Scooter driving license class AM: costs and requirements

What has changed: New regulations

“Since the introduction of the 3rd EC Directive in 2013, the driving license class AM has applied to the scooter driving license. Find out everything you need to know about obtaining class AM, the permitted vehicles and the minimum age of 15 years to acquire a driving license.

frequently asked Questions

1. For which vehicles is class AM required?
   Answer: Class AM is required to drive mopeds, mopeds, scooters and quads with a maximum speed of up to 45 km/h.
2. When will class AM be issued?
   Answer: The minimum age for purchasing class AM in Germany is 15 years. Conditions may vary abroad, so local regulations should be followed.
3. What does the training look like to get a driving license for the scooter?
   Answer: The training at driving school includes both theory and practical lessons. The theoretical lessons consist of 12 double hours of basic material and 2 double hours of additional material. The number of driving lessons is not mandatory and depends on the individual skills of the learner driver.

National and European driving license classes: What you should know

“As part of the EU guidelines, the driving license classes have been standardized so that they are also valid in other EU countries. Find out here what changes there have been to the national driving license classes and what effects they have had on the scooter driving license. We also give you all the information about the moped test certificate and the AM class, which has been in force in Germany since 2013. Read on to find out everything about the requirements, training and conditions for obtaining these driving license classes.”

• “Precursor to the scooter driving license: the former driving license class S”
• “Moped driving license: everything you need to know”
• “The AM driving license class: What has changed since 2013?”

For which vehicles do you need AM?

Anyone who has a class AM driving license can drive a variety of vehicles. These include motorcycles, two-wheeled motorcycles, three-wheeled motorcycles and four-wheeled light vehicles. The individual vehicle types are precisely defined in the driving license regulations.

Motorcycles must be able to reach a maximum speed of 45 km/h and the displacement of the internal combustion engine must not exceed 50 cc. Electric motors may also be installed, but the motorcycle must have the characteristics of bicycles. This group includes, for example, bicycles with an auxiliary motor.

Two-wheeled motorcycles may also reach a maximum speed of 45 km/h and the displacement of the internal combustion engine may also not exceed 50 cc. Here too, the rated continuous power of electric motors may not be more than 4 kW. Two-wheeled motorcycles include, for example, mopeds, scooters or mokicks.

Three-wheeled motorcycles may also reach a maximum speed of 45 km/h and the displacement of the spark-ignition engine may also not exceed 50 cc. The maximum useful power for other combustion engines is limited to 4 kW and the rated continuous power for electric motors may also not be more than 4 kW. Three-wheeled motorcycles include, for example, Minitrikes.

The last group that is defined in the colloquially known “scooter license” are four-wheeled motorcycles. The speed is limited to 45 km/h, the displacement of the spark ignition engine may not exceed 50 cc and the useful power of other combustion engines may be up to 4 kW. For an electric motor, the rated continuous power can be up to 4 kW. The unladen mass of the vehicle may not exceed 350 kg. Four-wheeled motorcycles include, for example, minicars.

In addition to the four major vehicle groups, there are also exceptions, such as motorcycles that were first registered before December 31, 2001 or bicycles with an auxiliary motor that were first registered before February 28, 1992.

When is it possible to get a scooter driving license?

The scooter driving license, also known as driving license class AM, can either be acquired directly at a driving school or through another driving license class.

Option 1: Direct purchase of the scooter driving license The first option is the direct purchase of the moped driving license. Since July 28, 2021, the minimum age for this is 15 years (under certain exceptions). In order to pass the driving test, the following hours must be completed at driving school:

Scooter driving license: theory and practical lessons

In order to acquire a scooter driving license, both theory and practical lessons at driving school are required. The theory includes a total of 12 double lessons with the basic material as well as two additional double lessons that teach specific content relating to the AM driving license class. A total of 30 questions must be answered in the theoretical exam, with a maximum of 10 error points allowed.

There is no statutory requirement for a set number of hours in practical lessons. However, it is common for learner drivers to have to ride a scooter for at least half an hour. Whether further driving lessons are required depends on the individual abilities and is decided by the driving instructor. In contrast to the car driving license, there are no special trips such as night driving or driving on the motorway.

The practical driving test lasts around 30 minutes and usually takes place within a city. After successfully completing the test, the scooter driving license is acquired. In contrast to a car driving license, there is no two-year probationary period that begins after you obtain your driving license. Possession of a scooter license will not count towards a subsequent probationary period.

In addition to acquiring a moped license directly at a driving school, there is another way to obtain a scooter license. This involves obtaining a class A1 driving license. This driving license allows you to drive a light motorcycle with a displacement of up to 125 cc and a maximum engine output of 11 kW. The scooter driving license is integrated into the driving license class A1. This option can be interesting for some learner drivers because, in addition to getting their moped license, they also have the opportunity to drive a larger vehicle.

Moped driving license at 15 years old?

In some German federal states, it is possible to obtain a scooter driving license at the age of 15 due to a new federal regulation from July 28, 2021. Before the new regulation came into force, this pilot project had already been tested in some federal states, allowing 15-year-olds to obtain a class AM driving license to drive a moped or scooter.

The pilot project was carried out in the federal states of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Thuringia. The regulation was introduced on May 1, 2013. It was originally scheduled to expire on April 30, 2018, but was extended by two years to the end of April 2020. This regulation allowed these federal states to lower the minimum age for obtaining a scooter license to 15 years as part of a pilot project. According to the EU regulation, member states can lower the minimum age to 14 years or increase it to 18 years. Germany chose 15 years and conducted a study by the Federal Highway Research Institute which concluded that lowering the age is not recommended for safety reasons.

Until the end of April 2020, 15-year-olds in these federal states had the opportunity to acquire a scooter license. Afterwards, all federal states decided to implement this regulation permanently. In 2020, North Rhine-Westphalia was the first federal state to implement this regulation into applicable law and enable 15-year-olds to permanently acquire a scooter driving license.

Preparation for the scooter driving license at the age of 14 is possible in the federal states that allow the exceptional regulation. Applicants can take the test three months before their 15th birthday, but are not allowed to drive until their 15th birthday.

The cost of a scooter license is similar to that of a car license and depends on the number of driving hours. The cost of a moped license is usually between 500 and 800 euros and includes the costs of driving school, teaching materials, theory and practical exams, vision tests, first aid training, driving license application fees, passport photos and fees for the theory and practical exams. If you fail the exam, additional fees will apply for a retake. It is recommended to learn two driving license classes at the same time to save costs, as the basic fee only applies once. However, this does not apply to the class AM driving license, as it is already included in the class B driving license for cars.

requirements

In addition to the cost of the AM driver's license, the requirements are also important. You must definitely pass an eye test and successfully complete a life-saving course. You must also bring your ID card and a passport photo and fill out the application for the relevant driving license class.

How long is the scooter license valid for? The moped driving license is valid indefinitely, meaning it is valid for life.

Information for holders of an old driving license: If a car driving license was issued before April 1, 1980, it also entitles you to drive class A1 vehicles. If the driver's license is replaced, this will be noted on the new driver's license. However, as of January 2013, driving licenses are only valid for 15 years. The driving license must then be renewed. However, this does not mean that a new exam has to be taken. Only the driver's license as a document will be exchanged.

FAQ: Everything you need to know about your AM driving license

Can I have my moped test certificate converted into an AM driving license?

No, this is not possible. A moped test certificate is not a driving license and only entitles you to drive mopeds. To obtain an AM driver's license, you must attend a driving school and take a test.

Do I need an AM license if I slow my vehicle to 25 km/h?

Yes, in this case too, an AM driving license is required to drive the vehicle on public roads.

Can I take a second person on my scooter with an AM license?

This depends on the scooter’s registration certificate. If additional seats are registered there, it is permitted to transport a second person. However, there is usually only one seat behind the driver.

At what age are children allowed to ride as a pillion passenger on a scooter?

There is no set minimum age. However, it is important that the child sits safely on the scooter. Children under seven need a special child seat to be safe. Older children must be able to place their feet securely on the pillion supports and hold on.

Can I get an international driver's license for my AM driver's license?

No, since class AM only exists in Germany, it is not listed on the international driving license. However, the normal EU class AM driving license is recognized within the EU. If you want to travel to a country outside the EU, you should find out about the regulations there beforehand.

Do I have to wear a helmet on a scooter?

Yes, according to Section 21a Paragraph 2 StVO, you and your passenger must always wear a helmet on a scooter. Failure to comply will result in a fine of 15 euros.

What happens if I only have an AM license but drive a vehicle that can go faster than 45 km/h?

In this case, you are driving a vehicle for which you do not have a license. This is a criminal offense and can lead to the revocation of your driving license.

Can I also drive a scooter abroad with my AM driving license?

No, driving scooters abroad with an AM license is only permitted in certain countries. Different regulations apply in other countries. If you want to travel abroad, you should find out about the relevant national regulations.