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Glam Monitor

How do I get a motorcycle licence in Ireland?

Author

Christopher Ramos

Updated on July 03, 2026

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.

How long does it take to get a motorcycle license in Ireland?

If you are doing Category AM/A1, it is a 16hr course and then for A2/A, it is 18 hrs.

Can I drive a motorbike on a car licence Ireland?

In short, yes it does. Category A entitlement means you can ride any motorcycle, even with a passenger and on motorways.

Is the motorbike test Hard Ireland?

Advanced Motorcycle Training in Ireland

The RoSPA Advanced Riding Test is regarded as the most comprehensive and challenging available to the public. Testing standards are monitored and approved by the Driving Standards Agency in the UK.

Can I drive a motorcycle with my car licence?

Yes, if you have a full car licence you can ride a 125cc scooter or motorbike off-road. However, you must take and pass your compulsory basic training (CBT) before riding on the road.

20 related questions found

Can I ride a 250cc motorcycle on a car licence?

You can ride up to 125cc with a valid CBT certificate. (or a full motorcycle licence category A) A 250cc motorcycle will required a full motorcycle licence.

What size motorbike can a learner ride?

You have to be 17 years old or over. You are not required to pass the Motorcycle Theory or Module 1 and Module 2 Practical tests, but if you do, you will be able to ride with fewer restrictions. After you have obtained your CBT certificate, you will be entitled to ride any motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc.

What does a full bike test involve?

a slow riding exercise, where the candidate rides alongside the examiner at walking pace. a slalom and figure of eight exercise, riding around cones. walking and riding U-turn exercises, including use of the motorcycle stands.

How long does it take to get a motorcycle license?

If you took training before each licence test, you'd need to allow 3 – 5 days for the licence training and a half-day for the test. This would mean you'd spend around 13 – 21 days in motorcycle training and four days testing over the five years of moving from CBT to full A licence.

Do motorcycles need NCT?

Motorbikes presently do not need to undergo any NCT-type testing. However, in 2022 Europe is set to introduce maintenance tests for all motorbikes.

Can you do a motorcycle test on an automatic?

About The Power Restriction

You can take your A2 motorcycle test on either a manual or automatic motorbike. If you choose take your test on a manual motorcycle, you can ride either manual motorcycles or automatics, however if you take your test on an automatic, you will be limited to automatics.

Can I drive a 125cc motorbike on a car licence in Ireland?

Answer; Yes but only up to a 125cc motorcycle on a category 'A1' licence.

Do motorbikes need NCT in Ireland?

Motorbikes will have to be put through the NCT from 2022. Motorbikes will have to be put through the NCT from 2022. The European Parliament has approved minimum common standards for NCT testing across the EU.

What cc bike can a learner ride Ireland?

Mopeds and light quadricycles. Motorcycles with an engine capacity not exceeding 125 cc, with a power rating not exceeding 11 kW and with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg.

What bikes are learner legal in Ireland?

The Learner Permit

  • be at least 18 years old for A Category Motorbike (16 for a Moped/Scooter & A1 Motorcycle category)
  • have a Learner Permit which allows you to ride Motorcycles (category A, A2, A1 or Am)
  • must have completed (Initial Basic Training) IBT Course.

Do I have to do IBT training?

Initial Basic Training (IBT) is a mandatory training course that teaches basic riding skills to learner motorcyclists. It is part of the RSA's Graduated Driver Licensing scheme and is intended to improve road safety.

Is bike license easier than car?

A full bike licence is harder than a car licence..... Do the CBT, but take it steady. If you can afford it get some lessons on top, if you cant afford it then just get some experience in different conditions/traffic etc.

What is riding theory test?

(b) RIDING THEORY TEST (RTT) After passing the BTT, you must pass your RTT before you can take the Practical Riding Test. The RTT aims to test your knowledge on riding safety and proper techniques of riding, as well as your interaction with other road users whilst riding on the roads.

How long does it take to learn motorcycle?

The Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC) is a 15 hour course which includes 5 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of actual riding.

How long is the motorcycle theory test valid for?

Make sure you keep this safe because you'll need the number when you book your practical tests. Your theory test certificate is valid for 2 years. If you do not pass your practical tests in that time, you'll have to take the theory test again before you can take the practical tests.

Do I have to do a theory test for a motorcycle?

If you have never taken a motorcycle theory test you must now sit a theory test before you can get a first learner permit. If you took out a first motorcycle learner permit since April 2001, you will have passed a theory test and do not need to do so again in order to get a learner permit in the motorcycle category.

What is A1 motorcycle licence?

The code "A1" rider licence can be obtained at the age of 16 years and allows the holder to ride a motorcycle or scooter with an engine capacity not exceeding 125 cc.

Can I ride a 50cc motorbike on a car licence?

You can ride a moped (up to 50cc) without L plates and without taking the moped test in some situations.

Do I need a provisional motorcycle licence if I have a full car licence?

In most cases, no. Normally a full car licence would already have provisional motorcycle entitlement. You must still have a valid Compulsory Basic training certificate before riding any motorcycle on the road.

Can you ride a motorbike and sidecar on a car licence?

Can I ride a sidecar outfit on my car license? No, you cannot. All car drivers, regardless of when they took their car test, must pass a CBT before riding an outfit on the road. Remember as far as the DSA is concerned a motorcycle and sidecar is a motorcycle with an attachment not a car or a trike.