This article explains how to get a motorcycle licence in Switzerland. It matters to you if you live in Switzerland or are moving there and want to learn to ride. It is a good moment to look closely: from 1 January 2027, the order of the training steps changes. Here is how the process works from the learner licence application to the test, what is new in 2027 and what two cantons charge as examples. The theory on categories, probation and alcohol is covered in our riding school lessons on the Swiss licence, in German and in French. All information as of November 2026.
In short
- Categories: A1 from 16, restricted A from 18, unrestricted A after two years.
- New from 1 Jan 2027: you must take the traffic awareness course (VKU in German, CTC in French) before registering for the theory test, not afterwards.
- Basic course: 12 hours of basic practical training within four months of receiving the learner licence.
- Fees: set by each canton. Zurich charges CHF 134 for the category A practical test, Vaud CHF 100.
- Test season: motorcycle tests are limited or not held in winter.
Categories and minimum age
| Category | What you may ride | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | up to 125 cc and max. 11 kW | 16 (light motorcycles up to 50 cc and 45 km/h: 15) |
| A restricted | max. 35 kW and 0.2 kW/kg | 18 |
| A | no power limit | after at least two years of restricted A with a clean record |
There is no direct access to unrestricted category A. How the step up works is explained in the lessons linked above. A comparison with Germany and Austria is in Motorcycle licence categories explained.
The steps from 1 January 2027
1. Learner licence application, eye test and first aid
You start with the learner licence application at the road traffic office (Strassenverkehrsamt) of your canton of residence. In Zurich you can submit it at the earliest one month before the minimum age; it includes an eye test and a passport photo. When you register for the theory test, you also need proof of a first aid course from a body recognised by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO), no more than six years old. Vaud gives its length as 10 hours. If you already hold a category B licence, you do not need it.
2. Traffic awareness course
The course lasts eight hours and is taught by a driving instructor. From 2027 it is a requirement for registering for the theory test if you hold no licence in categories A, B, A1 or B1. You may take it at the earliest six months before the minimum age. It now also covers driver assistance and automation systems.
3. Basic theory test
After the course comes the basic theory test. According to the canton of St. Gallen, from 2027 it has 55 questions instead of 50 for cars and motorcycles, with driver assistance systems, traffic awareness and hazard perception added. If you already hold category B, you do not take it again.
4. Learner licence and basic training
Once you pass the theory, you receive the learner licence. For motorcycles it is initially valid for four months. During that time you must complete basic practical training, often simply called the basic course: 12 hours with an instructor licensed for category A. If you are aiming for category A, you may not do it on a 125. With the certificate, the learner licence is extended by twelve months.
You do not need a supervisor for practice rides. If you carry a passenger, that person must hold a licence for the same category. Vaud recommends riding at least 3,000 km before the test and taking lessons with an instructor.
5. Practical test
The test consists of a manoeuvring part and riding in traffic. In Vaud it lasts about one hour and 20 minutes. For categories A and restricted A, your bike needs a pillion seat and footrests, and the vehicle registration document must list two seats. Zurich requires an approved helmet, motorcycle jacket, gloves, motorcycle trousers and boots or sturdy shoes covering the ankles. In Vaud the test is not held if your gear is incomplete, but you are still charged.
Plan around the season. Zurich holds motorcycle tests in 2027 from 30 March to 29 October. Vaud holds none from December to February, and only in the afternoon in November and March.
6. Probationary licence and further training
After passing you receive a probationary licence. During probation you complete the further training course: seven hours in one day, in groups of six to twelve. How long probation lasts and what happens after offences is in the lessons linked above.
Tip: If you already hold a category B licence, the 125 route is simple: after the basic practical training you get subcategory A1 without a practical test.
What changes in 2027 and what applies to you
The Federal Council adopted the change on 19 December 2025. Until the end of 2026 you take the traffic awareness course once you have your learner licence; from 2027, before the theory test. For the transition:
- Theory passed by the end of 2026: according to St. Gallen, nothing changes for you.
- Theory passed, course not yet taken: you must show proof of the course when registering for the practical test at the latest.
- Admitted to the theory test, but taking it only in 2027: you sit the new theory test. St. Gallen recommends taking the course first.
Cantons may set details differently. Check with your road traffic office before booking.
What a motorcycle licence in Switzerland costs
Each canton sets its own fees for licences and tests. Two examples, both valid since 1 January 2026:
| Item | Zurich (example) | Vaud (example) |
|---|---|---|
| Learner licence | CHF 40 | CHF 30 |
| Identity check for the first learner licence | CHF 20 | not listed |
| Theory test | CHF 36 | CHF 40 |
| Admission to the practical test | CHF 40 | not listed |
| Practical test A, restricted A, A1 | CHF 134 | CHF 100 |
| Driving licence | CHF 40 | CHF 45 |
Adding these up, a first-time pass costs CHF 310 in Zurich and CHF 215 in Vaud. Not included are the eye test, first aid course, traffic awareness course, basic training, lessons and further training. If you cancel a test too late you still pay: in Zurich with less than ten working days' notice, in Vaud with less than five.
For riding school fees we found no independent or official price survey (as of November 2026). Compare offers for the traffic awareness course, basic training and lessons directly.
How to choose a riding school
- Category A licence: only an instructor licensed for motorcycles may give the basic training. Ask whether the school offers both courses.
- Course dates: you only have four months for the basic training. Check dates before you apply, especially in spring.
- Clear prices: get written prices for the courses, a lesson, a hire bike and test accompaniment.
- Test bike: it must match the category, and Vaud also requires Swiss registration.
- Pass rates: we found no official pass rates per riding school.
To practise for the theory, use our Swiss riding school section in German or in French. After that, read motorcycle rules in Switzerland and our guide to the MFK inspection.
Frequently asked questions
From 2027, do I have to take the traffic awareness course before the theory test?
Yes, if you hold no licence in categories A, B, A1 or B1. The certificate is required to register for the basic theory test.
How long is a motorcycle learner licence valid?
Initially four months. With proof of basic training it is extended by twelve months.
With a car licence, do I need a test for a 125?
No. With category B you get subcategory A1 after basic practical training, without a practical test.
How much is the motorcycle practical test?
It depends on the canton: CHF 134 in Zurich, CHF 100 in Vaud, 2026 rates.
Can I take the motorcycle test in winter?
Usually not. Zurich tests in 2027 from 30 March to 29 October, and Vaud holds no motorcycle tests from December to February.
Sources
- Änderungen vom 19. Dezember 2025 (Federal Roads Office FEDRO, in German)
- Traffic Licensing Ordinance (VZV), version of 1.1.2027 (Fedlex, in German)
- Fahrausbildung 2027: was ändert?, updated 10.11.2026 (Canton of St. Gallen, in German)
- Ihre Vorbereitung zur Motorradprüfung (Canton of Zurich, in German)
- Fee ordinance valid from 1 January 2026 (Canton of Zurich, in German)
- Motocycles (A1 et A) (Canton of Vaud, in French)
- RE-SAN fee regulation, version of 1.1.2026 (Canton of Vaud, in French)
- Fahren lernen: learner licence application (Canton of Zurich, in German)
Last reviewed: November 2026. Fees and rules may change.
