Learner/Newbie Sticky All Learner/newbie/Starter Questions Go here!!**

jimgoose · 26-05-2015 3:10pm

Gavin wrote: »

I did my IBT recently. It was my first time on a bike, I'm 33, and have an A category learner permit. After the two days, the IBT instructor graded me for an A2 bike. He explained that it's rare for beginners to be given a full power grade after the IBT.

I'm not particularly concerned, I won't be getting a full power bike anyway, and am happy to learn on the A2 bike, so it's not a problem, however from reading on the forum, I don't see any others who seem to have been in the same scenario. Is it common that with an A permit, the IBT instructor will only give out an A2 category grade?

Complete and utter nonsense. The whole point of the IBT is not how much power you can "handle", it is the basics of handling a motorcycle. That instructor has no business telling you what vehicle category you should be using given your circumstances.

Roadskill · 26-05-2015 6:45pm

jimgoose wrote: »

Complete and utter nonsense. The whole point of the IBT is not how much power you can "handle", it is the basics of handling a motorcycle. That instructor has no business telling you what vehicle category you should be using given your circumstances.

It is up to the instructor ultimately jimgoose due to certain factors or as they see fit but! There is very little between an A2 and A category infact some bikes used for the A2 are restricted bikes that could easily be category A also if unrestricted so I don't see why the instructor would do this if the op is over 24. It would be interesting to know what bike was used for the ibt.

gerrowadat · 26-05-2015 6:58pm

Roadskill wrote: »

It is up to the instructor ultimately jimgoose due to certain factors or as they see fit but! There is very little between an A2 and A category infact some bikes used for the A2 are restricted bikes that could easily be category A also if unrestricted so I don't see why the instructor would do this if the op is over 24. It would be interesting to know what bike was used for the ibt.

Exactly. The make, model, reg and CC/KwH of the bike I did the IBT on is on the cert.

If it was an A bike, it should have been an A cert.

If an A2, the instructor had no intention of giving him an A cert in the first place.

Gavin · 27-05-2015 1:12pm

Hmm, slightly concerning alright. I was on a 125 the first day and a 400cc Honda Bros the second day. (I actually found the 400cc easier to drive..)

The instructor explained his approach to me in the morning of the first day, and I just assumed that was the standard.

gerrowadat · 27-05-2015 1:28pm

Gavin wrote: »

Hmm, slightly concerning alright. I was on a 125 the first day and a 400cc Honda Bros the second day. (I actually found the 400cc easier to drive..)

The instructor explained his approach to me in the morning of the first day, and I just assumed that was the standard.

Maybe he didn't have an A bike for you. Seems bad form to spin you a yarn though.

Kman00 · 30-05-2015 8:12pm

Howdy Lads!
Ive been a browser on here for years but this is actually my very first post.
Im 18 years of age and I have my Provisional BW Drivers License and an M Provisional also.

My cousin is selling his RS50 and I told him I would buy it, just one small problem!

Although the bike is 50cc, I know for a fact it can go well over 45KM/H. Does this mean I am unable to drive it, as the M License states that you cant ride a bike which can breach that speed! Im a bit new to the biking scene so any help will be appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your help!

KMan

Hotblack Desiato · 31-05-2015 8:43pm

You need IBT, and for that bike an A1 licence not M

Check insurance quotes before you do anything else.

Bluefoam · 22-06-2015 7:16pm

Im a bit confused... I'm living abroad at the moment and want to get my license when i return to Ireland.

I had provisional licenses and drove bikes between 2001 and 2006 (did the test, but was let down by a a ****ty bike rented from ism)
I got a car licence in 2008...

Do I need to sit the theory test? Can i apply for a full license straight away (I'm well older than 25). If I do the test on a 150cc do I still get a full license?
Am I entitled to a moped licence on my current car licence?
BTW, i don't think I ever had to do a theory test.

I know these questions have been asked a million times, but I want to be clear.

cantdecide · 22-06-2015 11:02pm

Bluefoam wrote: »

I had provisional licenses and drove bikes between 2001 and 2006

Bluefoam wrote: »

I got a car licence in 2008...

Bluefoam wrote: »

Am I entitled to a moped licence on my current car licence?

The short answer is you don't have the AM entitlement- they didn't give it automatically after 2006.

If your learner categories for AM, A1 or A expired more than five years ago you're a fresh starter regardless of your B entitlement.

Bluefoam wrote: »

Do I need to sit the theory test?

Bluefoam wrote: »

BTW, i don't think I ever had to do a theory test.

If you've definitely never sat a theory test for any category (ie you got your first provisional licences before 2001) then yes, you will need the AM theory test. If you think about it and realise that you did sit a theory test between 2001 and 2006 then you might be okay for the theory test at least.

Bluefoam wrote: »

Can i apply for a full license straight away.

They made me wait 6 months back in 2008 to do the A practical even though I had a full B but I understand that this might have been a mistake as I already had full entitlements so I can't advise you for sure on this one.

Bluefoam wrote: »

If I do the test on a 150cc do I still get a full license?

If you want a full A, you need to bring a bike that conforms to the A category. However, you will receive full entitlements for smaller categories so if you complete the A2 test (on the right bike) then you receive A1 and AM automatically too. Honestly, it's nearly the same hassle to just go for the full A and be done with it. Especially because,

If you're over 24 (and since you need to complete IBT anyway) you are only restricted on bike choice by what you can insure! You're full power on a learner permit from day 1.

Do you know about IBT?

Paulw · 23-06-2015 11:50am

cantdecide wrote: »

The short answer is you don't have the AM entitlement- they didn't give it automatically after 2006.

If your learner categories for AM, A1 or A expired more than five years ago you're a fresh starter regardless of your B entitlement.

They made me wait 6 months back in 2008 to do the A practical even though I had a full B but I understand that this might have been a mistake as I already had full entitlements so I can't advise you for sure on this one.

If you're over 24 (and since you need to complete IBT anyway) you are only restricted on bike choice by what you can insure! You're full power on a learner permit from day 1.

Do you know about IBT?

Theory test, learner permit for the category you want, IBT then 6 month wait and then do your full test.

Your B license makes no difference at all, except that you don't need an N plate once you pass the full test.

Jayop · 23-06-2015 4:55pm

Sorry for the convoluted question, but I'm really struggling to get the information on my problem.

Basically I would like to get a small bike for my commute to work for dry days. Currently using a car but the better half could do with having that at home most days.

My issues are;

- I hold a full UK driving license from NI.
- I can't convert to an Irish licence because if I do penalty points I got in Ireland 5/6 years ago will all be applied to my license in one go and I could be banned.
- I can't apply for an Irish bike license with a UK car one.
- I don't think I can get insurance in Ireland with a UK bike provisional.

I'm really at my wits end. The only thing I can think of is to apply for a UK Bike provisional and do my CPT in the North, then buy a Northern Bike and do my test there. When I get my full license then I think I can get Irish insurance.

Anyone had a similar problem or know a solution?

Edit: Just found out I can transfer licenses no problem.

venividivici · 27-06-2015 4:51pm

Had a chat with a nice lady from the ISM today and she explained the route I had to take as a complete motorcycle beginner. It was only when I got off the phone and began looking up the theory test that things got a little bit confusing. A friend of mine said he didn't need to do it because he had a full B licence pre 2006, which I didn't have, but I did have a provisional licence - I'm sure I read on here that that qualifies too?! My current licence(new credit card type) is just marked for Cat. B, and W of course, nothing about a bike - should it? I could just ring and find out on Monday but sure that would require patience!

gerrowadat · 27-06-2015 5:36pm

venividivici wrote: »

Had a chat with a nice lady from the ISM today and she explained the route I had to take as a complete motorcycle beginner. It was only when I got off the phone and began looking up the theory test that things got a little bit confusing. A friend of mine said he didn't need to do it because he had a full B licence pre 2006, which I didn't have, but I did have a provisional licence - I'm sure I read on here that that qualifies too?! My current licence(new credit card type) is just marked for Cat. B, and W of course, nothing about a bike - should it? I could just ring and find out on Monday but sure that would require patience!

I'm not sure what the date is -- I did my theory test in 2006 and didn't have to do it again for the bike last year. Not sure if that's by design or because of a clerical mishap, though.

Noxdormus · 27-06-2015 8:41pm

Hello Guys,

I've some questions if you don't mind.

I would like to pass my driver license for car and motorbike category 125cc max

If I understand well, I will need to pass my theory test for car and then my theory test for motorbike ?

Then I will need to apply for Learner permit for both as well ? But for the motorbike one before to go to the road to practice, I will need to pass my IBT ?

Thanks in advance,

Nox

gerrowadat · 27-06-2015 9:07pm

Noxdormus wrote: »

Hello Guys,

I've some questions if you don't mind.

I would like to pass my driver license for car and motorbike category 125cc max

If I understand well, I will need to pass my theory test for car and then my theory test for motorbike ?

Then I will need to apply for Learner permit for both as well ? But for the motorbike one before to go to the road to practice, I will need to pass my IBT ?

Thanks in advance,

Nox

You only have to do the theory test and apply for the learner permit once. Once you make sure to put both license categories on the form.

Noxdormus · 27-06-2015 9:39pm

Thanks for your message

So for the theory test, I just need to choose a theory test for car category and then put the form for the both ?

gerrowadat · 28-06-2015 12:42am

Noxdormus wrote: »

Thanks for your message

So for the theory test, I just need to choose a theory test for car category and then put the form for the both ?

Yes, as far as I know the regular theory test covers you for both. You then get a learner permit for B and A1 on the same license.

Noxdormus · 28-06-2015 4:02am

Thank you

I was thinking to buy an Honda CBR 125 2008 edition for 1000 Eur (25000 km and new tyres ) is it a good price and a good choice for a beginner ?

What I should check when I will inspect it ? Is the seller need to provide me specific documents ?

Thanks again

Nox

cantdecide · 28-06-2015 12:18pm

I have to correct the above. If you want A1 and B on your learner permit you will definitely have to do the AM and BW theory test separately. This wasn't always the case but it is now. The benefit being that if you move up to bigger bikes and bigger categories you won't have to repeat the AM theory test for those bigger categories

Kieran K · 03-07-2015 9:48pm

Hi, just have a few quick questions.
I am looking into getting a bike to get to and from work. Initially i was going to go for a 125cc but was advised to start off small with a moped. Is it possible to go straight for an A1 permit and completely skip the AM, or do I have to do the AM for my Moped, and then in a year or two do another test for an A1 when I decide to upgrade to a bigger bike(125).
Also in relation to the IBT, do you use your own bike or is it like driving lessons in that they provide you with one?

Thanks

DubVelo · 03-07-2015 11:27pm

Kieran K wrote: »

Hi, just have a few quick questions.
I am looking into getting a bike to get to and from work. Initially i was going to go for a 125cc but was advised to start off small with a moped. Is it possible to go straight for an A1 permit and completely skip the AM, or do I have to do the AM for my Moped, and then in a year or two do another test for an A1 when I decide to upgrade to a bigger bike(125).
Also in relation to the IBT, do you use your own bike or is it like driving lessons in that they provide you with one?

Thanks

A 125 is pretty small mate. Never heard one referred to as 'a bigger bike' before! :P
Which license you are allowed to go for depends on how old you are. If you are young and can only go for A1, then do the IBT on a 125 and you will also be covered for AM mopeds. How old are you, how far is your commute and on what kind of roads?
A school will provide you a bike for your IBT but it will be cheaper if you use your own.

Kieran K · 04-07-2015 12:00am

DubVelo wrote: »

A 125 is pretty small mate. Never heard one referred to as 'a bigger bike' before! :P
Which license you are allowed to go for depends on how old you are. If you are young and can only go for A1, then do the IBT on a 125 and you will also be covered for AM mopeds. How old are you, how far is your commute and on what kind of roads?
A school will provide you a bike for your IBT but it will be cheaper if you use your own.

I meant a bigger bike in comparison to a moped haha.
I'm 20. My commute is from Bettystown to Ashbourne. So it's the R150 and then about 5 minutes on the N2. The reason I am going for a moped is for the cheaper insurance than a 125.

If i use my own bike (a moped) for the IBT than I wouldnt be able to go for the A1 unless I got one of the school, right?

Thanks for the help

DubVelo · 04-07-2015 1:36pm

I imagine a 50cc moped will feel very small and slow on main roads. Be grand for around a city(but I'd rather a bicycle for that!).

Are ya a budding biker or do ya just want transport? Because for the same money (on a school bike) you can do the A2 IBT at your age and have the option to ride a proper yoke and you'll also be covered for a 125cc bike or a 50cc moped.
Of course there are bigger scooters, 125cc and even bigger. I don't know what insurance is like for these but might be an option for you.

Yes, you need to do IBT on the relevant size bike.

Do A2. Do at least the A1, if you already drive and have any road sense, definitely do A2 then ride whatever you like up to an A2 size bike. IBT is too much money to shell out just to get AM entitlement in my opinion.

Kieran K · 04-07-2015 1:45pm

DubVelo wrote: »

I imagine a 50cc moped will feel very small and slow on main roads. Be grand for around a city(but I'd rather a bicycle for that!).

Are ya a budding biker or do ya just want transport? Because for the same money (on a school bike) you can do the A2 IBT at your age and have the option to ride a proper yoke and you'll also be covered for a 125cc bike or a 50cc moped.
Of course there are bigger scooters, 125cc and even bigger. I don't know what insurance is like for these but might be an option for you.

Yes, you need to do IBT on the relevant size bike.

Do A2. Do at least the A1, if you already drive and have any road sense, definitely do A2 then ride whatever you like up to an A2 size bike. IBT is too much money to shell out just to get AM entitlement in my opinion.

Initially I just wanted transport but I'm getting more and more interested about them.
I'll get a quote for a 125cc but I doubt ill be able to afford the insurance on anything bigger than a moped.
Again, thanks for the advice.

jimgoose · 04-07-2015 4:52pm

Kieran K wrote: »

Initially I just wanted transport but I'm getting more and more interested about them.
I'll get a quote for a 125cc but I doubt ill be able to afford the insurance on anything bigger than a moped.
Again, thanks for the advice.

Go as big as you sensibly can. You'll be safer. Bugger scooters.

cantdecide · 04-07-2015 7:47pm

jimgoose wrote: »

Go as big as you sensibly can. You'll be safer. Bugger scooters.

It's nearly the same hassle to get an A instead of an A1 or even an AM too.

Kieran K · 04-07-2015 10:44pm

cantdecide wrote: »

It's nearly the same hassle to get an A instead of an A1 or even an AM too.

Im only 20, cant go straight for the A. Im going as big as i can afford, which happens to be a moped unfortunatly.
Is there a big jump in insurance costs between a 50cc scooter and a 125cc bike?

Bluefoam · 05-07-2015 5:44am

Kieran K wrote: »

Im only 20, cant go straight for the A. Im going as big as i can afford, which happens to be a moped unfortunatly.
Is there a big jump in insurance costs between a 50cc scooter and a 125cc bike?

Why don't you ring for a quote? It only takes a few minutes and you'll get a more accurate response...

Kieran K · 05-07-2015 9:34am

Bluefoam wrote: »

Why don't you ring for a quote? It only takes a few minutes and you'll get a more accurate response...

I did some quotes on the liberty insurance website, it turns out a 125cc isnt that much more expensive. If I was to do a monthly payment plan, it would only be €20 more per month for a 125cc. Looking at going to view a Honda YBR125 and a Suzuki Marauder 125 soon.

Kieran K · 05-07-2015 9:36am

Bluefoam wrote: »

Why don't you ring for a quote? It only takes a few minutes and you'll get a more accurate response...

I did some quotes on the liberty insurance website, it turns out a 125cc isnt that much more expensive. If I was to do a monthly payment plan, it would only be €20 more per month for a 125cc. Looking at going to view a Yamaha YBR125 and a Suzuki Marauder 125 soon.

PWEI · 06-07-2015 1:33pm

Hi

I have my bike test at the end of the month but my learner permit is about to expiry. I have no choice but to get a 2nd learner permit or I won't be able to sit the test.

I'm just wondering will I need to do another eye test to get my second learner permit?

gerrowadat · 06-07-2015 2:26pm

PWEI wrote: »

Hi

I have my bike test at the end of the month but my learner permit is about to expiry. I have no choice but to get a 2nd learner permit or I won't be able to sit the test.

I'm just wondering will I need to do another eye test to get my second learner permit?

No, just apply for a renewal as normal.

PWEI · 06-07-2015 2:38pm

gerrowadat wrote: »

No, just apply for a renewal as normal.

Great. Thanks for the reply.

Kieran K · 06-07-2015 5:56pm

Just realized I got the english theory test revision instead of the Irish one. No clue why they sell the english one in Ireland but they do. Anyone know if the questions would be the same or should I get the RSA one?

gerrowadat · 06-07-2015 6:01pm

Kieran K wrote: »

Just realized I got the english theory test revision instead of the Irish one. No clue why they sell the english one in Ireland but they do. Anyone know if the questions would be the same or should I get the RSA one?

Certainly not the same, stuff will be in mph for a start. You're best getting the RSA one if you're going to study for it.

I got caught with that way back doing it for the car - places like easons just stock the UK one because it's in their standard stock list.

DubVelo · 07-07-2015 9:38am

I don't know why people bother - it's all in the Rules of the Road book which you can download for free.

ronanc21 · 08-07-2015 5:58pm

Hi , I am thinking of taking my theory test and getting a bike , i am 18 years old , but i am confused about the licence process in ireland slightly , can i only ride a category M motorbike under a learner permit or because of my age can i start off a specific category , any help is appreciated

gerrowadat · 08-07-2015 6:31pm

ronanc21 wrote: »

Hi , I am thinking of taking my theory test and getting a bike , i am 18 years old , but i am confused about the licence process in ireland slightly , can i only ride a category M motorbike under a learner permit or because of my age can i start off a specific category , any help is appreciated

You can go direct access to A2 at 18: http://www.rsa.ie/Documents/Learner%20Drivers/Third%20Directive/bikes_chart_3rd_directive_V2.pdf

ronanc21 · 08-07-2015 6:37pm

Thanks for clear it up

ronanc21 · 08-07-2015 6:41pm

Thanks for clearing it up

Kieran K · 10-07-2015 3:37pm

Would this mock (Irish school of motoring website, cant link because considered new user) and reading the rules of the road book be enough prep for the theory? Getting 39 out of 40 right consistently.

gerrowadat · 10-07-2015 5:22pm

Kieran K wrote: »

Would this mock (Irish school of motoring website, cant link because considered new user) and reading the rules of the road book be enough prep for the theory? Getting 39 out of 40 right consistently.

Yes. The theory test is a piece of piss. Just know your stopping distances in wet and dry, read through the questions to see if any of the answers surprise you, and use common sense otherwise.

poggy · 14-07-2015 12:28pm

Just look for an opinion, I'm thinking about getting into motorcycle riding, more for leisure than daily commute and just weighing up the options at the moment.

I'm 28 and am not really looking for a beast of a bike, however am I better off applying for the higher categories of bike license straight away or should I go for the lower A2 and graduate to A in a couple of years.

Thanks.

Roadcraft · 14-07-2015 1:33pm

poggy wrote: »

Just look for an opinion, I'm thinking about getting into motorcycle riding, more for leisure than daily commute and just weighing up the options at the moment.

I'm 28 and am not really looking for a beast of a bike, however am I better off applying for the higher categories of bike license straight away or should I go for the lower A2 and graduate to A in a couple of years.

Thanks.

'A' permit & 'A' training & then you can ride what you like.

poggy · 14-07-2015 2:15pm

Roadcraft wrote: »

'A' permit & 'A' training & then you can ride what you like.

Thanks, that was what I was thinking.

galwaytt · 15-07-2015 11:50am

..apologies for not wanting to read 67 pages but.............my eldest is now at Theory Test age, and I have the 5th edition book & CD from RSA - is the 6th edition materially different/better - she is going for A & B test.

zenith90 · 19-07-2015 8:20pm

Had two separate cars slow down and wave me to overtake. I duly obliged and the cars continued on and returned to normal speed (50/60kph urban road) after I went past.

I put the first one down to randomness but a second happened within about 2mins only another km or so further on!

I'm reluctant to put this down to extraordinary courtesy, maybe someone who normally drives a bike in their car being unusually observant to bikes for a car driver in letting me past??

gerrowadat · 19-07-2015 11:36pm

zenith90 wrote: »

Had two separate cars slow down and wave me to overtake. I duly obliged and the cars continued on and returned to normal speed (50/60kph urban road) after I went past.

I put the first one down to randomness but a second happened within about 2mins only another km or so further on!

I'm reluctant to put this down to extraordinary courtesy, maybe someone who normally drives a bike in their car being unusually observant to bikes for a car driver in letting me past??

You might have been too close, or close to the line so you looked like you were going to overtake? Or you ran into some sound people :-)

frozenfrozen · 24-07-2015 2:55pm

I have a car learner permit at the moment, B & W. but I've just passed the car test and haven't exchanged it for a full license yet. would it be cheaper to keep the learner permit and add the A2 category to this learner permit and then go about getting it swapped for my full car one, and keep the learner permit? Rather than getting rid of it only to get another for the bike.

what I mean is, would it be cheaper to do the bike theory and add that category to my learner permit now before I get rid of the learner permit in exchange for the full car license. (I know I'll still be going through the full learner period on the A2, I just want to save money on adding categories and changing cars and all that)

I've just said the same thing twice arse ways but I hope someone can decipher it.

gerrowadat · 24-07-2015 5:40pm

frozenfrozen wrote: »

I have a car learner permit at the moment, B & W. but I've just passed the car test and haven't exchanged it for a full license yet. would it be cheaper to keep the learner permit and add the A2 category to this learner permit and then go about getting it swapped for my full car one, and keep the learner permit? Rather than getting rid of it only to get another for the bike.

what I mean is, would it be cheaper to do the bike theory and add that category to my learner permit now before I get rid of the learner permit in exchange for the full car license. (I know I'll still be going through the full learner period on the A2, I just want to save money on adding categories and changing cars and all that)

I've just said the same thing twice arse ways but I hope someone can decipher it.

Short answer: It costs the same.

Getting a new learner is 35, and getting a category added is 35.

So in your case it'd cost 35 to get a fresh learner permit with the A2 on it (then exchange for a full license and get a 'free' A2-only permit). It'd also cost 35 to get your full B, then go get a fresh A2 learner.

It looks like 2 trips in either case to the NDLS centre - although in my experience they're fairly sound about coming in with 2 forms.

What I'd do in your shoes is:
- Do your A theory test.
- Make an appointment online and go in to exchange your B learner for the full.
- When you get there explain that you'd like a learner A2 as well, and have the forms and all ready to go separately.

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Learner/Newbie Sticky All Learner/newbie/Starter Questions Go here!!**