Like most major European cities, Barcelona is swarming with mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles. There are many benefits to eliminating cars from your life and investing in these little wonders. Known locally as “motos”, Barcelona tops the list with the highest number of two-wheeled vehicles per capita in all of Europe.
So why do almost 300,000 Barcelonans choose two over four wheels? Well, there is the price, with basic motos costing less than 500€. There is designated parking around the city, which is free. You can filter through the traffic and beat the awkward bulky cars, vans and busses. And getting a driver’s license is pretty straight forward.
The A1 Licence
Photo credit: HarryetN via Visualhunt.com / CC BY-NC-SA
If you have a driver’s license issued by an EU country and have three years driving experience, you are eligible to drive a motorcycle with an engine size of between 50cc and 125cc. However, if you are a resident of Spain you have 6 months to exchange your license (if it is eligible) for a Spanish equivalent. To exchange your license, you must do a driver theory test. This will give you a standard Spanish B license.
Now it goes without saying that if you have no previous experience on a two-wheeled vehicle, you should take lessons with a licensed instructor. Safety should be your number one priority, you cannot effectively look after your own safety if you do not know how to maneuver your vehicle correctly or if you do not know the rules of the road in Spain.
The A2 Licence
If you are over 18 and want to get your Moto A2 license which entitles you to drive a motorcycle over 125cc and maximum power of 35kW, there are many “autoescuelas” or driving schools in Barcelona. These play a major part in getting your license in Barcelona as they will organize the submitting of your application. Autoescuela Corsa, is a company that offers both theory tests and lessons in English. They have a package for 375€ which includes, tuition, theoretical courses, processing fees, materials, the online test, 2 practical closed circuit classes and 2 practical lessons. Other driving schools offering English language lessons and test include DrivingBCN and STOP n’ DRIVE.
Photo via VisualHunt
The first step is completing a two-part traffic regulation theory test which consists of a general theory test and a motorcycle specific one. If you already possess your A1 license you are exempt from this test. After this, you must complete a set number of practice hours on an eligible vehicle. Your practical test lasts for 45 minutes. Once passed, you are eligible for your A2 license.
Now that you know how to get your license, it’s time to get out and immerse yourself in the moto culture of Barcelona!