A1 practical test: what are the motorcycle’s minimum requirements?

The A1 practical test requires a motorcycle without a sidecar, approved for A1, with maximum rated power of 11 kW, a power-to-weight ratio no greater than 0.1 kW/kg and a top speed of at least 90 km/h. A combustion motorcycle must have at least 120 cc (with a 5 cc tolerance); an electric motorcycle must also have a ratio of at least 0.08 kW/kg.

Requirements for the test motorcycle

The motorcycle used for the practical test must meet the requirements for an A1 test vehicle. Those are not a complete description of every vehicle you may ride after obtaining the licence. The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) requires an A1 motorcycle without a sidecar, with maximum rated power of 11 kW and capable of reaching at least 90 km/h. For an internal-combustion motorcycle, engine displacement must be at least 120 cc. The MIT page allows a tolerance of 5 cc below the minimum, so the figure can be as low as 115 cc.

MIT circular 28822 of 2019 also specifies the power-to-weight ratio: no more than 0.1 kW/kg for an A1 test motorcycle. For an electric motorcycle, the same circular additionally requires a ratio of at least 0.08 kW/kg. The MIT A1 page expressly states the minimum displacement for a combustion engine, while the circular is the reference for the electric criterion. Do not apply an engine-size threshold to electric propulsion, where it makes no sense, and do not omit the minimum ratio required for the test.

All applicable requirements are cumulative. A motorcycle rated at 11 kW but limited to 85 km/h does not meet the speed requirement; a model capable of 90 km/h but exceeding 11 kW is not suitable for an A1 test. For combustion engines, displacement below the limit even after the tolerance can also disqualify the vehicle. Do not confuse the test vehicle’s minimum features with the limits for riding an A1 motorcycle on the road: the latter are maximum values of 125 cc, 11 kW and 0.1 kW/kg.

Check the documents before booking

The MIT page asks applicants to state the test motorcycle’s technical characteristics and attach a copy of its registration document. Before booking, compare the category, rated power, engine size or electric ratio, power-to-weight ratio and stated maximum speed in the papers. Do not use a brochure’s peak-power figure in place of the approved rated power. Ask your driving school or the Motorizzazione to confirm that the motorcycle and its configuration are acceptable for the test.

If you take the test on an automatic motorcycle, the MIT says code 78 will be added to your licence: you may then ride only automatic vehicles. This effect concerns the transmission used for the test, not the power or engine-size limits. Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps you review road rules with category B quizzes and mistake review.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps you review road signs and common traffic rules with chapter study, quizzes and mistake review.