Motorcycle licence in Belgium: which one do you need?
Licence3 min read
To ride a motorcycle in Belgium, you need a licence for the right category. The category depends on your age and on the power of the motorcycle. This article explains the categories and helps you pick the route that fits your age.
This article is not legal advice. The official sources are listed at the end. All facts were checked on 14 October 2026.
Who sets the rules?
The federal government (FPS Mobility) sets the categories and the minimum ages. Since the sixth state reform, the regions run the training and the exams. Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels each have their own exam centres and fees. The main steps are the same everywhere: a theory exam, lessons at an approved driving school and a practical exam in two parts.
The four categories
| Category | What you can ride | Minimum age for the practical exam |
|---|---|---|
| AM | Moped up to 45 km/h | 16 |
| A1 | Motorcycle up to 125 cc and 11 kW, max 0.1 kW/kg | 18 |
| A2 | Motorcycle up to 35 kW, max 0.2 kW/kg | 20 |
| A | Any motorcycle | 24 (direct access) or 22 (after 2 years of A2) |
A higher category includes the lower ones. A2 also covers AM and A1.
Which route fits you?
- Age 18 or 19: only A1 is possible.
- Age 20 to 23: take A2. After 2 years, you can move up to A with 4 hours of lessons and a practical exam.
- Age 24 or older: you can take A directly, with at least 12 hours of lessons and an exam on a motorcycle of at least 50 kW.
- You already have a car licence (B) and only want a 125 cc in Belgium: code 372 can be enough. Read 125cc with a car licence.
The steps in short
- Pass the theory exam: 50 questions, at least 41 correct. In Flanders the exam is in Dutch, with audio interpretation in English available. The pass is valid for 3 years.
- Take at least 12 hours of practical lessons at an approved driving school, or 9 hours followed by a provisional licence.
- Pass the practical exam: manoeuvres on private ground, then a ride on public roads.
- Apply for your licence at your municipality.
Read the details in How to get a motorcycle licence and the budget in Motorcycle licence cost.
Find a driving school
Lessons at an approved driving school are compulsory, and not every school teaches motorcycle categories. Our driving-school finder lists the approved schools near you that teach A1, A2 or A. After your licence, browse our motorcycle trainings to keep improving.
Frequently asked questions
Which licence do I need for a 125 cc?
An A1 licence or higher. If you have held a Belgian car licence (B) for at least 2 years, code 372 lets you ride a 125 cc in Belgium after 4 hours of lessons, with no exam.
Can I take the exams in English?
In Flanders, the theory exam is in Dutch with audio interpretation in English available. In Brussels, the theory exam is in French or Dutch; a session with an interpreter is possible by appointment, at your cost.
Is a Belgian motorcycle licence valid abroad?
A1, A2 and A are EU categories. Code 372 on a car licence is valid in Belgium only.
Facts checked on 14 October 2026
Sources
- https://mobilit.belgium.be/fr/route/conduire/permis-de-conduire/permis-de-conduire-belge/motocyclettes-categorie-a1-a2
- https://be.brussels/fr/transport-mobilite/permis-de-conduire-et-immatriculation/obtenir-son-permis/formation-la-conduite-et-examens-pour-le-permis-de-conduire-a1a2a
- https://www.vlaanderen.be/mobiliteit-en-openbare-werken/auto-en-motor/rijbewijzen-en-rijopleiding/rijbewijs-a1-a2-of-a-voor-motoren-vanaf-50-cc/rijbewijs-a1-a2-of-a-behalen-stap-voor-stap
- https://www.vlaanderen.be/mobiliteit-en-openbare-werken/auto-en-motor/rijbewijzen-en-rijopleiding/rijbewijs-a1-a2-of-a-voor-motoren-vanaf-50-cc/theorie-examen-voor-rijbewijs-a1-a2-of-a
- https://www.touring.be/fr/articles/comment-obtenir-le-permis-moto-wallonie