Motorcycle Licence Rules in Denmark: A1, A2 and A Explained
Are you planning to get a motorcycle licence in Denmark but unsure which rules apply? Denmark has three motorcycle licence categories: A1, A2 and A. Your age determines which category you can obtain and what types of motorcycles you are permitted to ride. If you already hold a motorcycle licence, you may also be able to upgrade to a higher category after gaining two years of experience.
In this guide, we explain the most important motorcycle licence rules in Denmark, including minimum age requirements, engine capacity, power restrictions, compulsory training, driving tests and the rules for upgrading your licence.
What types of motorcycle licences are available in Denmark?
Danish motorcycle licences are divided into three categories:
A1: Light motorcycles, generally available from age 18.
A2: Medium-powered motorcycles, generally available from age 20.
A: Unrestricted motorcycles, generally available from age 24.
You do not necessarily have to start with category A1. If you are 24 or older, you can normally apply directly for category A. Younger riders can start with A1 or A2 and upgrade later.
At Brøndby Køreskole, you can learn more about our motorcycle licence courses and the training available.
Motorcycle licence age requirements in Denmark
One of the most important motorcycle licence rules concerns the minimum age for each category.
Licence categoryMotorcycle typeMinimum ageA1Light motorcycle18 yearsA2Medium-powered motorcycle20 yearsAUnrestricted motorcycle24 years
These are the general minimum age requirements. However, certain exceptions apply when upgrading from an existing motorcycle licence.
For example, riders who have held an A2 licence for at least two years may obtain category A from the age of 22, provided they pass the required practical driving test.
Special rules may also apply to certain military personnel and mechanics undergoing relevant training.
What motorcycles can you ride with an A1 licence?
Category A1 is intended for light motorcycles and is generally available from the age of 18.
Under the A1 motorcycle licence rules, a two-wheeled motorcycle must meet all the following requirements:
Maximum engine capacity of 125 cc.
Maximum engine power of 11 kW.
Maximum power-to-weight ratio of 0.1 kW/kg.
All three conditions must be satisfied. A motorcycle with an engine capacity of 125 cc or less is not automatically permitted if its power output or power-to-weight ratio exceeds the legal limits.
Category A1 also permits certain three-wheeled motor vehicles with a maximum power output of 15 kW.
An A1 licence is suitable for younger riders who want to begin riding motorcycles at 18 and potentially upgrade to A2 later.
What motorcycles can you ride with an A2 licence?
Category A2 allows you to ride more powerful motorcycles than those permitted under A1.
Under the A2 motorcycle licence rules in Denmark, a motorcycle must meet the following requirements:
Maximum engine power of 35 kW.
Maximum power-to-weight ratio of 0.2 kW/kg.
The motorcycle must not be derived from a model producing more than twice its maximum permitted power.
The final requirement is particularly important if you intend to buy a motorcycle that has been restricted to comply with the A2 power limit.
Simply reducing a motorcycle's output to 35 kW does not necessarily make it legal for A2 riders. The original model must also comply with the rule concerning maximum power before restriction.
An A2 licence also allows you to ride motorcycles covered by category A1.
You can normally obtain an A2 licence directly from the age of 20 without previously holding an A1 licence.
When can you obtain a full category A motorcycle licence?
Category A is the unrestricted motorcycle licence. It allows you to ride motorcycles without the engine power limitations associated with categories A1 and A2.
There are two common ways to obtain a category A licence:
Direct application: You can normally obtain category A from age 24 by completing the required training and passing the driving tests.
Upgrading from A2: You can obtain category A from age 22 if you have held an A2 licence for at least two years and pass the required practical driving test.
A category A licence also allows you to ride motorcycles belonging to categories A1 and A2.
If you are already 24 or older and want to ride unrestricted motorcycles, applying directly for category A will often be the most practical option.
How do you upgrade from an A2 to an A motorcycle licence?
If you already hold an A2 licence, you do not normally need to complete an entirely new motorcycle training programme to obtain category A.
To upgrade from A2 to A in Denmark, you must generally:
Be at least 22 years old.
Have held an A2 licence for at least two years.
Pass a practical driving test on a motorcycle suitable for category A.
When these requirements are met, a new theory test or complete compulsory training package is generally not required. Instead, you must demonstrate your ability to handle a larger motorcycle by passing the practical test.
Additional riding lessons may still be useful before taking the test, particularly if you have limited experience with larger or more powerful motorcycles.
How do you upgrade from A1 to A2?
A similar process applies when upgrading from a light motorcycle to a medium-powered motorcycle.
If you have held an A1 licence for at least two years, you can upgrade to A2 by passing the relevant practical driving test on an A2 motorcycle.
For example, someone who obtains an A1 licence at 18 may become eligible to upgrade to A2 at 20.
Alternatively, you can wait until you turn 20 and apply directly for A2 without first obtaining an A1 licence.
Can you get a motorcycle licence without taking A1 first?
Yes. There is no general requirement to obtain an A1 licence before applying for a higher motorcycle category.
If you are at least 20, you can normally apply directly for A2. From age 24, you can normally apply directly for an unrestricted category A licence.
Your choice should therefore depend on your age, riding plans and the type of motorcycle you eventually want to own.
How many lessons are required for a motorcycle licence in Denmark?
When obtaining your first motorcycle licence through the standard training route, you must complete a compulsory training programme combining theory and practical riding.
Under the Danish motorcycle training requirements introduced in 2026, the minimum training requirements for categories A1, A2 and A are:
30 theory lessons.
22 practical riding lessons.
Each lesson counted towards the compulsory minimum must last at least 45 minutes.
The training combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises and covers areas such as:
Traffic regulations and hazard awareness.
Motorcycle controls and protective equipment.
Balance, braking and basic manoeuvring.
Riding on a closed training area.
Riding in normal traffic.
Advanced motorcycle handling and risk management.
These requirements represent the compulsory minimum. Additional lessons may be necessary depending on your progress and readiness for the practical driving test.
You can learn more about motorcycle training at Brøndby Køreskole.
When can you start motorcycle licence training?
In Denmark, you can generally begin practical motorcycle training up to three months before reaching the minimum age for the category you wish to obtain.
This means you may be able to begin your training before your birthday and complete part of the course in advance.
Contacting a driving school early can help you plan your lessons and tests, especially if you want to obtain your licence before the start of the motorcycle season.
Do you need a first aid course for a motorcycle licence?
If you are obtaining your first driving licence, you will generally need to complete an approved traffic-related first aid course.
If you already have a driving licence, such as a category B car licence, different documentation requirements may apply because you may have completed the required first aid training previously.
Read more about first aid courses at Brøndby Køreskole.
Do you need a medical certificate for a motorcycle licence?
When applying for a Danish motorcycle licence, you must meet the applicable medical fitness requirements.
A medical certificate is normally required as part of the application process. It documents relevant health conditions, including eyesight and hearing.
Driving licence applications are processed through the Danish Citizen Service (Borgerservice). Your driving school can help explain which documents are needed before you can take your tests.
Do you need to pass both a theory test and a practical test?
When obtaining a motorcycle licence for the first time through the standard training route, you must complete the compulsory training and pass the required driving tests.
The theory test assesses your understanding of traffic regulations, road safety and potentially dangerous situations.
The practical test evaluates your ability to control the motorcycle safely and ride responsibly in real traffic.
Different rules apply when upgrading an existing motorcycle licence. For example, upgrading from A1 to A2 or from A2 to A after at least two years of experience generally requires a practical test rather than an entirely new theory and practical examination process.
Can you ride a motorcycle with a Danish car driving licence?
No. A standard Danish category B driving licence does not, by itself, permit you to ride an ordinary two-wheeled motorcycle.
You must obtain the appropriate motorcycle category: A1, A2 or A.
Having previous experience driving a car can still be an advantage because you are already familiar with traffic rules and road conditions.
However, riding a motorcycle requires additional skills, particularly in balance, braking, positioning and handling.
Which motorcycle licence category should you choose?
The most suitable motorcycle licence depends on your age, the type of motorcycle you want to ride and whether you plan to upgrade later.
Age 18–19: A1 is normally the available motorcycle category.
Age 20–21: You can normally apply directly for A2.
Age 22–23: You can apply for A2 directly. If you have held A2 for at least two years, you may upgrade to A by passing a practical test.
Age 24 or older: You can normally apply directly for an unrestricted category A licence.
For example, if you are 23 and have never held a motorcycle licence, you may want to consider whether to obtain A2 immediately or wait until you can apply directly for category A at 24.
If you are unsure which category is appropriate, you are welcome to contact Brøndby Køreskole for guidance.
Ready to get your motorcycle licence in Denmark?
Understanding the motorcycle licence rules in Denmark begins with choosing the right category for your age and riding ambitions.
At Brøndby Køreskole, we help new motorcycle riders understand the training process and prepare for their driving tests.
Explore our motorcycle licence courses, or go directly to motorcycle course registration if you are ready to get started.
Frequently asked questions about motorcycle licence rules in Denmark
What is the minimum age for a motorcycle licence in Denmark?
The general minimum age is 18 for A1, 20 for A2 and 24 for category A. Riders who have held A2 for at least two years may obtain category A from age 22 by passing a practical test.
Can you get an unrestricted motorcycle licence at 22?
Yes, provided you have held an A2 licence for at least two years and pass the required practical driving test for category A.
What size motorcycle can you ride with an A1 licence?
An A1 licence permits a two-wheeled motorcycle with an engine capacity of no more than 125 cc, a maximum power output of 11 kW and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.1 kW/kg.
What motorcycles are allowed with an A2 licence?
An A2 motorcycle must have a maximum power output of 35 kW and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.2 kW/kg. It must not be derived from a motorcycle producing more than twice its maximum permitted power.
Do you need another theory test when upgrading from A2 to A?
Generally, no. If you have held an A2 licence for at least two years and meet the minimum age requirement, you can normally upgrade by passing a practical driving test.
Can you get an A2 licence without having A1 first?
Yes. You can normally apply directly for an A2 motorcycle licence from the age of 20 without previously holding an A1 licence.
Can you ride a motorcycle with a category B car licence in Denmark?
No. A standard category B driving licence does not, by itself, allow you to ride an ordinary two-wheeled motorcycle. You need the appropriate motorcycle licence category.