Motorcycle riding on the Irish driver theory test

A motorcycle tyre has 1.6 mm tread in the centre but less than 1 mm near an edge. Is it legal?

• AYes, because the centre is above 1 mm
• BNo, 1 mm is required across the whole tread breadthCorrect answer
• CYes, if the rear tyre has more tread
• DNo, because every motorcycle tyre needs 2 mm

Source: Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 5 of 2003), Regulation 55(1)(g), checked on 2026-09-15.

How long are you normally a novice driver after your first driving licence is issued?

• AOne year
• BUntil the licence is renewed
• CTwo yearsCorrect answer
• DThree years

Source: Road Traffic Act 2014 (No. 3 of 2014), Section 3(1), checked on 2026-09-15.

For the strongest controlled stop, what braking method does RSA training advise?

• AUse the rear brake only
• BUse both brakes togetherCorrect answer
• CUse the front brake only and steer sharply
• DSwitch off the engine instead of braking

Source: Road Safety Authority, Initial Basic Training course syllabus (guidance), Module 2, Objective 10 (emergency stop), checked on 2026-09-15.

Does riding slowly in a public place remove the legal duty to wear a crash helmet?

• ANo, the duty applies at any speedCorrect answer
• BYes, when riding below 20 km/h
• CYes, when traffic is light
• DYes, when staying on local roads

Source: Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1978 (S.I. No. 360 of 1978), Article 10, checked on 2026-09-15.

What does RSA training advise to make your motorcycle easier for others to notice?

• ARide close to the kerb at all times
• BSwitch off the headlight in daylight
• CChoose the same position for every road
• DKeep the headlight on and choose a visible road positionCorrect answer

Source: Road Safety Authority, Initial Basic Training course syllabus (guidance), Module 3, Objective 3 (being seen), checked on 2026-09-15.

What is the minimum age for a category AM learner permit or licence?

• A15
• B17
• C16Correct answer
• D18

Source: Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 483 of 2011), Regulation 2(d), substituting Regulation 9(1) of S.I. No. 537 of 2006, checked on 2026-09-15.

When may a motorcyclist cross an operating with-flow bus lane?

• ATo pass slow traffic
• BWhenever no bus is nearby
• CTo gain a better road position
• DTo enter or leave adjoining premises or a loading insetCorrect answer

Source: Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 182 of 1997), Article 32(2) and (5), as substituted by S.I. No. 473 of 2025, Regulation 2(h), checked on 2026-09-15.

How must a learner motorcyclist display the letter L while riding?

• AOn plates fixed to the motorcycle
• BOn a yellow fluorescent tabard over outer clothingCorrect answer
• COn a white jacket under outer clothing
• DOn the rear mudguard only

Source: Road Traffic (Licensing of Learner Drivers) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 719 of 2007), Regulation 2(b)(ii), substituting Regulation 17(6)(b)(iii)(II) of S.I. No. 537 of 2006, checked on 2026-09-15.

Why should you avoid harsh front braking while leaned over in a bend?

• AIt increases fuel use
• BIt makes the headlight brighter
• CIt tightens the drive chain
• DIt can cause a skid or loss of steeringCorrect answer

Source: Road Safety Authority, Initial Basic Training course syllabus (guidance), Module 2, Objective 2 (use of brakes), checked on 2026-09-15.

You have received your first motorcycle learner permit but have not started IBT. When may you ride on a public road?

• AWhenever a full licence holder follows you
• BOnly during daylight
• CAfter completing the first IBT module
• DOnly while taking part in an IBT courseCorrect answer

Source: Road Traffic (Courses of Instruction) (Motorcycles) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 681 of 2011), Regulation 4(1), as amended by S.I. No. 433 of 2018, checked on 2026-09-15.

Where must the L be visible on a motorcycle learner's fluorescent tabard?

• AOn the back only
• BOn the front only
• COn either side of the torso
• DOn both the front and rear of the torsoCorrect answer

Source: Road Traffic (Licensing of Learner Drivers) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 719 of 2007), Regulation 2(b)(ii), substituting Regulation 17(6)(b)(iii)(II) of S.I. No. 537 of 2006, checked on 2026-09-15.

Heavy wet leaves cover part of the road ahead. How should you treat them?

• AAs a surface that improves braking
• BAs a slippery surface that may reduce stabilityCorrect answer
• CAs harmless unless they hide a pothole
• DAs safe when the motorcycle is leaned over

Source: Road Safety Authority, Initial Basic Training course syllabus (guidance), Module 3, Objective 4 (road surfaces), checked on 2026-09-15.

What does the 50 km/h rule for motorway vehicles describe?

• AA speed every rider must maintain at all times
• BA vehicle capability on level groundCorrect answer
• CA limit for the motorway hard shoulder
• DA special limit for learner riders

Source: Roads Regulations 1994 (S.I. No. 119 of 1994), Article 7(2)(b) to (d), checked on 2026-09-15.

What must you hold before sitting a motorcycle driving test on your first learner permit?

• AA valid IBT certificate for the category being testedCorrect answer
• BAn EDT logbook
• CAn IBT certificate for any category
• DA full car licence

Source: Road Traffic (Courses of Instruction) (Motorcycles) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 681 of 2011), Regulation 4(6), as amended by S.I. No. 433 of 2018, checked on 2026-09-15.

Which modules make up the IBT course for category AM or A1?

• AModules 1, 3 and 5
• BModules 2 to 5
• CModules 1 and 2 only
• DModules 1 to 4Correct answer

Source: Road Traffic (Courses of Instruction) (Motorcycles) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 433 of 2018), Regulation 2(d), substituting Regulation 5(3) of S.I. No. 681 of 2011, checked on 2026-09-15.

Your visor is badly scratched and creates glare from oncoming lights. What does RSA training advise?

• APolish it with petrol
• BUse it only in bright daylight
• CCover the scratches with a tinted film
• DReplace the damaged visorCorrect answer

Source: Road Safety Authority, Initial Basic Training course syllabus (guidance), Module 1, Objective 1 (personal protective equipment), checked on 2026-09-15.

Why should a rider take care over painted road markings in wet conditions?

• AThey make the engine run hotter
• BThey hide the posted speed limit
• CThey can provide less grip for motorcycle tyresCorrect answer
• DThey increase the motorcycle's stopping power

Source: Road Safety Authority, Initial Basic Training course syllabus (guidance), Module 3, Objective 4 (road surfaces), checked on 2026-09-15.

What does the RSA advise when choosing motorcycle gloves?

• AChoose strong gloves that still allow control of the leversCorrect answer
• BChoose loose gloves that can slide off easily
• CChoose thin gloves that leave fingertips exposed
• DChoose stiff gloves that prevent finger movement

Source: Road Safety Authority, Motorcycle safety gear (web page, guidance), Gloves and footwear, checked on 2026-09-15.

What is the minimum height of the red N on a novice motorcyclist's tabard?

• A10 cm
• B12 cm
• C20 cm
• D15 cmCorrect answer

Source: Road Traffic Act 2014 (No. 3 of 2014), Section 4(1)(a), checked on 2026-09-15.

You have not held an A2 licence for two years. How old must you be to hold a category A licence?

• A20
• B21
• C23
• D24Correct answer

Source: Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 6 of 2013), Regulation 3(e)(ii), inserting Regulation 9(3) and (4) of S.I. No. 537 of 2006, checked on 2026-09-15.