In brief. Yes, you can obtain an A2 or A motorcycle license without a practical test, but only through the gradual progression route: from A1 to A2 starting at age 18, and from A2 to A starting at age 20, after holding the previous category for two years. Instead of taking the test, you attend a 7-hour course at a driving school: 3 hours of maneuvers and 4 hours of driving in traffic. This is provided for by the decree of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport dated June 9, 2023, which took effect on September 18, 2023. L' exam remains an alternative route.
Here you'll find requirements, exclusions, the course content hour by hour, the process, estimated costs, a comparison with the exam, and what to look for before buying your first A2 motorcycle.
The decree of June 9, 2023 replaces the exam with a 7-hour course
The rule is in force, not a proposal: the interministerial decree on progressive access to A2 and A licenses was published in Official Gazette No. 175 of July 28, 2023.
| Milestone | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| MIT decree on progressive access to A2 and A | June 9, 2023, Official Gazette No. 175 of July 28, 2023 | In force from the day after publication, that is, from July 29, 2023 |
| Ministerial decree on the date of applicability | Required within 15 days of entry into force | The decree requires this as a necessary step; the actual start date is given in the circular |
| MIT Circular No. 26690 | September 13, 2023 | Courses start on September 18, 2023, according to Sicurmoto |
Why it exists
The decree refers to Directive 2006/126/EC (Article 7 and Annex VI), which allows member states to replace the practical test with training for progressive access. A European Commission note cited in the text clarifies that both options may be offered: training or an exam. Italy chose this option.
To take the course, you need two years with a license and to be the right age
L'Article 3 of the decree lists the requirements. They are the same for both upgrades; only the minimum age differs.
| Upgrade | Minimum age | Required experience | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 to A2 | 18 years old | At least 2 years with an A1 license | Authorization to practice for category A2 |
| A2 to A | 20 years old | At least 2 years with an A2 license | Authorization to practice for category A |
- you have held an A1 license for at least two years and want an A2;
- you have held an A2 license for at least two years, are 20 years old and want an A;
- you are medically fit and can enroll in a driving school.
- ride A1 motorcycles only because you have a category B license (Article 125, paragraph 2, letter h, of the Highway Code);
- want to skip a step, for example from A1 to A;
- start from scratch with no previous motorcycle license.
The course lasts 7 hours: 3 hours of maneuvers and 4 hours of riding in traffic
LArticle 4 of the decree outlines the course. It is not a theory lesson: you are on the motorcycle, first in a protected area and then on real roads.
Part A: 3 hours of preparation and maneuvers
It starts with a technical check of the vehicle and its preparation. Next come low-speed maneuvers, including a slalom, higher-speed maneuvers, obstacle avoidance at a speed of at least 50 km/h, and practice braking. This part can be done in a group of up to five candidates. Some of the routes must take place on tracks that comply with Annexes 1 and 2 of Ministerial Decree of January 8, 2013.
Part B: 4 hours of riding in traffic
Here, you ride with the instructor on urban and rural roads: intersections, roundabouts, overtaking, tunnels, entering and exiting a motorway or a main rural road. Part B is always individual. According to the circular, as reported by Sicurmoto, it takes place over at least two separate days.
Since no candidate can exceed three hours per day, seven hours require at least three days: this calculation follows from the daily limit and matches what InSella reports. The vehicle used is category A2 or A, depending on the authorization you have.
The process goes through the auto school and the Motor Vehicle Administration system
You don't go to the office on your own: the auto school handles enrollment and the online application. Here's the sequence as described in the decree and circular.
- Enrollment and documents. You enroll at an auto school and submit the application to the Motor Vehicle Administration with a medical certificate of physical and mental fitness, two stamp duties (for the application and license), and receipts for motor vehicle administration fees paid through the payment portal.
- Authorization to practice. The Motor Vehicle Administration system issues the authorization to practice, the learner's permit. According to Sicurmoto, the application also specifies whether the transmission is manual or automatic, and the learner's permit is issued the following day.
- The 7 hours of training. They take place as described above, with a limit of 3 hours per day and the individual Part B.
- Certificate. Once the course is complete, the auto school generates the certificate through the CED application, signs it digitally, and submits it before the authorization to practice expires.
- Approval and license. After the training course is checked, the training is approved. If the requirements of Article 120 of the Highway Code are met, the license is issued and mailed.
The course costs more than the exam, but is more predictable
No official source publishes a course fee schedule: each auto school sets its own price. The figures below are journalistic estimates and should be confirmed with a quote.
| Item | 7-hour course | Practical test |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated total cost | About €700 (InSella); €400-600 in a 2023 Moto.it estimate | About €130 in stamp duties and fees; about €300 if an auto school handles the paperwork (InSella) |
| Outcome | Certificate upon completion of the course; no final test | Practical test to pass |
| Timing | At least three days of training | Depends on the Motor Vehicle Administration's exam sessions |
| Ride in the meantime | With a learner's permit, during training | With a learner's permit, while waiting for the exam |
| When it makes sense | If you want a set schedule and to practice with an instructor | If you want to spend less and already have riding experience |
The fees you have to pay either way
Sicurmoto lists the N003 fee of €32.00 plus €10.20, as well as the two stamp duties (one on the application and one on the license). The decree refers to the motor vehicle administration fee under fee schedule 2, table 3, of Law 870/1986. These are statutory costs payable regardless of whether you choose the course or the exam.
A1, A2 and A: power limits determine which motorcycle you can ride
Before thinking about the course, it's worth clarifying what you can ride with each license. The figures are from the official category tables.
| Category | Minimum age | Engine displacement | Power | Power-to-weight ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 16 years old | Up to 125 cm³ | Up to 11 kW | Up to 0.1 kW/kg |
| A2 | 18 years old | No engine displacement limit | Up to 35 kW | Up to 0.2 kW/kg; the model must not be derived from a version with more than twice the power |
| A | 24 years old, or 20 with an A2 license for two years | No limit | No limit | No limit |
The restriction on the original model matters if you buy a "restricted" motorcycle: a model originally made with much more power and limited for A2 must comply with the double-power rule. The registration document is the only official source.
Just got your A2? Think about protective gear and luggage before a suitcase
Moving up a license category often coincides with buying a middleweight touring bike. A few sensible choices can help you avoid unnecessary expenses in the first few months.
- Check the motorcycle's kW and power-to-weight ratio in the registration document before buying, even if it's used and already restricted.
- For touring motorcycles up to 450-500 cc, see the comparison of A2-friendly adventure bikes in the guide A2 and 450 adventure motorcycles: the comparison.
- If you haven't chosen your first motorcycle yet, read how to choose your first motorcycle.
- Helmet, gloves and protective gear come before luggage: the approved helmet guide explains what the law says.
- For day trips, a tank bag is more than enough; panniers are worth considering when trips get longer.
- Volume
- 4.5 L closed, 6.5 L expanded
- Dimensions
- 260 × 160 × 120 mm
- Weight
- 700 g without ring
- Mounting
- Magnetic on ring, 4 points
- Ring
- Not included, model-specific
- Price
- 113,00 €
For a touring bike like the CFMOTO 450MT, the Endurrad catalog has a collection of accessories dedicated to the CFMOTO 450MT with pannier frames, luggage racks, handguards, and protective gear. The side frames determine which panniers you can fit: the LOBOO JP591B supports PIKE TRACKER panniers, Wanderer semi-rigid bags, and ALPS inflatable bags.
- Compatibility
- CFMOTO 450MT from 2024 onward
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Drilling
- Not included
- Panniers
- Not included
- Price
- 261,00 €
Frequently asked questions about A2 and A licenses without an exam
Can you get an A2 or A license without taking a road test?
What are the requirements for upgrading from A1 to A2 through the course?
What are the requirements for upgrading from A2 to A through the course?
Can someone with a category B license use the course to upgrade to A2?
What does the 7-hour course involve?
How many days does it take to complete the course?
How much does it cost to upgrade from A1 to A2 or from A2 to A with the course?
Do I have to take another exam after the course?
Is the course mandatory, or can I choose to take the exam?
What motorcycle can I ride with an A2 license?
What are the restrictions of an A1 license?
Can I go directly from A1 to A without an exam?
Is the procedure still in force today?
Read also
Got your new license and a motorcycle to outfit?
Tell me the make, model, and year: on Endurrad you’ll find accessories for protection, carrying capacity, lighting, and comfort for maxi enduro, adventure, and mid-size touring motorcycles. If you want the guide in your pocket, there’s the Endurrad App for iPhone.
