Moving from A1 to A2: do you have to retake the theory test?

The Italian Transport Ministry provides that an A1 holder may obtain A2 by taking only the practical test, without retaking the theory test. You still need to apply, meet the requirements and pass the required practical exam.

What access through a practical test means

The Ministry’s page for A2 and A licences says that holders of A1, B1, B or BE may obtain A2 or A by taking only the practical test. An A1 holder moving to A2 therefore does not repeat the theory test under this route. That does not make the upgrade automatic: you still need to submit an application and pass the required test.

This rule describes one specific route and does not remove applicable age, administrative, medical or technical conditions. The motorcycle used for the test must meet the Ministry’s specifications for the category. A current licence and any code 78 restriction linked to an automatic test may also affect the procedure and the resulting limitation.

Check the procedure before booking

Before starting the application, check the current Ministry page and ask the Motor Vehicle Office or a driving school how to document your A1 licence and what features the test motorcycle must have. Administrative steps and eligible test vehicles can change; do not rely on an old guide or on instructions for a direct first-time application.

For example, someone who has held A1 for only a short time may apply for A2 through the practical-test route, but does not gain the category until they pass and the new licence is issued. A1 remains the licence they hold in the meantime. Theory review is still useful for understanding the category and vehicle, while practical preparation requires suitable training with a driving school or authorised instructor. For the A2 practical test, MIT allows three attempts within eleven months after the learner permit is issued.

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