Choosing the right driving licence category in Greece depends on the type of vehicle you want to use, your age, and in some cases the licence you already hold. For new drivers, the categories most often discussed are AM, A1, A2, A and B.

If you have been searching for a Greek driving licence explained in simple terms, the key point is that motorcycle categories are divided by engine capacity and power, while Category B mainly covers ordinary passenger cars. Each category has its own minimum-age rules and vehicle limits.

Category AM: Mopeds and Light Quadricycles

AM is the entry-level category for smaller motor vehicles.

A Greek driving licence in Category AM covers mopeds and light quadricycles. The minimum age is 16.

This category is commonly relevant to younger riders who want to use low-powered two-wheelers rather than a full motorcycle.

Applicants should not assume that AM allows them to ride any motorcycle. Larger or more powerful motorcycles require one of the A categories.

Category A1: Motorcycles Up to 125cc

A1 is the next step for riders who want something more powerful than a moped.

The category covers motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 125 cc, maximum power of 11 kW, and a power-to-weight ratio below 0.1 kW/kg. It also includes certain motor tricycles with power not exceeding 15 kW. The minimum age is 18.

For many new motorcycle riders, A1 offers a practical starting point because it allows access to common lightweight motorcycles without moving directly to higher-powered machines.

When comparing Greek driving licence categories, always check the actual power and engine specifications of the motorcycle you plan to use.

Category A2: Medium-Power Motorcycles

A2 is intended for riders who want access to more powerful motorcycles but are not yet eligible for unrestricted Category A.

The minimum age is 20. Category A2 covers motorcycles with a maximum power of 35 kW and a power-to-weight ratio below 0.2 kW/kg. The motorcycle must also meet rules relating to whether it has been restricted from a higher-powered model.

This category is particularly important for people planning to progress gradually through the motorcycle licensing system.

If you already know that you eventually want an unrestricted motorcycle licence, A2 may form part of that progression.

Category A: Unrestricted Motorcycle Licence

Category A is the main unrestricted motorcycle category.

It covers motorcycles generally, including higher-powered models, as well as motor tricycles above the specified power limit. The standard minimum age is 24. However, someone who has already held Category A2 for at least two years may qualify earlier under the progressive-access route. Greece’s current administrative guidance places that earlier route at age 22.

This is one reason why riders should think about their long-term plans before choosing a category.

Someone starting at A1 or A2 may later extend their licence rather than beginning the entire process again.

Category B: The Main Car Licence

For most people searching for a Greek driving licence explained, Category B is the most relevant category.

Category B covers cars with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3,500 kg and designed to carry no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver.

This is the standard category used for ordinary passenger cars.

Current Greek administrative rules also allow a route beginning from age 17. A person who has not yet reached 18 and successfully completes the practical test may drive under accompanied-driving conditions until reaching the normal adult threshold.

That makes age an important detail for younger applicants. If you are applying before 18, check the current supervised-driving rules rather than assuming you have the same privileges as an adult licence holder.

Do These Categories Have the Same Validity?

For ordinary private-vehicle categories, Greece applies a long administrative validity period.

Licences covering AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B and BE are generally valid for 15 years before age 65, subject to the applicable renewal and medical rules.

Validity periods become shorter at older ages, and medical conditions can also affect renewal requirements.

So even after obtaining the licence, drivers should pay attention to the expiry date shown on the document.

Do You Need Medical Checks?

Medical fitness is part of the licensing process.

Greek administrative procedures require applicants for motorcycle categories such as AM, A1, A2 and A to be found medically fit after examinations by doctors from at least two medical specialties.

Similar fitness requirements apply across the wider licensing system depending on the category and applicant.

It is worth arranging required medical documents early, especially if you are planning lessons or booking examinations.

Which Greek Driving Licence Category Should You Choose?

The answer depends mainly on the vehicle.

If you plan to ride a moped, AM may be enough. A1 suits smaller motorcycles, A2 covers medium-powered motorcycles, and A is designed for unrestricted motorcycle use. For ordinary cars, Category B is usually the correct choice.

Do not choose a category simply because it sounds broader. Higher categories can have higher age thresholds, additional training requirements or different testing rules.

Before applying, check:

• Your age

• The vehicle’s engine size or power

• Maximum authorised mass

• Whether you already hold another category

• Whether progressive access applies

• Current medical and training requirements

Greek Driving Licence Explained in Simple Terms

The easiest way to understand the Greek driving licence system is to think of it as a progression based on vehicle type and risk.

AM starts with mopeds, A1 and A2 gradually increase motorcycle power, Category A removes most motorcycle power restrictions, and Category B covers ordinary passenger cars.

Applicants should always verify current requirements through official Greek government services before paying for training or scheduling an exam. Age rules, administrative procedures and medical requirements can change.

Knowing the correct category at the beginning can save time, avoid unnecessary training costs, and make the whole licensing process easier to understand.