Germany Motorcycle Theory Study Guide 2026

Motorcycle licence classes

A car licence (class B) includes class AM. If you want to move up from A1 to A2, or from A2 to A, after holding the lower class for at least 2 years, you only need a practical test, not a new theory test.

Without any licence, you can ride a Mofa (up to 25 km/h) if you have a Mofa test certificate (Prüfbescheinigung). Carry it and show it when asked.

Key number 196 for car drivers

Car drivers can add key number 196 to a class B licence and then ride light motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW. You must be at least 25, have held class B for at least 5 years, and complete a training course at a driving school. There is no test. The entitlement is valid only in Germany.

How the motorcycle theory test works

Questions are worth 2 to 5 points, and two wrong 5-point questions always mean a fail. The test mixes basic material for all drivers with material for motorcycles. You can take it in German or in one of 12 foreign languages, including English.

You must pass the practical test within 12 months of passing the theory test. If you fail, you can normally retake it after at least two weeks.

German rules for riders

• The rider and any passenger must wear a suitable helmet.
• Ride with dipped headlights or daytime running lights during the day.
• Carry a passenger only if the motorcycle has a proper passenger seat.
• Do not ride with no hands, and do not hold on to other vehicles.
• Take your feet off the footrests only when the road requires it.
• You may not hide your face so you cannot be recognised, but a helmet is allowed.
• A motorcycle towing a trailer is limited to 60 km/h on motorways.
• Motorways are only for vehicles built to go faster than 60 km/h, so 45 km/h mopeds may not use them.
• Do not ride through the Rettungsgasse; it is for police and rescue vehicles.
• When overtaking cyclists, leave 1.5 m in town and 2 m outside.

Motorcycles do not have to carry a warning triangle, warning vest or first aid kit, and the winter tyre rule does not apply to single-track vehicles. You must still ride to suit the conditions, and carrying a small first aid kit is a good idea.

The alcohol rules are the same as for car drivers: zero alcohol in the probation period and under 21, and otherwise a limit of 0.5 per mille.

Riding skills

Steering and bends

At speed, a motorcycle turns by leaning. To lean right, press gently forward on the right grip; this is called countersteering. Look through the bend to where you want to go. Do your braking before the bend, while the bike is upright, then ride through with a steady or slightly opening throttle.

Braking

In a normal stop, use both brakes. The front brake gives most of the stopping power because weight moves forward. ABS stops the wheels from locking, but it cannot create more grip than the road gives.

Road surface and weather

• Painted lines, metal covers, tram rails and wet leaves are slippery when wet.
• The first rain after a dry spell brings oil and dirt to the surface.
• Expect side gusts on bridges, between buildings and when passing lorries.
• Keep your visor clear; an anti-fog insert helps.

Gear, passengers and group riding

Wear protective clothing, gloves and boots on every trip, because a fall can happen anywhere. Bright or reflective clothing helps others see you earlier.

With a passenger or luggage, adjust tyre pressure and suspension as the owner's manual says. A passenger should keep their feet on the footrests and lean with the rider in bends. Check the chain tension and lubrication regularly.

When riding in a group on a road with one lane each way, ride in a staggered line rather than side by side, and keep enough space to stop.