Learner driving permits for motorcycles in Ireland

Rules

Before you learn to drive on public roads, you must hold a learner driving permit, covering the category of motorcycle you wish to drive. A theory test certificate must be obtained before a first learner motorcycle permit will be granted. It is important to note that learner permit holderscannot carry pillion passengers (i.e., passengers on the back of their motorcycle) or ride on a motorway.

Since 6 December 2010, when you get your first learner permit you must do initial basic training (IBT). IBT is a 16 hour course broken into 4 modules. If you have a learner permit, you cannot ride a motorcycle on the road unsupervised by your IBT instructor unless:

• You obtained a learner permit before 6 December 2010 or
• You have done your IBT and received a certificate of satisfactory completion

If you have completed your IBT and you want to upgrade the bike you ride (from automatic to manual or tricycle to two-wheeler) you must complete a conversion IBT module.

Motorcyclists with learner permits are required to display L-plates on a yellow fluorescent high visibility tabard. (A tabard is a bib or sleeveless outer garment with open side-seams). The letter 'L' must be at least 15cm in height on a white background and must be to the front and rear of your torso. It is a criminal offence for learner motorcyclists not to display L plates.

Motorcycle categories

There are three categories of motorcycle in Ireland that are licensed for use on public roads. There are also specified minimum ages for motorcyclists.

Category A learner permits carry a restriction. This restriction limits the licence holder to motorcycles (with or without a sidecar) subject to a power limit of 25kW. This restriction continues for two years after you complete your motorcycle driving test for this category and after you have obtained a full driving licence for this category.

Since October 2011 the drink driving limits for drivers with learner permits and those in their first two years on a full driving licence has been reduced to 20mg/100m of blood. Information on other proposed measures is available on the Road Safety Authority's website.

A learner permit to drive a motorcycle is usually valid for two years. You cannot take a driving test for at least six months after getting your first learner permit (where you are not changing from a provisional licence to a learner permit).

Since the commencement of the Driver Theory Testing Service in 2001, a theory test certificate must be obtained before a first learner motorcycle permit is granted. You may not apply for a third learner permit unless you can provide evidence that you have:

• Undergone a driving test in the two-year period prior to the application (a two-year learner permit will be granted)

Or

• Evidence of a forthcoming test date (a one-year learner permit will be granted)

If your provisional licence expired 5 years ago, then you must undergo a theory test before a learner permit will be issued.

If I change my name or address do I need a new learner motorcycle permit?

While you are required to carry your learner permit with you at all times when driving, you are not required by law to change your permit if you change your name or address. However, it is advisable. You are required to show evidence of your permit if requested to by An Garda Siochana, so your permit should contain up-to-date information.

Exchanging your permit to amend your name or address is a free service. It is also free to have an endorsement removed, an additional category added or an error on your permit corrected.

You must send a completed application form, 2 passport type photographs (signed on back) and any required supporting documents, such as, an original marriage certificate. Contact your local Motor Tax Office for more information.

What other categories can I add to my learner permit without a theory test certificate?

If you already hold a learner permit for category A1, you can add category M without submitting a theory test certificate. Similarly, if you hold a category A learner permit you can add categories A1 and M.

How do I replace a lost or stolen learner permit?

If your current learner permit is lost, stolen, damaged or defaced, you should apply to your local Motor Taxation Office for a replacement. The replacement permit is a duplicate or exact copy of your original learner permit. You can find out more in our document on replacing a lost or stolen Irish learner permit.