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 work vehicle or tractor must:

be an agricultural tractor or work vehicle (a vehicle other than a land tractor) which has a maximum design speed not exceeding 40 kph and which is constructed primarily for any work other than the conveyance by road of goods or burden of any other description. Read a full definition here.
be roadworthy and the steering, brakes, front and rear lamps, indicators, reflectors, rear view mirrors, speedometer, tyres, windscreen wipers, horn, silencer and seat belts if fitted must be checked regularl
be fitted with a safety frame
have a valid Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) certificate, if applicable
display a valid, original motor tax disc.

Becoming a work vehicles and tractors driver

Step 1: Prepare for and pass the driver theory test
Step 2: Apply for a learner permit
Step 3: Book and pass the driving test. You must hold your first learner permit for six months before sitting your driving test
Step 4: Apply for a driving licence
Step 5: Drive as a novice driver for two years.

Taking your test in an automatic transmission vehicle
Prepare yourself
Prepare the documents you need
Prepare your work vehicle or tractor

Taking your test in an automatic transmission vehicle

You can learn to drive in an automatic or manual vehicle. Either way you will develop good driving skills, safe driver behaviour and road safety awareness.

However, if you pass your test in an automatic vehicle, you are limited to driving automatic vehicles. This restriction will appear on your driving licence as category code 78.

If you later want to drive a manual vehicle, you will have to apply for another learner permit and pass the driving test again in a manual vehicle.

Prepare yourself

You're on your way to becoming a safe, qualified driver of a work vehicle or tractor 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
drive only the type of vehicle for which you hold a learner permit or driving licence
only drive when you are accompanied by someone who has held a full valid driving licence in the same category for at least two years
carry your learner permit or driving licence with you at all times when driving.

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 learner permit or driving licence, 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 work vehicle or tractor

Your vehicle must:

be an agricultural tractor or work vehicle (a vehicle other than a land tractor) which has a maximum design speed not exceeding 40 kph)
be constructed primarily for work that does not involve the carriage of goods or burden of any other description, by road. Read a full definition here.
be roadworthy and the steering, brakes, front and rear lamps, indicators, reflectors, rear view mirrors, speedometer, tyres, windscreen wipers, horn, silencer and seat belts if fitted must be checked regularly
be fitted with a safety frame
have a valid Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) certificat, if applicable
ensure that any work vehicle or tractor you drive displays a valid original motor tax disc.

Read about our Revised Standards for Agricultural Vehicles

Watch our videos about safety, road awareness and technical standards for agricultural vehicles.