What is the minimum age for an A1 motorcycle licence in the Netherlands?

18. The A1 category is the entry-level motorcycle licence in the Netherlands. (A 16-year-old age applies to AM mopeds, not A1 motorcycles.)

What can you ride with a Dutch A1 licence?

Light motorcycles up to 125cc and 11 kW (about 15 hp), with a power-to-weight ratio no higher than 0.1 kW/kg. You can also ride motor tricycles up to 15 kW.

Is the A1 theory exam different from A2 or A?

No. There is a single CBR motorcycle theory exam that covers all three categories — A1, A2 and A. The categories differ by age, power, and the practical exam, not the theory.

Can the A1 theory exam be taken in English?

Not directly — the CBR motorcycle theory exam is conducted in Dutch. You can book a CBR-listed interpreter or study in English beforehand so the Dutch wording is recognisable.

A1 Motorcycle Licence Netherlands — Requirements in English (2026)

The A1 is the entry-level Dutch motorcycle licence — the youngest age and the lightest bikes. If you're 18 and want to start riding, or you want a stepping stone toward A2 and A, this is where most people begin.

A1 at a glance

Minimum age: 18
Bikes: motorcycles up to 125cc and 11 kW (~15 hp), power-to-weight up to 0.1 kW/kg
Also covers: motor tricycles up to 15 kW
Exams: one theory exam (shared across A1/A2/A) + practical AVB (vehicle control) and AVD (road) exams

Who the A1 is for

A1 suits new riders who are 18–19, commuters on a 125, and anyone who wants to build road experience before moving up. Because the theory exam is identical for every motorcycle category, passing it now means you won’t retake theory when you later upgrade to A2 or A.

The exams

You take the same CBR motorcycle theory exam as A2 and A candidates: 50 questions (knowledge, insight, and hazard perception). The theory exam is conducted in Dutch — see how to book an English interpreter or simply study in English first. After theory you complete the practical AVB and AVD exams with a riding school.

Upgrading from A1

Hold A1 and you can move to A2 at 20 through progressive access (a practical exam, no new theory), then to full A after two years on A2. See the full comparison: A1 vs A2 vs A.

Start your theory in English

DutchTheory prepares you for the exact CBR motorcycle theory exam — in English, with the Dutch terms learned alongside. New to the whole process? Read how to get a Dutch motorcycle licence in English or try a free 5-question preview.

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.