same categories as motorcycles: A1 for scooters up to 125 cc, A restricted (35 kW) for more powerful scooters and A unrestricted for all vehicles. Buy a Honda 125cc scooter – Honda scooters and maxi scooters
The best place to buy your first motorcycle is Honda Motorrad Zürich AG in Volketswil – the first Honda Dream Dealer in German-speaking Switzerland. Professional advice, more than 150 motorcycles in stock and financing options. Arrange a sales appointment: phone 044 908 20 00. Arrange a sales appointment – Motorcycle financing and leasing
Hand in the signed learner permit application with the eyesight test confirmation, your first aid certificate, one current colour passport photo and your ID in person at the residents registration office of your municipality or directly at the road traffic office. If you already hold a licence, you send the application by post. You may apply at the earliest one month before you reach the minimum age. More about the motorcycle learner permit
First four months: within this time you must complete all 12 hours of basic motorcycle training. With proof of the basic course it is extended by twelve months. No further extension is possible – a second learner permit is only available if you have not yet used up all test attempts; the basic course does not have to be repeated for it. More about the motorcycle learner permit
As soon as you have submitted the application and received your registration details by post – usually within 14 days. You take the theory test without an appointment and without booking in Zurich-Albisgütli or Winterthur; bring a valid identity document and the letter with your details. More about the motorcycle learner permit
A restricted is the Swiss term for motorcycles up to 35 kW, that is 48 hp, and at most 0.20 kW/kg – known as A2 in the EU. After at least two years of offence-free riding and a practical test you move up to category A unrestricted. More about the motorcycle learner permit

Motorcycle Licence Switzerland – our service area

Honda Motorrad Zürich in Volketswil ZH advises on motorcycle and scooter licences – from A1 and A2 through to category A, with Learner permit, First aid course and Basic course – for Zurich, Volketswil, Dübendorf, Winterthur, Wallisellen, Uster, Bülach, Kloten, Wetzikon, Opfikon, Regensdorf, Dielsdorf, Rümlang, Embrach, Bassersdorf, Nürensdorf, Schlieren, Dietikon, Urdorf, Adliswil and Frauenfeld, as well as the cantons of Zurich, Aargau, Thurgau, Schaffhausen and Zug.

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