How to Get a Category A2 Driving Licence in Italy?

A Category A2 driving license (in Italian, patente di guida categoria A2) is Italy’s mid-power motorcycle license, the middle rung between the entry-level A1 and the fully unrestricted Class A. It lets you ride motorcycles up to 35 kW (48 PS) with a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.2 kW/kg. This guide covers what Class A2 means in Italy, the two routes to obtain it, the training and exam process, and how to progress to full Class A later.

In Italy, training and testing are conducted through licensed driving schools (autoscuole), and the license is issued by the Motorizzazione Civile under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. Our driving license in Italy and license eligibility pages are good starting points.

What is a Class A2 license in Italy?

Class A2 authorizes you to ride motorcycles with a motor output of up to 35 kW and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW per kilogram of unladen weight, the harmonized EU definition, applied identically in Italy. There is no cc limit built into the definition; power output and power-to-weight ratio are what matter legally.

Where does the A2 sit in the Italian motorcycle ladder

Italy follows the standard EU baseline age structure across its three motorcycle categories:

• A: motorcycles up to 125 cc, 11 kW and 0.1 kW/kg, from age 16.
• A2: motorcycles up to 35 kW and 0.2 kW/kg, from age 18.
• A: motorcycles with no power restriction, from age 24 by direct entry, or 20 if you have held A2 for at least two years.

Class A automatically includes the entitlement to ride A1- and A2-category vehicles, so the latter is cumulative, but A2 is a genuine, standalone category for many Italian riders.

What can you actually ride with an A2 license?

With Class A2, you can ride any motorcycle, naked, sport, adventure, or cruiser, provided it meets the 35 kW / 0.2 kW/kg limits, on all Italian roads. If a motorcycle’s standard factory output exceeds 35 kW, it can be supplied power-restricted, but only if the machine’s original, unrestricted output does not exceed 70 kW.

Two routes to A2: direct entry and staged access

There are two ways to reach Class A2 in Italy:

• Direct entry: if you don’t already hold Class A1, you complete the full theory and practical training through a licensed autoscuola and pass both the theory and practical exams from age 18.
• Staged access: if you have already held Class A1 for at least two years, you can extend to A2 by completing at least 10 hours of practical training and passing a practical test on an A2-spec motorcycle through an approved autoscuola. The theory pass you already have for A1 is not repeated.

Training and exams

Training combines classroom theory on traffic rules and hazard perception with practical riding lessons, first on a closed course and then on public roads. Exact lesson counts beyond the 10-hour minimum for staged access vary between autoscuole, so confirm current requirements with your chosen school.

Medical requirements

All applicants must pass a medical fitness examination, including an eyesight check, conducted by an authorized doctor before the license is issued. This applies to both the direct-entry and staged-access routes.

Automatic transmission restriction

Worth knowing: if you take the practical exam on a motorcycle with automatic transmission, your license is restricted to automatic machines under EU-wide code 78. If you want to ride any motorcycle, take the test on a manual.

Does A2 include A1?

Yes. Because Class A2 covers a strictly wider power range than A1, holding A2 also entitles you to ride A1-category vehicles. You don’t need to hold A1 separately once you have A2.

Upgrading from A2 to full Class A later

If you’ve held Class A2 for at least two years, you can move up to the fully unrestricted Class A from age 20 rather than waiting until 24 for direct entry. As with the A1-to-A2 step, you’ll need at least 10 hours of practical training plus a practical test; the theory exam you already passed for A2 is not repeated.

Validity

Italian driving licenses, including Class A2, follow the standard EU photocard administrative validity period before renewal.

How is your license actually issued?

Your autoscuola handles registration for your exams with the Motorizzazione Civile. Once you pass the required tests or complete the 10-hour training on the staged route, you receive your card license showing the Class A2 entitlement.

Tips for getting your Class A2 license in Italy

• If you already hold A1, use staged access: 10 hours of training plus a practical test, no theory retest.
• For direct entry, book your medical examination early alongside your driving school registration.
• Take the test on a manual bike unless you only want to ride automatics.
• Confirm current lesson counts and fees with your chosen autoscuola before enrolling.

Reach the middle of the motorcycle ladder.

A Class A2 license opens up a genuinely capable range of mid-size motorcycles in Italy. As you progress through the licensing system 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. License categories, vehicle definitions, ages, medical standards, training requirements, and fees can change and may vary by case and by authority in Italy. Always confirm the current rules with the official Italian government sources before making decisions. The authoritative information is on the government’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport pages, and the EU framework is in the EUR-Lex text of Directive (EU) 2025/2205. FastDriver.eu accepts no liability for actions taken based on this information.