🏍️ Motorbike Licence in Ireland – AM, A1, A2, A

Thinking about getting your motorbike licence in Ireland? Here’s a clear guide to help you start β€” whether you’re aiming for a moped or a full motorbike licence.

βœ… How to Get Your Motorbike Licence – Step by Step

1️⃣ Pass the Motorcycle Theory Test

  • Book online: theorytest.ie
  • Choose the Motorcycle Category A
  • Study RSA materials or practice tests

2️⃣ Complete the IBT (Initial Basic Training)

Before riding on the road, you must complete:

  • 16 hours of practical IBT training with an RSA‑approved instructor
  • Covers basic control, road positioning, and safety
  • After training, you’ll receive an IBT Certificate, valid for 2 years

3️⃣ Apply for a Learner Permit

After theory + IBT, apply at NDLS.ie
You’ll need:

  • Passed theory test
  • Completed IBT Certificate
  • Proof of ID, PPS number, and address
  • Medical report if applicable (for some categories)

4️⃣ Practice and Prepare for the Driving Test

  • Ride with L-plates
  • Get more road experience
  • Take additional lessons if needed
  • Prepare for the RSA practical test (vehicle control + on-road)

5️⃣ Book and Pass Your Driving Test

  • Test covers safety questions, vehicle handling, road riding
  • Book at myroadsafety.ie
  • Pass = full motorbike licence (A1, A2, or A)

Motorcycle Licence Categories in Ireland (AM, A1, A2, A)

πŸ›΅ AM – Moped Licence

This category covers two-wheeled power-driven vehicles that:

  • Cannot be manually propelled

  • Have a combustion engine up to 50 cmΒ³

  • Or an electric motor with continuous rated power up to 4 kW

  • Must have a design speed between 25 km/h and 45 km/h

πŸ’‘ Ideal for: Light mopeds and scooters.
➑️ Minimum age: 16 years

🏍️ A1 – Small Motorcycle Licence

Category A1 allows you to ride a motorcycle (without sidecar) that:

  • Has an engine between 115 cmΒ³ and 125 cmΒ³

  • Can reach at least 90 km/h

  • Electric motorcycles must not exceed 11 kW, with a power-to-weight ratio of max 0.1 kW/kg

  • Electric motorcycles must also meet minimum 0.08 kW/kg power-to-weight ratio

πŸ’‘ Ideal for: Beginner motorcycles
➑️ Minimum age: 16 years

🏍️ A2 – Medium Motorcycle Licence

Category A2 permits motorcycles (without sidecar) that:

  • Have at least 395 cmΒ³ engine capacity

  • Engine power between 20 kW and 35 kW

  • Power-to-weight ratio must not exceed 0.2 kW/kg

  • The bike must not be derived from a model over 70 kW

  • Electric motorcycles must have minimum 0.15 kW/kg

πŸ’‘ Ideal for: Intermediate riders
➑️ Minimum age: 18 years

🏍️ A – Full Motorcycle Licence

Category A allows you to ride any size motorcycle that:

  • Has a cylinder capacity of at least 595 cmΒ³

  • Has engine power of at least 50 kW

  • Unladen mass must be over 175 kg

  • Electric motorcycles must meet minimum 0.25 kW/kg power-to-weight ratio

πŸ’‘ Ideal for: Experienced riders and high-performance motorcycles
➑️ Minimum age: 20 years (with progressive access) or 24 years (direct access)

Additional Rules and Notes

πŸ” Motor Tricycles

  • If you received a full Category B license before January 19, 2013, you’re allowed to ride a motor tricycle.

  • If your Category B license was issued on or after January 19, 2013, you must pass the relevant motorcycle category test to ride a trike.

  • The required category depends on the engine capacity (cc) of the trike.

πŸ›΅ Mopeds with a Category B Licence

  • If you got your full Category B licence before October 21, 2006, you’re also entitled to ride a Category AM moped.

  • This entitlement is valid only if your Category B licence hasn’t expired for more than 10 years.