How to get a motorcycle licence in Belgium

A Belgian motorcycle licence (A1, A2 or A) takes four steps. The rules below apply in all three regions unless a region is named. This article is not legal advice; the official sources are listed at the end. Checked on 14 October 2026.

1. Theory exam

• 50 multiple-choice questions; you pass with 41 or more.
• The pass is valid for 3 years. Take the practical exam within that time.
• Fee: €19 in Flanders, €17 in Wallonia, €15 in Brussels.
• Lessons are optional. You can study on your own.
• No new theory exam if you have held A1 for 2 years (to get A2) or A2 for 2 years (to get A).

2. Lessons at an approved driving school

Practical lessons are compulsory. Choose one of two routes:

• 12 hours. At least half on public roads. Then you take the full practical exam. No provisional licence is needed.
• 9 hours plus a provisional licence. You pass the private-ground part first. Then you get a provisional licence from your municipality and practise alone for at least 1 month before the road test.

The provisional licence is valid for 12 months and cannot be extended. You need an L-sign at the rear, you may not carry a passenger, and you may not ride abroad. If you are under 24, you may not ride between 22:00 and 06:00 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, before public holidays and on public holidays.

3. Practical exam

1. Private ground: 10 manoeuvres, such as a slalom, slow riding, an S-bend, an avoidance manoeuvre and an emergency stop from 50 km/h.
2. Public road: a ride of at least 30 minutes. The examiner follows you and gives directions by radio.

In Flanders the exam motorcycle must have at least 115 cc for A1, 20–35 kW and 245 cc for A2, and 50 kW and 595 cc for A. Wear an approved helmet, gloves, a long-sleeved jacket, long trousers and boots that protect your ankles.

If you fail twice, you take at least 2 more hours of lessons. From the third attempt, you use the school's motorcycle.

4. Apply for your licence

After you pass, the exam centre gives you an application form, valid for 3 years. Take it to your municipality.

Progressive access and code 78

• Progressive access: after 2 years on A1 (to A2) or A2 (to A), take at least 4 hours of lessons and a practical exam. A is possible from age 22 this way.
• Code 78: if your exam motorcycle has no clutch lever, your licence gets code 78 and you may ride automatic motorcycles only. To move up to the next category without code 78, take at least 6 hours of lessons and an exam on a manual motorcycle.

Training in one region

Since 1 January 2026, Wallonia requires that your whole training takes place in the region where you take your exams. Ask your driving school how this applies to you.

Find a school

Use our driving-school finder to find approved schools near you that teach A1, A2 or A. See also what a motorcycle licence costs.