Rider Guide
Motorbike Licence Categories
Ireland uses four motorcycle licence categories — AM, A1, A2 and A. Here's what each one lets you ride, the minimum age, the IBT hours required and how to step up from one to the next.
At a glance
All four categories, side by side
| Category | Bike type | Engine / power | Min age | IBT hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM | Moped / scooter | Up to 50cc · 45 km/h | 16 | 16 hrs |
| A1 | Small motorcycle | Up to 125cc · 11 kW | 16 | 16 hrs |
| A2 | Medium motorcycle | 20–35 kW · 245cc+ | 18 | 18 hrs (11 progressing) |
| A | Full power | Over 50 kW · unrestricted | 24 (or 20 via progression) | 18 / 11 hrs |
Mopeds & scooters
Minimum age
16
Engine / power
Up to 50cc · max 45 km/h
IBT hours
16 hrs (Modules 1–4)
Entry-level category for mopeds and light scooters. Ideal for short urban commutes and getting riding experience early.
Learner restrictions
- • No pillion passengers while on a learner permit
- • No motorway riding
- • L-plates front and rear
- • High-visibility tabard or vest
Small motorcycles
Minimum age
16
Engine / power
Up to 125cc · max 11 kW · ≤ 0.1 kW/kg
IBT hours
16 hrs (Modules 1–4)
Light motorcycles suitable for new riders. A common stepping stone toward A2 and A under progressive access.
Learner restrictions
- • No pillion passengers while on a learner permit
- • No motorway riding
- • L-plates front and rear
- • High-visibility tabard or vest
Medium motorcycles
Minimum age
18
Engine / power
20–35 kW · ≤ 0.2 kW/kg · not derived from a bike over 70 kW
IBT hours
18 hrs full course · 11 hrs progressing from A1
Mid-power motorcycles. Most popular adult entry point — covers a broad range of modern bikes either factory A2 or restricted.
Learner restrictions
- • No pillion passengers while on a learner permit
- • No motorway riding
- • L-plates front and rear
- • High-visibility tabard or vest
Full power motorcycles
Minimum age
24 direct access · 20 via progression from A2 (2 years held)
Engine / power
Over 50 kW · unrestricted
IBT hours
18 hrs direct · 11 hrs progressing from A2
Full unrestricted licence — any motorcycle, any power. Reached either directly at 24 or earlier through progressive access from A2.
Learner restrictions
- • No pillion passengers while on a learner permit
- • No motorway riding
- • L-plates front and rear
- • High-visibility tabard or vest
Progressive Access
Stepping up the ladder
You don't have to start over each time. Once you've held a category for 2 years, you can upgrade with an 11-hour Module 5 progression course instead of the full IBT.
Hold A1 for 2 years + 11-hour Module 5
Hold A2 for 2 years + 11-hour Module 5
Hold automatic licence + 11-hour Module 5
Skip the full course when upgrading
Riders progressing between categories — or moving from an automatic to a manual licence — only need the 11-hour Module 5 progression course, not the full IBT again. It must still be delivered by an RSA-approved instructor.
Ready to start?