How to Get a Category A1 Driving Licence in the Netherlands?

If you already hold a Dutch car license, you can skip the motorcycle theory exam entirely for Category A1, a genuine time and money saver that a lot of general guides don't spell out clearly. This piece covers what A1 authorizes at 18, the real AVB/AVD test structure, the exact 2026 CBR fees, and how the staged system actually plays out in terms of cost.

What Category A1 covers

A1 authorizes motorcycles up to 125 cc, with a maximum power output of 11 kW and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg.

Minimum age

You need to be 18 to hold an A1, two years above the EU baseline of 16. You can sit the theory exam from 17, and start practical lessons from 17.5, though the practical exams (AVB and AVD) can only be taken once you turn 18.

Where A1 sits in the Dutch motorcycle system

The Netherlands runs three motorcycle categories. A1 (18) is the entry tier, covering up to 125cc/11kW. A2 (20) covers up to 35kW. Full Category A, unrestricted, needs 24 for direct entry, or 22 if you've already held A2 for at least two years.

The theory exam and the exemption for car license holders

Everyone starting from scratch needs to pass a dedicated motorcycle theory exam through CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen), separate from the car theory exam. But if you already hold a Category B (car) license, you skip the motorcycle theory exam entirely and go straight to practical lessons and exams, a genuine saving of around €50 and a fair amount of study time.

The AVB and AVD practical exams

Every Dutch motorcycle practical test runs in two mandatory stages, taken in order:

• AVB (Aanvullend Voertuig Beheersingsexamen, vehicle-control exam) is conducted on a closed course, covering slalom riding, an emergency stop, slow riding through a tight curve, and an evasive maneuver.
• AVD (Aanvullend Verkeersdeelnameexamen, traffic-participation exam) is conducted in real traffic, including motorways and roundabouts, with the examiner following on their own motorcycle and giving instructions through an earpiece.

You must pass AVB before attempting AVD.

What it costs

Total costs for A1 in 2026 typically run €800–1,400, noticeably lower than those for A2 or full Category A, given the lighter machine and generally shorter learning curve. The breakdown:

• Theory exam: around €50.50 (skipped entirely if you hold a car license).
• Theory learning materials: €20–150, depending on the package.
• Practical lessons: typically 15–20 lessons at €40–55 per hour.
• AVB exam: €83.
• AVD exam: €147.
• Health declaration (gezondheidsverklaring): roughly €39.30–46.90, arranged through CBR.
• License application at your municipality: roughly €50.

How long does the whole process typically take

Most candidates complete the full A1 process within 2–4 months, depending on lesson frequency and the number of attempts required for each exam. An intensive or "speed course" (accelerated course), running multiple lessons per day, can compress this to one or two weeks for candidates with some prior riding experience, though it typically costs somewhat more than a standard-paced course.

Health declaration and its validity

A health declaration is required before the practical exam. If yours is older than 1.5 years by the time you're ready to test, you'll need to apply for a new one.

Theory certificate validity

Once you pass the theory exam, the certificate is valid for 1.5 years, within which you need to complete both AVB and AVD. Let that window lapse, and you'll need to retake the theory exam.

What happens if you fail an exam

Retaking either AVB or AVD is possible, though each retake costs the same as the original exam fee. Given this, driving schools generally advise taking one or two extra lessons rather than risking a costly retest, especially for AVD, which is the more expensive of the two exams.

Automatic transmission

Test on an automatic-transmission motorcycle,, and your resulting license will blicensee restricted to automatic machines only under the standard EU code 78.

Upgrading from A1 to A2, and onward to full Category A

Once you've held A1 for at least two years, moving to A2 requires only the AVD exam; no theory retest is needed, and AVB isn't required either. The same logic applies when moving from A2 to full Category A after two years' experience, starting at age 22.

One quirk worth knowing: if you get a full Category A directly between ages 21 and 24 (bypassing the staged route), your license carries code 80, restricting you to A1/A2-equivalent power for two years or until you turn 24, whichever comes first. This restriction doesn't apply if you reach full Category A through the staged A1→A2→A route.

How your instructor supervises lessons

On the closed training ground, there's no legal cap on the number of students per instructor, though it's mainly used for trial lessons and AVB preparation. On public roads, you'll generally train alongside a maximum of one other student at a time.

How the license is actually issued

Once you pass both AVB and AVD, you apply for your card license at your local gemeente (municipality) and typically receive it within 5 working days. Bring your passport-style photo and payment for the application fee when you apply.

Validity

Dutch driving licenses, including Category A1, follow the standard EU photocard administrative validity period before renewal.

Foreign residents and license exchange

The Netherlands' three-tier system is designed specifically to let riders gain experience progressively rather than jumping straight to the most powerful machines. EU and EEA motorcycle licenses remain valid in the Netherlands without conversion. If you're relocating from outside the EU/EEA, whether you can exchange your existing license depends on whether the Netherlands has a reciprocal recognition agreement with your country of issue; without one, you'll need to complete the Dutch theory (unless exempt via a car license) and practical process.

Tips that actually help

• If you already hold a Category B license, confirm with your driving school that you're being correctly exempted from the motorcycle theory exam.
• Book your health declaration early and keep an eye on its 1.5-year validity if your training takes longer than expected.
• Popular A1-class training and personal bikes include the Honda CB125R, Yamaha MT-125, KTM 125 Duke, Aprilia RS 125, and Husqvarna Svartpilen 125.
• Consider your own protective gear from early lessons rather than relying solely on rental equipment for comfort and hygiene.

Where this fits going forward

A1 in the Netherlands is a genuinely cost-effective entry point, especially for existing car drivers who skip the theory exam. If your plans involve professional driving down the line, take a look at the driver section, browse current vacancies, or see which employers are hiring on FastDriver.eu, as well as our broader job guides. Our driving license in the Netherlands and license eligibility pages cover the broader picture.

Declaration

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Fees, training requirements, and administrative rules can change and may vary between driving schools and regions. Always confirm current requirements with the official Dutch sources before making decisions: CBR. FastDriver.eu accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information.