FAQs Laws and Licence Rules for the Republic of Ireland
Added on Tuesday, March 25th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
FAQs Laws and Licence Rules for the Republic of Ireland
Welcome to the Getting Started section for riders in the Republic of Ireland. If you want to ride a moped, scooter or motorcycle then we’ve tried to answer all the likely questions that you may have, from riding kit to taking the motorcycle test. There are some new rules planned for Ireland in 2008, which will introduce compulsory basic training for some riders. As soon as we have more information, we will publish it for you here.If you have a specific question, then please email; info@carolenash.com and we will try to answer it. Disclaimer; We have tried to ensure the accuracy of all the following information, but we cannot guarantee it. You should consult the relevant Republic of Ireland transport departments before riding on the road.
I own a car and want a scooter for commuting, do I need a motorcycle licence?
If you have an Irish category B car licence then you can ride a 50cc moped scooter without taking any test, or applying for another licence – you just add the M category to your licence. You must insure the moped too.If you want to ride a 51cc-125cc or larger engine size scooter, and are aged 16 or older, then you need to apply for a provisional motorcycle, Category A1 licence. If you’re 18 years old you can apply for a category A provisional motorcycle/scooter licence. You are restricted to a 33bhp machine for the first two years and you then have two years to pass your motorcycle test.From December 1st 2007 all provisional or learner motorcycle/scooter riders in the ROI must wear a hi-vis tabard with the letter `L’ on it. The L must be at least 15cm tall.
Do I need to take the Theory test?
Yes, this applies to all moped, scooter, car or motorcycle licences. It’s a multiple choice quiz on the rules of the road, available at over 20 local centres across Ireland. Phone 1890 606 106 for details on costs and availability.
How old do I have to be to ride?
Aged 16 for a scooter or motorcycle up to 125cc, and 18 years old for 51cc and above size motorcycles and scooters.
Do I have to ride a restricted motorcycle on a provisional licence?
Yes, the rules are a bit complicated on this issue. The machine does NOT have to have a capacity limit on its engine size, but a power-to-weight ratio limit of 0.16kw/kg, or make no more than 33bhp. These are EU rules and difficult to understand without the aid of a calculator and the technical spec on a particular motorcycle. In short, a typical large sportsbike, like say an R1, Fireblade or Ducati 749 will NOT be available for learner riders, but bikes with relatively modest power – yet still carrying a fair bit of weight – like say a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide – may well be OK.
Your safest bet is to start on something reasonably small, light in weight and easy to handle in all conditions as a novice rider. Bikes like the Honda CBF500, Yamaha Fazer 600, Kawasaki Versys etc are all ideal and a motorcycle dealer will be able to restrict your machine to 33bhp if needed.Note; once you pass your motorcycle category A licence test you STILL have to ride a restricted 33bhp machine for two years after passing the test.
Do I need to take any training?
At present you do not. But insidebikes recommends training for all riders because you are especially vulnerable as a novice. The ROI training situation may well change soon, as the Irish government has indicated that new rules will come into effect. The laws will make novice riders complete a set number of hours compulsory basic training before going onto the public roads. You may find that taking training helps lower your insurance costs, which is always good. If you have completed a training course, then call Carole Nash on 1800 298 550 to find out if you can save money on your motorbike insurance premium.
I own a basic trailbike from the 80s, can I take my motorcycle test on that?
Yes, you can take the motorcycle test on any roadworthy machine. So it doesn’t need to have indicators or even a brake light fitted. If they are fitted, they have to work however and the bike must have a headlamp. You may use hand signals and the `lifesaver’ glance over the shoulder instead of mirrors during the test.
What kind of skills do I need to practise to pass the Irish motorcycle test?
The test is similar to old UK motorcycle test from the 70s and 80s, basically a few questions on the rules of the road, and then an examiner will either follow you in a car, or observe on foot, whilst you do some basic riding. A feet-up U turn is usually required, plus some slow riding at `walking pace.’You will be asked to demonstrate that you understand how controls like the horn or the machine’s kill switch work, or how the drive chain is adjusted too.
