How to get a motorcycle licence in Estonia: A, A1 and A2

Driving-school training is compulsory. Without a category B licence, A1 and A2 need 24 hours of theory and 12 hours of riding, plus a first-aid course of 16 academic hours. If you already have B, a shorter course is enough: 10 hours of theory and 10 hours of riding. A course usually costs €510–800 (an estimate from Liikluslab).

The state exam at Transpordiamet is the same for A, A1 and A2. Theory: 40 questions in 30 minutes, up to 5 mistakes, but only one in the safety block. The practical test has two parts. First the yard: slow riding, a slalom, a figure of eight, braking to a stop in a set place, going around an obstacle, and rolling the motorcycle out of a parking space. Each exercise has two attempts. Then at least 35 minutes on the road, in town and outside town.

State fees: theory €30, riding €50, issuing the licence €33 at an office or €23 in e-teenindus. After a third fail on the riding test you have to go back to the driving school. The exam bike can be yours or the school's. You need a helmet, motorcycle boots, gloves, knee, shoulder and elbow protection (or a motorcycle suit), an identity document (ID card or passport), and a charged phone with earphones so you can talk to the examiner.