Motorcycle training in Ireland

Riders of motorcycles, mopeds and scooters are vulnerable road users,for various reasons. These vehicles are well capable of travelling at high speeds and in varying weather conditions. Motorcycling is and can be a safe means of transport, but being aware of the various dangers on the road, your own riding style and your obligations as a road user will ensure that you ride at a safe standard.  

Motorcycle training courses

The Irish Rider Training Association is a not-for-profit company, it is funded by the National Safety Council of Ireland, and is supported by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland.

It is not a requirement to undertake or show proof that you have participated in a motorcycle training course before you ride a motorcycle on a public Irish road. All you are required to have is passed the driver theory test and then obtain a provisional licence in the appropriate category of motorcycle you intend to ride.

The Department of Transport through the National Safety Council have supported an initiative run by the Irish Rider Training Association (IRTA) to establish a network of motorcycle instructors throughout the country, in response to the number of motorcyclist deaths on Irish roads in the past few years,

IRTA courses are designed to assist all motorcyclists, no matter what their present skill levels. All training is on a one to one basis, rather than fit you into a standard course, the aim of these instruction courses is to devise a training programme that meets your needs and abilites as a motorcycle rider.

Approved rider training

These courses consist of a number of separate levels:

Level 3 aims to take riders who have already passed the driving test for motorcyclists to a "skilled rider" level,or an advanced level. Where the motorcyclist can safely cope with dual carriageways, motorways and adverse riding conditions due to weather and night time riding both in the city and the country.

 The amount of training you require will depend on your own needs and the amount of training you undergo between lessons.These courses with the Irish Rider Training Association are not free. The Average cost per lesson are between 28 and 30 euro and sessions normally last 2 hours.

Hints for safe motorcycling in Ireland

As a motorcyclist in Ireland, you have certain obligations to fulfill when riding your motorcycle:

• You must know the Rules of the Road inside out and be aware of your obligations to be a safe motorcyclist.
  
• You should always keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.Use the two second rule at all times.
  
• You should be easily seen at all times in a high visibilty vest and have your lights on .
  
• You are required to make sure your motorbike is roadworthy at all times; this includes ensuring that your tyres are of correct tread depth and that all lights and reflectors are functioning correctly.
  
• You should be aware of adverse weather conditions,rain,frost,fog and poor road conditions.
• You should concentrate on driving 100% of the time, all of the time.
  
• You should try to foresee danger on the road.
  
• If you need to stop, you should drive at a speed that enables you to stop within the appropriate distance.
  
• Big power brings big responsibility!

Rules

It is not at the minute a requirement to obtain instruction on motorcycle riding techniques as part of the provisional motorcycle licensing in Ireland. All the same, the Minister for Transport Has said recently that he is considering introducing mandatory training for all provisional motorcyclists in Ireland.

You must always carry a valid driving licence for the correct category of motorcycle you are driving. Failure to produce your driving licence when asked by Gardai is an offence.

How to apply

Apply Online Here.
Click above or the picture on the right to launch the online application site.

Where to apply

Information about your obligations, duties and sensible road user behaviour is available in the Rules of Road book. The Rules of the Road is available in all decent bookshops and from Government Publications, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. The Rules of the Road may also be available in your local public library. Booklet costs 3 euro.

You can contact Erne School of Motoring  directly for more information about courses in your area. Further information is also available from:

Irish Rider training Association
P.O. Box 71,Coolgreany P.O.,Gorey,Co. Wexford.
Tel: 086 389 5763
E-mail: irta@eircom.net

Irish Motorcyclists Action Group(MAG Ireland)
1b Ring Terrace, Inchicore, Dublin 8.
Tel: (01) 4530 797Fax: (01) 4536343
E-mail: office@magireland.org