If you plan to travel the Portuguese roads on two wheels — from the curves of the north to the sun of the Algarve — the first step is to understand the licensing system and the costs involved. Portugal uses a progressive system of categories, and in 2026, the prices and requirements reflect the maturity of this market.
License Categories in Portugal
The age and power of the motorcycle determine which license you should get:
- License A1: Available from age 16 for motorcycles up to 125cc and 11 kW.
- License A2: Available from age 18 for motorcycles up to 35 kW.
- License A (Complete): Available from age 24 (or after two years of experience with the A2 license).
The Fastest Way: The Option for those with a Car License (B)
For many, the most practical and economical solution is the license for 125cc motorcycles. If you already have a category B driving license and are over 25 years old (or meet the experience requirements), you don’t need to get a full A1 license.
Just take a simplified practical course of about 7 hours at a driving school or through the ACP. This course costs, on average, between €200 and €400, avoiding the need for extensive theoretical exams and allowing you to drive popular scooters like the Honda PCX 125.
How Much Does a Full License (A1, A2 or A) Cost in 2026?
For those seeking total freedom of movement, prices in 2026 remain stable compared to the previous year, but vary significantly depending on location:
- National Average: The total cost of the course is between €600 and €1,500. The most common value is around €800 to €1,200.
- Regional Differences: In large cities, prices are higher, ranging from €1,000 to €1,400. In smaller cities in the interior or in the north, it is possible to obtain a driver’s license for between R$700 and R$900.
The standard package from driving schools usually includes registration, 28 to 32 hours of theory, 12 to 15 hours of practice, and the IMT exam.
Additional Costs and Fees
In addition to the driving school, you should account for the following expenses:
- Medical Certificate: Between R$50 and R$100.
- IMT Exams: The theory test costs around €30 and the practical test between €50 and €100.
- Psychological Tests: May be required in certain cases, costing around €100.
- Failures: If you fail, you will have to pay the exam fees and additional lessons again (€40 to €60 per hour).
Tips to Save Time and Money
Experts recommend comparing several schools, as some offer packages with “guaranteed approval” that may be more advantageous in the long run. In addition, you can prepare for the theory exam for free through the tests available on the IMT website.
Before investing in the purchase of your first motorcycle, an excellent strategy is to rent a motorcycle or scooter at rent.moto.com.br. This allows you to test different categories and models to understand which one best suits your style before making a final decision.
Getting a motorcycle license is like unlocking a new level of freedom in a video game: it requires an initial investment of time and coins, but it gives you access to paths and experiences that were previously out of your reach.