Motorcycle licence categories AM, A1, A2 and A
In Ireland a licence or learner permit only covers the categories printed on it. A car licence does not let you ride a motorcycle, so you need the right two-wheeler category before you set off.
There are four categories for mopeds and motorcycles. Each has its own minimum age and power limit, and you can either start small and work up, or wait and go straight to a large bike.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can name the four categories AM, A1, A2 and A and the type of bike each covers.
- You can state the minimum age for a first learner permit in each category.
- You can explain the difference between direct access and progressive access.
- You can check whether a particular bike is legal for your permit or licence.
- You can describe the order of steps from theory test to full licence.
What you need to know and understand
- AM covers mopeds and has a minimum age of 16.
- A1 covers motorcycles up to 125cc, up to 11 kW and a power to weight ratio up to 0.1 kW/kg; the minimum age is 16.
- A2 covers motorcycles up to 35 kW and 0.2 kW/kg that are not derived from a bike of more than double that power; the minimum age is 18.
- A covers any motorcycle; the minimum age is 24 for direct access, or 20 through progressive access.
- Riders under 21 cannot ride a motor tricycle on a category A licence.
- On an A2 permit or licence it is your job to check the bike's power; ask the dealer or manufacturer if unsure.
The four two-wheeler categories at a glance
The categories climb in power. The figures below are the limits set out in the RSA Rules of the Road.
- AM, from 16: mopeds (light machines of 50cc or less with a top speed of 45 km/h).
- A1, from 16: motorcycles up to 125cc, 11 kW and 0.1 kW/kg, plus motor tricycles up to 15 kW.
- A2, from 18: motorcycles up to 35 kW and 0.2 kW/kg, not derived from a bike of more than double that power.
- A, from 24 (or 20 with progressive access): motorcycles of any size and motor tricycles.
Direct access or working your way up
Progressive access means stepping up from a lower motorcycle category to a higher one. In certain circumstances you can move up without sitting another driving test, after holding the lower category for a set time and completing a progression training module with an approved IBT instructor. The RSA lists an 11-hour progression module for this.
Direct access means going straight to the large, unrestricted category A. You must be at least 24. You still sit the theory test, get a learner permit, complete IBT and pass the driving test on a suitable bike.
Rules on progression have changed over the years, so confirm your own route with the RSA or an approved IBT instructor before you buy a bike.
Your route to a full motorcycle licence
- Pass the Driver Theory Test for motorcycles or mopeds.
- Apply to the NDLS for a learner permit in the category you want.
- Get insurance, motor tax and the right protective gear for your bike.
- Complete Initial Basic Training (IBT) with an approved IBT instructor before riding on your own.
- Practise, keeping to the learner rules, and hold the permit for at least six months.
- Pass the motorcycle driving test, then exchange your certificate for a full licence and wear N plates on your tabard for two years.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a car licence covers a motorcycle. It does not; you need a motorcycle or moped category.
- Buying a bike that is too powerful for an A2 permit. Check the kW rating and the power to weight ratio before you buy.
- Forgetting that a restricted bike must not be derived from a model with more than double the power.
- Thinking direct access skips IBT or the test. It only lets you start on a large bike at 24.
Test yourself: Motorcycle licence categories AM, A1, A2 and A
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
Loading questions…
Go deeper
Sources: Rules of the Road, Section 1 Driving licences and categories of vehicles (RSA, Revision 5); Rules of the Road, Section 2 The learner driver and Section 3 The driving test (RSA); RSA motorcycle category pages: Small motorcycle A1, Medium-sized motorcycle A2, Motorcycle any size and motor tricycle A (rsa.ie). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the RSA.