Rules For Northern Ireland - Passing your Test

To take your Motorcycle or Scooter Test you will be required to show a valid Theory Test and Compulsory Basic Training certificate.

Once you have completed both of these you can then progress – preferably under the instruction of a qualified AMI – to train for your test.

The Motorcycle test is split into 2 parts:

Module 1 – Off road

and

Module 2 – On Road

Module 1 consists of a series of manoeuvres designed to demonstrate your control of the machine. You will be asked to attend one of the Off Road test centres . Your Instructor will be able to tell you where your nearest centre is and can arrange the test for you.

  • a slow riding exercise, where the candidate rides alongside the examiner at walking pace
  • a slalom and figure of eight exercise riding around cones
  • walking and riding U-turn exercises, including use of the motorcycle stands
  • a curve, to be ridden in second or third gear, at a minimum speed of 30kph (18.75mph)
  • a combined avoidance and braking exercise at a minimum speed of 50kph (31.25mph)
  • an emergency stop at a minimum speed of 50kph (31.25mph)

Once you have successfully completed your Module 1 Test you can then take the On Road test (Module 2).

Whilst most people will take their test on a 125cc machine it is also possible to take your test on a machine of between 75 and 120cc. See below:

  • a light motorcycle licence (A1), which restricts riders to any bike up to 125 cc and a power output of 11 kW/14.6 Bhp - the practical test must be taken on a bike of between 75 cc and 120 cc
  • a standard motorcycle licence (A) is obtained if the practical test is taken on a bike of over 120 cc but not more than 125 cc and capable of at least 100 km/h per hour - after passing the standard motorcycle practical test, you will be restricted for two years to riding a bike of up to 25 kW/33 Bhp and a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16 kW/kg; after this you may ride any size of bike

Your test will last for approximately 40 minutes after which, if successful you will be free to ride unaccompanied on the road – but you will have to carry an R Plate and you will be restricted to 45mph for 1 year. This requirement is in place whether you opt for an A1 or a standard A licence.

ROUTE TO A FULL LICENCE - Summary

STEP 1 - Theory Test – must be passed before you take your Module 1 test – but is not required for CBT

STEP 2 - Compulsory Basic Training – required for all provisional licence holders issued after February 25 2011. Will be required for all riders after February 2012

STEP 3 - MODULE 1 – Off Road Test – Must be passed before progressing to Mod 2.

STEP 4  - MODULE 2 – On Road Test – A1 test on 75cc – 120cc or Standard A licence on 125cc machine.

STEP 5  - 1 Year on R Plate restricted to 45mph (A1 and A Licence) after which A1 licence holder are free to ride a 125cc machine.

STEP 6 - Standard A licence holders are allowed to ride for 2 Years on a machine restricted to 25kw (33bhp) and a power to weight ratio of up to 0.16kw/kg after which you are free to ride what you like.


Important Tip: It is illegal in Northern Ireland to take payment for motorcycle training unless you are an Authorised Motorcycle Instructor (AMI). If you looking to do your Motorcycle or Scooter training ensure that your instructor can show you his official AMI card. If not – go somewhere else.

All Get On Free Ride providers are AMI's.