Young motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in traffic and often suffer severe injuries at above- average rates. Lack of driving practice is a central cause of accidents: hazards are recognized too late or not at all, and one's abilities are overestimated.
In Switzerland, young people can take to the roads with a 125cc motorcycle directly after passing the theory test at the age of 16 with a learner permit. The basic course can be completed later within four months. Those who complete theory and practice for 50cc (45 km/h) at 15 can switch to a 125cc motorcycle without further training upon turning 16.
With the new 'Ready to Ride' concept in collaboration with the Road Safety Fund, TCS offers training at its driving centers, allowing young people to gain driving experience even before the first unaccompanied ride. The aim is to reduce accidents and make entry into two-wheeled mobility safer.
Practice in a Safe Environment
With parental consent, young people from 15 years can attend the 'Ready to Ride' course. Participants do not need prior knowledge or a driver's or learning permit for the course. They engage in practical learning of driving techniques, safety, and personal responsibility, and develop a reflective attitude towards motorcycling.
The course consists of three modules and takes place exclusively at TCS training centers. "In this safe environment, participants can gain their first practical experiences and feel early on what is needed for safe cornering, for example," explains Adrian Suter, Head of Education and Development at TCS Training. The price of 180 francs is possible thanks to the subsidy from the Road Safety Fund. Not only are the motorcycles (125cc) and scooters (45 km/h) provided, but also the complete protective gear including helmet, boots, jacket, trousers, and gloves.
Alarming Accident Figures
According to a report by the Federal Roads Office ASTRA, the average number of 15 to 17-year- olds seriously injured on small motorcycles has more than doubled (+111 percent): from an average of 66 per year (2014-2020) to 139 per year (2021-2023). In 2024, 153 young people aged 15 to 17 were seriously injured in Switzerland, and three lost their lives. Overall, two-thirds of serious personal injuries in road traffic in this age group are due to motorcycle accidents.
The 16 to 17-year-old (small) motorcyclists mainly caused the serious accidents due to excessive speed (approx. 31 percent), inattention and distraction (approx. 30 percent), and improper driving maneuvers (approx. 9 percent).
The Path to A1 Category Driving License
The main steps according to asa, the association of road traffic offices:
- Submit the application for A1 category at the road
traffic office
- Pass the theory test (possible 1 month before the 16th birthday)
- At the age of 16, receive the learner permit, allowing independent motorcycle riding
- The learner permit is initially valid for 4 months, during which the basic practical training (three
courses of 4 hours each) must be completed. Completion of the basic course extends the learner
permit by 12 months
- Within these 12 months, the practical driving test must be completed to obtain the A1 license;
otherwise, the permit expires. The learner permit cannot be extended, and a new application must be
submitted.
Press contact:
Vanessa Flack, Media Spokesperson TCS Tel. 058 827 34 41
vanessa.flack@tcs.ch