Getting your motorcycle license in Spain isn't like browsing motorcycle gear at Maximo Moto and hitting the road the same day. The DGT (General Directorate of Traffic) manages a tiered system that links your age and experience to the appropriate motorcycle power.

You'll progress through the categories, starting with 50cc mopeds and working your way up to unrestricted superbikes. The process includes theory tests, closed-circuit trials, road riding with examiners, and navigating Spain's appointment system, which fills up faster than weekend track days.

This guide breaks down each permit category, explains the regulatory changes from 2026, covers the costs, and walks you through the administrative procedures so you know exactly what to expect before booking your first appointment .

Motorcycle Licenses in Spain at a Glance

*Or 24 years old for direct access without A2
**Or 21 years old if you have held a B license for 3+ years

The estimated timeframes assume you pass on your first attempt and include the psychometric test, theory study, practical lessons, and exam appointments. Use this link to estimate the cost of your driving license .

The Philosophy of the Spanish Tiered System of Motorcycle Licenses

Spain doesn't let you walk into a driving school and ride any motorcycle you want. The system requires you to progress through stages. This is part of the European model of progressive access , and understanding why it exists helps you plan your path.

The "Progressive Access" Model: Why Spain Makes You Climb the Stairs

Novice drivers have more accidents than experienced ones. The DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) uses a tiered licensing system to match your skill level with the appropriate motorcycle power. You start with the smallest and gradually work your way up.

At 15, you can drive a 50cc moped with an AM license. At 16, you move up to 125cc motorcycles with an A1 license. At 18, you can ride motorcycles up to 35kW with an A2 license. After holding an A2 license for two full years, you unlock unlimited power with an A license.

This phased approach exists throughout the EU. Spain follows the same framework as France, Germany, and Italy. The logic is that time spent on small motorcycles creates habits that keep you going when you finally get on something with serious power.

Safety Statistics: Why the DGT Implemented the 2026 Changes

Until recently, anyone with a car driving license (category B) for three years could automatically drive 125cc scooters. No exam. No training. This changed in 2026.

Between 2019 and 2024, urban scooter accidents involving car drivers with no motorcycle training skyrocketed. These weren't complicated scenarios. The drivers were caught out by basic situations like emergency braking and low-speed balance.

The DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) now requires a mandatory training course before holders of a Category B license can drive 125cc motorcycles. If you obtained your Category B license before the 2026 deadline, you are protected by the seniority clause.

The Roadmap: From 15 Years to Without Restrictions

• Age 15 - AM license (50cc mopeds, 45 km/h limit)

• Age 16 - License A1 (125cc, 11kW maximum)

• Age 18 - A2 license (35kW, medium weight motorcycles)

• Two years after the A2 license - Category A license (unrestricted)

Or take the direct route at age 24 and jump straight to the A license without having the A2 first.

This framework governs the motorcycle licensing system in Spain. Each license level has specific rules regarding power limits, tests, and restrictions.

AM Permit: The Entry Point for the Moped (50cc)

The AM license is your first legal way to ride a motorcycle in Spain. At 15, you can take the test and drive 50cc mopeds or their electric equivalents. It's not a full motorcycle license, but it allows you to get around independently while you're still in school.

Age and Eligibility

You need to be 15 years old. That's all. No prior driving experience is required. You will need parental consent, a valid ID, and proof of residence. Most driving schools handle the paperwork.

Vehicle Restrictions

The AM license restricts you to 50cc engines with a maximum speed of 45 km/h. For electric mopeds, the limit is 4kW of continuous power. You cannot ride on motorways or highways. These motorcycles are designed for urban streets and short trips.

This category includes both two-wheeled mopeds and some light tricycles classified as L1e-B . Electric models such as the NIU MQi or Silence S01 (restricted versions) fall under AM. The key limitation is the 45 km/h speed limit.

The Examination Process

The theory test has 20 specific questions about mopeds and basic traffic rules. You need 17 correct answers to pass.

The practical test takes place on a closed circuit. You will navigate a zigzag course and drive within a narrow strip without touching the boundary lines. No road driving experience is required.

Why Start Here?

Urban mobility is the main benefit. A 50cc scooter handles the traffic in Barcelona, ​​Valencia, or Madrid better than public transport during rush hour. You also start building insurance history early on, which helps when you upgrade to larger motorcycles later.

A1 License: The Initial 125cc License

The A1 license opens the door to real motorcycling. At 16, you can ride 125cc motorcycles on all roads, including motorways. This is where most Spanish motorcyclists begin their journey.

The Front Door Category

You must be 16 years old to take the A1 test. Unlike the AM license, this license doesn't restrict you to city streets. You can take highway trips, ride with friends, and drive motorcycles powerful enough to keep up with traffic.

This is the most popular entry-level motorcycle license in Spain. The selection of motorcycles is huge, ranging from small sport bikes like the Yamaha YZF-R125 to practical scooters like the Honda PCX 125.

Technical Specifications

The A1 license limits you to 11kW (approximately 15hp) of maximum power. The power-to-weight ratio cannot exceed 0.1 kW/kg. This means your motorcycle must weigh at least 110kg if it produces the full 11kW.

These restrictions keep you on motorcycles suitable for learner riders. Electric motorcycles also fall under the A1 category if their continuous power output remains within the 11kW limit. Learn more about motorcycle categories and classifications in the EU .

Exam Requirements

The exam process has three parts.

Theory tests: You take the common test (30 questions covering general traffic rules) plus a motorcycle-specific theory test (20 questions on riding techniques and motorcycle-specific regulations). You need to pass both. Practice your theory test here .

Closed circuit test: You demonstrate low-speed maneuvers, emergency braking, obstacle avoidance, and controlled figure eights. This takes place on the driving school's private track.

Road test: An examiner follows you on another motorcycle and gives instructions through an earpiece. You ride in real traffic for about 25 minutes, demonstrating that you can safely handle roundabouts, lane changes, and urban navigation.

The 2026 Mandatory 125cc Course (The "B+3" Update)

This is the change that affects thousands of Spanish drivers. Automatic access to 125cc motorcycles for car drivers has been eliminated.

The End of the 125cc "Automatic"

For years, anyone with a car driving license (category B) held for three years could drive 125cc motorcycles and scooters without taking any motorcycle test. It was a legal loophole that turned urban scooters into a means of transportation for riders who had never even ridden a motorcycle.

In 2026, the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) closed that door . Now you need to complete a mandatory training course before driving 125cc motorcycles, even if you've been driving cars for a decade. The change came after accident statistics showed that car drivers on scooters were overrepresented in urban accidents.

Course Syllabus

The mandatory course includes 7 hours of instruction divided between theory and practical driving.

Theoretical component (3 hours): Covers specific motorcycle hazards, correct riding position, protective equipment requirements, and the fundamental differences between car and motorcycle dynamics.

Practical component (4 hours): You will ride a 125cc motorcycle under the supervision of an instructor. The focus is on basic control, emergency braking, low-speed maneuvers, and reading traffic from a motorcyclist's perspective.

There is no final DGT exam. Complete the course, obtain your certificate, and you can legally drive 125cc motorcycles.

Seniority Clauses

If you obtained your Category B license before January 1, 2026, and held it for three years, you are exempt. You retain automatic access to 125cc motorcycles.

Everyone else needs the course.

Impact on Displacement

Barcelona and Madrid built their scooter rental and commuting culture on the easy access to 125cc motorcycles. This change adds a barrier. Expect fewer car drivers to jump straight to rental scooters without training, which should reduce accidents but also slow the adoption rate of two-wheelers as an alternative to cars.

A2 License: The Intermediate Step Towards Performance

The A2 license is where the Spanish licensing system gets serious. At 18, you can ride mid-weight motorcycles with realistic highway performance. Many riders stay with the A2 license for years because the selection of motorcycles is excellent and 47 hp handles most situations.

The "Provisional" Heavy Permit

You need to be at least 18 years old. This license bridges the gap between learner motorcycles and unrestricted motorcycles. The two-year waiting period before upgrading to a Category A license keeps you at this level until you turn 20.

Most European motorcyclists spend significant time in the A2 category. The restrictions are tight enough to keep inexperienced riders away from superbikes, but loose enough to allow touring and sport riding.

Limits of the A2 License

The A2 license limits power to 35kW (47hp). That's the absolute limit. No motorcycle you ride can produce more than this power.

The 0.2 kW/kg Rule: Why You Can't Restrict Any Motorcycle

This is where it gets technical. The power-to-weight ratio cannot exceed 0.2 kW/kg. Your motorcycle must weigh at least 175 kg if it produces the full 35 kW.

The critical rule: you cannot restrict a motorcycle that originally produced more than 70kW (94hp). This is the "double power" rule. A restricted Yamaha MT-07 (52kW stock) is A2 legal. A restricted Yamaha MT-09 (87kW stock) is not, even if you restrict it to 35kW. Read more about EU homologation regulations for restricted motorcycles here .

The Exams

A2 exams are more difficult than A1. The closed-circuit test includes high-speed obstacle avoidance and emergency stops from 50 km/h. The road test lasts 35-40 minutes and covers motorway driving, overtaking, and complex urban navigation. Examiners expect smooth and safe driving.

A2 Compatible Motorcycles: Restrictors and Legality

Not all A2 motorcycles are created equal. You can buy a motorcycle designed for the A2 category or restrict a more powerful machine. Both options are legal, but the paperwork and long-term implications differ.

Factory A2 vs. Limited Motorcycles

Factory A2 motorcycles like the Kawasaki Ninja 400 or KTM 390 Duke are built to produce a maximum of 35kW. They are fully optimized for that power level. No restrictor kit. No detuning. Clean paperwork from day one.

Restricted motorcycles start out with more power and this is reduced using an ECU flash or a physical restrictor kit. A Yamaha MT-07 produces 52kW stock but can be legally restricted to 35kW for A2 license holders. The advantage is that when you upgrade to a full A license, you remove the restrictor and unlock the full power. You don't need to buy another motorcycle.

The disadvantage is the complexity of the paperwork and potential problems with resale if the documentation is not perfect.

The Paperwork Trail

Restricting a motorcycle requires official documentation. The workshop that installs the restrictor must provide a certificate declaring the modification. This certificate includes the original power output, the restricted power output, and confirmation that the motorcycle complies with the 70kW rule.

Then you take this certificate to a station Vehicle inspection (ITV) . The ITV updates your motorcycle's registration documents to reflect the limited power.

Without the proper ITV paperwork, the Civil Guard can fine you and impound your motorcycle.

Common Mistakes

Buying a motorcycle originally rated above 70kW is a huge mistake. A restricted Suzuki GSX-R750 (110kW stock) is illegal for A2 license holders even with a restrictor kit installed. The double power rule makes it non-compliant.

Permit A: Obtain Full Power Without Restrictions

The Category A license removes all restrictions. No power limits. No weight limits. You can ride anything from aHonda Gold Wing to a Ducati Panigale V4 . This is the final step in Spain's licensing system.

The Two-Year Wait

You must hold your A2 license for a full 24 months before upgrading to an A license. There is no way around this unless you take the shortcut route at age 24.

The two-year rule exists to build real riding experience before you move on to motorcycles that can exceed 200 hp. Most motorcyclists reach this milestone around age 20 if they started with an A2 license at 18.

The "Course" vs. The "Exam"

Here's the good news: The A license doesn't require another full DGT exam like the A1 or A2. Instead, you complete a 9-hour training course divided into three parts.

• Theory (3 hours): Advanced driving techniques, risk management, and characteristics of high-performance motorcycles.

• Closed circuit (3 hours): Practice on an unrestricted motorcycle with higher speeds and more aggressive maneuvers than A2 training.

• Open road (3 hours): Supervised driving on highways and challenging roads.

Once you finish the course, the driving school issues a certificate of completion. You take it to the DGT (Spanish Traffic Authority), they update your license, and you're done. No examiner. No pass/fail exam.

Unlocking the "Superbike" Level

Insurance costs increase when you upgrade to a Category A license, especially if you're under 25. Insurers view unrestricted licenses as a higher risk. A 20-year-old riding a 1000cc superbike pays significantly more than a 30-year-old riding the same motorcycle.

Compare prices before you go up.

Permits for Electric Motorcycles

Electric motorcycles follow different rating rules than combustion engine motorcycles. Understanding continuous versus peak power ratings can save you money and open up options you didn't know existed.

The "Legal Vacuum" of Nominal Power

Electric motorcycles are categorized by continuous power, not peak power. A Zero S model can reach 60 hp peak, but if its continuous rating is 11 kW, it falls under the A1 license category.

That's why some electric motorcycles feel significantly faster than their combustion engine equivalents in the same license category. Power delivery is instantaneous, and the continuous power rating doesn't capture the full performance story. Check the motorcycle's homologation documents for the official continuous power figure.

Category L Classifications

Electric two-wheeled vehicles use category L classifications that relate to Spanish permits:

• L1e-B: 4kW maximum (AM license) - Light electric mopeds such as the Silence S01.

• L3e-A1: 11kW maximum (A1 license) - Models like the Super Soco TC Max.

• L3e-A2: 35kW maximum (A2 license) - Mid-range motorcycles including some Zero SR/F configurations.

• L3e-A3: No restrictions (License A) - Full power electric motorcycles such as the Energica Ego or Zero SR/S.

The key is to relate the continuous power rating to your license category.

Battery and Autonomy Considerations

The Spanish electric motorcycle market has improved significantly by 2026. Most A2-compliant electric motorcycles now offer a real-world range of 150-200 km. The charging infrastructure along major routes between Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Valencia, and Seville is functional but still inconsistent in rural areas.

Range anxiety is real if you're touring. Plan charging stops in advance.

Permits for Tricycles and Three-Wheeled Vehicles (L5e)

Three-wheeled motorcycles occupy a unique space in the Spanish licensing system. Some can be driven with just a car license, bypassing the motorcycle test altogether.

The Category B Exception

If you have a Category B car driving license, you can drive certain three-wheeled motorcycles without taking a motorcycle test. This applies to vehicles classified as L5e .

Popular models include the Piaggio MP3 500 The Yamaha Tricity 300 and the Peugeot Metropolis are examples . These tilting tricycles feel closer to riding a scooter than a car, but legally they are treated as a different category.

The catch: the vehicle must meet specific technical requirements to qualify as L5e. Not all tricycles are compatible with Category B.

Security Requirements

L5e vehicles must have:

• Minimum track gauge: The two front or rear wheels must be separated by at least 465mm.

• Parking brake: Required for stability when parked.

• Foot-operated brakes: Brakes mounted on the handlebars alone do not qualify.

• Power limit: Maximum 15kW for Category B conductors.

These requirements exist to differentiate suitable tricycles from motorcycle-sidecar combinations.

Pros and Cons

Stability is the main advantage. Tricycles don't tip over at traffic lights. They handle rain and gravel better than two wheels. For riders with balance concerns or physical limitations, they offer independence without the risk of tipping over.

The downside is the weight and maneuverability. A Piaggio MP3 weighs over 250 kg and feels bulky in tight parking situations. You also lose the lean angle and cornering feel that define motorcycling for purists.

Tricycles divide opinions among motorcyclists, but they are a practical solution for specific needs.

The Administrative Labyrinth

Getting a Spanish motorcycle license involves more than just passing exams. You'll navigate medical tests, driving school fees, and government taxes before you ever twist the throttle.

Psychometric Test: The Medical Test

Every applicant for a motorcycle license must pass a psychometric test at an authorized medical center . The test assesses your fitness to drive.

Vision test: You will read letters at various distances and complete a peripheral vision assessment. Corrective lenses are fine if they keep you within legal limits.

Hearing test: Basic hearing perception check to confirm you can hear traffic and emergency sirens.

Coordination and reaction time: Computer-based tests measure your reaction speed and hand-eye coordination. You will click buttons when visual cues appear on the screen.

Psychological evaluation: A brief interview assesses risk awareness and emotional stability.

The psychometric test costs €30-50 and is valid for 90 days. You need to pass it before enrolling in driving school.

The Real Cost of a Spanish Motorcycle License

Driving school registration: €150-300 depending on the school and city.

Practical classes: €25-35 per hour. Most students need 10-15 hours for A1, 15-20 hours for A2.

Theoretical exam fee (DGT): €26.20 per attempt.

Practical exam fee (DGT): €91.35 per attempt.

Costs of failed exams: You pay the DGT fee again for each reattempt, plus additional practice hours.

Estimated totals:

• AM Permit: €400-600

• A1 license: €800-1,200

• A2 license: €1,000-1,500

• Course to upgrade to Category A license: €300-500

These figures assume you pass on your first attempt. Failing exams will add €100-200 each time. Also, please note that prices/fees or costs may change at any time without prior notice. Please consider this information as a reference point.

Exchanges of Foreign Permits

Moving to Spain with a foreign motorcycle license creates administrative headaches. Some licenses are easily exchanged. Others require you to start the licensing process from scratch.

The 6-Month Rule

You can drive with your foreign license for six months after establishing residency in Spain. Once that six-month period has passed, your original license becomes invalid on Spanish roads. You must exchange it or stop driving legally.

The clock starts when you register as a resident, not when you arrive in the country.

The EU/EEA Process

If you hold a motorcycle license from an EU or EEA country, the exchange is straightforward. You register your existing license with the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) without taking any exams. Your license category is transferred automatically. A German A2 license can be converted into a Spanish A2 license with minimal paperwork.

The Non-EU Struggle

Non-EU permits depend on reciprocal agreements. Spain has exchange agreements with the United Kingdom, Andorra, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, and select Latin American countries including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru.

From 2026 onwards, the DGT recognizes licenses for exchange from the following countries due to specific bilateral treaties:

* Note on Venezuela: Exchanges are currently limited to original plastic card permits; digital PDF versions are generally not accepted due to verification security protocols.

The United States, Canada, and Australia do not have agreements. If you have a license from one of these countries, you start from scratch. You will take the full A1, A2, or A exam depending on your age and desired license category.

Book an Appointment

The DGT's appointment system is notoriously frustrating. Appointments fill up within minutes of becoming available. Set alarms for early morning (around 8:00) when new appointments appear. Refresh the page repeatedly. Consider using third-party booking services if you're desperate, although they charge an extra €50-100.

Keeping Your License: The DGT Points System

Spanish motorcycle licenses operate on a points-based penalty system . Infractions result in points being deducted, and losing all your points means losing your license. Motorcyclists need to understand how this works because certain violations are punished more severely than others.

Starting Points: Why New Drivers Start with 8

New license holders start with 8 points instead of the standard 12. This applies to anyone who has held their first Spanish driving license for less than three years. The DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) considers you a probationary driver during this period.

After three years without serious offenses, you automatically receive your full balance of 12 points. Good behavior earns points: two years without offenses adds 2 points, up to a maximum of 15 points total.

Common Offenses

• Using your mobile phone while driving: 6 points and a €200 fine. This includes holding your phone, checking navigation, or sending messages at traffic lights.

• Riding without a helmet or with a non-certified helmet: 4 points and a €200 fine.

• Speeding: Points vary depending on severity. 20-30 km/h over the limit costs 2 points. 50+ km/h over the limit costs 6 points and possible license suspension.

• Driving without insurance: 0 points but a fine of €3,000+ and the motorcycle will be impounded.

Recovering Points: Awareness Courses

If your balance falls below 4 points, you can take an awareness course to recover points. The course lasts 12 hours spread over two days, costs €200-300, and restores 4 points upon completion.

You can take this course once every two years.

Choosing Your Path

Spain's motorcycle licensing system rewards patience and planning. Whether you're a 15-year-old eyeing your first moped or a 30-year-old looking to skip the car traffic, understanding the framework saves time and money.

If you're 18 and want performance motorcycles, start with an A2 license. Two years later, upgrade to a full A license. This path provides you with the necessary training and access to mid-weight motorcycles suitable for both touring and sport riding.

If you're a car driver who needs urban mobility, the B+3 course is the fastest route to riding a 125cc scooter. Seven hours of training unlocks practical riding without the full A1 exam process.

For direct entry motorcyclists aged 24+, skip directly to the A license and avoid the A2 waiting period.

Whichever path you choose, budget accordingly, pass the psychometric test first, and book your DGT appointments soon .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a motorcycle with my car license (Category B)?

Not anymore. Until 2026, holding a Category B car license for three years automatically allowed you to drive 125cc motorcycles. This changed in 2026. Now you need to complete a mandatory 7-hour training course before riding a 125cc motorcycle. If you obtained your Category B license before January 1, 2026, and held it for three years, you are protected and retain automatic access to 125cc motorcycles.

Do electric motorcycles need a permit in Spain?

Yes. Electric motorcycles follow the same licensing rules as combustion engine motorcycles, but are categorized by continuous power output rather than engine displacement. A 4kW electric moped requires an AM license (age 15+). An 11kW electric motorcycle requires an A1 license (age 16+). A 35kW electric motorcycle requires an A2 license (age 18+). Unrestricted electric motorcycles require an A license.

At what age can I get a motorcycle license in Spain?

Age 15 for AM license (50cc mopeds), age 16 for A1 license (125cc motorcycles), age 18 for A2 license (35kW motorcycles), and age 20 for A license (no restrictions) if you upgrade from A2. You can jump directly to A license at age 24 without having an A2 first.

How much does it cost to get a motorcycle license in Spain?

Costs vary by license category. The AM license costs €400-€600, the A1 license costs €800-€1,200, the A2 license costs €1,000-€1,500, and the upgrade course to the A license costs €300-€500. These figures assume you pass on the first attempt. Failing exams adds €100-€200 per retake. Prices include the medical and psychometric test, driving school enrollment, practical lessons, and DGT exam fees.

What happens if I drive a motorcycle without a license in Spain?

Driving without a valid license results in a fine starting at €500, a 6-point deduction (if you have a license), and potential impoundment of your motorcycle. The Guardia Civil can seize your motorcycle on the spot. Repeat offenses lead to higher fines and possible criminal charges.

Do 50cc mopeds need a permit?

Yes. You need an AM license to legally drive 50cc mopeds in Spain. This applies to anyone born after 1988. The AM license requires a theory test and a practical test on a closed circuit. You can obtain it at age 15.

Can I exchange my foreign motorcycle license for a Spanish one?

It depends on your country. EU/EEA licenses are exchanged directly without exams. Spain has bilateral agreements with the UK, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and several other countries. The US, Canada, and Australia do not have agreements—you must start from scratch and take the full Spanish motorcycle test.

What is the difference between A1, A2 and A licenses?

The A1 license (age 16+) limits you to 11kW (125cc motorcycles). The A2 license (age 18+) allows 35kW (47hp) medium-weight motorcycles. The A license (age 20+ after holding an A2 license for two years, or age 24+ for direct entry) removes all power restrictions. Each level requires progressively more difficult exams, except for A, which is just a 9-hour training course if you upgrade from A2.

What motorcycles can I drive with an A2 license?

Any motorcycle producing a maximum of 35kW (47hp) with a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg. You can ride factory A2 motorcycles or restricted versions of more powerful motorcycles—but only if the original motorcycle produced less than 70kW (94hp). A restricted Yamaha MT-07 (52kW stock) is legal. A restricted Yamaha MT-09 (87kW stock) is illegal for A2 license holders, even with a restrictor kit.

Do I need a permit for jet skis (nautical skis) in Spain?

Yes, but it's a different permit. Jet skis require a navigation license, not a road motorcycle license. This is issued by maritime authorities, not the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic). The navigation license has different age, training, and exam requirements than road motorcycle licenses.