How to Get a Category AM Driving Licence in Liechtenstein?

Since a 2021 reform, Liechtenstein has allowed riders to take AM-category small motorcycles and light motor vehicles (up to 45 km/h) from age 15, aligning the Principality more closely with EU norms while keeping its own distinctive learner-permit process. This piece covers what AM authorizes, the mandatory traffic education course, and the retake limits you should know about.

What category does AM cover?

AM authorizes small motorcycles and light motor vehicles with a maximum speed of 45 km/h, including mopeds, scooters, and similar light two-wheelers, within the standard EU technical specification.

Minimum age

You can hold an AM from 15, following the 2021 reform that lowered and aligned Liechtenstein’s motorcycle age structure with EU practice. A moped or Mofa specifically can be ridden from 14 once you’ve passed the theory exam.

The learner permit application process

You apply for your learner permit (Lernfahrausweis) by sending a request form to the Amt für Straßenverkehr by post, but only starting one month before you reach the required age for your chosen Category. Before submitting, you’ll need an eye test from an optician or doctor, with the result entered directly on the form.

Mandatory traffic education course (VKU)

Before registering for your practical driving exam, AM and A1 candidates must prove they’ve completed the Verkehrskundeunterricht (VKU, traffic education course) at a driving school. This course runs for 8 hours, and if completed on or after 1 January 2021, it remains valid indefinitely, so there is no need to repeat it even years later.

Registering for your practical exam

You can register for the practical exam either through your driving school or directly by emailing your personal details to dispo.asv@llv.li to request an appointment.

Retake limits on the practical exam.

This is genuinely important to know before you start. You can’t simply retake the practical exam as many times as you like. After two failed attempts, you need written confirmation from your driving school that you’re genuinely ready to try again. If you reach a fourth attempt, you’ll additionally need a positive psychological aptitude assessment before being allowed to test again.

Skipping basic theory if you already hold another category

If you already hold a license for Category A, A1, B or B1, you don’t need to repeat the basic theory (Basistheorie) requirement when adding AM.

Documents you’ll need

• A completed learner permit application form
• A recent eye test result from an optician or doctor
• A first-aid certificate (Nothelferausweis), except for certain categories, including M, G, and F

What happens after your documents are checked

Once your application and supporting documents are reviewed, you’ll receive a card by post allowing you to sit the theory exam.

The theory exam

The theory exam is a simplified, basic exam appropriate to the vehicle category, covering road rules, signs, and safe riding fundamentals, and follows the same general structure used across the region for entry-level categories.

Riding abroad on a Liechtenstein learner permit

If you’re planning to ride abroad while still on a learner permit, check with the relevant foreign authority beforehand about which rules apply there, since recognition of a foreign learner permit isn’t automatic everywhere.

Automatic transmission

As with other EU-aligned systems, testing on an automatic-transmission vehicle typically restricts the resulting license to automatic machines only.

No more direct entry to unrestricted Category A

Alongside the AM age change, Liechtenstein’s 2021 reform also removed the option to jump straight to the fully unrestricted Category A motorcycle license without first progressing through the staged system, a genuine road-safety-driven shift in approach.

Upgrading to A1, A2 or full Category A

Liechtenstein’s staged motorcycle system continues above AM with A1 from 16 (125cc class), moving toward higher categories with further training and testing at each stage, following the region’s standard progressive-access model.

Validity

Your learner permit isn’t permanently valid, though it can sometimes be extended; it becomes invalid entirely if you fail the practical exam three times and an aptitude test confirms you’re not yet fit to drive.

Tips that actually help

• Book your eye test early, since it’s required before you can even submit your learner permit application.
• Complete your VKU course well ahead of your intended practical exam date, since it’s a prerequisite for registration.
• If you already hold A, A1, B, or B1, remember you can skip the basic theory requirement.
• Take retakes seriously from the start, given the genuine restrictions after two and four failed attempts.

Where does this fit going forward?

AM in Liechtenstein reflects a genuinely recent alignment with EU practice, following the 2021 reform. 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 Liechtenstein 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. Always confirm current requirements with the official Liechtenstein sources before making decisions: the Amt für Straßenverkehr (Office for Road Traffic). FastDriver.eu accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information.