Swiss driving theory: car, motorcycle & moped compared
Which Swiss licence is right for you – car, motorcycle or moped? The complete guide to categories, minimum age, exam format and preparation.
Three licence categories, one goal
Switzerland has three main categories with their own theory test: car (Cat. B), motorcycle (Cat. A / A1) and moped (Cat. M). This guide highlights the differences and helps you pick the right path. Want to jump straight in? Our hub page Learn driving theory covers all three categories in one app.
Car theory (Cat. B) – the classic
The car theory test is the most common route to a Swiss licence:
- 50 questions, max. 150 points (until 31 Dec 2026; from 1 Jan 2027: 55 questions)
- 135 points to pass (max. 15 penalty points, until 31 Dec 2026)
- Time limit: approx. 45 minutes (until 31 Dec 2026)
- Minimum age: 17 years (earlier with a training form)
- Exam fee: cantonal – ask your road traffic office (SVA)
From 1 Jan 2027 basic theory has 55 questions — details: Theory test 2027.
Topics cover traffic rules, signs, priority, vehicle knowledge, environment and situational questions with traffic images.
Motorcycle theory (Cat. A / A1) – same base plus two-wheeler topics
The base theory for motorcycle is identical to the car test. Pass one and you don't have to retake it for the other category. The difference is in the categorisation:
- Cat. A1 from age 15: up to 50 cc / 4 kW
- Cat. A1 from age 16: up to 125 cc / 11 kW
- Cat. A unrestricted: from age 18 (with a staged licence)
Not “everything from 15 with 125 cc”: the age split matters. Full detail on the theory exam, age and prep: A1 licence Switzerland. It also pays to study motorcycle-specific topics: cornering, braking distance and protective gear. Practice on Motorcycle theory course.
Moped theory (Cat. M) – your first licence from age 14
The moped test is the simplest of the three and often the first licence for teenagers:
- 30 questions, compact question pool
- Minimum age: 14 years
- For mopeds (up to 30 km/h) and fast e-bikes
- Max. 9 error points allowed (81/90 points to pass)
The content is a reduced subset focused on two-wheeler traffic rules. More details: Learn moped theory test free.
At-a-glance comparison
| Category | Age | Questions | Pass mark | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car (B) | 17 | 50 | 135 / 150 | 45 min |
| Motorcycle (A1) | 15 (50 cc) / 16 (125 cc) | 50 | 135 / 150 | 45 min |
| Motorcycle (A) | 18 | 50 | 135 / 150 | 45 min |
| Moped (M) | 14 | 30 | 81 / 90 | 45 min |
How to prepare – for any category
- Start early – 4–8 weeks of regular practice beats one crammed week.
- Read the explanations, don't just memorise answers.
- Run mock exams under the real timer to train exam feel.
- Target your weak spots – the app shows where you still struggle.
Why a combined platform?
Theorie Swiss bundles car, motorcycle and moped in a single web app – handy when you plan several licences (e.g. moped first, then car, later motorcycle). One access, all questions, progress synced across phone, tablet and laptop.
Next steps
- Try the free demo to see the exam format.
- Read the overview on Learn driving theory with category picker and comparison table.
- Pick your package and practise with a money-back guarantee.
