Motorcycle Licence Ireland: IBT, Learner Rules and Safety Gear

Photo: Felipe Barboza / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

To ride a motorcycle in Ireland you need a learner permit for the right category (AM, A1, A2 or A), and you must complete Initial Basic Training (IBT) with an approved IBT instructor before you ride on your own. Until you pass your test, you wear an L on a yellow fluorescent tabard front and back, and you may not carry a passenger. This guide covers the categories, IBT, the protective gear the Rules of the Road asks for, and the RSA’s survival tactics for new riders.

Key facts

• Minimum ages for a first learner permit: AM and A1 at 16, A2 at 18, A at 24 (or 20 through progressive access).
• IBT is compulsory for every first-time motorcycle learner permit holder (since 6 December 2010) before riding unsupervised.
• You do not need an accompanying driver, but until IBT is complete you can only ride under your IBT instructor’s supervision.
• Learner riders must not carry a passenger, and learner permit holders must not use a motorway.
• L plates go on a yellow fluorescent tabard, visible front and back. After you pass, N plates go on the tabard for two years.
• A helmet is the law for rider and passenger.

Which motorcycle category do you need?

Progressive access lets you move up from a lower motorcycle category without, in certain circumstances, a further driving test. At 24 you can go straight to category A, which is called direct access. On an A2 permit, it is your responsibility to check the bike’s power; ask the dealer or manufacturer if in doubt.

You apply for the learner permit through the NDLS after passing the theory test. See how to get a learner permit in Ireland for documents and fees.

What is IBT (Initial Basic Training)?

IBT is the motorcycle version of Essential Driver Training. It teaches basic riding skills and is delivered by an approved IBT instructor in modules taken in order, mixing theory and practical riding.

• Length: the Rules of the Road describes a 16-hour course in 4 modules. The RSA’s category pages list 16 hours for AM and A1, and 18 hours for A2 and A. Confirm the hours for your category with your instructor.
• Logbook: your instructor records each module in your logbook.
• Certificate: when all modules are done, you get a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion.
• Carry it: keep the certificate with your learner permit and carry it every time you ride without an IBT trainer, until you hold a full licence. A Garda can ask to see it.
• Then the test: once you have the certificate you can apply for your practical driving test.
• Upgrading: moving to a bigger bike may need a progression module of training.

Car learners do the 12-lesson EDT instead; see Essential Driver Training (EDT) for how that compares.

How learning to ride differs from learning to drive

Before you ride on a public road you also need current motor tax and insurance for the bike.

Protective gear: what the Rules of the Road asks you to wear

The Rules of the Road says to wear appropriate clothing and a secure helmet every time you get on the bike. Riding without a helmet, or letting a passenger ride without one, is a fixed charge offence.

Helmet

• Buy new from a reputable dealer who knows how to check the fit. Never buy or use a second-hand helmet, and never lend yours.
• Replace it if it is damaged. Fasten it securely every time: an unfastened helmet is illegal and useless in a crash.
• Use a clear visor. A dark visor makes it almost impossible to see oil on a wet road. Replace a scratched visor.
• Make sure the equipment meets EU standards.
• With an open-face helmet (no chin bar), wear eye protection.

Clothing

• A jacket and trousers that protect against impact, abrasion, cold and weather.
• Body armour at the back, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and shins, fitted snugly so it does not move in a crash.
• Protective gloves, and boots that come at least above the ankle.
• A reflective jacket, or fluorescent clothing by day and reflective strips at night.
• Ear protection on long journeys. Do not use a personal entertainment system while riding.

Being seen

• Use dipped headlights at all times, even in good daylight.
• Make yourself visible from the side as well as the front and rear: a white helmet and fluorescent clothing or strips help.
• Your bike must have a white or yellow headlamp, a red rear lamp, a red rear reflector and a number plate light.
• Use hazard lights if you are stopped in a dangerous place.

Riding rules from Section 16

• Avoid riding between lanes of traffic.
• Keep well clear of vehicles you pass. Drivers may not see you in their blind spots.
• Use indicators and the brake light. If others may not see them, or they may not be working, add a clear hand signal.
• Do not rely on mirrors when moving off, changing lane, turning right or overtaking. Look over your shoulder too.
• Tyre tread must be at least 1 mm, but replace tyres before they get that worn.
• Slow down before gravel chips, sand, pools of water and rough surfaces, which can destabilise a motorcycle.
• Remember that drivers look for large objects, not the narrow outline of a motorcycle.

The RSA’s nine survival tactics for motorcyclists

1. Watch your surroundings: far, middle and near distance, and behind you with mirrors and shoulder checks before changing position or turning.
2. Keep your distance: use the two-second rule, and leave a bigger gap in wet or icy conditions. See the two-second rule and stopping distances.
3. Be seen: correct road position, dipped headlights and high-visibility clothing.
4. Do not surprise others: never make another road user slow down, brake or swerve, or startle pedestrians.
5. Think like other road users: anticipate how they might react.
6. Read the road: ride to the road, weather and traffic conditions.
7. Pick the right speed: never let others set your pace.
8. No alcohol or drugs before riding.
9. Trust your machine by maintaining it: use POWDERS to check petrol, oil, water, damage, electrics, rubber (tyres) and security.

Car drivers looking for the other side of this, how to look out for riders at junctions and when overtaking, should read motorcyclists, e-scooters and other road users.

Common questions

Can I ride a motorcycle on a car learner permit in Ireland?

No. You can only drive the type of vehicle your licence or learner permit covers, so you need a motorcycle category permit and IBT.

Can I carry a pillion passenger after I pass?

Only if your full licence and your insurance allow it, the bike is designed to carry a passenger, and the passenger wears a properly fitted helmet. Only one pillion passenger is allowed, on a proper seat, facing forward with both feet on the footrests.

How much does it cost?

Learner permit, test and IBT costs vary by category and instructor. Check the current figures with the NDLS and RSA. For car learners, see the cost of learning to drive in Ireland.

Back to learning to drive in Ireland. Related: N plates in Ireland.

Sources

• Road Safety Authority, “Rules of the Road”, Revision 5 (law as at 1 March 2015), Section 1 Driving licences and categories of vehicles, Section 2 The learner driver, Section 3 The driving test and Section 16 Rules for motorcyclists (garda.ie)
• Road Safety Authority, motorcycle category pages: “Moped and light quadricycle: AM”, “Small motorcycle: A1”, “Medium-sized motorcycle: A2” and “Motorcycle any size and motor tricycle: A” (rsa.ie)