Motorcycle theory licence in France (A, A1, A2)
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Aiming for a motorcycle licence? In France, motorcycle categories require the motorcycle theory test (ETM), which covers many highway code notions. Here are categories A, A1 and A2 and how to revise the code basics.
Motorcycle licence categories
A1, A2, A
A1 (light 125cc motorcycle), A2 (intermediate power) and A (progressive access). Each has its own age and access conditions.
Shared basis: the code
The theory test relies on the French highway code: signs, priorities, speed.
Prepare the theory
Our courses and tests cover the shared highway code, the basis of the theory exam.
France has a dedicated motorcycle theory test
Since 2020, motorcycle candidates in France sit the ETM - the épreuve théorique moto - a theory test specific to two-wheelers, separate from the car code. It follows the same format: forty questions, about twenty seconds each, at least 35 correct to pass.
The underlying rules are still the shared Highway Code - road signs, priority, speed limits, stopping and parking are the same as for a car - but the ETM adds and emphasises the topics where a two-wheeler behaves differently: position on the carriageway, visibility, filtering, equipment, and how road surface and markings affect braking.
A1, A2, A: what you may ride
The three categories differ by engine power and by access age, within a system built around progressive access: you start on a lighter category and move up after two years of experience, or you wait for the direct-access age.
Concretely: holding A2 for at least two years lets you move up to A after seven hours of training at an approved school, from age 20. Without that route, direct access to A is from 24. Each category still requires passing the ETM and a practical test.
| Category | Machine | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Up to 125 cc, 11 kW, 0.1 kW/kg | 16 |
| A2 | Up to 35 kW, under 0.2 kW/kg | 18 |
| A | Over 35 kW, unrestricted | 24, or 20 via A2 |
What the motorcycle theory adds
The shared Highway Code remains the backbone. On top of it, the ETM tests a set of themes because they play out differently on two wheels.
- Position on the carriageway and being visible to drivers who are not looking for you.
- Overtaking and filtering: what is permitted, where, and under what conditions.
- Equipment: approved helmet and gloves, and what the regulations actually require.
- Braking and road surface: wet surfaces, tram rails and painted markings.
- Vulnerable road user status: a motorcyclist is seen late, and the test checks awareness of that.
If you already hold a category B licence
Holding a category B licence does not exempt you from the ETM if you are aiming for a motorcycle category - you sit the moto-specific theory test. In some limited cases, tied to when your B licence was issued, an equivalence lets you ride a light motorcycle after a short training, but that is not a general exemption.
What holds in every case is that the Highway Code is shared. Going back over signs, priority and speed is never wasted time - the ETM builds on exactly that base.
Motorcycle categories
- 3 — categories: A1, A2, A
- 40 — ETM questions
- 35/40 — to pass
- ETM — a dedicated moto theory test
Frequently asked questions
Where to revise the code for the motorcycle licence?
The code basics are shared: you can revise signs, priorities and speed for free on PermisFrance.fr before the theory test.
Is motorcycle theory different from car theory in France?
Since 2020 there is a dedicated motorcycle theory test, the ETM, separate from the car code. The underlying Highway Code is shared, but the ETM adds themes specific to two-wheelers - position, filtering, equipment, visibility and braking.
What is the difference between A1, A2 and A?
Engine power and access age: A1 from 16, A2 from 18, and A from 24 direct or from 20 after holding A2 for two years plus a seven-hour training. Check the official thresholds for your situation.
Do I need to retake the theory if I already hold a category B licence?
For a motorcycle category you sit the ETM regardless of a category B licence. A limited equivalence to ride a light motorcycle can apply depending on when your B licence was issued, after a short training.
How many questions are in the ETM?
Forty, with at least 35 correct answers needed to pass - the same format and pass mark as the car code.