All new first-time category A learner permit holders are required to undertake structured learner motorcyclist training, known as Initial Basic Training (IBT).
In almost all circumstances, you can only take the driving test after you have completed a course of IBT and held a learner permit for at least six months.
IBT is an 18-hour training course with an Approved IBT Instructor at an approved IBT training centre. It is broken into three separate modules covering basic driving and road safety awareness skills, as follows:
If you want to apply for a category A (medium-sized motorcycle) driving licence by progressive access, you will already have taken the required modules for your category A1 licence. You must now complete a further 11-hour progression module:
Your Approved IBT Instructor will issue a logbook to you prior to commencing your first lesson. As you work through your structured IBT sessions your progress is monitored and recorded in your logbook. When all your IBT sessions are completed, your instructor will sign off the relevant section of your logbook and issue a certificate of satisfactory completion.
If you are learning by progressive access, and successfully complete module 5, you are not required to take the driving test. Instead, you will be issued with a certificate of satisfactory completion by your Approved IBT Instructor.
Motorcycle riding lessons are your next big step to becoming a safe and qualified rider.
Your category A learner permit allows you to ride any motorcycle or motor tricycle on all public roads, except motorways, for the purposes of learning to ride and only after you have completed a full course of mandatory motorcyclist training known as Initial Basic Training (IBT). It also means that you can take IBT with an Approved IBT Instructor.
Like all new first-time category A learner permit holders, you'll need to undertake Initial Basic Training (IBT).
Initial Basic Training (IBT) is structured learner motorcyclist training that all learner riders have to complete. This 18-hour course will give you a strong foundation of training. From there you can build your knowledge and skills.
You will learn:
Remember that Initial Basic Training (IBT) is only the minimum driver training you are required to complete. Your Approved IBT Instructor may suggest further motorcycle riding lessons.
The more you learn and the more you practice, the better your chances of safely passing your driving test first time. What's more, what you learn will help make our roads safer for you and everyone else.
Initial Basic Training (IBT) is an 18-hour training course with an Approved IBT Instructor at an approved IBT training centre. It is broken into three separate modules covering basic riding and road safety awareness skills, as follows:
If you want to apply for a category A (medium-sized motorcycle) driving licence by progressive access, you will already have taken the required modules for your category A1 licence. You must now complete a further 11-hour progression module:
Your Approved IBT Instructor will issue a logbook to you prior to commencing your first lesson. As you work through your structured IBT sessions your progress is monitored and recorded in your logbook. When all your IBT sessions are completed, your instructor will sign off the relevant section of your logbook and issue a certificate of satisfactory completion.
If you are availing of the progressive access route, and successfully complete module 5, you are not required to take the driving test. Instead, you will be issued with a certificate of satisfactory completion by your Approved IBT Instructor.
This short video summarises what IBT involves.
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 A2 motorcycle licences provided the lower category of licence has been held for a minimum of two years and the require Initial Basic Training (IBT) is already in place. As a category A2 (medium-sized motorcycle) licence holder you would be eligible for progressive access to category A (any motorcycle), provided you did not acquire your category A2 licence by progressive access.