The motorcycle theory test in Ireland, explained.
Everyone starts here. You need to pass the theory test before you can apply for a learner permit, and you need the permit before IBT. We don't run theory test classes: you book and sit it with theorytest.ie, where all the figures on this page come from. Once you've passed, we'll get you through your IBT.
What the motorcycle theory test is.
The motorcycle theory test is the Driver Theory Test for category AM, which theorytest.ie calls the Motorcycle/Moped Theory Test. It's a multiple-choice exam on a computer at a test centre, and it's the same test whether you're going for an AM, A1, A2 or A licence.
Pass it and you get a Driver Theory Test certificate, which you need to apply to the NDLS for your first learner permit.
One test for every bike licence
Category AM covers learner permits and licences in AM, A1, A2 and A.
40 test centres
There are 40 test centres in Ireland, and you pick one when you book.
Result on screen
Your pass or fail shows on screen at the end of the exam.
How to book it.
Book online at theorytest.ie and choose the AM (Motorcycle/Moped) category. Pick carefully, because the test centre can't change the category on the day. The fee is €45, and you need an Irish address to book.
On the day, arrive 30 minutes early with one approved photo ID in hard copy, such as a Public Services Card with a photo or your passport. The name on your booking has to match your ID exactly. If your ID isn't accepted, you can't sit the test and you lose the fee.
Official study material
theorytest.ie is the only supplier of the official RSA revision material, and the exam questions come from the same bank. It comes in four formats:
- the Official Driver Theory Test Learning App, on the App Store or Google Play
- a book, from the Official Driver Theory Test Store or good bookshops
- a subscription to the online learning portal
- download software for Windows, for car and motorcycle
Get the 2024 version, because the question bank changed that year. theorytest.ie warns that unofficial apps and websites aren't licensed by the RSA and don't have the official questions.
The RSA's Rules of the Road is free to read and download in English and Irish. theorytest.ie calls it an extra resource, and you'll come back to it when you prepare for your driving test.
Source: theorytest.ie revision material and the RSA, checked on 1 October 2026.
What's in the motorcycle theory test and how to prepare.
- Questions
- 40
- Time
- 45 min
- Pass mark
- 35
- Fee
- €45
The questions are multiple choice, picked at random from the official question bank. If you get stuck, you can skip a question and come back to it before you finish.
The question bank was updated in 2024 with new images and questions on road safety and the law. The number of questions and the pass mark stayed the same.
Figures from theorytest.ie, checked on 1 October 2026.
How to prepare
Study from the official revision material above, because the exam questions come from the same bank. Book the test once you're passing the practice tests every time.
After you pass.
Apply to the NDLS for your first learner permit in the category you want: AM, A1, A2 or A. Don't leave it too long. Your certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of your test, and you have to apply for your first permit within that time. Once the permit arrives, you can book your IBT. Not sure which category to pick? Our motorbike licence guide explains AM, A1, A2 and A.
Pass the theory test
Book it at theorytest.ie, study the motorcycle questions, and sit the exam. This is the step you can start today, before anything else.
Book it nowApply for your learner permit
With the theory test passed, you apply to the NDLS for a category AM, A1, A2 or A learner permit, depending on the bike you want to ride.
Get your learner permitDo your IBT
The mandatory 16 hours, or 18 for A2 and A. You need your learner permit in hand to start, and this is where we come in.
See the IBT coursePractise, then sit your test
Once your IBT is done you ride solo to build hours. After six months on your first learner permit you can sit the motorcycle driving test, and a pre-test with us gets you ready for it.
Book your testThe quick answers on the motorbike theory test.
Is there a separate theory test for motorbikes in Ireland?
Yes. It's the Motorcycle/Moped Theory Test (category AM), and the same test covers the AM, A1, A2 and A licences. You book it at theorytest.ie.
How many questions are on the motorcycle theory test?
40 multiple-choice questions, and you have 45 minutes to answer them. You book online, then sit the test on a computer at a test centre.
What's the pass mark?
35 out of 40.
How much does the motorcycle theory test cost?
€45. You pay when you book the AM (Motorcycle/Moped) test at theorytest.ie.
Is 2 weeks enough to study for the theory test?
It depends on how much time you can give it, and there's no minimum. The questions are picked at random from the official question bank. Study the official revision material and book the test once you're passing its practice tests every time.
How many times can I fail the theory test?
There's no limit. theorytest.ie advises waiting at least 3 working days before you sit it again, so you have time to revise. You book and pay for each attempt.
Do I need to sit the theory test if I have a full car licence?
Yes. You need to pass the theory test for your first learner permit in each licence category, so your car licence doesn't count for a motorbike. A full car licence doesn't let you ride a motorbike either. The one exception is mopeds. If your car licence was issued before 21 October 2006, it also covers category AM, as long as it hasn't been expired for more than 10 years.
How long is the theory test certificate valid?
2 years from the date of your test. You need to apply for your first learner permit within that time.
Can I take the test in another language?
You can take it in English or Irish. When you book you can also choose an English voiceover, dyslexia support or Irish Sign Language videos. The voiceover in 21 languages is only available for the car test, so if you need another language, check the Test Day Assistance page on theorytest.ie.
Do I need the theory test before my IBT?
Yes. You pass the theory test, then apply for a learner permit, and you need that permit to start IBT.
Source: theorytest.ie (booking page, FAQs and Test Day Assistance) and the RSA licence categories, checked on 1 October 2026.
Once it's passed, here's what we do.
IBT Training
The mandatory course: 16 hours, or 18 for A2 and A. The legal step between your permit and riding solo.
Explore IBTMotorcycle Lessons
Every category covered: AM, A1, A2, A2 automatic and A, plus advanced ROSPA rider training.
See categoriesPre-Test Prep
A full mock test with an instructor who shows you exactly what the examiner looks for.
Pass first time