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A1, A2 and AMotorcycle licence categories in Ireland
Ireland has four motorcycle licence categories: AM for mopeds, A1 for 125cc bikes, A2 for medium bikes and A for any size. Your age and your licence history decide which one you can go for, how many hours of IBT you need and whether you sit a test.
- A1 from 16
- A2 from 18
- A from 20 or 24
- RSA approved IBT instructor
The four categories at a glance
I train riders for A1, A2 and A. I don’t teach AM (mopeds), but it’s in the table so you can see how the four categories fit together.
| Category | What you can ride | Minimum age | IBT needed | Driving test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM | Mopeds up to 50cc (or up to 4kW electric), designed for 25 to 45 km/h | 16 | 16 hours, modules 1 to 4 | Yes |
| A1 | Small motorcycles of 115cc to 125cc, up to 11kW | 16 | 16 hours, modules 1 to 4 | Yes |
| A2 | Medium motorcycles of at least 245cc, 20kW to 35kW | 18 | 18 hours, modules 1, 3 and 5 (or 11 hours by progression from A1) | Yes, unless you progress from A1 |
| A | Any motorcycle; training bikes are at least 595cc and 50kW | 24 direct, 20 by progression | 18 hours, modules 1, 3 and 5 (or 11 hours by progression from A2) | Yes, unless you progress from A2 |
Direct access or progressive access
There are two ways to reach A2 or A. Which one suits you depends on what licence you already hold and how long you have held it.
Direct access
You go straight for the category you want. You pass the theory test, get a learner permit, complete 18 hours of IBT and then sit the RSA motorcycle test.
First-time learner permit holders wait six months from the permit date before they can sit the test.
Progressive access
You have held a full A1 licence (to move to A2) or a full A2 licence (to move to A) for more than two years. You complete 11 hours of progression training on the bigger bike, and you do not sit another test.
You can only use progression once in a row. If you got your A2 by progressing from A1, you need to pass the full category A test to move up to A.
Rules for every learner rider
Whatever category you choose, the same learner rules apply on the road.
- Pass the motorcycle theory test first. The certificate is valid for up to two years.
- Get a learner permit for the category, even if you already hold a full car licence.
- Complete IBT before you ride on a public road.
- Wear L-plates on a yellow high-visibility tabard.
- No pillion passengers and no motorways while you are a learner.
After you pass your test, you display N-plates for your novice period.
Questions about licence categories
What motorcycle can I ride at 16 in Ireland?
At 16 you can go for category AM (mopeds up to 50cc) or category A1 (motorcycles of 115cc to 125cc, up to 11kW). Both need 16 hours of IBT. I teach A1, not AM.
How old do I need to be for a full A licence?
You can go for category A directly at 24. If you have held a full A2 licence for more than two years, you can progress to A from 20.
Do I need IBT if I already have a car licence?
Yes. A car licence does not cover motorcycles. You need a motorcycle learner permit for the category and you must complete IBT before riding on the road.
Can I skip the driving test with progressive access?
Yes, when you progress from A1 to A2, or from A2 to A, after holding the lower licence for more than two years. You complete 11 hours of progression training and get a certificate instead of sitting a test.
Can I carry a passenger on a learner permit?
No. Learner riders cannot carry a pillion passenger and cannot ride on motorways.
Not sure which category is yours?
Tell me your age, what licence you hold now and what bike you want to ride, and I’ll give you a straight answer on the route and the training you need.