Motorcycle licence requirements

A motorcycle is a class 3 vehicle, and a class 3 licence is what allows you to ride one on a public road. Since 2023 the new system calls it code A, or A1 for a small machine, and a licence issued now carries the code. You may learn from the age of sixteen.

Before the full licence comes the learner's licence, also called a provisional licence. It is issued only after you have passed the test on the rules of the road and on the traffic signs and signals, and it lets you ride on public roads to gain experience. The machine displays L plates of the dimensions and colours the law prescribes. A rider on a learner's licence may not carry a passenger on a motorcycle or an auto cycle at all, whatever seat is fitted. A provisional licence is permission to practise, not permission to ride as you please.

Once you hold a full class 3 licence, or code A today, you may carry one passenger on the pillion, and only where a proper pillion seat and footrests are fitted. Up to two passengers may be carried in a side car. The rider and every passenger wear a crash helmet that complies with the regulations and is fastened securely.

The machine itself must be registered and licensed, and you must be covered by insurance against death and injury to third parties. Ride an unregistered or uninsured motorcycle and the licence in your pocket does not help you.

The full licence is earned by passing the practical road test at a Vehicle Inspection Depot. Until then, treat every ride as practice under supervision of the rules you have just learned.