Licensing and Insurance - France Driving Test

If riding a motorcycle up to 125cc

You must have an A1 license: A1 License Minimum age 16 years. Allows motorcycles up to 125cc and 11 kW (15 hp).

If riding a motorcycle over 125cc but limited to 35 kW

You must have an A2 license: A2 License Minimum age 18 years. Power limited to 35 kW (47 hp).

If riding a high-powered motorcycle over 35 kW

You must have a full A license: A License Minimum age 20 years (after 2 years on A2). No power restriction.

When riding mopeds or scooters up to 50cc

You must have AM license or equivalent: AM License Minimum age 14 years. For mopeds ≤50cc and ≤45 km/h.

If you hold a foreign license

You must check validity in France: EU/EEA licenses are valid. Non-EU may require exchange within 1 year.

If your license is expired

You must renew before riding: Riding with expired license is illegal renewal must be done via prefecture or online system.

If riding with A2 license

You must respect power limits: Modifying or removing power restriction is illegal and may void insurance.

If riding as a learner

You must complete required training: Compulsory training hours 20 hrs for A1/A2, plus theory test (code de la route).

If you own a motorcycle

You must have valid insurance: At least third-party liability (responsabilité civile) insurance is mandatory.

If you ride without insurance

You are subject to fines and penalties: Fine up to 3,750 €, possible license suspension, and motorcycle impoundment.

If you upgrade your motorcycle license

You must complete progressive access training: Moving from A2 to A requires 7 hours of training after 2 years on A2.

If you are under 21 years

You must pass additional tests: Young riders often need extra training hours and hazard perception awareness.

If your insurance lapses

You must not ride until renewed: Riding without active coverage is illegal and financially risky.

If you change motorcycles

You must update insurance policy: Notify insurer to adjust coverage, premium, and registration documents.

If you lend your motorcycle

You must ensure borrower is licensed & insured: Lending to unlicensed or uninsured rider makes you liable for damages.

If importing a motorcycle

You must register and insure it in France: Import requires immatriculation, tax payment, and proof of insurance.

If license is suspended

You cannot ride until reinstated: Suspension may require medical check, theory re-test, or full reapplication.

If involved in an accident

You must report it to insurer: Report within 5 days serious injuries must be reported immediately.

If modifying motorcycle

You must inform insurer: Significant modifications (engine, frame) may require policy update or technical inspection.

If using motorcycle for work

You must have appropriate coverage: Commercial or delivery use requires professional insurance in addition to standard coverage.