New driving licence rules for the motorbike from 2021!
Next year there will be fundamental changes in the motorbike sector. From 1 January 2021 motorbikes and scooters up to 125 cc capacity (Cat. A1) will be allowed to be driven in Switzerland from the age of 16 and not 18 as was previously the case. The Federal Council is thus adapting our regulation to the EU regulations which have been in force for a long time.
No more direct entry into motorbike category A from the age of 25
In contrast to most EU countries, direct entry for large motorbikes (motorbike category “A unrestricted”) will be abolished in Switzerland from 1 January 2021 onwards from the age of 25. So if you have been dreaming of riding a large motorbike for a long time and you are over 25 years old, you must apply for a learning ticket this year by 31 December at the latest. This is because from 2021 onwards, you will only have to drive a motorbike with a maximum power of 35 kW (48 hp) for two years and only then will you be able to take the “big” motorbike test.
Furthermore, the practical basic training has been adapted. Regardless of the motorbike category, 12 hours of practical basic training are required. Once completed, this remains valid.
No exam-free cat. A1 (e.g. Scooter Vespa)
From 2021 onwards, each category will have to pass an examination. This also means that in 2020 you will have the last opportunity to acquire motorbike category A1 without taking a test. The prerequisite is that you are in possession of a driving licence category B (car). In this case you only have to complete the basic course 1 + 2 and you can acquire the cat. A1 in your driving licence.
Various media releases are currently circulating and are causing confusion. For this reason, we have summarised the most important innovations again here:
| New category | Adopted innovations |
| AM (small motorbikes) Max. 50ccm Maximum speed: 45 km/h |
New category, available from 15 years of age. Until today Cat. A1 from 16 years of age. |
| A1 Motorbikes up to 125ccm Max. 11kW power |
New direct from 16 years. Cylinder capacity restriction to 50ccm up to 18 years is dropped. |
| A2 Motorbikes up to 35kW |
New category replacing category “A restricted”. Purchase of the category possible from 18 years of age. |
| A(formerly “A unlimited”) Motorbikes without restrictions (kilowatt and cubic capacity) |
No more direct entry possible. At least 2 years of driving experience in the cat. A2 are required. |
All in all, the motorbike industry, as well as consumers who like to ride motorbikes, can be satisfied with the innovations. With the opening of the Cat. A1 for 16-year-old riders without restrictions (50ccm to 18 years will be dropped) will show whether the number of accidents will increase. This requires a high degree of self-responsibility and discipline from the “new” young motorbike generation. One advantage is certainly the fact that motorbikes adapted to the latest environmental regulations are now also available for 16-year-old handlebars.
Our recommendation:
We recommend that all those who fancy motorcycling take the practical test of the Cat. A or the basic course for category A1 (scooter, Vespa) before 2021.
We are looking forward to supporting you in motorcycling. With our courses, you will be well equipped in any case to move safely on two wheels in road traffic. We would be happy to advise you on the way to your motorbike driving licence.
