Motorcycle Initial Basic Training (IBT)

Initial Basic Training – Module 1

(Required for AM, A1, A2 & A categories)

The module’s primary focus is to provide learners with vital classroom instruction and off-road training to ensure their mastery before riding a motorcycle. This comprehensive program incorporates both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Participants will learn important skills such as performing technical inspections, operating the stand, and turning on and off the engine.

Module Content:

1. Personal Protective Equipment
2. Introduction to motorcycle controls
3. Technical checks – P.O.W.D.E.R.
4. Placing motorcycle on and off the stands
5. Walking alongside the motorcycle
6. How to start and stop the engine (including precautions for mounting and dismounting)

Initial Basic Training – Module 2

(Required for AM & A1 categories)

This module offers a completely hands-on session in our dedicated off-road training zone and marks the inaugural motorcycle riding experience for learners. The practical training encompassing a comprehensive range of driving skills. Participants will learn techniques such as starting and stopping, gear change, and various exercises aimed at familiarising them with handling the bike’s lean motion.

Module Content:

1. Moving off and stopping
2. Use of brakes
3. Use of gears
4. Slow riding
5. Figure of eight exercise
6. U-turn exercise
7. Slalom exercise
8. Rear observation and mirror work
9. Turning left and right
10. Emergency adjustment of speed – emergency stop

Initial Basic Training – Module 3

(Required for AM, A1, A2 & A categories)

This module combines classroom instruction and off-road training to address the legal obligations and safety protocols associated with motorcycle riding on public roads. The session incorporates a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical driving skills. Participants will receive guidance on essential topics such as understanding the Rules of the Road, proper road positioning, and crucially, speed control techniques.

Module Content:

1. Legal requirements
2. Rules of the road
3. Being seen
4. Road surfaces
5. Road and lane position
6. Rear observations and mirrors
7. Speed
8. Anticipation and reaction(including dealing with emergency vehicles)
9. Weather conditions(including modal choices and route planning)
10. Rider fatigue (causes, consequences and strategies for avoidance)

Initial Basic Training – Module 4

(Required for AM & A1 categories)

This module focuses entirely on road-based training, exposing learners to real-world driving scenarios previously demonstrated in controlled training areas. Throughout the six-hour session, learners and instructors will maintain communication via radio headsets while following a predetermined route. Participants will encounter various types of junctions, traffic signals, and road markings commonly found on Irish roads, and demonstrate the appropriate reactions and responses to these situations.

Module Content:

1. Gradients
2. Junctions
3. Traffic lights
4. Roundabouts
5. Safe distance
6. Anticipation and reaction to hazards, including dealing with emergency vehicles
7. Pedestrian and rail crossings, rail where possible

Progression Module – Module 5

(Required for A2 and A categories)

This module caters to motorcyclists aiming to ride more powerful Category A or A2 motorcycles. It incorporates the information covered in Modules 2 and 4 while introducing additional objectives. The training must be conducted on the specific vehicle type the learner intends to switch to, such as transitioning from an ‘automatic’ to a ‘manual’ bike. Completion of this module can be achieved through either direct access or progressive access.

For direct access, individuals who have never held a motorcycle license and prefer to skip the process of learning on less powerful bikes have the option to pursue this route. Learners must be at least 18 years old for a Category A2 license or 24 years old for a Category A license. Their training will encompass the content covered in Modules 1, 3, and 5.

The progressive access route allows fully licensed motorcyclists in Category A1 or A2 to upgrade to the next level. Category A1 license holders who have held their license for a minimum of 2 years can transition to Category A2 by completing Module 5 on an A2 motorcycle. Similarly, Category A2 license holders who have maintained their license for the past 2 years can progress to a Category A license by completing Module 5 on a Category A motorcycle.

Module Content:

1. Moving Off & Stopping
2. Use of brakes
3. Use of gears
4. Slow riding exercise
5. Figure of eight exercise
6. U-turn exercise
7. Slalom exercise
8. Rear observation and mirror work
9. Turning left and right
10. Obstacle avoidance
11. Emergency adjustment of speed – emergency stop
12. Overtaking
13. Carrying pillion passengers
14. Using a side car/ towing a trailer
15. Gradients
16. Junctions
17. Traffic lights
18. Roundabouts
19. Safe distance
20. Anticipation and reaction t hazards(including dealing with emergency vehicles)
21. Pedestrian and rail crossings (rail where possible)
22. Bends
23. Socially responsible riding/driving