How much does a Category A motorcycle licence cost? Lauris’s experience — 8 weeks and €1,018

How much does a Category A motorcycle licence cost? Lauris’s experience — 8 weeks and €1,018

Dreaming of riding a motorcycle but unsure how much time and money getting a Category A licence will take? MotoGuru’s friend Lauris has just completed the process. Eight weeks passed between his first theory class and his new driving licence, and his reported training and CSDD costs totalled €1,018. His experience highlights what to consider before enrolling and why the final cost may exceed your initial budget.

How did Lauris choose his motorcycle school?

Lauris already held a Category B driving licence, which he had obtained six years earlier, and had previous motorcycle riding experience.

While searching online, he chose SIA “A kategorija” — the first school he found on Google. The low prices advertised on its website appealed to him.

However, his experience shows why it is worth looking beyond the initial price. How much does each riding lesson cost? Is the price for 45 or 90 minutes? Is the school’s test included? How is the need for additional lessons assessed? These answers will help you plan a more realistic budget.

Theory: three evenings and four attempts at CSDD

As Lauris already held a Category B licence, his theory course consisted of three classes on three consecutive days. Each class ran from 18:00 to 22:30.

After attending the classes, he immediately booked riding lessons and the school’s theory test. He passed the school’s theory test on his second attempt, paying an additional €20 for the retake. Alongside his practical training, he also took the CSDD theory test, passing on his fourth attempt.

This is a useful reminder for aspiring riders: a Category B licence and road experience do not automatically make the motorcycle theory test a formality. Set aside time for independent study, test your knowledge and understand your mistakes rather than simply memorising the correct answers.

First aid training: two days and €50

Lauris also attended a first aid course costing €50. It took place over two days: Friday from 17:00 to 22:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00. According to this schedule, he needed to set aside 12 hours for the course.

Remember to include the time and cost of this course when planning your training.

Riding lessons: why did the cost exceed the budget?

According to Lauris, the minimum riding requirement in his training programme was 10 academic hours. One academic hour lasts 45 minutes.

Despite his previous riding experience, his instructor assessed that additional lessons were needed. In total, he paid for 18 academic hours, equivalent to 13 hours and 30 minutes. The final two academic hours were used for the school’s riding test.

Lauris initially budgeted €400–€500 for riding lessons, but the final cost was €690 — €190–€290 more than expected.

Lauris personally felt that six additional training hours were unnecessary. This is his assessment of his own experience, rather than evidence that additional lessons are generally unnecessary. If you are unsure why more lessons are recommended, ask your instructor which skills still need improvement and how your readiness for the test will be assessed.

Finding an instructor you can communicate with

Initially, Lauris struggled to establish a good working relationship with his instructor, so he decided to switch. After continuing his training with Lelde, he appreciated her attitude and teaching approach.

The practical lesson is simple: if you do not feel heard or do not understand the explanations, discuss this with your instructor. If the relationship still does not work, consider changing instructors. Being able to ask questions and receive clear feedback matters during training.

The hardest exercise: emergency braking

Emergency braking took Lauris the longest to master. His previous motorcycle experience did not automatically make this exercise easy.

Lauris recommends practising between lessons. He rented a 125 cc motorcycle from MotoGuru to develop his riding skills further and familiarise himself with roads that might be used during the test.

In Latvia, a Category B driving licence allows you to ride a motorcycle meeting Category A1 requirements; CSDD specifies an engine capacity of up to 125 cc and a power output of up to 11 kW. When choosing a rental motorcycle, check that it meets the category requirements. This entitlement under Category B applies within Latvia.

Independent riding can supplement your training, but a 125 cc motorcycle differs from the motorcycle used for a Category A test. Practise manoeuvres in a suitable area where access is permitted, and learn emergency braking technique with an instructor first. During the test, you also need to ride safely on unfamiliar routes.

Both riding tests passed first time

Lauris passed the school’s riding test on his first attempt. He then booked the CSDD riding test and passed that first time too.

He particularly appreciated the CSDD examiner’s friendly manner, which helped ease his nerves before the test.

How long did getting the licence take?

Lauris enrolled approximately one month before his 24th birthday. His training began on 4 August, and he obtained his Category A licence on 29 September — exactly eight weeks later.

This is one person’s experience, rather than a guaranteed timeline for every aspiring rider. Lesson availability, the amount of practice needed and test results will all affect how long the process takes.

How much did Lauris’s Category A licence cost?

Expense

Amount reported by Lauris

School theory course and first theory test attempt

€122

Second attempt at the school’s theory test

€20

First aid course

€50

Riding lessons and the school’s riding test

€690

CSDD theory test: 4 × €12

€48

CSDD riding test

€65

Driving licence replacement

€23

Total

€1,018

These are the costs Lauris reported for his own training, rather than a current school or CSDD price list. The total excludes additional motorcycle rental, fuel and any expenses for riding gear or a medical examination, as these amounts were not provided.

What should you consider before enrolling?

Lauris’s experience offers five practical tips:

1. Find out all the costs. Compare lesson lengths, prices and test fees.
2. Allow room in your budget. The minimum number of lessons may not be enough, even if you have ridden before.
3. Make time for theory. Holding a Category B licence does not guarantee a first-time pass.
4. Talk to your instructor. Find out what you are doing well and what still needs work.
5. Supplement your lessons with thoughtful practice. Use a motorcycle your licence permits you to ride and follow your instructor’s advice.

If you are preparing for Category A and want to spend more time on a motorcycle, explore the 125 cc motorcycle rental options on the MotoGuru website. In Lauris’s case, additional riding was part of his preparation for passing both riding tests.