How to Get a Category AM Driving Licence in Bulgaria?

Unlike in some EU countries, Bulgaria is explicit: holding a Category B car license does not automatically grant you AM riding rights; you need the AM category itself or a higher motorcycle category. This piece covers what AM authorizes at 16, the real training hours, and the unusually short one-year validity window for your theory pass.

What category does AM cover?

AM authorizes mopeds, two- or three-wheeled vehicles with a maximum design speed not exceeding 45 km/h, an engine displacement not exceeding 50 cc, and a maximum power not exceeding 4 kW.

Minimum age

You need to be 16 to hold an AM, though your training course can begin at 15 years and 9 months.

Category B doesn’t include AM in Bulgaria.

This is genuinely worth knowing, as it differs from that of some neighboring countries. In Bulgaria, holding a Category B (car) license does not automatically authorize you to ride a moped; you need an AM license specifically, or a higher motorcycle category (A1, A2, or A) to ride legally.

Training requirements

Training splits into theory and practical components. Theory typically runs for 30–40 hours, depending on the school, and is commonly split into modules covering road safety and general moped construction, followed by a theory exam. Practical training generally runs for 10–20 hours and is conducted on a small training moped (a 50cc machine is standard) at a closed practice ground and in real city traffic conditions.

Documents and eligibility requirements

• A medical certificate confirming fitness to drive
• Proof of at least basic education for those who finished school after 2017: a certificate confirming completion of at least 10th grade.n
• Habitual residence in Bulgaria
• No other valid driving license issued by another EU member state
• Completion of a first-aid course, typically through the Bulgarian Red Cross (БЧК)

The theory exam content

The theory exam covers two core areas taught during training: road traffic safety rules and general moped construction and mechanics, understanding how the vehicle itself works, not just how to follow road rules.

What motorcycle will you train on

Driving schools typically supply a small-capacity training moped meeting AM’s technical specifications. A 50cc machine, such as a Sanyou, is commonly used, so you generally don’t need to own a compliant vehicle before starting lessons.

What it costs

Official government fees for issuing the license itself are modest: 25 BGN for applicants under 58, 11 BGN for those aged 58–70, and just 3 BGN for applicants with a disability rated at 50% or more; those over 70 are exempt from the fee. A control coupon adds 2 BGN. Expedited processing costs double the standard fee. Driving school course fees for the theory and practical training are separate and vary by provider.

The theory exam’s one-year validity window

This is genuinely important to plan around. Your theory exam pass is valid for just one year. If you haven’t completed your practical exam within that window, you’ll need to retake theory from scratch. This is notably shorter than the multi-year validity windows common in many other countries.

Automatic transmission

AM-category mopeds are commonly automatic-transmission by design, so this isn’t typically a separate license restriction issue the way it can be for higher motorcycle categories.

Processing time and where to apply

Applications are processed through Road Police (Пътна полиция) units at the Sofia Directorate of Interior or regional Directorates of the Ministry of Interior, depending on your registered address. Standard processing takes up to 30 days; expedited service reduces this to 10 days for double the fee. You collect your finished license from the Road Police unit covering your permanent address.

Upgrading to A1, A2 or full Category A

Since AM doesn’t automatically grant rights to larger motorcycles, moving up to A1, A2, or full Category A each requires separate training and exams appropriate to the category, though holding a lower motorcycle category can reduce required training hours for a higher one.

Losing points and license restoration

Bulgarian licenses operate on a points system: 39 points for amateur categories or 26 for new drivers. If your points reach zero, you lose your driving eligibility and must reapply after six months. Points can be partially restored through driving school training, up to 13 points per year, provided you still have at least 1 point remaining.

Validity

Once issued, an amateur category license, such as AM, is valid for 10 years, matching the standard validity of Category A and B licenses in Bulgaria.

Foreign residents and license exchange

EU-issued licenses are generally recognized in Bulgaria; non-EU licenses remain valid for one year after establishing residence, after which an exchange or a new Bulgarian application is required. Confirm current specific requirements with the Ministry of Interior.

Tips that actually help

• Don’t assume your car license lets you ride a moped in Bulgaria; it genuinely doesn’t.
• Book your practical exam well within a year of passing theory, since the pass expires after that window.
• Complete your first-aid course early in the process, since it’s a standard eligibility requirement.
• Compare driving school pricing and included hours across a few providers before enrolling.

Where does this fit going forward?

AM in Bulgaria is genuinely accessible at 16, with modest official fees, though it stands entirely apart from the car license system. If your plans extend toward professional driving down the line, take a look at the driver section, browse current vacancies, or see who’s hiring among employers on FastDriver.eu, alongside our broader job guides. Our driving license in Bulgaria and license eligibility pages provide 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 by driving school in Bulgaria. Always confirm current requirements with official Bulgarian sources before making decisions, such as the Ministry of Interior (MVR). FastDriver.eu accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information.