5. Driving test

The category AM motorcycle driving test checks your knowledge of the Rules of the Road and your ability to drive competently and safely in accordance with those rules and with regard for other road users and road conditions.

In order to take the motorcycle driving test, you must meet a number of requirements.

You must have:

a valid category AM learner permit which you must bring to your driving test appointment. If it is a first-time learner permit you must have held it for at least six months
a certificate of satisfactory completion to confirm that you have completed Initial Basic Training (IBT) (if you obtained your first learner permit on or after the 6 December 2010).

You must:

supply a vehicle for the driving test
be insured to ride it
display a valid, original motor tax disc
produce your vehicle registration certificate which confirms details regarding the power output in kW, engine cc, power to weight ratio, make, model, and registration number of your motorcycle
have all the necessary personal protection equipment (PPE), i.e. helmet, gloves, boots and weather-gear
have L-plates no less than 15 cm high in red on a white background and in good condition, on the front and back of a yellow fluorescent tabard worn over your outer clothing

The vehicle must meet the representative vehicle criteria for the category of test you're taking, comply with any kW restrictions on your learner permit, and be roadworthy.

The driving test is conducted at one of the many driving test centres across Ireland. It takes about 60 minutes. It is a practical test of your driving skills and awareness, and also includes questions to test your technical knowledge of your motorcycle, and knowledge of the Rules of the Road, road signs, vehicle safety and maintenance.

You've completed your Initial Basic Training

Everything you have learned will help make our roads safer for you and everyone else. Alongside driving practice and theory revision, your Initial Basic Training (IBT) will improve your chances of passing your driving test first time.

Your next step is your driving test.

About the motorcycle driving test

The motorcycle driving test checks if you're properly trained and ready to ride safely by yourself on public roads. It checks:

what you know about the Rules of the Road, road signs, basic vehicle roadworthiness and maintenance, vehicle controls and more
your ability to perceive risks and act accordingly
your awareness of hazards
your knowledge and application of good driver behaviour
your ability to safely and competently ride a vehicle under a variety of road and traffic conditions.

Watch some tips about preparing for your motorcycle driving test.

Preparing for your motorcycle driving test
Keep learning, keep safe
After you pass the motorcycle driving test
Never stop learning safer driving
Why people fail the motorcycle driving test

Preparing for your motorcycle driving test

Now that you've booked your motorcycle driving test, it's time to prepare.

In the days and weeks before your test appointment you should get as much riding practice as possible. You should also revise what you have learned, including safety, bike maintenance, and the Rules of the Road.

Check what you need for your motorcycle driving test

Now is also a good time to prepare what you need on the day of your driving test. You will need to bring:

your category AM learner permit
your vehicle registration certificate which confirms details regarding the power output in kW, engine cc, power to weight ratio, make, model, and registration number of your motorcycle
all the necessary personal protection equipment (PPE), i.e. helmet, gloves, boots and weather-gear
L-plates no less than 15 cm high in red on a white background and in good condition, on the front and back of a yellow fluorescent tabard worn over your outer clothing
a vehicle:
- which you are insured to ride
- displaying a valid original motor tax disc
- which meets the representative vehicle criteria for the category of test you're taking, complies with any kW restrictions on your learner permit, and is roadworthy. A quadricycle is not acceptable for the driving test.

More helpful information

These two documents will give you more detail on what you need for your driving test:

You should also find these RSA videos helpful when preparing for your driving test:

Keep learning, keep safe

While waiting to take your driving test it's a good idea to keep learning and practicing. Not only will this help you pass first time, but it will make you a better, safer driver.

Revise the Rules of the Road. Even though you've passed your theory test, they play a part in your driving test and safe driving too.

Watch our learning to drive video for motorcyclists. These explain more about doing your test and becoming a safe, socially responsible driver.

After you pass the motorcycle driving test

You've passed your motorcycle driving test! You're well on your way to becoming a safe, qualified and fully licensed rider.

Apply for a full driving licence

After passing your motorcycle test, you can apply for a full driving licence online at ndls.ie a Public Services Card and your verified MyGovID or in person at your local National Driver Licence Service centre (NDLS). You must abide by the rules of your learner permit until you have been issued with a full driving licence. You should apply within two years of the date you passed your test. If not you will have to re-sit and pass the driving test.

Lost your certificate of competency?

Download a statement of loss here.
Complete the form and have it certified and stamped by a garda
Send the form to the RSA Driver Testing Service and we will issue a duplicate.
Driver Testing Section
Road Safety Section
Primrose Hill
Ballina
Co. Mayo
F26 V6E4

Never stop learning safer driving

Learning to ride safely and competently is a life-long journey. Now that you've passed your motorcycle driving test you should practice riding safely in different environments, urban settings and a variety of road, traffic, light and weather conditions.

Pay particular attention to any areas of faults recorded in your driving test report sheet which will be sent to you after your motorcycle driving test. The better a rider you become, the safer our roads become for you and everyone.

Why people fail the motorcycle driving test

There are many reasons why people fail the motorcycle driving test. The following are the most common reasons:

failure to perform a U-turn correctly
inadequate control at slow speed
inadequate observations to the rear
incorrect or inadequate hand signals
inadequate observation moving off, at junctions, at roundabouts and when changing lanes
failure to anticipate the actions of other drivers
incorrect road position on the straight, on bends, turning left, turning right, at roundabouts, and when overtaking
inadequate progress at junctions, roundabouts, on the straight, and when overtaking
incorrect or inadequate use of mirrors and signals
non-compliance with traffic controls, e.g. road signs and markings and traffic lights
incorrect, inadequate or inappropriate use of vehicle controls, including gears, clutch, accelerator, steering, footbrake, and secondary controls
excessive speed for the road or traffic conditions
failure to yield the right of way to others
lack of competence in the reverse and U-turn manoeuvres.

These common reasons for failure may help you identify areas for you to focus on for your repeat test.

DRIVING TEST FAQS

What is progressive access and am I eligible?

Progressive access allows you to apply for a driving licence without having to take the motorcycle driving test by taking advantage of your experience riding a lower-powered motorcycle. However, progressive access is only available once to experienced holders of A1 and A2 motorcycle licences provided the lower category of licence has been held for a minimum of two years and the required Initial Basic Training (IBT) is already in place. As a category AM (moped or light quadricycle) licence holder you would not be eligible for progressive access.