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Do you need a license to drive a quad?

You want to do a little quad ride with family or friends and you would like to drive one to discover new sensations? Like any mechanical device, the quad may be subject to the obligation to have a driving license , but not in all cases, such as for jet skiing.

Do you have to have a car license or a motorcycle license to drive a quad ? And if so, which one? Here are the answers!

A permit for what type of quad?

First of all, you should know that for any quad homologated and therefore authorized to circulate on public roads (since 2005, quads must be registered), that the regulations provide for two distinctions:the light quad and the heavy quad .

The "light" quad is a machine that does not exceed 50 cm3 (i.e. 4 kW for an electric or diesel motor) and 45 km/h. To drive a lightweight quadricycle , it is not necessary to have a permit. However, people born on or after January 1, 1988 must be at least 14 years old and hold a BSR/AM (Brevet de Sécurité Routière category AM) with the "quadricycle" or "moped" option.

The “heavy” quad, on the other hand, exceeds 50 cm3 and can travel at more than 45 km/h. The power of a heavy quadricycle is limited to 15 kW (i.e. 20 horsepower). To drive a heavy quad, you must have a driving license.

What license to drive a quad?

If you plan to drive a so-called "heavy" quad, you will therefore need to have the appropriate license for this. Yes, but what license do you need?

To drive a "heavy" quadricycle you must hold the following valid licenses:

  • before January 19, 2013, permits A, A1, A2, A3, B, B1
  • after 19 January 2013, the B or B1 permit

In addition, to transport a passenger on the quad you will drive, it is absolutely necessary that the vehicle has two very distinct seats:either a double saddle or a bench seat.