This page has been automatically translated. There may therefore be discrepancies and inaccuracies in the text. Only the original version is binding. Legal claims arising from the content of the translated version are excluded.

Apply for an extension of the A1 or A2 driving licence to the next higher category

  • Service description

    If you have held an A1 or A2 driving licence for at least 2 years, passing the practical test is sufficient to upgrade from A1 to A2 or from A2 to A (promotion). A theory test is not necessary.

    The category A1 driving licence entitles you to drive motorbikes (also with sidecars) with an engine capacity of up to 125 cubic centimetres, an engine power of no more than 11 kW, where the ratio of power to weight does not exceed 0.1 kW/kg and three-wheeled motor vehicles with symmetrically arranged wheels and an engine capacity of more than 50 cubic centimetres for combustion engines or a maximum design speed of more than 45 km/h and with a power of up to 15 kW.

    The category A2 driving licence entitles you to drive motorbikes (also with sidecar) with a maximum engine power of 35 kW and a power/weight ratio of no more than 0.2 kW/kg, which are not derived from a motorbike with an engine power of more than 70 kW. Class A2 includes classes A1 and AM.

    The category A driving licence entitles you to drive motorbikes (also with sidecars) with an engine capacity of more than 50 cubic centimetres or with a maximum speed of more than 45 km/h determined by the type of construction and three-wheeled motor vehicles with a power output of more than 15 kW and three-wheeled motor vehicles with symmetrically arranged wheels and an engine capacity of more than 50 cubic centimetres with internal combustion engines or a maximum speed of more than 45 km/h determined by the type of construction and with a power output of more than 15 kW.

  • Prerequisites

    • You must have an A1 or A2 driving licence.
    • You must have your main place of residence in the Federal Republic of Germany.
    • The minimum age for category A2 is 18 years.
    • The minimum age for category A is 20 years if you have previously held an A2 licence.
    • You have been in possession of a category A1 or A2 driving licence for 2 years.
  • Which documents are required?

    • Valid identity card or passport (with current registration certificate if applicable)
    • Application for a driving licence
    • a biometric photo in accordance with the provisions of the Passport Ordinance (size 45x35 mm)
    • Eye test certificate (not older than 2 years)
    • valid driving licence
  • What fees are incurred?

    The fee is based on the scale of fees for road traffic measures (GebOSt).

    If the driving licence is sent directly to your home address, an additional shipping fee will be charged.

  • What deadlines do I have to observe?

    The practical driving test must be taken within 12 months of passing the theory test. The driving licence must be issued within 2 years of passing the practical test. Otherwise the test loses its validity.

    The practical test for the extension of category A1 to category A2 or category A2 to category A may be taken at the earliest one month before the expiry of the period of 2 years after the previous driving licence was issued or when the minimum age is reached.

  • Legal basis

  • Short text

    • Driving licence extension for existing category A1 or A2 to the next higher category (upgrade)
    • Applicants can have their driving licence
      • Extend category A1 to category A2 or
      • Extend class A2 to class A
    • You only have to take a practical test if you have held an A1 or A2 driving licence (so-called upgrade) for at least 2 years
    • Theoretical examination is not necessary
    • With category A driving licence, the applicant can drive motorbikes and three-wheeled motor vehicles
    • Responsible: competent driving licence authority
  • Typing

    2/3

Help with accessibility

  • General

    We strive to make our websites accessible to all users. Details can be found in our accessibility statement. You can send us your suggestions for improvement using our accessibility feedback form.

  • Font size

    To adjust the font size, please use the following key combinations:

    Larger

    command
    +

    Smaller

    command

    Larger

    Ctrl
    +

    Smaller

    Ctrl
  • Keyboard navigation

    Use TAB and SHIFT + TAB to navigate through next/previous links, form elements, and buttons.

    Use ENTER to open links and interact with elements.

  • Contrast mode

    Press the following key combination to reduce or increase the contrast:

    Enlarge

    control
    option
    command
    .

    Decrease

    control
    option
    command
    ,
    Note: The shortcuts must be activated in the system settings of the operating system.

    Press the left ALT key + left SHIFT key + PRINT to quickly turn high contrast mode on or off.

  • Invert colours

    Press the following key combination to switch the colour inversion on and off:

    control
    option
    command
    8
    Note: The shortcuts must be activated in the system settings of the operating system.

    First activate the screen magnifier and then switch the colour inversion on and off with the following key combinations:

    1. screen magnifier

    +

    2. invert colours

    Ctrl
    Old
    I
  • Screen magnifier

    Press the following key combinations to use the screen magnifier:

    Switch on/off

    option
    command
    8

    Enlarge view

    option
    command
    =

    Zoom out view

    option
    command
    Note: The shortcuts must be activated in the system settings of the operating system.

    Switch on / Enlarge view

    +

    Zoom out view