Get Your Licence

INITIAL BASIC TRAINING IN IRELAND

What is Initial Basic Training?

Initial Basic Training (IBT) or Direct Access is a mandatory training course that teaches basic riding skills to learner motorcyclists. It is part of the RSA’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) scheme and is intended to improve road safety.

Why do I need IBT?

IBT is a legal requirement. You may not ride a motorcycle on the road unless:

- you obtained a Motorcycle Learner Permit before 6 December 2010 or

- you are undergoing Module 4 or 5 on road training and are accompanied by your IBT Motorcycle instructor, or

- you have done your IBT and received a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion

- you have passed your practical motorcycle driving test.

What does IBT involve?

IBT is a 16 hour or 18 hour course depending on your age or type of motorcycle you wish to ride. These modules are a mixture of theory and practical riding skills.

When you have completed your IBT course, your instructor will record the details of your training in your logbook and issue you with a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion.

Once you have received your Certificate of Satisfactory Completion, you can apply for your practical driving test. A minimum period of 6 months on your learner permit is needed before you will be called for your motorcycle test.

GETTING YOUR MOTORCYCLE LICENCE IN IRELAND

What you need to get on the road on TWO WHEELS in Ireland.

1. Sit your theory test for motorcycle Category A if 24 yrs and over. Category A2 if you are 18 yrs old or Category A1 for 16 yr olds. Buy the CD or book from your local book shop.

2. On passing your theory test take certificate to NDLS centre and apply for your learner permit.

3. Within 10 days you should get your permit in the post.

4. Arrange to do compulsory Direct Access course 18 hours for Cat A/A2. 16 hours for Cat A1. This is a mixture of classroom and practical modules.

5. On successful completion of above, you will receive another certificate allowing you to ride your bike unaccompanied on the road. Unrestricted CC and power for Cat A or restricted for Cat A2.

6. Sit full motorcycle test after learner permit is 6 months old.

ROYAL ENFIELD LICENCE REQUIREMENTS

A Royal Enfield motorcycle makes an ideal first bike with its lightweight construction, high torque 350cc to 650cc cc engine and cool looks - you'll be the talk of your mates with your new Enfield.

The minimum licence requirements are Category A2 - Motorcycles less than 35kW, with a power/weight ratio not greater than 0.2kW/kg and not derived from a vehicle more than double its power.

All current models of Royal Enfield comply with this requirement.

The minimum age for a Category A2 licence is 18 years.

However, if you are applying for your first motorcycle licence, and if you are aged 20 or older, we recommend you go straight for a Category A licence as the there is very little difference in the training requirements and this will allow you to ride any motorcycle of any size!