Getting a motorcycle licence is the step that comes even before choosing your first motorcycle. The class you take determines which motorcycles you can ride, how much you will pay and the test process. In this guide we explain, step by step, the A1, A2 and A classes as of 2026, the course and test process, what awaits you in the riding test and the total cost. The information is compiled from summaries of the official regulations and sources dated 2026; we have stated clearly where the sources contradict each other.
Motorcycle licence classes
| Class | Scope | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| M | Moped: under 50 cc, design speed of at most 45 km/h | 16 |
| A1 | Maximum 125 cc and maximum 11 kW | 16 |
| A2 | Maximum 35 kW | 18 |
| A | All motorcycles | 24 (direct) |
After riding for at least 2 years on an A2 licence, moving up to the A class is possible. The minimum age for this step is given as 20 in the sources, but the sources contradict each other; confirm it with the school you enrol at. You can see in detail how the classes affect your choice of motorcycle on the licence page.
Which class should you take?
- Only a 125 cc scooter within the city: A1 is enough. If you have held a B licence for at least 2 years, you can ride a 125 cc for personal use with the MEB training and practical test; but this entitlement does not cover commercial use or travel abroad. See which motorcycle on a B licence.
- If you are aged 18–23 and want a motorcycle bigger than a 125: A2. It offers a wide choice, from 250 cc naked bikes to some 650 cc classics. See the cheapest A2-compatible motorcycles guide.
- If you are 24 or over: You can take the A directly; if you are thinking of moving to a big motorcycle later, you do not have to wait two years.
The process, step by step
- Medical report: A medical report is obtained for driver candidates. The fee and process may vary by institution.
- Course enrolment: You enrol at an MEB-approved driving school. The course consists of theory and practical lessons.
- Theory training and e-exam: After lessons on traffic, first aid and motorcycle knowledge, you sit the MEB electronic exam.
- Riding training: You take practical lessons on the school's motorcycle on the course and in traffic.
- Riding (practical) test: If you pass, you move on to the licence stage.
- Licence: The fees and security-paper charges are paid and the driving licence is issued.
If you already hold a licence of another class, you may be exempt from some lessons; since this detail depends on the school and the current practice in the regulation, ask at enrolment.
What is in the riding test?
According to sources dated 2026, the motorcycle riding test generally consists of three parts: getting to know the motorcycle, course exercises in a closed area, and riding in moving traffic. The manoeuvres commonly met in the course section are:
- Slalom: Weaving between a row of cones at low speed.
- Figure of eight: Turning in a figure of eight in a tight space; it demands control of the throttle, clutch and rear brake.
- Balance line: Riding straight at low speed in a narrow lane.
- Emergency stop: A controlled stop at a set point.
Putting your foot down or knocking over cones on the course is generally a reason for failure. In the traffic section, not signalling, not checking the mirrors and lane errors are frequently cited as reasons for elimination. There are reports that the test will move from a fixed course to a free route and become longer; but the date this change takes effect has not been officially clarified. Follow the current practice from your school and MEB announcements.
Practical tips for the course
- The secret of balance at low speed is where you look: look not at the cone in front of you, but at the point you want to go to.
- In slow manoeuvres, hold the clutch at the friction point and use the rear brake, not the front.
- Keep the throttle steady; sudden opening and closing of the throttle jolts the motorcycle.
- Repeat as much as possible on the school's motorcycle; getting used to the test motorcycle is a big advantage.
With examples: which class covers which motorcycle?
- A1: Models under 125 cc and 11 kW such as the Honda PCX 125 (12.3 hp) or Honda CB125F (11.7 hp).
- A2: The CFMoto 250NK (27.5 hp), Honda Forza 250 (22.8 hp) and even the 648 cc Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 (46.4 hp). What decides it is not the cylinder capacity but the 35 kW limit.
- A: The Yamaha MT-07 (72.4 hp) and all models above it.
You can see which class a model falls into on each model page and in the motorcycle finder.
A suggested preparation timeline
Although it varies with the course length, test dates and demand, you can draw up a rough plan like this: in the first weeks complete the medical report and course enrolment, and take short practice tests every day during the theory lessons. After the e-exam, concentrate on the riding lessons and repeat the course manoeuvres in every lesson. In the last lesson before the test, focus only on the manoeuvre you are weakest at. Since schools can be busier in spring and summer, if you want to ride at the start of the season it makes sense to begin the process in the winter months.
The cost of a 2026 licence
| Item | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Government payments (fee + security paper + foundation share) | 4,354.90 TL | Fee 2,239.90 + security paper 1,690 + foundation 425 TL |
| E-exam fee | 900–1,250 TL | Sources give different figures |
| Riding test fee | 1,350–2,000 TL | Sources give different figures |
| Course fee | About 7,000–15,000 TL | Varies by city and school |
| Total (estimated) | About 12,000–16,000 TL and above | Excluding the medical report |
If you fail the test you pay the test fee again; so preparing well for the first attempt also protects your budget. To plan the cost of the first year after the licence (motorcycle, insurance, MTV, equipment), use the cost calculator.
The penalty for riding without a licence or with the wrong class
With Law No. 7574 (Official Gazette 27.02.2026), the penalty for driving a vehicle without a licence rose to 40,000 TL; a vehicle owner who lets an unlicensed person ride their motorcycle is also given a separate 40,000 TL fine. The penalty for riding while the licence has been withdrawn or cancelled is 200,000 TL. For riding with an insufficient licence class (for example a 125 cc on a B licence without the certificate, or a motorcycle over 35 kW on an A2), we could not confirm a clear amount, but remember that it also creates a serious risk with insurance: in the event of an accident, the insurer's right of recourse may come into play.
After you get the licence
Getting a licence is the beginning of learning to ride. In the first months these resources will help:
- List models suited to your licence class with choosing your first motorcycle and the motorcycle finder.
- Consolidate the basic skills with the correct braking and cornering technique guides.
- Buy complete equipment: the helmet selection guide, gloves, a jacket and boots.
- Lists by licence class: A1 cheapest, A2 naked, A2 most powerful.
Conclusion
For a motorcycle licence, first choose the class that suits your age and purpose: A1 for a 125 in the city (or a B-licence certificate if you meet the conditions), A2 for a big motorcycle at ages 18–23, and the A directly for over 24. The process consists of a medical report, a course, the e-exam and the riding test; in 2026 the total cost is about 12,000–16,000 TL and above. Prepare with plenty of practice on the course manoeuvres and follow changes to the test rules from your school.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a motorcycle licence in 2026?
The government payments are 4,354.90 TL. Add the course (about 7,000–15,000 TL) and test fees and the total comes to about 12,000–16,000 TL and above.
At what age can you get an A2 licence?
At 18. With an A2 you can ride motorcycles of up to 35 kW.
What is in the motorcycle riding test?
Generally the parts are getting to know the motorcycle, the course (such as slalom, figure of eight, balance line, emergency stop) and riding in moving traffic. Putting a foot down on the course is generally a reason for failure.
How much is the penalty for riding a motorcycle without a licence?
After Law No. 7574 it is 40,000 TL. A vehicle owner who gives the motorcycle to an unlicensed person is also given a separate 40,000 TL fine.