Everything about motorcycle licenses in France

Choosing the right motorcycle license is a crucial step for any aspiring motorcyclist in France. Not only does it determine the type of vehicle you can legally drive, but it also affects your safety on the road and the safety of others. In France, the motorcycle permit they are classified into different categories, each corresponding to specific criteria of displacement, power and age of the driver. This comprehensive guide will detail the different options available, helping you identify the license that best suits your needs and aspirations.

Understanding motorcycle license categories

AM License (or BSR)

The AM licence, previously known as the Road Safety Certificate (BSR), is the starting point for young motorcyclists. Accessible from the age of 14, this license allows you to drive mopeds or scooters with a displacement of up to 50 cm³ and a maximum speed of 45 km/h. This category is ideal for teenagers looking for their first motorized driving experience. To obtain this permit it is necessary to complete 8 hours of training, including theory and practice, without the need to pass a final exam.

A1 driving licence

Accessible from the age of 16, the A1 license is designed for those who wish to drive light motorcycles or scooters with a displacement of no more than 125 cm³ and a maximum power of 11 kW. Training for the A1 license includes theoretical tests, such as the specific Highway Code for motorbikes, as well as practical tests on set and in traffic. This license is particularly suitable for young adults or new drivers who want a more powerful motorcycle than that permitted by the AM license.

A2 permit

The A2 license is intended for drivers aged 18 and over. Allows you to control motorcycles with power not exceeding 35 kW. This license is an intermediate step before being able to access the A licence, allowing motorcyclists to gain experience with relatively powerful vehicles. The training required to obtain this license includes, in addition to the theoretical test, 20 hours of driving and practical tests, guaranteeing the driver the ability to safely ride a more powerful motorcycle.

Permission A

The A license represents the highest level in the motorcycle license categories. It is accessible to A2 permit holders with at least two years of experience. This license authorizes the driving of motorcycles of any engine capacity, thus offering experienced motorcyclists access to the “big cylinders”. To obtain this license, candidates must complete 7 hours of additional training without additional exams, focused on mastery of high-performance motorcycles.

Each type of motorcycle license is designed to meet different levels of experience and needs, ensuring that all drivers have the training necessary to ride safely and with confidence. motorcycle equipment adapted. Whether you’re a teenager who wants to start riding or an adult looking for thrills on a powerful motorbike, there’s a license to suit every profile.

Choice of license based on your profile

Young drivers and new students

For young drivers and new students, the choice of motorcycle license depends largely on age and riding experience. The AM license is often the first choice for teenagers aged 14 and over, providing a safe and regulated introduction to motorized driving. This license allows you to drive light vehicles and is perfect for short-distance daily travel.

From the age of 16 the A1 driving license becomes accessible. It is ideal for young drivers who want greater mobility. With this license you can drive motorbikes and scooters up to 125 cc, sufficient for urban and peri-urban travel. This permit also opens the door to three-wheeled scooters in certain conditions, offering greater stability.

For young people aged 18 and over, the A2 license offers the opportunity to access intermediate power motorcycles, ideal for more diverse uses, including longer journeys and roads requiring more power. This license acts as a stepping stone towards the A license, allowing, after two years of experience, access to all categories of motorcycles without power limitations.

Experienced drivers and passage to the A license

Drivers with previous experience with the A2 license can consider switching to the A license after two years. This step is recommended for those who want to ride high-performance motorcycles. The training required for this license is just 7 hours, focused on perfecting driving skills to handle more powerful and heavier vehicles.

This transition is essential for riders with a passion for sport riding or those planning long trips on more comfortable and capable motorcycles. The A license opens the doors to an expanded range of motorcycles, including large ones, offering a richer and more exciting riding experience.

Training and testing for each license

General training process

Training for each motorcycle license category is structured to ensure that all drivers have the skills necessary to operate their vehicle safely. Each training course includes a theoretical part, which concerns the specific road rules of motorbikes, and a practical part, which takes place on an exercise platform before moving on to driving in real traffic.

Theoretical and practical tests

For the A1 and A2 license, candidates must pass a theoretical exam called the motorbike code (ETM). This exam is critical to ensuring drivers understand the nuances of operating a motorcycle versus a car. The practical tests for these licenses are divided into two parts: the plateau, which tests the vehicle’s driving skills in a controlled environment, and the traffic test, which evaluates the driver’s ability to navigate traffic.

These training and evaluation phases ensure that every driver is prepared not only to drive according to the rules, but also to react effectively in different situations on the road.
Thus strengthening the safety of all road users.

Regulatory and regulatory updates

The legislation relating to motorcycle licenses in France is subject to changes aimed at improving road safety and adapting to new European standards. It is essential that all motorcyclists, whether beginners or experts, are informed about the latest regulatory updates. For example, recent reforms have changed the conditions for accessing the A licence, requiring a mandatory two-year period of practice with the A2 license before being able to apply for the A licence.

It is also important to note that legislation may vary slightly depending on local directives and changes made by prefectures.
Therefore, regular consultation with certified driving schools or visits to dedicated government sites can provide accurate and up-to-date information.
This will allow you to remain within the law while ensuring your safety and that of other road users.

Motorcycle licenses in France are designed to cover a wide range of vehicles and uses, ensuring that every driver is equipped with the training and skills necessary for safe riding. Whether you are a young person entering the world of motorcycling, an adult looking to explore the joys of more powerful motorcycles or an experienced rider ready to move up to the ‘big guns’, there is a license to suit your needs. Complying with regulatory requirements and receiving appropriate training are essential to ensuring your safety and the safety of others. Remember to keep up to date with the latest legislative news and choose wisely the license that best suits your lifestyle and aspirations. Making the road a safe place for everyone starts with adequate education and preparation.

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