How to Get a Category A2 Driving Licence in Ukraine?

If you’re looking for a “Category A2” motorcycle license in Ukraine, it’s worth knowing upfront: Ukraine’s driving license system does not have an A2 sub-category. Unlike the EU’s three-tier A1/A2/A structure built around a 35 kW power threshold, Ukraine uses a two-tier system based on engine displacement: A1 for small two-wheeled vehicles and a single Category A covering all larger vehicles. This guide explains honestly how Ukraine’s motorcycle licensing actually works.

In Ukraine, licenses are issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, based on completing training at a driving school and passing an exam at a service center. Our driving license in Ukraine and license eligibility pages are good starting points.

Why there’s no Category A2 in Ukraine

The EU’s A1/A2/A structure, with its intermediate 35 kW power tier, was rolled out across EU member states from 2013 as a graduated-access road-safety measure. Ukraine’s licensing framework, part of a broader 14-category system developed in the tradition of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, never adopted this specific EU three-tier model for motorcycles. Instead, Ukraine draws its line based on engine displacement rather than power output, with only two motorcycle tiers.

What Ukraine’s motorcycle categories actually look like

• Category A1: mopeds, scooters, and other two-wheeled vehicles with an engine displacement of up to 50 cubic centimeters, available from age 16.
• Category A: motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles, including sidecar models, with an engine displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or greater, with no upper limit. Category A is also available from age 16.

Notably, both categories in Ukraine share the same minimum age of 16; there’s no older minimum age gate for the larger category, and no intermediate power-restricted step between them.

What does this mean in practice?

If you want to ride a genuinely powerful motorcycle in Ukraine, you can apply directly for Category A from age 16, without an intervening A2-style restricted period. Category A1, by contrast, is really aimed at mopeds and very small-displacement two-wheelers rather than a genuine “light motorcycle” tier in the EU A1 sense (which allows up to 125cc).

How does this compare to the EU system?

For context, the EU’s A2 category caps motorcycles at 35 kW with a 0.2 kW/kg power-to-weight ratio. It typically sits between a 125cc “light motorcycle” A1 tier (available from age 16 in most EU countries) and the fully unrestricted A category, which is reached only from age 20-24. Ukraine’s system is structured quite differently: its A1/A split is drawn at 50cc rather than power output, and both tiers are available from the same minimum age of 16, without any intervening restricted-access period as riders move to larger machines. This makes Ukraine’s model considerably less graduated than the EU’s approach, even though both aim to license riders safely.

Training through a driving school

While Ukraine’s system doesn’t require a graduated power-based progression, most applicants still complete training through a licensed driving school before their exam, covering road rules, vehicle handling, and safe riding practices relevant to the category they’re applying for.

Automatic transmission restriction

As in many countries, if your test vehicle has an automatic transmission, your license may carry restriction code 78, limiting you to automatic-only vehicles until you test on a manual.

Medical requirements

Applicants must undergo a medical examination and receive Form 083/o confirming fitness to drive before applying for a license.

Validity

Ukrainian driving licenses are generally issued with a defined validity period before renewal is required; confirm current terms with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, given ongoing regulatory developments.

What if you’re used to the EU A2 system?

If you’re relocating to Ukraine or converting a foreign license and you’re used to the EU’s A1/A2/A structure, be aware that there’s no direct Ukrainian equivalent to A2. Your existing motorcycle license and experience would generally map to Ukraine’s A1 or A category, depending on the vehicle’s engine displacement. Confirm the exact conversion process with the licensing authority, as requirements can vary by country of origin.

Tips if you’re navigating Ukraine’s motorcycle license system

• If your goal is to ride a full-size motorcycle, Category A is available from age 16; there’s no A2-style stepping stone required.
• Ukraine’s Category A1 is aimed at mopeds and very small two-wheelers (up to 50cc), not the 125cc “light motorcycle” tier familiar from the EU A1 category.
• Complete your medical examination (Form 083/o) early, since it’s a required part of every application.
• Confirm current exam format, fees, and any regulatory updates with the Ministry of Internal Affairs before applying.

Beyond motorcycle licensing

Whatever category of vehicle you’re licensed to operate, if you’re exploring driving-related career opportunities, 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. They may vary by case and by authority in Ukraine, and current conditions in the country may affect standard administrative processes. Always confirm the current rules with the official Ukrainian government sources before making decisions. FastDriver.eu accepts no liability for actions taken based on this information.