How to get your motorcycle licence in Belgium

Are you in Belgium and planning to get your category A motorcycle licence? Fantastic idea! Years after getting my motorcycle licence, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I made when I was young (no, they weren’t all bad). Back then, I had to rely on libraries and local service centres to get the information I needed. Luckily, times have changed, and much of it can now be found online. However, for practical training, I strongly recommend swapping your desk chair for a two-wheeler. To guide you, I have summarised the necessary steps, the costs that are involved, and some handy tips to help you pass your motorcycle exam successfully.

RAD happily welcomes every new motorcyclist into the exciting world of motorcycles and wants to help you get started: a free € 25 gift voucher for you to purchase motorcycle clothing or motorcycle accessories upon obtaining your licence.

Which Motorcycle Licence do I need: A1, A2, or A?

To ride a motorcycle, you need a category A licence. Each ‘motorcycle class’ requires a separate licence, with age and engine capacity as determining factors.

• A1 Licence (light motorcycles)
  For motorcycles up to 125cc and a maximum power of 11 kW.

• A2 Licence (medium motorcycles)
  For motorcycles with a maximum power of 35 kW.

• A Licence (heavy motorcycles)
  For all motorcycles, without a power limit.

From what age can I go get my Motorcycle Licence?

• A1 Licence: From 18 years old.
• A2 Licence: From 20 years old.
• A Licence: From 24 years old (or from 22 years old if you have held an A2 licence for at least two years).

Updated information theoretical and practical exam category A licence

Every motorcycle licence test consists of two parts: a theory exam and a practical test. As regulations with regard to driving licences change frequently, it is always wise to check official sources for the most up-to-date information.

What does the motorcycle theory exam look like?

Before you can ride a motorcycle, you must first pass the theory exam, which requires preparation and study.

• If you want to be thorough, a highly recommended resource is the theory book from New Traffic Books (NL / FR), which offers detailed explanations and lots of practice questions.
• If you prefer online learning, platforms like drivinglicence-belgium.be and free government websites provide valuable study materials that often include test exams to get you acquainted with the material.

The theory exam is taken at an accredited test centre. If you fail, you may retake it as many times as necessary, just not on the same day. If you pass, you need to take an eyesight test at the exam centre as well.

What does the motorcycle practical exam look like?

The practical exam for obtaining a category A motorcycle licence (A1, A2, or A) consists of two stages, which you need to take in this order. First, there is the private property test (the Vehicle Control Test, or AVB) where you must demonstrate various manoeuvres to prove you have sufficient vehicle control. If you pass this first test, you proceed to an on-road test (the Public Road Test, or AVD), where you ride for at least 30 minutes while an examiner follows closely behind, giving you instructions via radio communication.

There are two training options for the practical exam

• The first option is a full training at a driving school – You must complete at least 12 hours of practical lessons and take both practical exams (AVB and AVD) using a motorcycle provided by the driving school.
• The second option is combined training – You begin with a minimum of 9 hours of practical lessons, then continue practising independently with a provisional licence after passing the private terrain test (AVB).

Since both options require practical lessons and the difference is only 3 hours, I recommend completing the full course at a recognised driving school.

How much does it cost to obtain my motorcycle licence?

• The theory exam costs approximately € 20 per attempt.
• Prices for practical lessons vary per driving school, but expect to pay around € 100 per hour, with typically requiring 12 to 20 hours of lessons.
• The practical exams cost around € 50.
• Finally, the issuance of your licence itself depends on the municipality, but on average this will be € 25.

What equipment do I need to obtain my A licence?

Safety is paramount in motorcycling. Decent protective gear is not just recommended—it is mandatory in Belgium. This includes the following:

• A CE-certified motorcycle helmet
• Motorcycle gloves
• Long-sleeved clothing and full-length trousers
• Shoes that cover and protect your ankles

A tip from the RAD house: nothing is stopping you from immediately purchasing your dream gear from well-known brands like Rev’IT!, Alpinestars, or Dainese. However, we want to inform you that lesser-known brands such as Macna, Modeka, or Segura offer equally high-quality gear at a lower price, allowing you to save money. This gives you a bigger budget for a version with more features or it lets you spend more on your motorcycle. In addition to our Lowest Price Guarantee, which ensures you always get the best deal, we regularly run special promotions. These are announced in our newsletters. Sign up to ensure you don’t miss any offers.

Which motorcycle can I use for the test?

Different licences (A, A2, A1) require different motorcycles. You can use a school motorcycle, your own (if it meets exam requirements), or a rented one. School motorcycles are usually fitted with crash bars and belong to the lighter, more forgiving category. The required L-plate must be displayed on the rear of the motorcycle.

5 Tips to successfully obtain your motorcycle licence

To conclude, we want to add a few tips. These five tips try to sum up many years of riding experience to help you get that motorcycle licence.

1.         Follow the rules – part one

‘With the ball of your foot on the footpeg. Legs gripping the tank. Both hands on the handlebars.’ Your motorcycle examiner is good at explaining proper posture, and it would be unwise not to heed this advice. You arrive for the theory test sober and in good condition, maintaining this approach throughout the entire process.

Motorcycling demands a clear mind and proper concentration. Appearing for your practical riding test without a helmet. Weaving during the public road test ‘to warm up the tyres’. Performing a wheelie, whether intentionally or accidentally. Attempting the test with your own motorcycle – that is at least one class too heavy. Or too light. All these have been attempted before. And failed miserably.

2.         Follow the rules – part two

Of course, you are allowed to filter through traffic on a motorcycle. And yes, at traffic lights, motorcyclists often weave between waiting cars. Just like a courteous driver—despite coming from the right—might sometimes give you priority on the road.

Forget everything you think you know about ‘smooth motorcycling’. Leave behind friendly gestures to and from other road users as well. To ride smoothly, you must first and foremost ride correctly. The right way. You will learn this as you progress through the entire journey towards obtaining your Category A licence. You must also demonstrate this during the practical exam. That’s how you earn points—not by showing off ‘look what I can already do’.

3.         You are always the one to blame

Those were the first words the motorcycle instructor ever spoke to me, sometime in the early 2000s, next to a Yamaha with crash bars, on a parking lot. “Remember this well,” he added. “A motorcycle doesn’t move on its own. You are the rider. Whether it’s the wrong gear, a lack of traction, or incorrect braking, you control the motorcycle. You give the commands.”

A lot can go wrong, so don’t fool yourself. Motorcycles stall and then tip over—often in that order. And that’s entirely your own fault. But that’s okay. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn. To be in the right gear and to stay off the front brake when riding on gravel.

4.         Give yourself time to learn

Motorcycling is a learning process, and like any healthy process, it should progress in an upward trajectory. And no, ‘being able to ride a bicycle’ does not mean your cornering technique on a motorcycle is up to scratch. Those who start too enthusiastically leave themselves little room for error. The phrases ‘defensive riding’ and ‘thinking ahead’ will come up. You should hang them above your bed. Don’t overestimate yourself. Give yourself the time to improve. And if you feel the process is too slow, the solution is simple: get on your motorcycle more often and ride more. Not faster. More.

5. Always stay calm and enjoy the ride

You are the rider. You control the motorcycle. But thinking only for yourself isn’t enough in traffic. Neither is simply ‘being in the right’. On a motorcycle, you are vulnerable. At the same time, you are also more agile, faster, more alert, less distracted, and more flexible. You pay closer attention, you park right at the door, and you filter through traffic. Soon—after passing your test—you’ll be at the front of the queue at the traffic lights, and it’s always a great feeling. You’ll also get wet more often, but that’s part of the deal.

Riding a motorcycle is fun, and it all starts with getting your motorcycle licence.