Learner rider's licence

How old do I have to be before I can get a Learner Rider's Licence?

You must be at least sixteen years and nine months old before you are issued with a Learner rider's licence.

You may book into and attend a pre-learner course at the age of sixteen years and six months, as Certificates of Competence for course attendance are valid for three months from date of issue.

Do I have to hold a driver's licence in order to get a motorcycle licence?

No. You can get a motorcycle licence even if you don't hold a driver's licence.

How do I obtain a Learner Rider's licence?

• Pay the pre-learner rider training enrolment fee at your nearest motor registry and keep the receipt.
• Alternatively, if you have a Visa™, BankCard™ or MasterCard™, you may pay the fee through the RTA Customer Call Centre on 132 213.
• Contact the RTA Customer Call Centre on 132 213 to book a course or visit a motor registry or mytests on this site.

Once you have successfully completed the course, you will be issued with a Certificate of Competence. A Certificate of Competence is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.

Go to the nearest motor registry and:

• take your Certificate of Competence
• take proof of identity documents
• complete and application form
• pass an eyesight test
• pass the knowledge test
• pay the licence fee

You will then be issued with a Learner Rider's licence, which is valid for 12 months.

You must hold a learner's licence for a minimum period of three months before you can get a provisional licence, unless you qualify for a mature age exemption.

Make sure you can book into a provisional course at least 4-6 weeks before your learner's licence expires.

If you do not pass the provisional rider training course and get your provisional licence before your Learner Rider's licence expires, you will have to repeat the pre-learner course and pay the fees again.

Changing bookings

Bookings can be changed provided two clear working days notice is given to the RTA Rider Training Booking office.

No attempt should be made to change bookings with the training provider, as all bookings have to be authorised by the RTA.

Arrival Times

Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled course start time. Applicants who arrive after the course has started WILL NOT be allowed to join the course.

Courses must start on time. To include those who arrive late would require the instructor to restart the course, thereby disrupting and inconveniencing other participants.

Applicants who arrive late forfeit their course fees and will be required to repay and re-book before re-attending training.

What do I bring with me to learner training?

• The receipt issued by the registry or the one received in the post if you paid by credit card over the telephone.
• Proof of Identity documents, such as a current photo driver's licence (check list 1 and list 2 for other forms of acceptable identification).

What do I wear on the day?

• Wear jeans, leather or other type of sturdy pants
• Boots or sturdy shoes
• Long sleeved leather, denim or other type of sturdy long sleeved jacket
• Bring a hat and sunglasses.

Motorcycle, helmet and gloves are provided by the Training Centre for Learner Courses.