Before you can ride a motorcycle/scooter on the public road you must undergo an Initial Basic Training Course or IBT Course.

IBT was introduced in December 2010 as part of the European initiative to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities to inexperience motorcyclists.  In January 2013 IBT was updated to include the new licencing laws that came into effect.

The new laws allowed a choice for 4 different categories of motorcycle licence in Ireland. Am, A1, A2 and A. Am category being the smallest at 49cc and A category being unrestricted licence to allow riders of 24 years and older to ride any size motorcycle. All categories are subject to  minimum age restrictions.

Before you can insure and ride a motorcycle in Ireland you’ll need to take a motorcyel theory test, get a motorcycle learner permit and complete the required IBT course for the category of bike you would like to ride.

A motorcycle IBT course can be 16 hours, 18 hours or 11 hours depending on the course required.

The 16 hour course is spread over four IBT Modules 1,2,3 & 4  which introduce the rider to the equipment required, and the skills needed, to take a motorcycle out onto the public road. The rider must pass each section before he/she can progress to the next level. The modules are a combination of theory and actual motorcycle riding in a secure RSA approved compound. The final module involves riding the motorcycle on a public road.

The 18 hour course is over three IBT modules 1,3 & 5 is designed for the category A2 and A.

The 11 hour is known as  Module 5 is for riders who have already undertaken an IBT course in a lesser category and wish to upgrade to a larger size bike. ie A1 to A2 or A2 to A. This is known as Progressive IBT Module 5.

Motorcycles and PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) can be supplied for both male and female riders and the off road training takes place in an RSA approved compound. You can find details of costs involved on the IBT Course Prices

Motorcycle IBT Module 1 (required for Am, A1, A2 & A category permits)

• Personal protective equipment (P.P.E.)
• Introduction to motorcycle controls
• Technical checks – P.O.W.D.E.R.
• Placing the motorcycle on and off the stand
• Walk alongside the motorcycle
• How to start and stop the engine the engine (inc precautions when mounting & dismounting)

Motorcycle IBT Module 2 (required for Am & A1category permits)

• Move off and stopping
• Correct use of brakes
• Use of clutch control & gear changing
• Slow riding – controlling a motorcycle at walking pace
• Figure of eight
• U-turn
• Slalom
• Rear observation and mirrors (O.S.M.- P.S.L.)
• Turning left and right
• Emergency adjustment of speed

Motorcycle IBTModule 3 (required for Am, A1, A2 & A category permits)

• Legal requirements for riders
• Rules of the road
• Being seen
• Road surfaces
• Road and lane position
• Rear observation and mirrors
• Speed
• Anticipation and reaction (inc dealing with emergency vehicles)
• Weather conditions (inc model choices & route planning)
• Fatigue

Motorcycle IBT Module 4 (required for Am & A1 category permits)

• Gradients
• Junctions
• Traffic lights
• Roundabouts (O.S.M.-P.S.L.)
• Safe distance
• Anticipation and reaction (inc emergency vehicles)
• Pedestrian & Rail crossings
• Bends

Motorcycle IBT Module 5 (required for A2 and A category permits)

• Moving off and stopping
• Use of brakes
• Use of gears
• Slow riding exercise
• Figure of eight exercise
• U-turn exercise
• Slalom exercise
• Rear observation and mirror work
• Turning left and right
• Obstacle Avoidance
• Emergency adjustment of speed
• Emergency Stop
• Overtaking
• Carrying pillion Passengers
• Using a Sidecar / towing a Trailer
• Gradients
• Junctions
• Traffic lights
• Roundabouts
• Safe distance
• Anticipation and reaction to hazards including dealing with Emergency service vehicles.
• Pedestrian & rail crossings (rail where possible)
• Bends
• Socially responsible Riding/driving

Motorcycle IBT Module 5 (Progression Module)
This module includes topics previously covered during Modules 2 & 4 with some additional new content to allow ‘progression’ the training needs to be undertaken on the new vehicle type, you wish to change to, e.g. from ‘automatic’ to ‘manual’.

This progression Module will facilitate changes in your entitlements without you having to undergo the full program again and in limited circumstances without you having to undergo a practical driving test.

For Direct access purposes to Category ‘A’ or ‘A2’ motorcycles, you will need 13 hours to complete this module. Where IBT has already been completed and you are availing of ‘progressive access’ then you will need 11 hours to complete this module.

Once the correct modules have been completed and you have received your certificate of completion you can take a learner legal motorcycle onto the road and begin your biking experience.

For pricing on this course please go to IBT Course Prices