Explained: Motorcycle Licences in Ireland

 

In January 2013 the motorcycle licencing in Ireland changed. The steps below are for people who did not have any licence prior to Jan 2013

How do I get a motorcycle licence in Ireland?

  1. The Theory Test
    1. apply online at www.theorytest.ie 
    2. the current fee for this test is €45.
    3. since June 16 2017 you need a PSC (Public Services Card), arrange one here
  2. The Licence Permit
    1. apply here - www.ndls.ie, checklist of requirements below
    2. costs €35
    3. book in advance to avoid a queue!
    4. this takes 1 week approx
  3. The IBT (Initial Basic Training)
    1. costs vary depending on instructor
  4. Complete your driving test
    1. you must wait 6 months after getting your motorcycle 'Licence Permit' before this
    2. it costs €85

licence-front-1

What category motorcycle licence will I get?

  1. A, since 2013 this is only for riders over 24 years old, full powered bikes
  2. A2, since 2013 for riders over 18, under 24, max 35kW power
  3. A1, max 125cc and/or 11kW power, riders over 16 years old
  4. AM, mopeds slower then 45km/h, riders over 16 years old

Full details of each licence is explained here by the RSA.

 

 


What do I need to apply for a motorcycle 'Licence Permit'?

 

  1. application form for learner permit D201 (Fully completed)
  2. evidence of PPSN
  3. driver Theory Test pass certificate (dated within 2 years)
  4. NDLS Eyesight Report form D502 (Fully completed and dated within 1 month)
  5. NDLS medical form (dated within 1 month) if required
  6. evidence of address (dated within 6 months)
  7. photographic ID
  8. evidence of residency entitlement

Your Photograph and signature will be captured at the NDLS office

 

 


If I have a motorcycle Learner Permit in Ireland what are the restrictions?

 

  1. no motorway riding
  2. no carrying passengers
  3. you must use L plates
  4. you can only ride within Ireland

 


What is the motorcycle IBT?

 

IBT is a mandatory training course that teaches basic riding skills to learner motorcyclists.

IBT for a small motorcycle category 'AM' or 'A1' - is a 16 hour course broken into four separate modules 1,2,3 and 4 which must be completed in sequence.

Completing IBT for the first time on a larger motorcycle in category 'A2' or 'A' is an 18 hour course and involves completing three modules 1,3 and 5. These modules are a mixture of theory and practical riding skills.

When you have completed an IBT module or the entire course, your instructor will record the details of your training in your logbook and issue you with a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion.

With these three stages complete you can now take to the road! The only requirements you must arrange before riding is insurance and road tax. Road tax is arranged on www.motortax.ie., details of motorcycle insurance companies in Ireland is available here

 

 


Want more information?

www.theorytest.ie
www.rsa.ie
www.ndls.ie
www.theorytest.ie/driver-theory-test/public-services-card-psc-id-policy
www.motortax.ie
www.jsm.ie
www.ridercoach.ie