Categories A, A1, A2, AM

Motorcycles and mopeds are often associated with a greater sense of freedom, less congestion, and the ability to reach destinations faster. However, before getting behind the wheel, it's important to know that different driving categories apply to different vehicles, and their selection depends on the vehicle's power, technical parameters, and the driver's age.

This is why prospective drivers often face the question of how A, A1, A2, and AM categories differ and which one best suits their needs. The chosen category determines not only which vehicle you can drive but also what exams, training, and requirements await you.

In this article, we will discuss the main differences between A, A1, A2, and AM categories, their requirements, age restrictions, costs, and the most important information you should know before preparing for exams.

What are A, A1, A2, AM driving categories and how do they differ?

A Category

The A driving category includes tricycles with a power greater than 15 kW and motorcycles. With an A category driver's license, you can drive vehicles assigned to AM, A1, A2 categories without any restrictions.

A1 Category

The A1 category includes motorcycles with an engine capacity greater than 50 cm3 but not exceeding 125 cm3, power not exceeding 11 kW, and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg, as well as tricycles with power not exceeding 15 kW.

A2 Category

The A2 category includes motorcycles with power not exceeding 35 kW, a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg, and which are not derived from a vehicle more than twice as powerful.

AM Category

The AM category includes mopeds and light quadricycles.

A moped is a two-wheeled motor vehicle with a maximum design speed of not less than 25 km/h and not more than 45 km/h, and an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cm3 (for internal combustion engines), with a maximum useful power not exceeding 4 kW (for electric motors), or a three-wheeled motor vehicle with a maximum design speed of not less than 25 km/h and not more than 45 km/h, and an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cm3 (for spark-ignition engines), with a maximum useful power not exceeding 4 kW (for other types of internal combustion engines), and a maximum useful power not exceeding 4 kW (for electric motors).

A light quadricycle is a four-wheeled motor vehicle with a mass (excluding battery packs if it is an electric motor vehicle) without load not exceeding 350 kg, a maximum design speed not exceeding 45 km/h, and an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cm3 (for spark-ignition engines), with a maximum useful power not exceeding 4 kW (for other types of internal combustion engines), and a maximum nominal power not exceeding 4 kW (for electric motors).

Thus, the main differences between A, A1, A2, AM categories are the power of the vehicles. With A, A1, A2 categories, you can drive motorcycles, with A category also tricycles, and with AM category only mopeds and light quadricycles.

Prices for A, A1, A2, AM categories

• A, A1, A2 categories will cost from 440 Eur to obtain.

• AM category will cost from 10 Eur to obtain.

The cost of obtaining A, A1, A2 categories (motorcycle licenses) includes 6 general aspects listed below:

• Learning driving theory. The cost depends on whether you study the theory externally (independently) or with a group. If you study driving theory independently, you won't need to pay extra for this part, but if you choose to study with a group, theory lessons will cost about 50 Eur. Some driving schools offer both remote and in-person theory lessons, so the price varies depending on the choice.
  
  Studying externally with EKET.LT KET test solution plans, you will have 7 days of unlimited solutions now for only 5.40 Eur, and choosing 14 or 31-day plans will also include individual driving instructor consultations and group remote lectures. The 14-day package on EKET.LT now costs 7.70 Eur, and the 31-day package costs 14.90 Eur. You can try 200 question KET tests for the A category for free.

• Learning driving practice. Practical driving for A, A1, A2 categories includes 10 academic hours, which in total cost about 300 Eur.

• Theory exam at "Regitra". The cost of this theoretical knowledge test (for A, A1, A2 categories) is 10 Eur.

• Practical exam at "Regitra". Taking the practical exam (for A, A1, A2 categories) with a "Regitra" vehicle will cost 77.90 Eur, and taking it with your own vehicle will cost 37.90 Eur.

• Vehicle rental for the exam at "Regitra". You can rent a vehicle for the practical exam at "Regitra" from a driving school, which will cost up to 80 Eur.

• Other possible expenses. Additional costs may include a health check (up to 40 Eur), a first aid course completion certificate (up to 30 Eur), and additional driving lessons to reinforce knowledge. Additional lessons cost about 50 Eur/academic hour depending on the school or instructor.

The cost of obtaining the AM category includes 3 aspects listed below:

• Learning driving theory. The cost depends on whether you study the theory externally (independently) or with a group. If you study driving theory independently, you won't need to pay extra for this part, but if you choose to study with a group, theory lessons will cost from 50 Eur.
  
  Studying externally with EKET.LT KET test solution plans, you will have 7 days of unlimited solutions now for only 5.40 Eur, and choosing 14 or 31-day plans will also include individual driving instructor consultations and group remote lectures. The 14-day package on EKET.LT now costs 7.70 Eur, and the 31-day package costs 14.90 Eur. You can try 200 question KET tests for the AM category for free.

• Theory exam at "Regitra". The cost of this theoretical knowledge test (for the AM category) is 10 Eur.

• Other possible expenses. Additional costs may include a health check (up to 40 Eur) and a first aid course completion certificate (up to 30 Eur).

It is important to note that the cost of obtaining licenses for all categories greatly depends on individual abilities; some may pass the exams on the first try, while others may need to pay for additional driving lessons or exam retakes.

Test your skills by solving EKET.LT tests

Try KET tests!

Prepare for the Regitra theory exam with EKET Tickets

9/10 EKET students pass on the first try!

Try for free

What are the requirements for A, A1, A2, AM categories?

The requirements for A, A1, A2, AM categories differ based on the type and power of the vehicle. 

A common requirement for these categories is that to take the A, A1, A2, AM category theory exam at "Regitra", you must present a driver's health certificate and a first aid course certificate. Other requirements for each category differ according to the minimum age allowed to drive:

A Category Requirements

The minimum age to obtain the right to drive the A category is 20 years, except for the right to drive tricycles. To obtain the right to drive A category motorcycles, you need to have two years of experience driving A2 category vehicles. The requirement to have two years of experience driving A2 category vehicles does not apply to persons aged 24 years and older. The right to drive tricycles with power greater than 15 kW is granted from 21 years of age.

You can start learning the A category without having the A2 category if you are 23 years or older. At 23, you can fully complete the A category course at school and pass the theory knowledge test at "Regitra" – only at the age of 24.

A1 Category Requirements

The minimum age to obtain the right to drive is 16 years.

With 2 years of B category driving experience and a driver's license proving it, it will be sufficient to drive for 3 academic hours with an A1 category motorcycle at a driving school. You will not need to take the A1 category theory and practical driving exams at "Regitra". Your driver's license will be changed – a corresponding code will be entered, indicating that you can drive A1 category vehicles.

A2 Category Requirements

The minimum age to obtain the right to drive is 18 years.

AM Category Requirements

The minimum age to obtain the right to drive is 15 years.