Motorcycles
If You Want To Ride A Motorcycle
1) Apply to undertake the Theory Test at www.dtts.ie or call 1890 606 106
2) Take an Eyesight Test
3) Undertake and pass Theory Test
4) Apply for your Learner permit (forms are available from your local motor tax office or Garda station)
It is strongly recommended that you take a structured course of lessons from an ADI Category A(Motorcycles) instructor. When choosing your instructor make sure that they are ADI registered, this is your assurance that the instructor has passed the RSA requirements to give tuition for reward. You can find a list of Qualified Driving Instructors on our website, under the ‘Find a driving instructor’ section.
The Categories of Licence which are available are as follows:-
Category M Learner Permit
This is strictly for mopeds or engine assisted bicycles, under 50cc with a maximum speed of less than 45kph and is available from the age of 16. Full “B” licence holders can also ride this category of machine with the appropriate insurance cover.
Category A1 Learner Permit
This is available from the age of 16 but is restricted to engine sizes of between 50 to 125cc with a maximum power of 11kw/14.5bhp. If you choose to take the driving test with this type of machine/licence you will be required to take an additional driving test on a larger machine and hold a category A learner permit before you can proceed to a larger motorcycle.
Category A Learner Permit
This is for persons 18 years and over and Motorcycles with or without a sidecar. There is a power restriction of 25kw/33bhp on the Motorcycle prior to passing the “A” test and the machine must remain restricted for 2 year after passing the test. The power restriction does not apply if the motorcycle produces less than 0.16kw of power for every kg of weight, this means that many “cruiser” type machines could exceed the 25kw and be a “learner legal” machine. Motorcycles which produce more than 25kw and do exceed the 0.16kw rule can be fitted with a restictor kit but it is advisable to seek advice from your insurer as some do not accept retro fitted restrictors.
The category A test must be taken on a Motorcycle in excess of 125cc.
Please note:-
- All learner permit holders are legally obliged to wear a “hi viz” tabard with a standard 150mm red and white “L” on the front and rear.
- Learner permit holders cannot carry a pillion passenger and it is a penal offence to do so.
- Anyone who has not held a provisional licence/learner permit in the 5 years prior to obtaining their current learner permit cannot undertake the driving test in less than 6 months from being granted their current first learner permit.
- Learner permit holders are not permitted to ride on motorways.
- Learner permit holders are not permitted to ride in foreign countries.
- Anyone applying for a third or subsequent learner permit must have have attempted the driving test within the previous 2 years. If a persons second learner permit is to expire prior to attempting the test they may apply for a third permit once a test appointment letter can be produced.
