How to Get Your Motorcycle Licence in Ireland: Costs, Process & My Experience

Thinking about getting your motorcycle licence in Ireland? Here's the process, what it costs and how I went from learner to passing my motorcycle test in just two months.

Getting my motorcycle licence was something I'd wanted to do for a while, and eventually I decided to stop talking about it and actually get on with it! If you're thinking about doing the same, the process can seem a little confusing at first, so here's everything you need to know about getting a motorcycle licence in Ireland.

What Motorcycle Licence Do You Need in Ireland?
There are several motorcycle licence categories in Ireland:

• AM – mopeds
• A1 – motorcycles up to 125cc
• A2 – medium-powered motorcycles
• A – motorcycles with no power restriction

If you're 24 or older, you can go directly for a Category A licence, meaning you don't have to work your way through the smaller motorcycle categories first. This is the route I took since I wanted to have the full freedom of choosing whatever bike I wanted in the future.
How to Get a Motorcycle Licence in Ireland

• 1. Pass the Motorcycle Theory Test

Your first step is passing the motorcycle theory test. You need to have passed the relevant theory test before applying for your first learner permit. I'd recommend doing plenty of practice questions beforehand. There are lots of things to remember, so don't leave it until the night before! Interestingly, when i signed up to do the theory test, it turned out I was exempt because I had a valid driving license - so double check this in your case. 

• 2. Apply for Your Motorcycle Learner Permit

Once you've passed your theory test, you can apply for your motorcycle learner permit through the NDLS. A first learner permit currently costs €45.
A learner permit allows you to ride on public roads, apart from motorways, but there are restrictions. You also can't carry a passenger (or a dog) on a motorcycle while you're riding on a learner permit.

• 3. Complete Your IBT

Before you can legally ride independently, you need to complete Initial Basic Training (IBT) with an RSA-approved instructor. For someone starting on an A2 or Category A motorcycle, the IBT is 18 hours and combines theory with practical riding skills.
The price varies depending on the training school, so it's worth shopping around and checking exactly what's included.

• 4. Get Plenty of Practice

This is where the fun really starts! Once you've completed your IBT, you can get out on the road and build up your confidence. I spent time getting comfortable with my Suzuki Bandit 600, practising my manoeuvres and generally learning how everything felt on two wheels. Big shoutout to the ladies from the Motorbike Women Ireland group, who were great support during weekly spins, and gave me the confidence to go for my full test. 
You need to have held your first learner permit for at least six months and completed your IBT before you're eligible to take the motorcycle driving test.

• 5. Take Your Motorcycle Driving Test

The motorcycle driving test currently costs €85. The test looks at your ability to ride safely and competently, as well as your knowledge of the rules of the road and your motorcycle. There is usually a REALLY LONG waiting list, and since I was in a rush to get my license for a trip to Central America, I kept checking the cancellation page for a last minute spot. It worked!

Gimli my co-pawlot

How I Got My Motorcycle Licence in Two Months
This is probably the part I'm asked about most.

I had already held my motorcycle learner permit for well over six months, so I had already met that requirement. Once I decided it was time to go for my full licence, I gave myself a goal of getting everything sorted and sitting my test within two months. I was due to fly to Mexico in October 2025, and i took my test in September 2025 - no pressure!

I booked what I needed, practised regularly in Dunboyne Industrial Estate and spent a lot of time getting comfortable on my heavy 600cc bike. I didn't want to simply scrape through the test — I wanted to actually feel confident riding. I did a pre test with Wesley Higgins from Smart Rider Training leading up to this to give me the best chance of passing and I would highly recommend this to boost your confidence and examine areas you need to improve on before the big day.  

And then came test day! Eeek!

Thankfully, all that preparation paid off and I passed my motorcycle test, giving me my full Category A licence. My instructor was a legend and even though it was a miserable rainy day and I could not hear any instructions through my dodgy earpiece, I somehow made it around the Naas test centre route and passed with flying colours.

Two months might sound incredibly quick, but remember that I had already completed the six-month learner-permit requirement. If you're starting completely from scratch, you'll need to factor that waiting period into your timeline.

How Much Does a Motorcycle Licence Cost in Ireland?
The official fees are relatively straightforward:

• Motorcycle theory test €45
• First learner permit €45
• IBT Fees vary between €500 - €700 (I paid around €550 at Two Wheels Training in Wexford)
• Motorcycle driving test €85
• Full driving licence €65

So you're looking at at least €240 in official fees, before paying for your IBT, motorcycle lessons, insurance, bike, protective clothing, tax, fuel and any other costs.

To give you an idea of how I kept the costs low here are a few tips:

• I bought my gear on Facebook groups and Adverts/DoneDeal - new gear is very expensive and you often find excellent second hand gear for low prices.
• I bought a 1999 Suzuki Bandit 600 for around €1800, and then I sold it after the test. I wanted to use my own bike for practice and the test - but you can also a rent a bike if you prefer to avoid buying one. 
• Instead of paying for random one off lessons I joined the Motorbike Women Ireland Group to gain real experience with other like minded women - and it was a game changer. We went on regular spins, shared tips and advice and the support was invaluable throughout my motorbike journey. 
• I recorded myself and watched my technique back - and i watched lots of MotoJitsu videos on You Tube for invaluable advice.

My Advice If You're Thinking About Getting Your Motorcycle Licence
Honestly, just go for it!

I spent plenty of time thinking about getting my motorcycle licence before I actually did it. Once I started the process, I realised it wasn't nearly as complicated as I'd imagined.
Take your time learning, get plenty of practice and don't worry about how quickly someone else gets their licence.

Being a confident and safe rider is far more important than rushing through the process.

For me, getting my motorcycle licence opened up a completely new way of travelling — and after taking on some pretty epic adventures on two wheels, I'm very glad I finally did it! I now travel full time in my campervan with my Suzuki GN125 on the back for adventures.