Section 16: Rules for motorcyclists
Motorcycles represent less than 1 in 50 of all licensed vehicles in Ireland, but motorcycle users account for 1 in 8 road deaths. In a crash, motorcycle and moped users have less protection than drivers or passengers in vehicles.
This section is aimed at motorcyclists, including those who use mopeds, and describes how you can keep yourself safe on the road. Trained motorcyclists around the world prove every day that biking can be a fun, safe and satisfying activity if you have appropriate skills, the right attitude to safety and the benefit of education and training.
Licence
You must hold a current driving licence or learner permit for a motorcycle or moped. See section 1 for information on licences and permits and the categories of vehicle they cover.
As a motorcyclist on a learner permit you must display an ‘L’ on a yellow fluorescent tabard to give greater awareness to other road users that you are a learner and that additional care may be required. The ‘L’ must conform in size and colour to the normal ‘L’ plate.
If you have recently obtained your first driving licence (full driving licence) you will be classified as a ‘Novice’ driver and must display N plates on a yellow fluorescent tabard. This tabard must be worn over your clothes and the plates should be clearly visible on the front and rear of your body.
Insurance and tax
You must display a current motor tax disc and have insurance cover before you can take your motorcycle or moped on a public road.
All new first time learner permit holders for motorcycles must undertake Initial Basic Training (IBT) with an approved IBT instructor, before they can ride a motorcycle unsupervised.