What is the minimum age for a full A motorcycle licence in the Netherlands?

24 for direct access. You can also reach full A at 22 through progressive access if you have held an A2 licence for at least two years.

What can you ride with a full Dutch A licence?

Any motorcycle, with no power restriction, plus motor tricycles. It is the unrestricted top motorcycle category.

Do I retake the theory exam for full A?

No. The CBR motorcycle theory exam is shared across A1, A2 and A. Whether you go direct at 24 or upgrade from A2 at 22, you do not retake theory — only the practical exam applies to the upgrade.

Direct access or progressive access — which is faster?

If you are already 24, direct access (one theory + practical) is simplest. If you are younger, progressive access lets you ride sooner: A2 at 20, then full A at 22 after two years, with only a practical exam to upgrade.

A Motorcycle Licence Netherlands — Full/Unrestricted in English (2026)

Category A is the unrestricted Dutch motorcycle licence — any bike, no power cap. You reach it two ways: direct access at 24, or progressive access at 22 after two years on A2. Here's which route fits you and what the exams involve.

Full A at a glance

Minimum age: 24 (direct access) or 22 (progressive, after 2 years on A2)
Bikes: any motorcycle, no power limit; also motor tricycles
Exams: one theory exam (shared across A1/A2/A) + practical AVB and AVD exams

Two routes to full A

Direct access (from 24)

If you’re 24 or older you can go straight for full A: pass the CBR motorcycle theory exam, then the practical AVB and AVD exams on an unrestricted bike. One licence, no power cap.

Progressive access (from 22)

If you want to ride sooner, take A2 at 20, hold it for two years, then upgrade to full A at 22 with a practical exam only — no new theory. For many riders this is the faster overall route onto a big bike.

The theory exam is the same either way

Whichever route you take, the CBR motorcycle theory exam is identical — 50 questions across knowledge, insight, and hazard perception, conducted in Dutch. You can book an English interpreter or study in English first so the Dutch wording is recognisable. Pass it once and it counts whether you finish on A2 or A.

Compare the categories

Not sure which route is right? See the full side-by-side: A1 vs A2 vs A, or start from how to get a Dutch motorcycle licence in English.

Start your theory in English

DutchTheory prepares you for the exact CBR motorcycle theory exam in English. Try a free 5-question preview to see the format before you commit.

Licence categories follow EU Directive 2006/126/EC as implemented in the Netherlands. Always confirm current ages, limits and fees at cbr.nl and rdw.nl. DutchTheory is independent of CBR.

Full A motorcycle licence in the Netherlands