- A1 available from age 16; max 125 cm³ displacement and 11 kW.
- AM (16+), A2 (18+), and A (24+ or 20+ with 2-year A2) licenses exist.
- A2: max 35 kW; 0.2 kW/kg; can be restricted to 70 kW.
- To obtain A1, enroll in accredited school; durations: 4 weeks (no license), 3 weeks (A2).
If you’re passionate about motorcycles and want to legally ride one on Romanian roads, you need to understand the motorcycle license category system. Category A and its subcategories (A1, A2, AM) are structured by age and the technical characteristics of the motorcycle you intend to ride. For young riders under 20, the A1 category represents the first step toward legal motorcycling.
What is the A1 motorcycle license?
The A1 motorcycle license is for young enthusiasts who have reached the minimum age of 16. This category is part of the gradual access system to higher motorcycle license categories, designed to ensure progressive and safe training for riders.
With an A1 license, you can ride motorcycles with the following technical specifications:
- Maximum engine displacement: 125 cm³
- Maximum power: 11 kW (approximately 15 hp)
- Power-to-weight ratio: there are no specific restrictions for A1
These limits are set to ensure that vehicles ridden by younger riders are appropriate to their level of experience and physical development.
Motorcycle license categories
AM Category (from 16 years)
The most accessible category, AM allows riding two- or three-wheeled vehicles like scooters, with the following restrictions:
- Maximum speed: 45 km/h
- Maximum engine displacement: 50 cm³
- Maximum power: 4 kW for electric motors
A2 Category (from 18 years)
An intermediate category that allows riding motorcycles with:
- Maximum power: 35 kW (approximately 48 hp)
- Maximum power-to-weight ratio: 0.2 kW/kg
- The motorcycle’s original power must not exceed 70 kW if the bike has been restricted
A Category (from 24 years)
The full motorcycle license category, with no power or displacement restrictions. It can be obtained:
- At 24 years for direct access
- At 20 years if you hold an A2 license for at least 2 years
With the A category you can ride any motorcycle, including models with sidecars, regardless of power or displacement.
How to obtain the A1 license?
Enrollment at a driving school
The first step is to enroll in an accredited driving school that offers A1 courses. It’s essential to verify the school’s accreditation and the quality of instructors before enrolling.
Duration and course structure
Course duration varies depending on the licenses you already hold:
No prior license or only category B:
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Theoretical preparation: minimum 24 hours
- Practical preparation: minimum 26 hours
- This option is the most comprehensive and includes fundamental theoretical and practical training
With an A2 license under 2 years of experience:
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Theoretical preparation: 12 hours
- Practical preparation: minimum 20 hours
- Program is condensed due to prior experience
With an A2 license over 2 years of experience:
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Theoretical preparation: 24 hours
- Practical preparation: 10 hours
- Focus on refreshing theoretical knowledge
Theoretical preparation
The theoretical courses cover:
- Road rules specific to motorcycles
- Traffic safety and protective gear
- Basic motorcycle mechanics
- Defensive riding techniques
- Behavior in emergency situations
Practical preparation
The practical training includes:
- Familiarization with the motorcycle and controls
- Balance and handling exercises
- Safe starts and stops
- Turns and direction changes
- Riding in real traffic
- Maneuvers and parking
Documents required for the A1 license file
To submit the exam file, you’ll need the following documents:
Identity documents:
- Valid identity card or passport
- Certified copy of birth certificate
Medical documents:
- Medical certificate attesting physical fitness for riding motorcycles
- Psychological endorsement confirming necessary mental capacity
- Both documents must be issued by authorized doctors and have limited validity
Criminal record:
- Extract from the judicial record showing no definitive convictions
- No offenses related to traffic laws
- The document must be recent (not older than 6 months)
Documents from the driving school:
- Certificate of completion of theoretical and practical courses
- Completed examination sheet
Photographs:
- Passport-type photos (usually 4)
The A1 exam
Theoretical exam
The theoretical exam consists of:
- 26 multiple-choice questions
- Duration: 30 minutes
- To pass: at least 22 correct answers
- Each question has multiple answer options, with one or more correct answers
The questions cover various aspects of motorcycle riding, from traffic rules to practical traffic situations.
Practical exam
After passing the theoretical part, you will be scheduled for the practical exam, which includes:
Exercises on the test area:
- Cone slalom
- Weaving through a narrow corridor
- Emergency stop
- Slow-speed balance
On-road route:
- Riding in diverse traffic conditions
- Observing traffic rules
- Ability to assess and respond to dangerous situations
- Proper use of signaling
The examiner will assess your behavior in traffic, adherence to the rules, and your ability to ride the motorcycle safely.
Estimated costs
Although costs vary by driving school and region, a rough budget includes:
- Driving school enrollment fee: 800–1,500 RON
- Exam fee (theoretical and practical): about 300 RON
- Medical and psychological certificates: 200–400 RON
- Criminal record: 20–30 RON
- Photos and other documents: 50–100 RON
- Possible extra practice hours: 50–100 RON/hour
Tips for obtaining the A1 license
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Choose a driving school with a good reputation - check reviews and pass rates
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Take practical hours seriously - don’t rush to take the exam before you feel prepared
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Invest in high-quality protective gear - helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots
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Study the traffic rules carefully - understand the logic behind the rules, not memorize mechanically
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Practice regularly - if possible, take extra practice hours to build confidence
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Learn basic motorcycle mechanics - understand how your bike works to prevent problems
After obtaining the license
Once you have the A1 license, it’s important to:
- Continue to practice and develop your skills
- Always respect the technical limits of your license category
- Wear full protective gear on every ride
- Ride defensively and be aware of your vulnerability in traffic
- Consider upgrading to the A2 category after gaining experience
The A1 license is just the beginning of your journey into the world of motorcycling. With experience, discipline, and respect for your safety and that of other road users, you’ll progress to higher categories and fully enjoy your passion for motorcycles.
