Swiss motorcycle licence 2023: How to get it?

If you’re interested in obtaining a Swiss motorcycle license, this article is for you. As in the case of a car, a driving license is also required to drive a motorcycle in Switzerland. However, the different categories can be confusing. We’ll help you understand more clearly and explain how to obtain this license in categories A and A1 in this article.

Motorcycle licence Switzerland: You must pass the theory test

To obtain a Swiss motorcycle license, you must first register with one of the motoring departments in your area. Once your registration has been validated, you will receive an apprentice letter. The rest of the procedures can be found in this article. Please read it in full.

Validity of the student driver card

The learner’s card is valid for four months from the date of registration with the automobile services. You must take driving lessons for the first four months. At the end of the compulsory courses, the school will stamp the back of the apprentice card, which is valid for one year.

Compulsory courses for the Swiss motorcycle license

Courses must be taken within the first four months of the validity of the apprentice’s card. Courses are sometimes split between driving schools. The number of course hours may vary depending on the type of category you choose. On the back of the card, you’ll find information on the number of courses you need to take. On average, it can vary from one category to another, but can range from 6 to 12 lessons.

How do I register for the Swiss Motorcycle License exam?

There are three ways to register:

By post: You must send the registration form with the desired date to the office where you are registered for the Swiss motorcycle driving test in your canton;
By e-mail: You can send an e-mail in which you specify the days available to take your exam;
By Internet: You can use the appropriate site.

If, for any reason, you are unable to register using one of these options, you must go to the automotive center where you are registered. If you need to cancel the exam for any reason – you can do that too.

The absence or unjustified neglect of a document requires payment of the full examination fee. Impediments due to illness or accident must be justified by a medical certificate of incapacity to drive.

Swiss motorcycle license: Practical conditions

The Swiss motorcycle driving test is always carried out on the scheduled dates. It is modified only for reasons of lack of guarantees and road conditions. Snow and ice, for example. Under these conditions, the exams are cancelled. To find out if the exam has been cancelled or will still be held due to snow or ice – you can visit www.vd.ch/san. You can also call very early on the day of the exam. Practical tests for Swiss motorcycle licenses are not held in December, January or February. In case of doubt, you should contact the automotive services.

Which motorcycle should I use for the Swiss motorcycle test?

At the Swiss motorcycle driving test, you may not present any motorcycle. The motorcycle must also conform to the desired category. See motorcycle categories below in proportion to age.

A1 50 cm3 11 kW for 16-year-olds

An A1 sub-category motorcycle without sidecar, with a cylinder capacity of 50 cm 3 and a maximum power output of 11 kW.

A1 125 cm3 11 kW for 18-year-olds

An A1 sub-category motorcycle with no sidecar; maximum capacity 125 cm 3 and maximum power 11 kW.

Limited to 35 kW (Category A)

A category A motorcycle without sidecar; with a cubic capacity of at least 400 cm 3 and a maximum power output of 35 kW, excluding all motorcycles in subcategory A1.

Unrestricted Class A.

A category A motorcycle without sidecar, with a cubic capacity of at least 600 cm 3 and a minimum power of 40 kW.

How do I prepare for the Swiss motorcycle driving test?

We remind you that you will not take the test with a motorcycle in poor condition; with malfunctions in lighting, steering, brakes or excessive tire wear (minimum profile of 1.6 mm required). We remind you that you will not be able to take the exam if these conditions are not met.

Category A1

Minimum age:

For limited category A1 (50 cm3, maximum 11 kW): age 16
For unrestricted category A1 (125 cm3, maximum 11 kw): 18 years of age

To qualify for the Swiss A1 motorcycle license, you must first pass the theory test . Then you’ll get a learner’s permit valid for 4 months. The procedure will be different if you have a B (car) licence. If this is the case, as long as you complete the 8-hour basic training course, you can obtain an A1 driver’s license without a test.

If you don’t have a B driver’s license, you must first take a driving theory course and 8 hours of basic training. Thereafter, the student driver’s license will be automatically extended by 12 months. The practical driving test must be taken during this period – if you use a vehicle with a speed limit of 45 km / h to pass the test.

Category A

Minimum age:

For restricted category A (max 35 kW / 47.5 HP): 18 years old
For unrestricted category A (over 35 kW / 47.5 HP): 25 years’ driving or two years’ driving with a restricted category A licence.

To obtain your A1 license, you must first pass the driving theory test. Then you’ll get a student driver’s license valid for 4 months. The procedure will differ depending on whether you hold an A1 / B1 or B license. If you have an A1 license, all you need to do is take a 6-hour basic motorcycle course and pass a practical test. If you have a class B license (car), all you need to do is complete a 12-hour basic training course and pass a Swiss motorcycle license practical test.

In addition to the basic training (12 hours), people who do not have these permits must also take traffic theory courses. Thereafter, the student driver’s license will be automatically extended by 12 months. The practical test must be taken during this period.