FAQ
Do I need to know how to ride a bicycle, before taking motorcycle lessons?
It certainly would help. This would prove that you have a sense of balance and coordination. A sense of both is certainly vital for a student to learn skills and apply safety to its riding.
Do you offer training bikes?
Yes we do, for enclosed skills training exercises on a RSA aproved car park facility and different cruising bikes for on the
road training, specific for Categories A2 and A.
What is the minimum age to get a permit on Categories Am, A1, A2 and A.
The minimum age for Mopeds/Scooters ( AM) is 16 years with a maximum engine size of 50cc and a maximum speed of 45 kph. For the 125cc permit{ A1), the minimum age is also 16 years of age with a maximum engine size of 125cc or 11 KW of engine output. For Category A2 permit, the minimum age is 18 years and a allowable power output from 20kw(395cc) up to 35KW (595cc) ( 33bhp – 46.6bhp) or a power/weight ratio of no more than 0.2kw per 1 kilogram.
Category A, on the other hand, the minimum age is 24 years, for someone who has not held a Category A2 full license,for the past 2 years of its previous life. If so, the minimum age would be 20 years. Provided this person aquired a full Category A2 license at age 18. At age 24 an individual holding a category A permit, is entittled to take the Direct Access IBT course. If this same individual, at the same age, happens to hold a Category A2 full license for the past 2 years, then he or she would be entittled to take the Progressive course from A2 to A at a substancially reduced cost. As of November 2013 the minimum power output for a Category A bike, should be at least 50 KW of power output or 67 bhp. This means your personal bike will have to be at least this big, to be accepted at a Driving Test Centre, for your Cat A full license test.
Can I take a test on my own motorcycle?
Assuming all the motorcycle papers are in order; Yes you can If you have a Category A1 bike for a Category A1 full license test. This means at least 120cc and no more than 125 cc. For Category A2 the bike has to be at least a 395cc with a power output between 20kw and 35 kw ( 33bhp and 46.6bhp). The power weight ratio must not exceed 0.2kw/kg and it must not be derived from a motorcycle of more than double its power(in case it is restricted) . For Category A the motorcycle must be at least 595cc with a power output of at least 50 kw or 67bhp and a minimum weight of 180 kg dry weight.
What is the required motorcycle safety equipment a student must wear, to take lessons?
It is required and advised for a student to wear not just when taking lessons but at all times; a helmet, a pair of leather gloves, eye protection, boots, a strong fabric pair of trousers, a motorcycle type jacket and a yellow tabard with a red "L" at the back and front of it, to be worn over the jacket.
What condition should a student motorcycle be, so it can be used for lessons?
The engine and mechanical controls should be in good working order. All lights and turn signals should work. Tyre pressure on both tyres should be up to factory specifications. Drive chain should be properly adjusted and well oiled.
Would you teach someone, on a motorcycle, with no insurance or up to date motor tax?
No we would not. We require every student to sign a document declaring that his or her motorcycle is insured and the motor tax disc is up to date.
Do you sell any safety equipment?
Not at the moment. We are planning on doing that soon. Meanwhile, we will be glad to show you a list of vendors around the country and beyond.
I just got a motorcycle permit. What will happen, now that I.B.T. has been signed into law?
For you, nothing! Your permit/provisional license will remain valid for its duration. Provided you got it before the 6th of December 2010.
What is the first thing I should do after I get my IBT certificate ?
Educate yourself! And we don't mean by just studying the required RSA books and getting lessons. We mean by talking to knowledgeable people in the business. Such as motorcycle mechanics, instructors, motorcycle dealers and long time motorcycle owners. Make an effort to attend motorcycle shows and go to rallies.
Motorcycling requires commitment and dedication. So find out everything about it. In the end, not only will you appreciate it, you will have a lot more respect for it.
What are the restrictions on IBT Certificates?
IBT Certificate holders are required to wear , a reflective vest (tabard) with red "L" plates on the back and front.
Also they are not allowed to carry passengers or to ride on Motorways, where speed limit may be 120 kph, at any time.
What are the categories for motorcycle licenses?
Category AM – For Mopeds or Scooters, not larger than 50cc engine size and a maximum speed of 45 kph.
Category A1 – For motorcycles up to 125cc engine size or a maximum output of 11kw.
Category A2– For motorcycles without a side car with a power output between 20kw and 35kw or a power/weight ratio no more than 0.2 kw per 1 kilogram. Category A – For motorcycles without a side car with a present power output of at least 50 kw or 53.6 bhp.
What am I to do to get a motorcycle permit?
Schedule a theory exam by calling 1890-606106 for English or 1890-606806 for Irish. You may also go online and log on to: www.theorytest.ie and follow the instructions.
While you wait for the exam date, get two identical passport type photographs. Next, go to the Motor Tax Office and pick up a copy of forms D-201 and D-502. Bring form D-502 to a registered Ophthalmic Optician. Once there, get your eyes tested and ask the Optician to fill out the "Eyesight Report" or form D-502. The Optician will also witness your signed declaration on the form.
If you pass your theory test, the examiner will give you a "pass certificate" which in turn you will bring it to the Motor Tax Office, along with the "two photographs", the "Eyesight Report" (form D-502), your birth certificate or Passport as a form of identification and a filled out form D-201 to save you time. Make sure to bring some money or credit card to pay the fee. In the end, you'll have your permit. which entitles you only to take the IBT course. You will be only allowed to ride on Irish primary and secondary roads, until you successfully have completed all 4 modules of IBT and issued a Certificate of completion, which must be carried, along with your permit, whenever you're out on a motorbike.
How do I schedule a full license exam?
There are a couple of ways to go about this; you can call the RSA at 1890-406040 and schedule your exam. You may also apply by posting a completed form to the :
Driver Testing Section
Road Safet Authority,
Moy Valley Business Park,
Primrose Hill,
Dublin Road,
Ballina,
Co. Mayo
Enclose a check or postal order, made payable to the Road Safety Authority . To print a copy of the application form, open this PDF file and print it: http://www.drivingtest.ie/drivingtest/rsadrivingtestappform.pdf
The last method to go about it is by going online and log on to: http://www.drivingtest.ie and follow the instructions.
Good Luck !
What are my best reading options to prepare me for a Theory and Full license exam?
The RSA has two official books you will find at most bookstores. We recommend getting both of them. One is called " Rules of the road". The other one is " The Official Driver Theory Test. Both books will be useful for both tests. These books are usually revised once every so often, which makes previous versions obsolete. Presently any edition before October 22nd 2011 is no longer valid. The CD version of The Official Driver Theory Test is great for simulated tests on a computer. It is virtually identical to the one you would see at a test center.
What is expected of me on the day of my full license exam?
Make sure your motorcycle is road worthy with all the lights and signals in working order. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. You will be asked to show your Certificate of IBT plus your permit or your provisional license. Your up to date Motor Tax Disc and proof of insurance should always be with you. You might be asked to show them but you will be asked to sign a document attesting that your bike papers are in order. You are expected to know your road signs as you will be verbally asked to identify them.
You are expected to be wearing all your safety equipment such as your helmet, eye protection, gloves, boots, a motorcycle type jacket and a yellow reflective vest ( tabard ) with a red "L" on the back and front of it. " WARNING" do not show up wearing an RSA issued "orange" high visability vest. Or any orange vest. You will not be allowed to take the test. Wear only a yellow one.
You are expected to show knowledge about your motorcycle, from describing all your controls to maintenance. You will have to demonstrate your ability to ride and co-exist with other vehicles and pedestrians on the road. You will have to demonstrate not just your knowledge of the rules of the road but riding skills, safety, proper positioning, progress and observation.
When did I.B.T.(Initial Basic Training)become mandatory?
Originally as of December 6th, 2010 "Provisional Licenses" were no longer issued and replaced with "Motorcycle Permits". Permits only entittle students to take I.B.T. courses. As of January 19th , 2013 new European mandates went into effect and established new categories (AM & A2 ) plus new ways and methods to deliver the IBT courses, such as "Direct Access and Progressive".
How do I find out about your advanced courses?
Announcements will be posted on the "Bike News" section of our website. Please don't hesitate to call us at 087-665-7622 or email : adicpereira@ridingaces.ie
What are your working hours?
Our working hours vary with the seasons. The hours are from one to two hours past sunrise up to sundown. Tuesday to Sunday. Yep, we take vacations sometimes. We'll let you know.