Tennis world number one Jannik Sinner passed his motorcycle practical test in Monte Carlo on October 2, 2026, securing his official rider’s license after four previous failures. The 25-year-old Italian athlete successfully completed the examination with the Monegasque driving school Monaco Bonne Conduite, which confirmed the milestone on social media.
The official certification permits the South Tyrolean player to operate high-displacement motorcycles, expanding his transit options beyond the smaller two-wheelers permitted under a standard passenger car driver’s license.
How Sinner Failed Four Tests Before Passing in Monte Carlo
The journey toward obtaining a motorcycle license played out publicly over several months in 2026. Coach Darren Cahill first brought the recurring failures to light in April during an interview in the YouTube video series “Jannik Sinner Unfiltered: Q&A.” When Cahill asked how many times he had repeated the motorcycle examination, Sinner laughed and admitted to three consecutive failures.
The setbacks continued through the peak of the tennis season. Sinner addressed his ongoing struggles again on July 12, 2026, following his victory over Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon singles final. Speaking at the traditional Champions’ Ball at the All England Club in London, the top-ranked player revealed he had taken the test immediately before traveling to the tournament, resulting in a fourth failure. When questioned about tournament pressure by attendees in London, Sinner joked about his driving test woes, stating he had failed four times and did not know what else could cause him pressure.
The fifth attempt in Monte Carlo finally cleared the hurdle. The driving school Monaco Bonne Conduite published a photograph of Sinner alongside his instructor to celebrate the result, writing on Instagram that they were proud to have supported him throughout his training.
Injury Layoff and the Upcoming Six Kings Slam in Riad
The motorcycle license approval coincides with a prolonged period away from competitive tennis fixtures due to a lingering inflammation in Sinner’s right knee. Sinner has not contested an official ATP Tour match since his Wimbledon triumph in July, forcing him to miss tournaments in Montreal, Cincinnati, the US Open, and the ATP 500 event in Beijing, where he was unable to defend his 2025 title.
Despite the inactivity, Sinner extended his tenure at the summit of the ATP rankings to 91 weeks. That lead remains vulnerable, however, as Alexander Zverev has the mathematical opportunity to overtake the Italian if Sinner skips the Shanghai Masters and Zverev captures back-to-back titles in China. Sinner’s next scheduled appearance is slated for the Six Kings Slam exhibition tournament in Riad, Saudi Arabia, running from October 21 to October 24, 2026, where he is drawn to face Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sinner’s Motorcycle License
When did Jannik Sinner pass his motorcycle test?
Sinner passed his fifth motorcycle test on October 2, 2026, in Monte Carlo, according to confirmation from the Monaco Bonne Conduite driving school.
What vehicle class does the new license permit him to drive?
The certification grants Sinner authorization to drive high-displacement motorcycles, going beyond the restricted small two-wheelers allowed by a standard automobile license.
How many times did Sinner fail the exam?
Sinner failed the practical riding examination four consecutive times before succeeding on his fifth attempt. He publicly acknowledged three failures in April 2026 and revealed his fourth unsuccessful attempt in July after winning Wimbledon.
Why has Sinner been spending extended time in Monte Carlo?
Sinner has spent recent months recovering from right knee inflammation, which sidelined him from the US Open series and the autumn Asian swing.
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