AM licence: which vehicles can you ride?

You can obtain an AM licence from age 14 for mopeds with a maximum speed of 45 km/h and light quadricycles. You may carry a passenger only if the vehicle is approved for two people and you are at least 16.

What category AM covers

AM is the European category for light motor vehicles defined by law as mopeds and light quadricycles. Everyday descriptions can be misleading: a scooter is not AM just because it is small, and a small car is not automatically a light quadricycle because it is called a “microcar”. The technical thresholds depend on type approval and must be read alongside the vehicle classification in its documents.

Before buying or using a vehicle, check its registration document or certificate and identify its approved category. Also check for restrictions printed on your licence. Engine capacity, power and maximum speed are different measures: for electric vehicles, for example, engine capacity does not apply. The permitted values depend on the current legal definition and the type of motor.

An AM moped with two or three wheels must not exceed 45 km/h and, with a combustion engine, 50 cm³; maximum power is 4 kW. A light quadricycle must have a mass in running order of no more than 425 kg, a maximum speed of 45 km/h and power up to 6 kW if it has a closed cabin (4 kW for an open quadricycle). You may carry a passenger from age 16 only in a vehicle approved for two people.

• Check the category shown in the vehicle document.
• Do not rely on engine capacity or the commercial name alone.
• Check that your licence is valid and has no condition incompatible with the vehicle.

A moped and a light quadricycle are not the same thing

A moped is a vehicle category with defined technical characteristics; a light quadricycle is a four-wheeled vehicle within the limits of its own type approval. It may look like a car, but its construction, performance, protection and technical classification may be different. You cannot determine the rules from its appearance or the speed you intend to travel: the approved type and recorded figures matter.

If the seller provides a technical sheet, compare it with the official documents supplied with the vehicle. If they conflict or you have questions about a modified version, ask the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office or a qualified garage. Do not ride based on informal reassurance: choosing the wrong category can have consequences for your entitlement and insurance cover.

Prepare to ride responsibly

Having the right category is only one part of safety. Learn to recognise signs, assess junctions, stay visible and anticipate risks from rain, poor grip and traffic. A light vehicle remains vulnerable and requires particular care around larger vehicles. Follow the vehicle manual and the Highway Code together.

To study AM theory,Quiz Patente Ufficiale provides study chapters, timed exam quizzes and review of mistakes, helping you focus on the topics you find hardest.