You cannot ride a motorbike on public roads in Ireland without either having a learner permit or a full drivers licence. In order to obtain a full licence for your motorcycle you must do a test. Motorcycle tests carried out in Ireland are conducted out of 34 test centres throughout the country.
The purpose of the motorcycle test is to determine that you:
- Know the Rules of the Road
- Possess the knowledge and skill to drive a motorcycle competently in accordance with those rules of the road
- Drive with proper regard for the safety and convenience of other motorcyclists and road users
Prior to your driving test, we would advise that you study the Rules of the Road. We would also advise practising riding on all types of roads and in all types of traffic situations as much as possible. This will help you improve your riding technique and build confidence when driving on the roads.
How do I apply for a motorcycle test?
In order to apply for your test please do the following:
- Study for the theory test and once confident apply for the test.
- Once you pass the test you apply to the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) for a Learner Permit
- Complete the basic training motorcycle course with a RSA approved driving instructor
- If needed practice your driving skills and take additional lessons if needed
- Next step is to apply for your test and pass.
- The final step is to apply to the NDLS for your full motorcycle licence
You can check out the different licence categories here.
Initial basic training (IBT)
Initial Basic Training for learner motorcyclists is a mandatory training course that teaches basic riding skills to learner motorcyclists. It is part of the RSA’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) scheme. The purpose of IBT is to improve road safety you can find out more here.
What documents do I need to apply?
All you need is the following:
- A Public Services Card and verified MyGovID.
- To have successfully passed the driver theory test in the category you are applying for in the previous 2 years
- Proof of your address dated within the last six months if your current address differs from the one you provided when you applied for your PSC.
- Proof that you are normally resident in the Republic of Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA.
- Fully completed eyesight report form that must be dated within 3 months.
- Fully completed medical report form that must be dated within the last 3 months, if required in your case.
- Completed relevant driver certificate of professional competence (CPC), if required.
- Your application fee at the cost of €35.00.
What are the costs involved?
The theory test currently costs €45, the IBT (Initial Basic Training) costs depend on the instructor and to get your full licence you must wait for 6 months after getting your motorcycle ‘Licence Permit’ which currently costs €85.
If you need further information please visit RSA.ie
Choose the specific licence category
Below is an overview of the different motorcycle licence categories, you can also find more information here
Moped and light quadricycle - AM
The following information is the steps you need to take to become a motorcyclist for a moped and light quadricycle. Category AM is two-wheeled, mechanically propelled vehicle, not capable of being manually propelled. Your motorcycle must have a cylinder capacity that does not exceed 50cc,. You will find more detailed information here.
- Prepare
In order to learn to drive a category AM vehicle you must prove your identification and your entitlement to a learning permit or a driving licence. Please ensure you have all the necessary protective equipment and L display plates on the back and front of a yellow tabard worn over your clothing. Please ensure your vehicle is roadworthy, safe, taxed and insured and has a valid Vehicle Registration Certificate.
2. Theory Test (AM)
This theory test will test your knowlegde of topics such as the rules of the road, hazard awareness, safe driving behaviour etc. It is a computer based test that is user friendly. Once you pass the test you will be issued with a certificate which is valid for up to two years and will enable you to obtain a quadricycle of moped learner permit within that time frame.
3. Learner Permit
The learner permit will allow you to ride a light quadricycle or moped on all public roads except for motorways. A learner permit is required even if you hold a full licenece in another vehicle category for example a van, car or truck. On a AM learner permit you are not permitted to ride A1 or A2 motorcycles, or carry a pillion passenger.
4. Motorcycle Riding Lessons
You will be required to undertake structured learner training which is 16 hours of training with an approved instructor.
5. Driving Test
Your knowledge will be tested on the rules of the road etc, the test takes arounf 60 minutes. When you pass the test you are issued with a certificate that is valid for 2 years. During this time you must apply for a motorcycle driving licence.
Small motorcycle - A1
The below is the following steps you need to get the A1 small motorcycle licence. Please note that the A1 category is defined as motorcyle without a sidecar, with a cylinder capacity of at least 115 cc but not exceeding 125 cc, that is capable of a speed of at least 90 km/h. It has an engine power not exceeding 11kW and a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.1kW/kg. If the vehicle is powered by an electric motor, the power to weight ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0.08 kW/kg.
- Prepare
In order to drive an A1 small motorcycle firstly you must show proof of identity and your entitlement to a driving licence or learner permit. Please also ensure you have all the relevant protection gear and display L plates on the front and back. You must also enure your vehicle is roadworthy and safe to drive.
2. Theory test AM
You will be tested on the rules of the road, hazordous driving etc. This is a user friendly computer based test, once passed you will be issued with a theory test certificate which is valid for two years.
3. Learner Permit AM
The A1 learner permit allows to ride a small motorcycle on all public roads except motorways. You are required to hold a learner permit even if you hold a full licence in another category i.e car, van or truck. Please note you are not permitted to ride higher-powered A or A2 motorcycles, or carry a pillion passenger.
4. Motorcycle lessons
As a first-time category A1 learner permit holder you will be required to undertake lessions with an improved instructor. This course is around 16 hours of training.
5. Driving Test
You will be tested on your knowledge, rules of the road, safety, etc, this test will take around 60 minutes and once passed you will be issued with a certificate. This is valid for 2 years and allows you drive on public roads and motorways, as a novice rider you must display N-plates on the front and back and wear a yellow tabard on outer clothing.
Medium-sized motorcycle - A2
The Medium-sized motorcycle – A2 is defined as a motorcycle without a sidecar, with a cylinder capacity of at least 245cm3. It has an engine power of at least 20 kW, but not exceeding 35 kW. The vehicle has a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.2kW/kg., and is not derived from a vehicle of more than double its power. If the vehicle is powered by an electric motor, the power to weight ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0.15 kW/kg.
- Prepare
Proof of identification is required to to drive a category A2 medium sized motorbike. Ensure you have all the correct protection clothing and L-plates are in good condition front and back. You must also ensure that your motorbike is safe, roadworthy and taxed and insured with a valid registration certificate.
2. Theory Test AM
You will be tested on your knowledge i.e. road safety, rules of the road etc. When you pass the test you will be issued with a certificate which is valid for two years and will allow you to obtain a category A2 learner permit within that time frame.
3. Learner Permit
The A2 learner permit allows you to ride a medium-sized bike on all public roads except for motorways. Even if you hold a licence in another vehicle category for example a truck, car, or vcan you are still required to hold a learner permit. Please note you are not permitted to ride higher-powered category A motorcycles, or carry a pillion passenger.
4. Motorcycle Riding Lessons A2
A2 learner permit holders are required to take motorcyclist training with an approved IBT instructor, this training course is 18 hours of training. If you hod a valid A1 licence for more than 2 years and have undertaken the appropriate training and want to apply for the A2 you will be requied to complete 11 hours of training with an approved instructor.
5. Option A – Progressive Access
Progressive access allows the rider to take advantage of their previous riding experience and skilld in a lower category to aquire a licence in a higher category without taking another driving test. If you are applying for an A2 licence by progressive access and have sucessfully completed the mandatory 11 hours of specialised training. Please note you can apply for your driving test without having to take the test.
5. Option B- Driving Test
The A2 test will test your knowledge on safety, rules of the road etc. The test takes about 60 minutes.
6. Driving Licence
When you pass the A2 test you will be issued with a certificate. This is valid for 2 years and you must apply for the a2 catergory driving licence within that time frame. As a novice rider you must display N-plates on the front and back of the vehicle and yellow tabard over your outer clothing.
Motorcycle any size and motor tricycle - A
Category A is a motorcycle without a sidecar that has a cylinder capacity of at least 595cm3, an unladen mass of more than 175kg., and an engine power of at least 50kW. If the vehicle is powered by an electric motor, the power to weight ratio of the vehicle shall be at least 0.25kW/kg.
- Prepare
Proof of identification is required to to drive a category A. Ensure you have all the correct protection clothing and L-plates are in good condition front and back. You must also ensure that your motorbike is safe, roadworthy and taxed and insured with a valid registration certificate.
2. Theory Test
This theory test for category A will test your knowlegde of topics such as the rules of the road, hazard awareness, safe driving behaviour etc. It is a computer based test that is user friendly. Once you pass the test you will be issued with a certificate which is valid for up to two years and will enable you to obtain a category A learner permit within that time frame.
3. Learner Permit
A category A learner permit will allow you to ride any motorbike, or motor tricycle on all public roads except for motorways. A learner permit is required even if you hold a full licence in another vehicle category. Riders with a category A permit are not permitted to carry a pillion passenger.
4. Motorcycle Lessons
As a first time category A learner permit holder you are required to undertake 18 hours of training with an approved instructor. If you held a full and valid category A2 licence for more than 2 years and have undertaken all the required training and want to apply for a category A licence by progessive access you must complete 11 hours of specialised training with an improved instructor.
5. Option A Progressive Access
If you have held a full, valid category A2 for more than 2 years and have undertaken the required training you may be able to apply for category A. Progressive access allows you take advantage of your previous riding experience and skills in a lower motorbike category in order to aquire a licence in a higher category without having to take a driving test.
6. Option B – Driving Test
Your knowledge will be put to the test which will include rules of the road, safety and so on. Once you pass the test you will be issued with a certificate. Please note if applying for a licence buy progressive access and have successfully completed the required 11 hours of training, you can apply for your driving licence without taking a test.