How does the motorcycle license work?

 

And yes, today we decided to tackle an essential subject: the motorcycle license !

 

Indeed, we know that most of you already have it, but we hope to have motivated some of those who follow us to take it and come ride with us ! So we thought we'd make your life easier by saving you from having to do the research yourself, who knows, maybe that will allow you to cross the threshold ! 😉

The different types of motorcycle licenses…

First of all you need to know that the motorcycle license includes in 3 categories :

• A1 (for under 18s)
• A2 (required to obtain license A)
• HAS

If this is your first time taking one of these licenses, the exam will take place as follows:

• The theoretical test (code or ETM – Motorcycle Theory Test). The code is valid for 5 years from the date it is obtained, and it is extended for 5 years from the date a license is validated. Your code must be valid when you take the two motorcycle license tests (platform and road).
• The practical test distinguished in 2 categories :
  Out of circulation (plateau) ; which also includes theoretical questions from the instructor on the 12 motorcycle cards to know the day of the exam. This part lasts approximately 17 minutes.
  In circulation; This part lasts about 35 minutes.

 

Now that you have “familiarized” yourself with the different tests, let’s move on to the specificities of each license, so that you can choose the one best suited to your situation!

 

The A1 license:

The A1 license allows you to drive motorcycles 125 cc whose power does not exceed 11 kW. It is accessible from 16 years old following the obtaining of the ASSR or the ASR.

 

This permit is also available for people who already have a license (B for example) and wishing to drive light motorcycles. For these people, obtaining it is only possible through a 7 hour training (2 hours of theory, 2 hours of practice outside of traffic and 3 hours of practice in traffic).

 

The A2 license:

Unlike the A1 license which is not mandatory to access the A license, the A2 license is a necessary step to drive more “important/imposing” motorcycles. However, this license offers the possibility of driving motorcycles whose speed does not exceed the 35 kw.

You must have Minimum 18 years old to pass the latter.

 

License A:

It allows you to drive a vehicle with a power exceeding 35 kW; and since it requires the prior obtaining of the A2 license for at least 2 years, you only need to complete 7 hours of training to obtain it.

Once at this stage, congratulations my riders you are at maximum level and now you can drive whatever you want!

 

These steps may seem tedious but it is worth the effort, let us know. trust ! 😉

 

After having defined the “technical” modalities of the motorcycle license, we will now move on to budget necessary to complete the process (not including the purchase of a motorcycle of course).

 

THE BUDGET:

If the code is to be re-entered and your memories remain fairly "fresh", you can register alone and for free as a independent candidate to retake it. Registration is done at the prefecture and you will receive a summons with an exam date within 6 months (usually sent 3 weeks before the test).

Of course, you will have to practice using a book and/or software, but this solution allows you to save between 100€ and 150€ avoiding using the motorcycle school.

The downside: You must not be in a hurry! 😉

 

Regarding the basic package, it is generally understood between 500€ and 1,000€ for an A2 or A license with a base of 8 p.m. of driving.

However, it is often necessary that you need more than 20 hours to tame "the beast" perfectly, this is why you need to find out about the price of overtime which can generally vary between 35€ and 45€ according to the motorcycle school.

The regulations provide that it does not exceed the cost of1h30 lesson.

 

Although we hope you succeed on your first attempt, there is another interesting factor to consider: the price of an additional presentation for the tests. In fact, motorcycle schools generally charge around €100 per additional presentation.

Little Tips : some motorcycle schools include 2 to 3 presentations in the off-road platform test… It’s up to you to negotiate well 😉

 

And finally, last but not least: the budget to plan for mandatory equipment.

In fact, on the day of the exam, you will need to equip yourself with:

• An approved helmet (between €100 and €500)
• From a motorcycle jacket (same)
• Gloves (between 50 and 100€)
• High-top shoes (between €25 and €150)

Quick budget recap:

Code: 100€ – 150€

Package: €500 – €1000

Evolution A2 to A package: €250 – €400

Biker equipment: €400 – €500

Overtime: Variable

 

In other words, the motorcycle license, it is an investment, both personal and economic. We still hope to have been clear and useful concerning the functioning of the motorcycle license and not have discouraged you with all this information but rather have motivated to take up this challenge !

 

PS: A reform will be implemented in January 2020 concerning in particular the code, the theoretical questions and the time of the practical tests. We therefore advise you to take it this year or even after the reform because a period of change never makes things easier.

As for us; we will write you an article as soon as the new reforms are well established and fixed so that you can adapt to the new teaching materials as best as possible 😉