How to Get a Category A2 Driving Licence in Austria?

A Category A2 driving license is the mid-power motorcycle license in Europe, the middle tier between the light A1 license and the unrestricted A license. It lets you ride motorcycles up to 35 kW and is the license most riders in their late teens and early twenties actually hold. This guide explains what Category A2 covers, the power rules that determine which bikes qualify, who can apply, the two routes to obtain it, the tests, and how A2 leads to a full motorcycle license.

The framework is set by EU law, but each country decides the age, training, and exact test format, so use this as the European overview and confirm the details in your country. Our driving license in Europe and license eligibility pages are good starting points.

What is a Category A2 driving license?

Category A2 covers motorcycles with a power rating up to 35 kW (about 47 hp) and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg. There is a third rule that catches many riders out: the bike must not be derived from a machine producing more than double the A2 limit, so the unrestricted version cannot have produced more than 70 kW. This prevents a very powerful superbike from being restricted and ridden on an A2 license.

A2 on the motorcycle ladder

A2 is the middle of the three motorcycle categories, designed so riders can build experience before moving to the most powerful machines:

• A1: light motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW.
• A2: mid-power motorcycles up to 35 kW.
• A: unrestricted motorcycles with no power limit.

What can you ride, and native versus restricted bikes

There are two ways a motorcycle can comply with A2. A native A2 bike is designed under the 35 kW limit from the factory. A restricted A2 bike is a higher-output model factory-restricted to 35 kW, provided its unrestricted power does not exceed 70 kW. Restricted bikes can often be unrestricted by a dealer once you progress to the full A license, so they can grow with you, while native A2 machines tend to feel more complete as they are. With an A2, you can carry a passenger and ride on motorways without learner plates.

Who can apply, and what is the minimum age

The minimum age for Category A2 is generally 18, though in some countries it is 19 because it is linked to the A1 age. You must also meet basic eyesight and fitness requirements to ride.

Medical and eyesight requirements

Requirements are lighter than for the truck and bus categories. Many countries ask for a basic eyesight or medical check to confirm you are fit to ride, and some also require a short first-aid course. If you took a first-aid course for an earlier license, it usually still counts. Check exactly what your country requires before you start.

Two routes: progressive access and direct entry

There are two ways to get an A2 license:

• Progressive (staged) access: if you already hold an A1 and have around two years of experience, you usually only need to pass a practical test (or complete short training), with no repeat theory test.
• Direct entry: if you do not hold A1, you take the full theory and practical tests for A2 at the minimum age.

Progressive access rewards experience and is usually the simpler, cheaper route for riders who started on A1.

The theory and practical tests

Direct entry requires a theory test covering traffic rules and motorcycle-specific knowledge, followed by a practical test. The practical test is taken on an A2-sized machine, typically at least 395 cc with power in the A2 range, and usually includes off-road maneuvers such as slow control, braking, and avoidance, as well as an on-road ride. Riders coming from A1 via progressive access generally take only the practical element.

Licenses you get with A2

Gaining an A2 usually brings the lower categories with it: an A2 license typically includes A1 and AM, so you can also ride light motorcycles and mopeds. Once you hold the full A2 license, you are no longer a learner, so you can carry a passenger and use motorways.

Progressing to the full A license

A2 is the usual stepping stone to the unrestricted A license. After around two years holding A2, you can move up to A through progressive access, generally via a practical test, without repeating the theory, typically at 20 or 21. Alternatively, riders can take direct access to A at 24. Choosing a restricted A2 bike that can later be made unrestricted is a popular way to keep one m  motorcycle through the step-up

Validity

Unlike the truck and bus categories, which are issued for around five years, an A2 license follows the standard administrative validity of the license document, commonly ten to fifteen years, after which the card is renewed. There is no demanding group 2 medical to repeat at each renewal.

Tips for getting your A2 license

• Check the exact minimum age in your country, as it can be 18 or 19.
• If you already hold an A1, use progressive access to skip the theory test.
• When choosing a bike, remember the three rules: 35 kW, 0.2 kW/kg, and not derived from over 70 kW.
• Consider a restricted A2 bike that can be unrestricted when you move up to A.
• Practice the slow-control and braking maneuvers, which catch out most candidates.

Take your motorcycling further.

A Category A2 license gives you access to a huge range of capable, modern motorcycles and is the key step toward a full A license. As you progress through the licensing ladder and, in time, toward professional car, truck, or bus categories, you can register in the driver section, explore vacancies, and see what employers are hiring for on FastDriver.eu, along with our guides on the jobs pages.

Declaration

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Driving license categories, vehicle definitions, ages, medical standards, training requirements,s and fees are set by EU law but are applied by national authorities, and they vary by country and change over time. Always confirm the current rules with your national licensing authority before making decisions. You can read the EU framework in the EUR-Lex summary of the EU driving license rules and the EUR-Lex text of Directive (EU) 2025/2205. FastDriver.eu accepts no liability for actions taken based on this information.