What do I need to drive a motorcycle in Ireland?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 17, 2026
What do I need to apply for a motorcycle 'Licence Permit'?
- application form for learner permit D201 (Fully completed)
- evidence of PPSN.
- driver Theory Test pass certificate (dated within 2 years)
- NDLS Eyesight Report form D502 (Fully completed and dated within 1 month)
- NDLS medical form (dated within 1 month) if required.
Can I drive a motorbike on a car licence in Ireland?
In short, yes it does. Category A entitlement means you can ride any motorcycle, even with a passenger and on motorways.
Can I ride a motorcycle with a car license?
Yes, if you have a full car licence you can ride a 125cc scooter or motorbike off-road. However, you must take and pass your compulsory basic training (CBT) before riding on the road.
Do you need NCT for motorbike in Ireland?
Motorbikes will have to be put through the NCT from 2022. Motorbikes will have to be put through the NCT from 2022. The European Parliament has approved minimum common standards for NCT testing across the EU.
What documents do you need for a motorcycle?
You will need your motorbikes registration document and the logbook (V5C), proof of insurance and proof of a MOT if required.
31 related questions foundCan I ride a 250cc motorcycle on a car licence?
You can ride up to 125cc with a valid CBT certificate. (or a full motorcycle licence category A) A 250cc motorcycle will required a full motorcycle licence.
How do you start riding a motorcycle?
Four Steps To Getting Into Motorcycling:
- Getting Your Motorcycle Licence or Learners Permit.
- Enrol In A Rider Training Course / Rider Safety Course.
- Get Your Motorcycle Gear.
- Mental and Physical Preparedness.
How can I avoid paying VRT in Ireland?
If you are a private individual transferring normal residence permanently to the State from abroad this relief may apply. You still need to register your vehicle, but the registration may be exempt from VRT.
...
To qualify, you must prove you:
- have had normal residence abroad.
- and.
- are taking up normal residence in the State.
Does Mot transfer to NCT?
Please remember this when you are looking for details on a vehicle listed on our site. Observing MOT report findings is an easy way to observe the contion of the vehicle at that time, unfortunately, since Brexit an MOT can no longer be exchanged for an NCT.
What paperwork do I need for VRT?
An invoice clearly showing the date of purchase. Documentation verifying the registered owner's name and address, for example, a hardcopy utility bill or a bank statement. Otherwise two online statements from two different service providers must be submitted. These must be a utility bill and a bank statement.
Can you ride a 125cc on a provisional licence?
Once you have passed your Practical Test, you will have a licence to ride any machine of up to 125cc, so long as it's power is restricted to 11kW, without L-plates and you may carry a pillion passenger.
What bike can I ride without a CBT?
You can ride a moped (up to 50cc) without L plates. You do not need to take a CBT course or take the full moped test. You must take CBT if you want to ride anything larger than a 50cc moped.
How fast can a 125cc bike go?
The average 125cc bike will likely have a top speed of around 70mph, and should be able to cruise along at 50 to 60mph quite comfortably.
Can I drive a 125cc motorbike on a car licence in Ireland?
Answer; Yes but only up to a 125cc motorcycle on a category 'A1' licence.
Can you do a motorcycle test on an automatic?
You can take your A2 motorcycle test on either a manual or automatic motorbike. If you choose take your test on a manual motorcycle, you can ride either manual motorcycles or automatics, however if you take your test on an automatic, you will be limited to automatics.
How long does it take to get a motorcycle license in Ireland?
If you are doing Category AM/A1, it is a 16hr course and then for A2/A, it is 18 hrs.
Do motorbikes need NCT?
Motorbikes presently do not need to undergo any NCT-type testing. However, in 2022 Europe is set to introduce maintenance tests for all motorbikes.
What does NCT cost?
The NCT fee for a full test is €55 Euro and a re-test costs €28 Euro (both fees are inclusive of VAT and may be subject to change). Re-tests, which do not require the use of test equipment, will be conducted free of charge.
Can I bring someone else's car to NCT?
They should organise for someone else to present their vehicle where possible. Whoever presents the vehicle for test must produce their own identification in the form of a driving licence. Those who are more vulnerable are advised to contact the NCTS on (01) 4135992 (Monday to Friday).
How long can you drive on UK plates in Ireland?
How long can I drive in Ireland on UK plates? Vehicles from the UK can be temporarily driven in Ireland for up to 12 months.
What happens if you don't pay VRT?
Between 30 and 60 days, you'll pay a penalty equivalent to five per cent of the car's Irish market value. If it's more than 60 days, but less than six months, then it's ten per cent. If it's more than six months, then it's an additional five per cent of the value for every month that you're overdue.
Can you claim back VRT in Ireland?
If you are not happy with the amount of VRT charged when registering a car in Ireland, it is possible to appeal the decision within 2 months and get a VRT refund.
How should a beginner ride a motorcycle for the first time?
How to Ride a Motorcycle For Beginners: Take These 6 Easy Steps
- Step 1: Gear Up. First things first: motorcycling comes with a certain amount of risk. ...
- Step 2: Choose Your Motorcycle. ...
- Step 3: Learn to Brake. ...
- Step 4: Clutch and Throttle. ...
- Step 5: Turning. ...
- Step 6: Practice, Practice, Practice.
How long does it take to get a motorcycle license?
Have motorcycle permit for six months. Take motorcycle rider training course. Between 18–21. Have motorcycle permit for six months.
Is it hard to ride a motorcycle in the rain?
Riding a motorcycle is considered a safety hazard in any weather because it is difficult to be seen so riding in the rain will make it even harder for other drivers to see you. If you have to drive in the rain, make sure you have reflective or bright material on your jacket, pants, helmet, or bike.