Looking for IBT training? Visit us at Kinnegad plaza, Westmeath and Terrence Healy Motorcycles, Tullamore.

What is Initial Basic Training?

Initial Basic Training (IBT) is a mandatory training course that teaches basic riding skills to learner motorcyclists. It is part of the RSA's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) scheme and is intended to improve road safety.

What does IBT involve?

IBT for a small motorcycle category 'AM' or 'A1' – is a 16 hour course broken into four separate modules 1,2,3 and 4 which must be completed in sequence. Completing IBT for the first time on a larger motorcycle in category 'A2' or 'A' is an 18 hr course and involves completing three modules 1,3 and 5. These modules are a mixture of theory and practical riding skills.

When you have completed an IBT module or the entire course, your instructor will record the details of your training in your logbook and issue you with a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion.

You can now apply for your practical driving test.

Information for Beginner Motorcyclists

Motorcycle Learner Permits and Licences can be a little  confusing if you're new to them.

Before you can ride a Motorcycle on the road the Rider and Motorcycle (& Moped/Scooter) must comply with certain legal requirements. First of all you'll need to get a Learner Permit.

The Learner Permit

To ride a Motorcycle on the public road you must…

• be at least 24 years old for A Category Motorbike (16 for a Moped/Scooter & A1 Motorcycle category)
• have a Learner Permit which allows you to ride Motorcycles (category A, A1 or M)
• must have completed Initial Basic Training or IBT Course

Progressive access

Progressive access allows you to take advantage of your previous riding experience and skills in a lower motorcycle category to acquire a licence in a higher category without having to repeat the whole IBT course or take another driving test. For example:

• if you hold a full category A1 licence for two years and complete a progression module training course of IBT on a category A2 motorcycle, you can get a full category A2 licence without taking a practical driving test.

In some instances you may need to take a full driving test. For example:

• if you take the progressive access training route to get a category A2 licence and later decide to get a category A licence, you must take a practical driving test for category A.

The progression module also applies if you want to upgrade the motorcycle you ride (e.g. from automatic to manual). This module allows you to get the training you need to operate a different type of motorcycle without having to repeat the whole IBT course.