Licence categories
Practical A1 and A2 tests: do the motorcycles and tests differ?
A1 and A2 practical tests use motorcycles with different technical requirements; check capacity, power and ratios in the documents.
Yes. For the practical A1 test, the MIT requires a motorcycle without a sidecar, up to 11 kW and capable of at least 90 km/h; for A2, the test motorcycle must produce 20 to 35 kW and have a power-to-weight ratio no higher than 0.2. These requirements describe the test vehicle, not every motorcycle allowed by the licence.
How the test motorcycles differ
The practical tests use motorcycles representative of different licence categories. The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) requires an A1 test motorcycle without a sidecar, with maximum nominal power of 11 kW, at least 120 cm³ for a combustion engine and a top speed of at least 90 km/h; a 5 cm³ tolerance below the displacement minimum is allowed. For A2, the test motorcycle must have no sidecar, nominal power from 20 to 35 kW and a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 0.2 kW/kg. A combustion engine must be at least 250 cm³, subject to the MIT tolerance; an electric motorcycle also needs a ratio of at least 0.15 kW/kg.
A motorcycle suitable for the A1 practical test is not automatically suitable for A2: its power may be too low or another requirement may be missing. The reverse is not an automatic permission to ride any more powerful motorcycle. Test-vehicle requirements and the road-use limits of the licence you obtain are separate checks. The practical test also assesses control and safe conduct, but there is no official numerical error threshold to invent and no automatic failure rule based on one figure.
For example, a 125 cm³, 11 kW combustion motorcycle may meet the A1 test figures if it can reach 90 km/h and satisfies the other applicable requirements. It does not reach the 20 kW minimum for an A2 test motorcycle. For an A2 motorcycle with 250 cm³ and 20 kW, you must also check its power-to-weight ratio, not just its displacement.
Check the vehicle and the test setup
Before the practical test, compare the motorcycle’s category and technical values with the current MIT page, and attach its registration document as required by the application. If you use an automatic motorcycle, the MIT says code 78 will appear on the licence, limiting you to automatic vehicles in that category. Ask the driving school or Motorizzazione to confirm the specific motorcycle’s eligibility, especially for an electric model or where a value is missing from its documents.
Practical riding preparation requires instruction on the relevant vehicle; theory quizzes do not teach manoeuvres. Quiz Patente Ufficiale is for chapter-based theory, exam quizzes and reviewing mistakes. Use the driving school’s practical guidance for the test and official vehicle documents to verify eligibility.
Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers chapter-based theory, exam quizzes and error review for common rules on motorcycle categories.
Frequently asked questions
Can an A1 motorcycle also be used for the practical A2 test?
Only if it meets the A2 test-motorcycle requirements, including at least 20 kW, no more than 35 kW and a ratio no higher than 0.2 kW/kg. A typical 11 kW A1 motorcycle misses the minimum.
What happens if I take the practical test on an automatic motorcycle?
The MIT provides for code 78 on the licence, restricting you to automatic vehicles in that category. Check this consequence before choosing the test vehicle.