What Driving Licence Do You Need to Hire a Moped in France?
One of the most common questions we get at Rentascoot is some version of: "Hang on — do I actually need a special licence for this?"
The short answer: it depends on the engine size. A 50cc moped is accessible to almost anyone with a standard car licence. A 125cc requires a bit more — but probably less than you'd expect. Here's a clear breakdown.
🛵 Hiring a 50cc Moped — What You Need
Good news: if you hold a standard car licence (category B), you can ride a 50cc scooter or moped in France. No motorcycle training required.
One thing worth knowing: your car licence must have been issued on or after 1 January 2013 for this to apply automatically. Licences issued before that date may not include the AM category (moped entitlement) unless you completed a separate moped course at age 14.
In practice, most tourists visiting from the UK, Ireland, Australia, or anywhere within the EU with a standard car licence are covered for a 50cc. We'll ask to see it at collection — that's all.
One firm rule: you must be at least 16 years old to ride a 50cc.
⚡ Hiring a 125cc Scooter — Two Ways to Qualify
A 125cc gives you considerably more freedom — faster roads, easier overtaking on the corniche, and the ability to reach Monaco along the coastal route. Here's how to legally ride one:
Option 1 — A1 Motorcycle Licence
The A1 is a dedicated motorcycle licence for engines up to 125cc and 11kW. It's recognised across the European Union and in most countries worldwide. If you hold one, you're covered everywhere — Nice, Monaco, Italy, no restrictions.
Option 2 — Car Licence (B) + 7-Hour Training Certificate
This is the French shortcut, and it's quite practical. If you've held a car licence for at least 2 years and completed a 7-hour practical training course at an approved driving school, you receive a certificate authorising you to ride up to 125cc.
The important caveat — this certificate is valid in France only. Not in Monaco, not in Italy, not elsewhere in Europe. If your trip takes you across any border, this option won't cover you there.
🗺️ What About Monaco?
Monaco occupies a legal grey area here. It isn't part of the European Union and operates under its own traffic regulations. In practice, French authorities tolerate the B + 7h certificate for riding into Monaco, and we've never had a customer report any trouble.
That said, if Monaco is a specific goal, the cleanest solution is an A1 licence — it removes any ambiguity entirely.
🌍 International Visitors — Will My Licence Work?
EU licence holders: Yes, fully valid. A European category B covers 50cc; A1 covers 125cc. The rules above apply exactly as written.
UK licence holders (post-Brexit): A standard UK car licence is treated as equivalent to a French category B for 50cc hire in France. For a 125cc, you'll need a UK motorcycle entitlement (category A1 or equivalent).
Australian, Canadian, and other international licences: A standard car licence is treated as equivalent to category B for 50cc hire. For a 125cc, you'd need a motorcycle entitlement from your home country.
Important: If your licence is not in the Latin alphabet (Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, etc.), you'll need an International Driving Permit to accompany it. We'd recommend carrying one regardless — it makes any roadside check considerably smoother.
📋 Quick Reference
| Scooter | What you need | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| 50cc moped | Car licence (B), issued after 1 Jan 2013 | 16 |
| 125cc | A1 motorcycle licence | 16 |
| 125cc | B licence (2+ years) + 7h certificate (France only) | 18+ (implied by B licence age) |
🙋 Not Sure Where You Stand?
Just ask us. We check licences every single day and can tell you in 30 seconds whether you're sorted. We'd far rather answer the question before you book than have an awkward conversation at collection — that helps nobody.
You can reach us via the booking page, WhatsApp, or email. Our team speaks English, French, Italian, Russian and Dutch — so feel free to get in touch however suits you best.
🚀 The Short Version
Most visitors to Nice already have everything they need. A car licence gets you on a 50cc straight away. Add an A1 or the 7-hour certificate and a 125cc is yours to enjoy. The French Riviera is waiting — don't let a paperwork question stop you from exploring it properly on two wheels.
The whole Rentascoot team is happy to help you work out the right scooter for your licence. See you out on the road 🌴