From 1 December 2007 motorcyclists on a learner permit (provisional licence) have had to wear a yellow, fourescent tabard (not a vest or jacket) with regulation sized L plates showing both back and front.. This applies to all learner permits\ provisional licences regardless of date of issue.

The requirement is that a person with a learner permit (provisional licence) for category A, A1, or M, shall not drive such a vehicle unless there are displayed on a yellow fluorescent tabard worn over the person’s outside clothing, the letter ‘L’, not less than 15 centimetres high in red on a white ground in clearly visible vertical positions to the front and rear of the person’s torso.

From 30 October 2007, there is a restriction in relation to making application for a driving test. From this date a person who is granted a learner permit for a vehicle in category A, A1, M, by a licensing authority and has not previously held, within the period of 5 years prior to the granting, such a permit in that category, is not entitled to make an application for a driving test within the period of 6 months from the day the permit comes into force. This provision also applies to categories W, B or EB.

In order to ride a motorcycle or moped in a public place a person must hold a current driving licence or a Learner Permit in Category M, A1 or A.

Note also that carrying a pillion passenger when you only have a provisional licence or learner’s permit is now a penal offence (ie; you can be imprisoned rather that just fined and given penalty points, which can also happen!)

The ‘A’ is Learner Permit from 18 years of age for motorcycles, with or without a sidecar, subject to a power limit before the Driving Test and for 2 years afterwards of 25Kw/34bhp. or a power to weight ratio of less than 0.16kW per kg) – the restriction continuing for two years after taking out a full licence in that category. However, at a cost, virtually any bike can have its power reduced to come within these limits.

The Driving Test must be taken on a motorcycle over 125cc. This is the first-choice motorcycle licence.

The ‘A1’ Learner Permit is available from 16 years of age, but will restrict the holder to motorcycles of 50cc to 125cc and a 11Kw/14.5bhp limit. Even if you pass the ‘125’ Driving Test, when you up-grade to a bike over 125cc you will need an ‘A’ licence provisional, a second ‘test’ on a bike over 150cc, and endure all restrictions.

The ‘M’ Learner Permit is strictly for mopeds, or engine-assisted bicycles, under 50cc with a top speed of below 45kmp /28mph and is available from 16. The holders of a full ‘B’ licence, with additional insurance, can also drive mopeds.

Note that both a Learner Permit and a provisional licence do not entitle you to carry a pillion passenger. Nor are you permitted to use motorways.

Any person wishing to obtain a third or subsequent provisional licence must have undergone a driving test within the previous two years. However, a person who is due to undergo a test and whose licence is expiring may obtain a 12 month provisional licence on production of their driving test appointment letter.

Application forms for the driving test are meant to be available from the licensing authority and most Post Offices, Garda Stations and Libraries. After filing your test-application you will receive a letter of acknowledgement with a leaflet “preparing for your driving test” and in due course an appointment for your test. Note the minimum cc.