6. Driving test
The category A 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 A 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.
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 A 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.
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:
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MOTORCYCLE 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 A1 (small motorcycle) licence holder you would be eligible for progressive access to category A2 (medium-sized motorcycle).
This chart shows the process of obtaining a motorcycle driving licence, including how progressive access works.
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