Initial Basic Training Syllabus

- Subject to RSA approval - Motorcycle Training will be running RSA Initial Basic Training (IBT) at 3 centres in Maynooth, Mullingar and Dublin. The course syllabus sets out the training that a novice motorcyclist is required to do with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) before having their Learner Permit validated.

The IBT course syllabus includes 4 modules, which have to be completed in sequence. You can only move on to the next module when your instructor is satisfied you have learnt the necessary theory and demonstrated the practical skills to a safe basic level.

All learner motorcyclists (Category A, A1 and M) will be required to undergo Initial Basic Training (IBT) before being allowed to ride on Irish public roads - Download the RSA Guide here (1426 kb)

Course Details

Course is divided into 4 modules :-
Module 1 Classroom
Module 2 Training Area
Module 3 Classroom
Module 4 On Road
(Minimum training is 16 hours, however students please note  if a particular module not passed, may require additonal hours)

Module 1 - Classroom

Motorcycle Training classroom deals with-

Module 1
(3 Hrs):

  • Motorcycle Equipment
  • Motorcycles and their controls
  • Basic Technical Checks
  • Taking Machine on and off the stand
  • Basic Safety Checks (POWDER)
  • Moving the Machine without aid of engine
  • Precautions before starting (FIGS)
  • Starting and stopping the engine

A questionnaire will have to be completed by the student before moving on to Module 2.

Module 2 - Training Area

Motorcycle Training classroom deals with:

Module 2
(5 Hrs):

  • Stopping the machine (Theory)
  • Moving off & Stopping in controlled fashion
  • Ride in a straight line
  • Correct use of brakes (all scenarios)
  • Gears selecting and changing
  • Rear Observation
  • Junctions Left and Right using the Observation-Signal-Manoeuvre (OSM)
    and Position Speed-Look (PSL) routines
  • Emergency stopping under full control
  • Slalom
  • U Turn manoeuvre
  • Figure of eight
  • Slow Riding under control
  • Explanation and Application of the Motorcycle System (OSPSL)

Student must demonstrate practical skills as in : slow speed manouvres, slalom, u-turns, figures 8's.

Module 3 - Classroom

Motorcycle Training classroom deals with:

Module 3
(2 Hrs):

  • Legal Requirements for riding on the road
  • Importance of knowing the Rules of the Road
  • Visibility - "Be Seen"
  • Road Positioning
  • Rear Observation at appropriate times
  • Road surfaces and Traffic Conditions
  • Progress - Fast/Slow
  • Hazard perception and anticipation

Module 4 - On The Road

This module is carried out on-road and deals with:

Module 4
(6 Hrs):

  • The application of Module 3 (in practice) whilst on a public road
  • Dealing with Junctions
  • Dealing with Roundabouts
  • Dealing with Traffic controls
  • Dealing with Hills (incline & decline)
  • Dealing with Hazards and Obstructions

INITIAL BASIC TRAINING

From the 6th December 2010, all new first time learner permit holders for motorcycles must take mandatory initial Basic Training (IBT) with an RSA approved IBT registered Motorcycle Trainer. The new learner permit holder will only be permitted on the public road if accompanied by an RSA approved-IBT registered trainer. When the trainee has completed and passed their IBT course they will be issued with a certificate of completion, allowing them to ride on a public road, unsupervised by their IBT motorcycle instructor. Under the law, a learner permit holder must produce the certificate and learner permit for inspection if a Garda requests them. If the learner permit holder fails to produce them, they may be prosecuted. The certificate will also need to be produced when taking a driving test. For this reason the certificate should be kept with the learner permit at all times. This is one of a range of measures announced by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) last September to enhance the way that riders and drivers are trained, tested and licensed in Ireland as part of a new graduated driver licensing (GDL) system. The purpose of IBT is to help learner motorcyclists to master basic motorcycling skills and improve their knowledge of road safety before they ride unsupervised. The standard course is 16 hours in duration and is broken into four modules which combine theory and practice. The modules cover a range of motorcycling skills and requirements, including Personal Protection Equipment (PPE); technical skills for riding a motorcycle-, legal requirements for motorcyclists; and how to share the road safely with other road-users. In addition, there is a 'conversion' module to allow riders to change vehicle types and sizes. Initial Basic Training (IBT) takes place in a number of settings - in a classroom, on a training site or yard and out on a public road under the supervision of the trainer to make it more varied and interesting for the learner. All training undertaken with an IBT instructor must be logged in a personal log book which the trainer will issue to the rider when commencing the first module. At the end of each completed module the Trainer will stamp the log book for each completed module until all four modules are completed and issue a certificate of completion in turn.

INTRODUCED TO KEEP NEW RIDERS SAFE

FAQ

Click on a question to read the answer.

Q: What is Initial Basic Training?

Q: Do I need to do IBT?

Q: Why do I need to do IBT?

Q: How long does motorcycle IBT take to complete?

Q: Do I have to supply my own bike?

Q: Is there an exam at the end?

Q: Do I need to take a practical driving test?

Q: If I decide to ride a bigger bike, do I need to re-do IBT?

  • If you hold a full Moped (Cat M) driving licence and want to ride a bigger bike you must do the full IBT course.
  • If you hold a full category Al driving licence and want to ride a bigger bike you only need to do a conversion module.
  • Changing from an automatic type of bike to a manual bike, you only need to complete a conversion module.
  • You may also do a conversion module to move from a tricycle (Licence B + code 73) to a two-wheeled bike.
  • A conversion module course is a shorter course and covers the practical aspects covered in modules 2 and 4.

Q: Can my certificate go out of date?

  • Redo the Theory Test
  • Take out a Learner Permit
  • Retake IBT

Q: Can I change to a different IBT instructor?

Q: Where will I get a logbook?

Q: What if I disagree with my instructor?

Q: What happens when I have finished the IBT course?

Q: What if I lose my certificate?

Q: If I held a current Learner Permit in driving licence category W before 6th December 2010 and now want to do a driving test in Category A1, do I need to do IBT?

Q: Do I have to pay up front for the complete course?

Q: Can I spilt modules?

Q: How can I spilt modules?

Q: Is there a licence requirement?

First Lerarner Permit issued on or after 06/12/2010 Full Licence issued before the 06/12/2010 From Category To Category All Modules Conversion Module Only
M, A1 or A   No Prior Permit Any Yes  
M or A1   Having completed ITB course in either M or A1 A   Yes
  M M A Yes  
  M M A1 Yes  
A A1   A   Yes
  B + 73 Tricycle   M, A1 or A   Yes
B (Tricycle) with or without Code 73 denoted     B (Tricycle) with Code 73 denoted Yes  

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