1. Prepare

You must:

be normally resident in Ireland to apply for a category A learner permit or driving licence
be medically fit to drive
hold a current learner permit or driving licence and have completed Initial Basic Training (IBT) before driving a small motorcycle in a public place
be at least 16 years of age when applying for a first-time category A learner permit
ride only the type of vehicle for which you hold a learner permit or driving licence
carry your category A driving licence, or learner permit and certificate of satisfactory completion with you at all times when riding
display L-plates on the front and back of a yellow fluorescent tabard worn over your outer clothing.

You may apply for an A driving licence by progressive access without taking the driving test if you:

are at least least 20 years of age when applying for a category A driving licence
have held a full, valid category A2 (small motorcycle) driving licence for at least two years
have undertaken the appropriate Initial Basic Training (IBT).

You must bring one of the following forms of identity with you to your theory test:

a full, valid category A2 (medium-sized motorcycle) driving licence
public services card (with photograph)
passports (valid for international use only or up to maximum 12 months expired)
Irish passport cards (valid for EU/EEA travel, not expired and in good condition)
national identity card from EU/EEA member states or Switzerland.

Your motorcycle must:

be roadworthy and the steering, brakes, front and rear lAps, indicators, reflectors, rear view mirrors, safety belts, speedometer, tyres, windscreen wipers, horn and silencer must be checked regularly
have a valid vehicle registration certificate
display a valid, original motor tax disc and have insurance cover.

Becoming a category A motorcycle or motor tricycle driver

Step 1: Prepare for and pass the driver theory test
Step 2: Apply for a learner permit
Step 3: Complete 18 hours of Initial Basic Training (IBT) with an Approved IBT Instructor
Step 4: Book and pass the driving test. You must hold your first learner permit for six months before sitting your driving test
Step 5: Apply for a driving licence
Step 6: Drive as a novice driver for two years.

Prepare yourself
Prepare the documents you need
Prepare your motorcycle or motor tricycle

Prepare yourself

You're on your way to becoming a safe, qualified of any motorcycle or motor tricycle in Ireland.

But first, a few key points:

You must:

hold a current learner permit or driving licence before driving any motor vehicle in a public place
ride only the type of vehicle for which you hold a learner permit or driving licence
carry your learner permit and certificate of satisfactory completion or driving licence with you at all times when riding.
display L-plates on the front and back of a yellow fluorescent tabard worn over your outer clothing

Prepare the documents you need

Make sure you have the right form of identity to bring with you to your driver theory test. Otherwise you won't be able to take the test and will lose your test fee.

Only the following forms of identity are acceptable:

an Irish driving licence or learner permit in good condition
public services card (with photograph)
passports (valid for international use only or up to maximum 12 months expired)
Irish passport cards (valid for EU/EEA travel)
national identity card from EU/EEA member states or Switzerland

You must be normally resident in Ireland to apply for a learner permit or driving licence.

If you want to apply for a learner permit or driving licence, you must be able to prove that you were born in or have nationality of the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland or were granted residency status in Ireland.

Prepare your motorcycle or motor tricycle

You must:

ensure that the steering, brakes, front and rear lamps, indicators, reflectors, side view mirrors, speedometer, tyres, horn and silencer are checked regularly
ensure that any medium-sized motorcycle you ride has a valid vehicle registration certificate, if applicable
ensure that the motorcycle or motor tricycle vehicle you ride displays a valid, original motor tax disc and has insurance cover.