Can I Ride A Motorcycle In Spain On A Car Licence?
If your license is not valid in Spain – In this case, you will need to get a spanish driving license that enables you to ride your bike. These are the different licenses:
| Carnet | Minimum age | You can drive |
|---|---|---|
| AM | 15yo to obtain it (18yo to ride a passenger) | 2 or 3 wheel mopeds / quads. |
| A1 | 16yo | 125cc bikes and scooters (15hp limit), 3 wheeled vehicles (20cv). |
| A2 | 18yo | Bikes up to 48hp, or up to 96hp but mecanically/electronically limited to 48hp. |
| A | 20yo | Unlimited hp bikes. You need to be 21yo to ride unlimited 3 & 4 Wheel bikes and quads. |
| B | 18yo to obtain it (21yo para poder llevar moto) | Cars and bikes with the same limits as A1. |
To obtain a driver license you will need – To hold a residency in Spain. Or, if you’re a student, to hold any documents that show you’ll be studying in Spain for at least 6 moths.
What size motorbike Can I ride in Spain on a car licence?
Riding A Motorcycle In Spain Expat Tips Published: 28 July 2020 11:52 CET Updated: 22 June 2022 11:52 CET Riding A Motorcycle In Spain – Rules, Regulations and the Law With glorious year-round weather, Spain is the perfect place in which to ride a motorcycle, moped or scooter (‘ Motos ‘ as they are commonly known here). If you are living here and looking to buy a motorcycle, or visiting for your holidays and looking to hire one, you will need to understand the laws when it comes to motorcycling in Spain. Read our guide below which is full of information and tips on motorcycling in Spain and make sure you don’t fall foul of the law.
What Motorcycles, Mopeds and Scooters Can I Ride? The driving licence that you hold and the codes on the back of it will determine the kind of vehicles you are permitted to drive by law. There are four different classes of licence in Spain which entitle you to ride a motorcycle.
These are the AM, A1, A2 and A class and are similar to those in the UK. Let’s look at each one below. AM Class The vast majority of drivers on the roads will already hold a category B driving licence, which qualifies them for category AM and entitles them to ride a moped, scooter or lightweight ATV with two or three wheels of up to 50cc as long as the vehicle cannot exceed 45 kph.
From the age of 15 , you are entitled to ride a moped up to 50cc (45 kph maximum speed) but must first pass a simple road safety test and take a 20 question written test of which you must get at least 18 correct.
You also have to have a provisional driving licence and obtain written permission from a parent or guardian. A1 Class Once a driver has held a category B driving licence for more than 3 years, they are legally allowed to ride motorcycles, scooters or mopeds in the A1 category of up to 125cc (without sidecar) with a maximum power of 15hp.
- The minimum age requirement to hold an A1 class licence is 16 years;
- Note that if you hold an A1 licence, you are also entitled to ride motor tricycles with a maximum power output of 15 kW (A motor tricycle is an ATV with a maximum GVM of 400 kg, or 550 kg if it is used for hauling loads);
If you are the holder of an A1 licence, you are permitted to ride vehicles in the AM licence category. To obtain an A1 category licence you will have to take four different tests. These are:-
- Written Test – You will be exempt from this if you possess any other licence that was obtained more than one year previous.
- A1 Class Written Test – Similar to the AM written test, however, it comprises 30 test questions. You may only get 3 questions wrong to pass.
- Closed circuit-riding test
- Open road test – The test typically lasts around 30 minutes and is on a route that is a little harder than that when sitting the AM test.
A2 Class To obtain the A2 class of licence, you will need to be at least 18 years of age. The A2 licence enables the holder to drive/ride all of the vehicles under the A1 class along with motorcycles with a max output of 35 kW/47 hp with or without a sidecar. Like the A1 licence, you will need to take four different tests to be granted one. They are:-
- A written road traffic test – You will not need to take this if you already hold a B or A1 licence.
- A motorcycle specific test – This is the same as the A1 test. If you already hold an A1 licence you will not have to take this.
- Closed circuit-riding test – The test is divided into three separate parts including an exercise with the engine off, a low-speed test and a high-speed test. If you have been issued an A1 licence more than two years ago you will be exempt from this test.
- Open road test – This is a test that is completed on public roads and is similar to that taken to obtain the A1 licence.
A Class Once you have held your A2 licence for at least two years, you may apply for an A-Class licence. The licence entitles the holder to drive any motorcycle of any power output or weight on public roads including those under the AM, A1 and A2 categories. To hold this licence you must be at least 20 years of age. From the age of 18, you are allowed to ride a motorcycle over 125cc, but your licence must include Category A.
- For this, you will need to take some lessons and will need to take a motorcycle test as outlined above;
- Obtaining Your Driving Licence In Spain The following page from the DGT traffic authority provides you with everything you need to know about the different driving licences in Spain including how to get one, associated fees, the points system, taking your test, choosing a driving school and lots more;
https://sede. dgt. gob. es/es/permisos-de-conducir/ Renewing Motorcycle Licences Category A and A1 licences must be renewed every 10 years for those up to 45 years of age, every 5 years for those aged between 45 and 70 years and every 2 years for those aged above 70.
- Category B licence holders are also permitted to ride three-wheeled bikes and tricycles as long as two of the wheels are on the same axle;
- Quads are also permitted up to 550 kg and 30hp;
- Renting a Scooter or Moped in Spain If you are not a Spanish resident and visiting Spain for your holidays, you must be at least 18 years of age and have a Class B driving licence before you can ride a 50cc moped here;
If you have held your driver’s licence for at least 3 years, you can hire a motorcycle with an engine of up to 125cc. Note that any motorcycle or moped under 50cc may not be ridden on a motorway. By law, motorcycles (not mopeds) must use daytime running lights/dipped headlights at all times.
- Required Safety Equipment Although you are required by law to wear a crash helmet, it’s an all too common occurrence to see so many moped, scooter and motorcycle riders in Spain not wearing one! EU law is clear on this and states that any motorcycle, moped or quad on a public road must be ridden with the occupant/s wearing an ECE 22;
05 approved safety helmet. Failure to do so can result in a fine of €100. If you have a valid medical reason for not wearing one and can provide a medical certificate to prove it, you may be exempt from wearing a helmet. Pillion Passenger Laws Carrying a pillion passenger on a motorcycle or moped in Spain is perfectly legal, but there are specific rules that have to be adhered to when doing so.
Firstly, the passenger needs to be 12 years of age or above. However, there is an exception to this rule in that the passenger can be 7 years of age or above if the main rider is the parent, guardian or third party who has been authorised in writing by the parent or guardian.
The main rider must also have a full licence for the motorcycle and be over the age of 18. The vehicle also has to have the correct seating for a passenger and only one passenger is permitted at any one time. Both the main rider and passenger need to wear crash helmets, which need to be fully fastened. Documentation You will need to carry the following documentation with you:-
- Valid driving licence
- ITV/MOT Certificate – Inspección técnica de vehículos
- Logbook – Permiso de Circulación
- Insurance Policy
- European Accident Agreement Form
You should also carry a High Visibility jacket with you in the event of a breakdown. Motorcycle Speed Limits The speed limit for motorcycles and mopeds on Spanish roads are as follows.
- Urban Roads (No Hard Shoulder) – Max 90 Kph for motorcycles, 45 Kph for mopeds, tricycles and light quads.
- Non-Urban Roads (With Hard Shoulder) – 100 Kph for motorcycles, 45 Kph for mopeds, tricycles and light quads.
- Motorways – Max 120 Kph motorcycles. Mopeds, tricycles and quads are not permitted.
In May 2021, new speed limits for built-up areas such as cities, towns and villages came into force. You can read more about these via our page, Spain’s New Urban Speed Limits Come Into Force From May 11 Moped and Motorcycle Road Tax As with any motor vehicle on Spanish roads, you are liable to pay Spanish road tax or IVTM. For further details about IVTM including current prices, please see our other article https://www.
- Two other stipulations are that the passenger’s feet need to be able to reach the footrests of the motorcycle and no passenger must travel between the main rider and the handlebars;
- healthplanspain;
- com/blog/expat-tips/180-car-road-tax-ivtm-in-spain-an-expat-s-guide;
html ITV/MOT Inspection Mopeds and motorcycles like cars will need to periodically have an ITV inspection and will depend on their age. Motorcycles are exempt from inspection for the first four years , then they have to take the test every two years. Mopeds are exempt for the first three years and then must be tested every two years.
You can read more about the ITV test in Spain here https://www. healthplanspain. com/blog/expat-tips/118-all-about-the-car-itv-test-in-spain. html Insurance Requirements When motorcycling in Spain, there is a minimum insurance cover of third-party which is a requirement for all moped and motorcycle riders.
Intercoms and Headsets Intercoms and headsets that are attached to receiving devices are permitted in Spain as long as they are not inserted into the ear and thereby restricting the ability to hear external sounds. Private Health Insurance in Spain for Expats Please check out our current range of expat private health insurance products all of which are in English and underwritten by Bupa.
Can I ride a motorcycle in Spain on a UK car licence?
Just to expand on this point, a UK provisional licence is not valid in Spain. However, unlike the UK, in Spain the holder of a car licence is allowed to ride a 125cc motorcycle without further tests or changes to his licence.
What license do I need to ride a motorcycle in Spain?
Class A – This class authorises the use of any type of motorcycle and moped on public roads. The minimum age required is 20, as it is necessary to have been in possession of an A2 license for a minimum of 2 years beforehand. A psycho-physical test must be passed to qualify. 
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Can I ride a motorbike if I have a car licence?
Can I ride a 125cc without doing a CBT course – I have a full UK driver’s license? – Yes, if you have a full car licence you can ride a 125cc scooter or motorbike off-road. However, you must take and pass your compulsory basic training (CBT) before riding on the road.
What is b1 on Spanish driving licence?
If you look at the back of your driving licence you will see a list of vehicle categories determined by both a letter and a pictogram indicating the type of vehicle referred to. The license also displays dates next to those categories for which you are permitted to drive, in the columns headed 10, 11 and 12, which detail validity from and to dates and any observations respectively. 
The vast majority of drivers in Spain have a category “B” licence, which means they are certified as qualified to drive a normal passenger car, but being qualified in that category also allows you to drive some other vehicles. As a category B licence holder you are permitted to drive specially designed passenger cars, for private use, ranging from a small urban car, an SUV, minivan or sports car. There is no limitation to the type of vehicle, so long as it is registered as a private car, but there are limitations to the physical characteristics. In the case of vans, you can drive any van in which either passengers, goods or both can be transported, whether that vehicle is approved as a private or commercial vehicle, so long as it has a maximum weight equal to or less than 3,500 kg and no more than nine seats including the driver. For both cars and vans you can also attach a trailer with a category B licence, provided the total combined weight of the vehicle and trailer do not exceed the maximum weight permitted by the technical specifications of the vehicle. In the case of passenger cars, there are two options allowed under a category B licence.
Namely, a private car must be equal to or less than 3,500 kg in weight and can have a maximum of nine seats, including the driver. The vehicle can only be driven for private and leisure use and not for any commercial gain, whether that be for business or carrying passengers in exchange for cash or goods.
Firstly, a passenger vehicle of up to up to 3,500 kg and a trailer not exceeding 750 kg, representing a maximum combined weight of 4,250 kg. Or a passenger car (up to 3,500 kg) and a trailer exceeding 750 kg, provided that the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg.
- If the trailer exceeds 750 kg and the joint between car and trailer exceeds 3,500 kg but not exceeding 4,250 kg, it is necessary to take two specific practical tests which covers vehicle manoeuvres and dealing with traffic;
If the trailer exceeds 750 kg and the joint between car and trailer also exceeds 4,250 kg, it is necessary to obtain a BE category certification, which enables a passenger car to tow up to 7,000 kg, spread over 3,500 kg maximum weight for the car and 3,500 kg maximum weight for the trailer. You are permitted to drive some two-wheeled vehicles with the category B qualification. Having the “B” category automatically qualifies licence holders for the AM category. That permits drivers to ride small mopeds with engines smaller than 50cc or an electric motor, provided that the vehicle has a maximum limited speed of 45 kilometres per hour and they are only ridden on urban roads.
- This requires both a theoretical test and two practical tests, one of manoeuvres and the other in traffic;
- However, in addition to what we might consider to be the normal vehicles one would expect to be able to drive with a category B licence, but there are others;
After holding your category B licence for a period of 3 years, you are automatically upgraded to be allowed to drive vehicles requiring the A1 category, which permits you to drive small motorcycles up to 125 cc and with a maximum power of 11 kW (15 hp).
However, you must be aware that this is only the case in Spain. This automatic classification is not effective in other European countries without obtaining the A1 classification qualification separately.
That is why, even if your license is issued in Spain, you will not see the validity dates filled in on the back of the licence unless you have undergone specific examinations. In the event of a category B licence holder riding a 125cc motorbike and getting stopped to have your details checked at the roadside, the Guardia Civil traffic officers will refer to the dates of your category B validation to ensure you qualify.
With the category B license you are permitted to drive three-wheeled bikes or tricycles, provided that two of the three wheels are on the same axle. There are no limitations in terms of power, the only condition is that the manufacturer has had the vehicle approved as a tricycle and not as a three-wheeled motorcycle.
The difference is that the tricycle requires specific approval and must have certain standard characteristics including a parking brake, minimum track width and lighting specific to this type of vehicle. If the vehicle does not meet these characteristics then they are subject to the conditions of licencing for motorcycles.
A motorcycle with a sidecar for example is not classed as a tricycle and is governed by motorcycle licencing requirements. All microcars and vehicles which have been approved as quads can be driven with the category B licence.
This includes two categories of light quadricycle (with a maximum weight of 350 kg and maximum power of 4kW) and normal quads that can reach up to 550 kg maximum and up to 15 kW (20 hp). The four-wheel buggy type vehicle of more than 15 kW can also be driven, so long as they are classed as passenger cars.
Can you ride a 125cc on the motorway in Spain?
On the road If you need prescription glasses, you are required to carry a second pair with you. Don’t max out the speed limit (50 Kph on urban roads, 100/90 Kph on non-urban roads and 120 Kph on motorways) You motorcycle must be of at least 125cc to be allowed on a motorway.
What size moped can I ride on a car licence?
You can ride a moped ( up to 50cc ) without L plates and without taking the moped test in some situations.
Do I need a license to drive a Vespa in Spain?
Do you need a license to drive a scooter? – Yes, a driver’s license is also required to rent a 50 cc scooter. The moped license is valid only in the country of issue and not abroad.
How long does it take to get a motorcycle license in Spain?
Motorcycle on a Car Licence?
The A1 rules are: – A young driver for a motorcycle (scooter) up to 50cc must be 15 years of age. They must carry out a theory exam and then take a practical exam on a closed circuit, which takes 2mins.
What do you need to rent a motorbike in Spain?
Can I ride a 250cc motorcycle on a car licence?
Grandfather rights. Frequently asked Questions –
| Q | What is a moped |
| A | A 2-wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed of over 45km/h but not more than 50km/h. If its powered by an internal combustion engine its engine size must not be more than 50cc. The vehicle can be an automatic (twist and go scooter), semi-automatic or manual. |
| Q | I passed my car test before 2001 do I need to do the CBT course |
| A | If you have a full car licence obtained before 1st Feb 2001 you have a full category p (moped) on your licence. You would therefore not require a CBT (DL196) certificate to ride a moped. This course is specifically designed for you. If you have a full car licence obtained after 1st Feb 2001 you also have a full category p, however your licence will show code 122 next to the category.
So in either case you would not have to retake your CBT if you want to ride a moped. If you want to ride anything bigger than a moped then a new CBT certificate will be required. |
| Q | Can I ride a 125 cc or 250 cc motorcycle on grandfather rights. |
| A | No. Category p on your full UK car driving licence limits you to a moped. You can ride up to 125cc motorcycle (geared or twist and go automatic scooter) with a valid CBT certificate as a provisional motorcycle rider (L-plates front and rear) |
| Q | I did a CBT several years ago, can I still ride my 125cc motorcycle or scooter. |
| A | Yes if you have taken and passed your full motorcycle test for category A1, A2 or A OR your CBT certificate is still valid. It will be valid for 2 years from completing your CBT course. |
| Q | I used to ride a 250cc motorcycle as a learner in the early eighties, can I still ride a 250cc or 125cc motorcycle with L-Plates. |
| A | You can ride up to 125cc with a valid CBT certificate. (or a full motorcycle licence category A) A 250cc motorcycle will required a full motorcycle licence. Up to February 1983 learner motorcycle riders could ride motorcycles with an engine capacity up to 250cc. In February 1983 the law changed limiting learner motorcycle riders to 125cc.
The CBT certificate is valid for 2 years from completion of the course. |
| Q | Can I make my moped go faster, remove the restrictor (de-restrict it) or put a big bore kit on it. |
| A | Yes you can, but it would no longer be a moped, it would be a motorcycle. In this case, you could only use it on the roads with a valid CBT certificate or full motorcycle licence. Note it may be difficult to insure a modified moped. |
| Q | I recently updated my full car driving licence (after January 19th 2013) It now has category A on the front of the pink card. Can I now ride a motorbike / is this a full motorbike licence |
| A | If you did not have full motorcycle entitlement on your licence before it was updated then no. The category A was placed on full car licences from 19th January 2013. If you check the back of the pink card you will probably have a restriction to the category A of “TRI”. This linits you to driving a tricycle under the category A. To gain a full motorcycle licence you will need to pass your full motorcycle test. |
If you have a question which has not been answered above, please feel free to contact us For more information on the driving licence categories, see the government web site.
Do I need L plates on a 125cc if I have a full car licence?
Type of Bike Licenses –
- ‘AM’ Moped License (with CBT course only)
- If you are 16 years old and pass a CBT with a provisional licence, you will be entitled to ride any 49cc scooter or motorcycle restricted to 28mph. You must display L-plates, cannot carry passengers or go on motorways. This entitlement lasts for 2 years. After 2 years you either have to do it again or progress towards another category of Motorcycle license.
- ‘AM’ Moped License (with theory and practical tests passed)
- The minimum age requirement for this type of license is 16 years old. First, you have to complete your CBT. You then have to pass the Motorcycle Theory Test and undertake training and a Practical Test on a machine up to 50cc. The advantages over just passing a CBT course alone, are that you can ride any Moped (up to 50cc) without L-plates and you may carry a pillion passenger.
- ‘A1’ Light Motorcycle Licence (max power 11kW)
- The minimum age requirement for this type of license is 17 years old. First, you have to complete your CBT. You then have to pass the Motorcycle Theory Test and undertake training and a Practical Test on a motorcycle between 75cc & 125cc. Once you have passed your Practical Test, you will have a licence to ride any machine of up to 125cc, so long as it’s power is restricted to 11kW, without L-plates and you may carry a pillion passenger.
- ‘A2’ Restricted Licence (max power 25kW)
- The minimum age requirement for this type of license is 19 years old. First, you have to complete your CBT. You then have to pass the Motorcycle Theory Test and undertake training and a Practical Test on a motorcycle exceeding 395cc with a power output of between 25kW and 35kW. Once you have passed your Practical Test, you will have a licence to ride any machine (so long as its power is restricted to 35kW) without L-plates and you may carry a pillion passenger.
- Full Unrestricted Category ‘A’ Licence (Direct Access)
- The minimum age requirement for this type of license is 24 years old. First, you have to complete your CBT. You then have to pass the Motorcycle Theory Test and undertake training and a Practical Test on a motorcycle with a minimum power output of 35KW. Once you have passed your Practical Test, you will have a licence to ride any motorcycle without any restrictions.
- After you have held this license for a minimum of 2 years, you can retake the Module 1 and Module 2 practical tests on a biger bike, and upgrade to a ‘A2’ Restricted License at the age of 19;
- After you have held this license for a minimum of 2 years, you can retake the Module 1 and Module 2 practical tests on a bigger bike and upgrade to a Full Unrestricted category ‘A’ License at the age of 21;
If you have held a category ‘A2’ License for at least 2 years, the minimum age is reduced to 21. In that case you only have to take the Module 1 and Module 2 Practical tests on the bigger bike. You are not required to retake the CBT course or the Motorcycle Theory test.
What is Category A on a driving licence?
Category A – You can drive:
- motorbikes with a power output more than 35kW or a power to weight ratio more than 0. 2kW/ kg
- motor tricycles with a power output more than 15kW
You can also drive motorbikes in categories A1 and A2.
What size moped can I ride on a car licence?
You can ride a moped ( up to 50cc ) without L plates and without taking the moped test in some situations.
What does the A1 motorcycle test consist of?
The Test – The A1 Motorcycle test can be taken on either a manual or automatic bike between 120-125cc with a power output of no more than 11kw (14. 6bhp), and capable of producing a speed of at least 90km/h (55 mph). You will be required to complete both Module 1 and Module 2 in order to successfully pass your test.
For more information about the test, and to find out what is involved, please click here. Once you have successfully passed both Module 1 and Module 2 of your A1 motorcycle licence you will then have a full motorcycle licence which entitles you to ride and motorcycle/scooter up to 125cc with a maximum power of 11kw (14.
6bhp). You will also be able to ride without ‘L’ plates, carry pillion passengers, and use motorway roads. You can upgrade your A1 licence to the A2 Motorcycle licence once you have reached 19 years of age or held your A1 entitlement for a minimum of 2 years (whichever comes first) via the progressive access route.
What is a Category B licence?
Category BE – You can drive a vehicle with a MAM of 3,500kg with a trailer. The size of the trailer depends on the BE ‘valid from’ date shown on your licence. If the date is:
- before 19 January 2013, you can tow any size trailer within the towing limits of the vehicle
- on or after 19 January 2013, you can tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 3,500kg within the towing limits of the vehicle