Motorcycle Test

The following table describes the various motorcycle licence categories and the minimum age requirements.  Please note that there are specific vehicle requirements for taking the practical motorcycle driving test.

You can access the various motorcycle categories by ‘direct access’ or ‘progressive access’.

Direct Access

Direct access is where you have not previously held a full motorcycle licence in a lower category.

Progressive Access

Progressive access applies to categories A2 and A.  This means that you may be entitled to complete a course of training in order to obtain the higher motorcycle category full licence.  For example, if you are 18 years of age and you have held a full Category A1 licence for 2 years, you can complete a training course (or progression module) of Initial Basic Training on an A2 motorcycle, and upon satisfactory completion of the training, you can get your full Category A2 licence.

Video 1: Getting ready for your motorcycle test

Video 1 outlines everything you need to know about getting ready for your motorcycle test, from the initial steps involved in studying for your theory test right through to applying for your motorcycle test. The video will show a learner biker undergoing Initial Basic Training, known as IBT, with their IBT instructor. IBT is covered in more detail in Video 8. The video will also outline what you, as a learner biker, need to know about relevant safety equipment, such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), motorcycle helmet and high vis tabard with an L plate. Finally, the video will also highlight your additional responsibilities, such as tax, insurance and the roadworthiness of your motorcycle.

Video 2: On the day of your motorcycle test

Video 2 outlines what learner motorcyclists should expect on the day of their test, before you take your actual test. The video will go through what is required on the day, such as having the correct category of licence for the test you wish to take, your registration certificate, and the correct protective gear. The video will go through the documents you must provide and sign before the test and shows the bike tester and learner biker discussing the test in the test centre beforehand. The learner biker is shown answering questions on the Rules of the Road, demonstrating hand signals and demonstrating technical knowledge of a motorcycle. These are all requirements of the motorcycle test. Finally, the video reminds learner bikers that they will be instructed during their test via a radio mike given to them by the tester.

Video 3: During your motorcycle test

Video 3 outlines what learner motorcyclists should expect on the day of their test, before you take your actual test. The video will go through what is required on the day, such as having the correct category of licence for the test you wish to take, your registration certificate, and the correct protective gear. The video will go through the documents you must provide and sign before the test and shows the bike tester and learner biker discussing the test in the test centre beforehand. The learner biker is shown answering questions on the Rules of the Road, demonstrating hand signals and demonstrating technical knowledge of a motorcycle. These are all requirements of the motorcycle test. Finally, the video reminds learner bikers that they will be instructed during their test via a radio mike given to them by the tester.

Video 4: Initial Basic Training (IBT)

This video goes into more detail on Initial Basic Training for learner motorcyclists, known as IBT. The purpose of IBT is to help the learner rider to master basic motorcycling skills through a series of 16 lessons with an IBT instructor. The video will also outline the preparation required of the learner biker before and during their IBT programme, what Personal Protection Equipment is needed during and after their training, as well as explaining what is covered in each IBT module.