How to get an A motorcycle licence: direct or progressive access

You can obtain an A licence by taking the test at 24, or at 20 after holding A2 for two years. There is also a progressive route from age 20 after holding A2 for two years and completing a course.

The two available routes

An A licence allows you to ride category A motorcycles. For direct access by examination, the MIT sets the minimum age at 24, or 20 if you have held an A2 licence for at least two years. The progressive route without an exam also requires you to be at least 20 and to have held an A2 licence, including a special A2 licence, for at least two years. Instead of taking the test, you attend a specific course at a driving school or an authorised driver training centre.

The routes are not freely interchangeable in every situation: eligibility depends on your age, when you obtained A2 and the type of licence you hold. Progressive access excludes A1 automatically recognised through a category B licence solely for driving in Italy. Check the date on your licence and ask the UMC or driving school which application you can submit before paying a booking fee.

Applying for the direct-access test

For the test, the MIT page lists form TT2112, an identity document, tax code, proof of the medical examination and PagoPA payments. The application includes the technical details of the motorcycle you will use for the test and a copy of its registration certificate. Recheck the fees shown on the portal when you apply, as they may change.

If you already hold A1, B1, B or BE, you may be able to take only the practical test instead of the theory test under the conditions set by the MIT. Your medical certificate must be valid on the required date. Check the official guidance for additional documents for minors, delegated applications or foreign citizens. After passing the theory test, if one is required, you receive a learner’s permit for practice.

Progressive access through a course

To obtain an A licence without an exam, you must enrol in a specific course at a driving school or a centre set up by a member consortium. The MIT sets age and A2-holding requirements; the course must be recorded and completed according to its instructions. Ask the centre about the duration, schedule, assessments and how it reports completion to the UMC. Do not assume that any motorcycle lesson or riding certificate can replace the required course.

Before choosing, compare what each route involves: the exam requires theory preparation when applicable and a test on a compliant motorcycle; the progressive course requires you to meet the minimum holding period and complete specific course content. Costs vary by provider and route, so request an itemised quote covering fees and services.

The test motorcycle and licence codes

For category A, the motorcycle must meet the MIT’s published minimum engine capacity, power and mass requirements; a non-compliant vehicle may lead to the test being postponed. If you take the test on an automatic motorcycle, harmonised code 78 may restrict your licence to automatic vehicles. If you plan to ride manual motorcycles, ask the driving school which motorcycle to use before booking the test.

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