Motorcycle license Switzerland: costs and info for your motorbike test
What are the different categories of driving licence? How do I go about taking the motorcycle test? What do I need in order to ride a motorbike in Switzerland? Comparis answers the most important questions.
23.04.2023
iStock / sukanya sitthikongsak
1. What are the different categories of motorcycle licence?
In Switzerland, motorcycles are divided into four different categories. The categories are aligned with the EU. 16-year-olds are allowed to ride category A1 motorcycles. For light motorcycles, the minimum age is 15 years.
| Category | Specifications | Minimum age/requirements |
|---|---|---|
| A1 (from 15 years) |
|
15 years |
| A1 (from 16 years) |
|
16 years |
| A (restricted) |
|
18 years |
| A (unrestricted) | Motorcycles without restrictions |
|
What you need to know about the motorcycle test
Anyone holding a category B driving licence can get a A1 licence without taking a test.
The categories A1 (from 15 years) and A (restricted) are relatively new (since 2021).
As of January 2021, it is no longer possible to directly get a category A motorcycle licence.
Since 2021, you may only apply for the category A (unrestricted) licence if you have held an A (restricted) licence for at least two years. There are certain exceptions for apprentices undertaking basic vocational training for the Swiss federal certificate of proficiency in motorcycle mechanics, for the police and for transport professionals.
2. What tests do I need to take for a motorcycle licence?
There are two phases in getting your motorcycle licence. The first is learning to drive in the regular way, and the second consists of a compulsory additional training course while you have your licence on probation. Once you have completed the courses and passed the tests, they essentially remain valid indefinitely. The steps in detail:
Planning to apply for a provisional driving licence and register for the theory test? Then you must first complete a first aid course. This requirement does not apply to holders of Category A, A1, B or B1 licences. The first aid certificate is valid for a maximum of six years. Here you can find a list of recognized course organizers (not available in English).
The result of the eyesight test is noted directly in the application form at the optician's or ophthalmologist's practice. The eyesight test may not be more than 24 months old.
To be allowed to drive with blue L plates, you must submit an application for your provisional licence to the residents' registration office or road traffic office.
This course lasts 12 hours for all category A licences. It must be completed within four months of getting your provisional licence.
The traffic awareness course is intended to give you a better understanding of road traffic at the theoretical level and to motivate you to drive carefully. You do not have to do this course if you hold a category A, A1, B or B1 licence.
After passing the test you'll immediately get your probationary driving licence through the post. Remember that a probationary period applies. You will not get your permanent driving licence until after the end of this probationary period, but you must apply for it and attend a compulsory one-day additional training course (WAB).
You must complete the WAB additional training course within 12 months of getting your driving licence on probation. You do not need to take another test. Since 2020 the WAB has lasted just one day (7 hours).
Our tip: register for the WAB compulsory further training course immediately after passing your driving test. Appointments get booked up quickly. Anyone who does not complete the WAB further training in the first 12 months will pay a fine of up to 300 francs if stopped by the police.
3. How much does a motorcycle licence cost?
The cost of obtaining a licence depends on the school, your needs, and where you live. Expect a minimum budget of about 1,500 francs – not including driving lessons. The costs are broken down as follows:
Approximate costs of a motorcycle licence
| Eyesight test | CHF 10 to 20 |
|---|---|
| First aid course | CHF 100 to 200 |
| Provisional licence | CHF 20 to 80 |
| Theory test | CHF 30 to 40 |
| Traffic awareness theory course | CHF 200 to 250 |
| Basic motorcycle course | CHF 200 to 600 |
| Practical test | CHF 130 |
| Licence issue and delivery | CHF 50 |
| Additional training course (WAB) | CHF 300 to 350 |
| Driving lessons | CHF 80 to 120 per lesson |
4. Which motorcycles can I ride on my standard driving licence?
Drivers do not have to pass a test or attend a traffic awareness course for category A1. The first aid course is also unnecessary if you have done one in the past six years.
Important: you must complete the 12-hour basic course categories of motorcycle licence (link only available in German). To ride category A motorcycles, you will also need to pass the practical test.
5. What do I need in order to ride a scooter?
A conventional scooter, or a category A1 electric scooter, is a good option in city traffic. They're not only smaller and easier to manoeuvre, but usually also easier to operate. This category also includes enduros and choppers.
Federal law only requires that you wear a helmet, but some cantons demand motorcycle-specific safety equipment during the driving test. For example, the canton of Zurich requires an approved helmet, a motorcycle jacket, trousers and gloves, as well as sturdy shoes that come above the ankle.
6. What else do I need to ride a motorcycle?
Liability insurance
Aside from servicing and fuel costs, motorbike insurance will often be one of the biggest items on your budget. Like a car, liability insurance is compulsory if you ride a motorcycle. The same applies to scooters and Vespas.
Protective clothing
Good basic motorcycle equipment includes helmet, gloves, special boots, an all-in-one suit and a kidney belt. The law only requires that you wear a helmet, but depending on your canton you may need motorcycle-specific safety gear to take your test.
Swiss motorway vignette
Anyone using motorways and expressways in Switzerland must display a special sticker, the vignette. It costs 40 francs. Read key info on the Swiss motorway vignette here.
This article was first published on 02.04.2020
