The moped theory test (category M) is the entry to powered two-wheelers in Switzerland – from age 14, shorter than car basic theory, taken at the cantonal road traffic office. This guide covers age, the office process, the asa exam format, typical topics and how to prepare.
Minimum age 14 and who needs category M
Category M starts at age 14. It covers mopeds and fast e-bikes up to 45 km/h – not car basic theory. Slow e-bikes up to 25 km/h usually do not need category M; confirm with the office if unsure.
If you later want a car (B) or motorcycle (A1/A) licence, you sit basic theory separately. A pass in moped theory does not replace the 50-question test (55 from 2027). See Theory test 2027.
Process at the road traffic office
You sit category M at the cantonal office or a designated centre – not at Theorie Swiss. Typical path: apply as the canton requires, bring ID, appear on the exam day. Some cantons use walk-in, others book online. Use the official cantonal page or the locations hub.
After a pass, the office issues category M. Practical moped riding is not part of this theory test.
Format: 30 questions, 90 points, max 9 error points
Per asa, the moped theory test has 30 questions, 90 points and at most 9 error points, in 45 minutes. That is shorter than car/motorcycle basic theory (50 questions until 31 Dec 2026, 55 from 1 Jan 2027).
Questions can have several correct answers. You collect error points. Practise in exam style with scoring rather than flashcards only.
Typical category M topics
Priority: right-before-left, pedestrians on crossings, trams, roundabouts. Mountain roads are a separate pattern – uphill before downhill when meeting on a narrow stretch; junctions still follow signs or right-before-left. See Swiss traffic rules and Priority on mountain roads.
Signs and markings, speed and distance, lights and visibility, alcohol and fitness to drive, plus stopping, one-way streets and emergency corridors. Separate the patterns instead of mixing them.
How to study efficiently
Plan two to four weeks with 20–30 minutes a day. Start with a short demo, then blocks: priority and signs, then speed and lights, then mixed timed simulations.
A week-by-week plan is in the Theory exam study plan article. The free practise page is the no-signup start; the full pool covers car, motorcycle and moped.
Practise the theory test · Swiss traffic rules · Theory test 2027 · Study plan · Locations