Licence categories
Category A practical test: when are gear changes and acceleration assessed?
The test assesses motorcycle control and gear choice; practise on the vehicle and check any licence restrictions.
In an A or A2 practical test, gear changes and acceleration are part of controlling the motorcycle: choose a gear suited to the manoeuvre and accelerate progressively, as practised with your instructor. Test stages and requests depend on the programme and route. If you take the test on an automatic motorcycle, code 78 may apply.
Coordinate the gear with the manoeuvre
On the course, selecting a suitable gear helps keep the motorcycle controlled and steady. Learn when to use the clutch and gears from your instructor, and notice the engine response without looking down for long. Avoid abrupt acceleration, especially before a turn, slalom or braking exercise. The exact instructions follow the official course and the motorcycle used.
During any road phase, choose the gear and acceleration for the speed, traffic and available space. Do not force acceleration when you must yield or slow down. If the engine stalls or the gear does not engage, keep the motorcycle under control and follow the procedure you practised rather than watching the controls while moving.
Example: after a slow turn you are in a gear that makes the motorcycle respond poorly. In lessons, practise recognising the situation and changing smoothly before accelerating. Do not make an abrupt shift in the middle of a turn to regain speed.
Check the transmission and licence restriction
Before booking, check the motorcycle registration and MIT’s minimum requirements for your category. The ministry page says that a test on an automatic vehicle may lead to code 78, limiting the licence to automatic vehicles. Ask the school which transmission you will use and what restriction will be recorded.
Quiz Patente Ufficiale can help you review theory and common road rules with quizzes and error review; coordination comes from supervised practice on a motorcycle. Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps you review road rules with category B quizzes and mistake review.
To revise common road rules, Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers chapter-based study, quizzes and error review.
Frequently asked questions
Does the A test assess only slalom and braking?
The practical test follows the required programme and can include several stages and situations. Ask your instructor what is scheduled for your exam.
If I use an automatic motorcycle, will my licence have no restriction?
MIT says an automatic-vehicle test may result in code 78. Confirm the category, vehicle and restriction before booking.