What licence do you need to ride a 125cc scooter in Alicante?
A quick, no-fine-print guide to the licences you need to rent and ride a 125cc scooter in Spain: category B, A1, A2 and foreign licences.
It’s the question we get asked the most, and fair enough: the rules aren’t as well known as the car ones. The short answer:
With a Spanish category B car licence (held for 3+ years) you can ride our 125cc scooters. A1, A2 and A licences also work.
Now the fine print — there isn’t much, because at RODA we don’t like hiding things.
🪪 Category B car licence
If you hold a Spanish car licence (B) and you got it more than 3 years ago, you can legally ride a 125cc scooter in Spain. That simple: no extra licence, no additional courses.
What if I’ve had my B licence for less than 3 years? Then the law doesn’t allow it, and you’ll need an A1 licence or higher. It’s a safety restriction for new drivers.
🏍️ Motorbike licences (A1, A2, A)
All of these let you ride a 125cc:
| Licence | Valid for a 125cc? | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | ✅ Yes | 16 |
| A2 | ✅ Yes | 18 |
| A | ✅ Yes | 20 (or 2 years holding A2) |
If you already have one of these, you’re set.
🌍 Foreign licences
Visiting the Costa Blanca from abroad? This is where the detail matters most:
- The “B licence + 3 years = 125” rule is a Spanish rule. In several countries — the UK, the Netherlands, Norway or Sweden among them — a car licence does not cover a 125 at home.
- If you hold an EU/EEA motorbike licence (A1, A2 or A) in force, you can ride with it in Spain, no extra paperwork.
- Foreign car licence, or coming from outside the EU? Message us on WhatsApp before counting on the bike and we’ll check it with your licence in front of us.
Important: always carry your physical licence. Photos on your phone don’t count if the police stop you.
❓ Licence FAQ
Can I carry a passenger on a 125 with a B licence?
Yes. Our 125 scooters are approved for two people. You just need a second helmet (we rent one for an extra €10).
Does B + 3 years let me ride any 125?
Yes, any automatic or manual 125cc within the power limits (up to 11 kW / 15 hp). All our scooters are within them.
Do I need previous experience to rent?
No. Automatic 125s are very easy to ride. We explain how everything works before you set off and we stay available on WhatsApp throughout the rental.
🧾 Documents you need to rent
When you come to pick up your scooter, bring:
- Your physical driving licence (original)
- A valid ID card or passport
- A card for the deposit (€300, fully refunded at return)
That’s it. No hidden fees, no surprise extra insurance you haven’t seen before.
🎯 Summary
| Your licence | Can you ride a 125? |
|---|---|
| Spanish B, 3+ years | ✅ Yes |
| Spanish B, under 3 years | ❌ No (you need A1) |
| A1, A2, A (Spain or EU/EEA) | ✅ Yes |
| Foreign car licence | 🤝 Message us and we’ll check it with you |
| No licence | ❌ No |
Still unsure? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll confirm whether your licence works in under an hour.