Short answer
A1 from 16 (at most 11 kW), A2 from 18 (at most 35 kW), A from 24 or from 20 after two years with A2. All three require a learner permit, risk education part 1 and 2 for motorcycles, a theory test and a driving test.
The three categories
| Category | Motorcycle | Age | Practice riding from |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1, light | At most 125 cc, at most 11 kW, at most 0.1 kW/kg | 16 | 15 years 9 months |
| A2, medium | At most 35 kW, at most 0.2 kW/kg, not derived from more than 70 kW | 18 | 17 years 6 months |
| A, heavy | All two- and three-wheeled motorcycles | 24, or 20 after two years with A2 | 19 years 6 months with A2 for 18 months, otherwise 23 |
From A2 to A
If you have held A2 for at least two years you can get category A from 20 instead of 24. You may practice ride a heavy motorcycle from 19 years and 6 months if you have held A2 for 18 months. Without A2 the limit is 24 for the licence and 23 for practice riding.
The road to the motorcycle licence
- Learner permit. Free, applied for at the Transport Agency with a health declaration and an eye test. See The Swedish learner permit.
- Practice riding. Privately with an approved supervisor or at a driving school. In private practice riding the supervisor must either ride pillion or ride their own motorcycle, and the learner plate must be visible from behind; it may be on the clothing.
- Risk education for motorcycles. Part 1 (theory) and part 2 (manoeuvre track), both before the tests. Risk education for cars does not count. At Landvetter Halkbana the motorcycle courses are held in Swedish, with the motorcycle and riding gear included.
- Theory test and driving test at the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket). Risk education must be valid on the day of the tests.
Courses in English
Our courses in English are for the car licence (category B): Risk 1, Risk 2 and the combo course. Motorcycle courses are held in Swedish; see the Swedish pages.
Frequently asked questions
How old do I have to be for a motorcycle licence?
16 for A1 (light motorcycle), 18 for A2 (medium) and 24 for A (heavy). If you have held A2 for at least two years you can get A from 20.
Do I need risk education for a motorcycle licence?
Yes, for all three categories. Risk education for cars does not count for motorcycles. At Landvetter Halkbana the motorcycle courses are held in Swedish, on our motorcycles.
Can I ride an A2 motorcycle with an A1 licence?
No. Each category has its own power limits. A1 allows at most 11 kW, A2 at most 35 kW, A allows all motorcycles.
When can I start practice riding?
According to the Transport Agency from 15 years and 9 months for A1, 17 years and 6 months for A2, and for A from 19 years and 6 months if you have held A2 for at least 18 months, otherwise from 23.
Sources
- Swedish Transport Agency: Motorcycle licences (Swedish)
- Swedish Transport Agency: A1 light motorcycle (Swedish)
- Swedish Transport Agency: A2 medium motorcycle (Swedish)
- Swedish Transport Agency: Risk education for motorcycles (Swedish)
- Swedish Transport Agency: Practice driving (Swedish)
Rules can change. Always check the current requirements with the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) before booking a test.