Theory for Category A (Motorcycles)

Category A1 – motorcycles whose engine displacement exceeds 50 cm³ but does not exceed 125 cm³, whose power does not exceed 11 kW and whose power-to-weight ratio is no greater than 0.1 kW/kg, as well as tricycles whose power is no greater than 15 kW.

Category A2 – motorcycles whose power is no greater than 35 kW and whose power-to-weight ratio is no greater than 0.2 kW/kg, and which are not derived from a vehicle of more than twice their power.

Category A – tricycles whose power exceeds 15 kW, and motorcycles.

The minimum age, except for the persons specified in paragraph 3 of this article, from which one may obtain the right to drive motor vehicles, their combinations with trailers, and from which a driver's license may be issued:

• Category AM – 15 years;
• Category A1 – 16 years;
• Category A2 – 18 years;
• Category A – 20 years, except for the right to drive tricycles; to obtain the right to drive category A motorcycles, two years of driving experience with category A2 vehicles is required; the requirement of two years of driving experience with category A2 vehicles does not apply to persons aged 24; the right to drive tricycles whose power exceeds 15 kW is granted to persons aged 21 and over.

A driver's license confirming the right to drive category A2 vehicles also confers the right to drive category A1 vehicles.

A driver's license confirming the right to drive category A vehicles also confers the right to drive category A1 and A2 vehicles.

A motorcyclist should wear brightly colored clothing or a vest that helps stand out from the flow of other road users.

Appropriate clothing is considered to be that intended to protect a motorcyclist riding on an asphalt or concrete surface:
helmet – a certified safety helmet for motorcyclists with integrated eye protection or motorcyclist goggles;
elbow, knee and shoulder protection – leather, textile or friction-resistant material-reinforced jeans and a jacket with integrated elbow, knee and shoulder protection, or detachable elbow, knee and shoulder protection – "armor";
gloves – friction-resistant gloves protecting the palms and knuckles and covering the hand;
boots – boots for motorcyclists, resistant to friction and cuts, with a hard sole. The label of quality boots usually indicates conformity with the EN 13634 standard.

Examples of unsuitable motorcyclist clothing:
helmet of inappropriate size, broken, without eye protection or additional protective goggles, or with poorly transparent eye protection;
elbow, knee and shoulder protection not intended for motorcyclists, or clothing (of roller skaters or other sports), of inappropriate size or with broken fastening elements;
skiing, motocross, work or other gloves not intended to protect against friction with the asphalt or concrete surface;
leisure or sports shoes.

When traveling in a motor vehicle and a trailer with seat belts installed, passengers must fasten their seat belts, and when riding on a motorcycle, moped, light quadricycle, quadricycle, powerful quadricycle or tricycle – they must wear fastened motorcyclist's helmets. It is permitted to ride without a motorcyclist's helmet if the moped, motorcycle, tricycle, light quadricycle, quadricycle or powerful quadricycle has a body (cabin) or built-in roll bars, the purpose of which is to protect the driver and passenger from impacts, and seat belts are installed.

• Show where you will check the oil level in the engine.

The oil level in the engine is checked by looking through the sight glass next to the crankcase or by using a dipstick.

• Explain how you will check whether the oil level in the engine is sufficient.

The oil level must correspond to the marks either on the engine block or on the level gauge; the mark must be no lower than "L" ("LOW") minimum and no higher than "M" ("MAX") maximum.

• Show where the brake fluid reservoir (container) is located.

The front reservoir is usually near the handlebars, next to the front brake lever; on some motorcycle models it is lower, near the fuel tank. The rear reservoir is usually under the seat, but it may also be in a hidden place, so the easiest way to find it is by tracing the brake fluid line from the rear brakes.

• Explain how you will check whether the brake fluid level is sufficient to drive safely.

The brake fluid level must correspond to the marks either on the expansion tank or on the level gauge; the mark must be no lower than "L" ("LOW") minimum and no higher than "M" ("MAX") maximum.

• Explain how you will check the condition of the drive chain.

With the motorcycle standing on the ground, lift the chain from below to above; the recommended amplitude is 2–3 cm. On some motorcycles, the amplitude may be greater, so for each motorcycle, when checking, you should read its factory specifications. When rotating the rear wheel, the chain must lie evenly on the sprocket; all chain links must move freely but not too freely, with a maximum movement amplitude of 3–4 mm.

• Explain how you will check whether the air pressure in the tires is sufficient to drive safely.

The air pressure in the tires is checked with a pressure gauge. By comparing the readings with the value recommended by the manufacturer, you will find out whether the air pressure in the tires is sufficient to drive safely. The readings are provided either in the manufacturer's instructions or on a white plate on the motorcycle. The plate is usually located on the rear axle of the motorcycle, under the fuel tank or seat.

• Explain how you will check whether the tire tread depth is sufficient to drive safely.

The tire tread depth can be measured with a caliper or a special tool – a micrometer, caliper or ruler. The tire tread has indicators showing the minimum permitted depth. The minimum permitted depth is 0.8 mm.

• Explain how you will check whether the overall tire condition is suitable for safe driving.

Inspect the tires; they must not be cracked, bulged, cut or otherwise damaged. The tread depth must correspond to the permitted minimum of 0.8 mm; tire wear must be even. There must be no bulges or damage.

• Show how you will check whether the hazard warning signals work.

With the switch on, check whether all hazard warning signal bulbs are flashing. The switch is usually on the handlebars. Some motorcycle models do not have hazard warning signals.

• Show how you will check whether the brakes work.

Push the motorcycle with the brakes pressed. The motorcycle must not move from the spot. The pressed brake lever must not reach the handlebars. The travel of the brake pedal and lever must not be too soft.

• Show how you will check whether the steering moves freely.

When turned, the steering must turn easily, not wobble, and not stick.

• Show how you will check whether the lights work and whether the reflectors are clean.

With the lights switched on, walk around and check whether the lights are illuminated and whether the reflectors are clean. The brake light check may be carried out by placing a hand near the rear light and pressing the front or rear brake.

• Show how you will check whether the audio warning signal works.

When the audio signal button is pressed, an audio signal must sound. On some motorcycles, the ignition must be switched on first.

• Show how you will check whether the turn signals work.

For the turn signals to work, the ignition must be switched on. By switching on the turn signals alternately, walk around the motorcycle and check whether the turn signals on both sides work.