Comprehensive Guide to German Motorcycle Licenses: Mofa, AM, A1, A2, A, B196, and the Advantageous A80

Summary:

The video provides a detailed overview of seven motorcycle licenses available in Germany, encompassing roller, motorcycle, and special license types.
Mofa (from 15 years): Requires a test certificate, including one double driving lesson and a 20-question theory test, for speeds up to 25 km/h (150-300€).
AM (from 15 years): Covers scooters up to 50cc and 45 km/h, involving 14 theory lessons, a theory test, and a practical driving test (500-1500€).
A1 (from 16 years): Permits motorcycles up to 125cc and 15 HP, requiring 12 mandatory practical lessons, 16 theory lessons, and both theoretical and practical exams (approx. 2,500€).
A2 (from 18 years): For motorcycles up to 48 HP (open up to 95 HP). Can be obtained through full training or by a practical test upgrade after 2 years with an A1 license (300-800€ for upgrade).
A (from 24 years): Allows unrestricted motorcycles. Acquired through full training or an upgrade from A2 after 2 years with a practical test (300-800€ for upgrade).
B196 (Special License): For B car license holders (5+ years, 25+ years old), involving 4 theory and 5 practical lessons, without an exam, enabling 125cc motorcycles (500-950€).
A80 (Special A-License): Obtainable from 21 years old with full A-license training, restricted to 48 HP until age 24, then automatically unrestricted. Recommended for younger riders seeking full A access early.

Introduction [0:00]

Age Requirement: Available from 15 years old.
License Type: A "Prüfbescheinigung" (test certificate), not a standard plastic driver's license.
Training Components:
- Requires 1 double driving lesson (90 minutes).
- Includes a theoretical test consisting of 20 questions.
- Involves 6 theory lessons, each lasting 90 minutes.
Vehicle Specifications: Allows operation of mopeds with a maximum speed of 25 km/h.
Estimated Costs: Ranges from 150€ to 300€.
Special Rule: Individuals born before April 1, 1965, are permitted to ride a Mofa without a test certificate, needing only their identification.

Age Requirement: Available from 15 years old.
Vehicle Specifications: Permits riding scooters with a maximum of 50cc and a top speed of 45 km/h.
Training Components:
- Involves 14 theory lessons (12 basic lessons plus 2 specific to scooters).
- Requires passing a theoretical test.
- A practical driving test is mandatory.
- The number of practical lessons is not legally fixed; the driving instructor determines when the student is ready for the test.
Estimated Costs: Ranges from 500€ to 1,500€.

Age Requirement: Available from 16 years old (exams can be taken slightly earlier, but the license is valid from the 16th birthday).
Vehicle Specifications: Allows riding motorcycles with a maximum of 125cc and a maximum power output of 11 kW (15 HP).
Training Components:
- Includes 12 mandatory practical lessons: 5 overland rides, 4 autobahn rides, and 3 night driving sessions (each 45 minutes).
- Requires 16 theory lessons (12 general basic lessons plus 4 specific to motorcycles).
- Both a theoretical test and a practical test must be passed.
Estimated Costs: Approximately 2,500€. Costs can increase with additional practice hours.

Age Requirement: Available from 18 years old.
Vehicle Specifications: Permits riding motorcycles with a maximum power output of 35 kW (48 HP). If the motorcycle is restricted, its unrestricted (open) power must not exceed 70 kW (95 HP).
Training Components (New License Acquisition):
- Involves similar theory and practical lessons as A1 (16 theory lessons, 12 mandatory practical lessons, plus additional practice hours as deemed necessary by the instructor).
- Both a theoretical test and a practical test are required.
Estimated Costs (New License Acquisition): Approximately 2,500€ (marginally higher than A1 due to higher bike costs).
Upgrade from A1 License:
- Conditions: Must have held an A1 license for at least 2 years (earliest upgrade possible at 18 years old).
- Requirements: Only a practical driving test is needed; no theoretical examination.
- Recommendation: Practical lessons are highly advised to acclimate to a larger, more powerful motorcycle before the test.
- Estimated Costs (Upgrade): Ranges from 300€ to 800€.

Age Requirement: Available from 24 years old for direct entry.
Vehicle Specifications: Allows riding motorcycles with unrestricted power.
Training Components (New License Acquisition):
- Involves similar theory and practical lessons as A1/A2 (16 theory lessons, 12 mandatory practical lessons, plus additional practice hours as needed).
- Both a theoretical test and a practical test are required.
Estimated Costs (New License Acquisition): Approximately 2,500€ (marginally higher than A2).
Upgrade from A2 License:
- Conditions: Must have held an A2 license for at least 2 years (earliest upgrade possible at 20 years old).
- Requirements: Only a practical driving test is needed; no theoretical examination.
- Recommendation: Practical lessons are advised for adapting to an unrestricted motorcycle's power and handling.
- Estimated Costs (Upgrade): Ranges from 300€ to 800€.
- Purpose of Age Restrictions: The staggered licensing system aims to mitigate risks for younger riders by gradually increasing access to higher-powered motorcycles.

Conditions for Acquisition:
- Must possess a B (car) driving license for a minimum of 5 years.
- Must be at least 25 years old.
Training Components:
- Consists of 4 theory lessons.
- Includes 5 practical lessons, each 90 minutes long.
No Formal Exam: Neither a theoretical nor a practical examination is required after completing the training.
Vehicle Specifications: Allows riding motorcycles with a maximum of 125cc and a maximum power output of 11 kW (15 HP), functionally similar to an A1 license.
Estimated Costs: Ranges from 500€ to 950€.
Benefit: This offers a relatively quick and cost-effective way for existing car drivers to gain limited motorcycle riding privileges.

Age Requirement: Available from 21 years old.
Training Components: Requires completion of the full training curriculum for the A-license (same as the regular A-license).
Initial Restriction: The license is initially restricted to a maximum of 35 kW (48 HP), operating like an A2 license, until the rider reaches their 24th birthday.
Automatic Unrestriction: Upon reaching 24 years of age (and having held the license for at least 2 years), the license automatically becomes unrestricted for any motorcycle without requiring any further exams (theoretical or practical).
Recommendation: For individuals aged 22 contemplating a motorcycle license, opting for the A80 is highly recommended over the A2. This allows them to achieve full, unrestricted A-license privileges two years earlier without an additional practical exam.
Estimated Costs: Similar to obtaining a full A-license (approximately 2,500€).
Important Note: It is recommended to update the physical driver's license card to officially remove the restriction key code, although theoretically not strictly mandatory, as some law enforcement personnel might not be fully aware of this specific transitional rule.
General Advice: The speaker emphasizes the importance of not overestimating one's riding abilities, being aware of potential accident risks, and always wearing appropriate protective gear.