Motorcycle Lessons: Initial Basic Training (IBT) for Motorcyclists
If you’re interested in motorcycle lessons, you’ll need to sign up for our IBT for Motorcyclists programme. This page tell you everything you need to know about IBT for Motorcyclists, and how you can get started with your motorcycle training right away.
Looking for Motorbike Driving Lessons Dublin? Why IBT 
for Motorcyclists Is Required:
For motorbike driving lessons, Dublin and all counties require IBT for Motorcyclists. Initial Basic Training (IBT) is a mandatory training course that teaches basic riding skills to learner motorcyclists. It is part of the RSA’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) scheme and is intended to improve road Safety.
What Does IBT Motorcycle Training Involve?
IBT is a 16 hour course broken into four separate modules to be completed in sequence. These modules are a mixture of theory and practical riding skills.
When you have completed your IBT motorcycle training course, your instructor will record the details of your training in your logbook and issue you with a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion.
You can now apply for your practical driving test.
The Progression Module – To Upgrade Your Bike
If you want to upgrade the bike you ride (e.g. from automatic to manual or tricycle to two-wheeler) you can complete a progression module. This module allows you to get the training you need to operate a different type of bike without having to repeat the whole IBT course.
Finding an IBT Course Instructor
IBT courses are only available at RSA approved IBT training centres and may only be delivered by RSA approved IBT instructors. Before you begin your training, you should check that both centre and instructor have been issued with an RSA certificate of approval. All of our motorbike instructors are RSA approved IBT instructors. We are proud to carry the RSA certificate of approval.
We are currently recruiting IBT motorcycle instructors for all areas. (Click here to learn more.) Once we’ve filled these vacancies, we will resume our IBT motorcycle training programme.
Benefits of IBT
Completing your initial basic training course means you will:
- learn to become a safer road user.
- develop a strong understanding of basic motorcycle riding skills.
- be able to practice your riding unaccompanied on a public road.
The Modules
The Initial Basic Training course is made up of four modules, which you must complete in sequence to get your Certificate of Satisfactory Completion.
Motorcycle Lessons Module 1
Module 1 focuses on theory and practical skills and will take place in the classroom and the off-road training area. It will take at least three hours to complete and has six objectives:
1. Personal protective equipment (PPE)
2. Introduction to motorcycle controls
3. Technical checks
4. Placing motorcycle on and off the stand
5. Walking alongside the motorcycle
6. How to start and stop the engine
Motorcycle Lessons Module 2
Module 2 focuses on practical skills and will take place solely in the off-road training area. It will be the first time in the training programme that you will ride your motorcycle. This module will take at least five hours to complete and has 10 objectives:
1. Moving off and stopping
2. Use of brakes
3. Use of gears
4. Slow riding
5. Figure of eight
6. U-turn
7. Slalom
8. Rear observation and mirrors
9. Turning left and right
10. Emergency adjustment of speed
Motorcycle Lessons Module 3
Module 3 focuses on theory and practical skills and will take place in the classroom and the off-road training area. It will take at least two hours to complete and has nine objectives:
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
9. Weather conditions
Motorcycle Lessons Module 4
Module 4 takes place on the road. You will be in contact with your instructorthrough a radio helmet link throughout. Your instructor will provide the radio but you may need to provide your own PPE. Check with your instructor for more details. This module will take at least six hours to complete and has eight objectives:
1. Gradients
2. Junctions
3. Traffic lights
4. Roundabouts
5. Safe distance
6. Anticipation and reaction
7. Pedestrian crossings
8. Bends
Motorcycle Lessons Progression Module (5)
The Progression module is a repeat of Modules 2 and 4 as well as some additional topics (see details below). If you are upgrading your vehicle, i.e. to a more powerful engine or from an automatic to a manual, you can complete this module to get the necessary training without having to go through the whole IBT programme again. You will need to give details of your previous IBT to your instructor before completing the Progression module.
This module covers:
1. Move Off & Stop
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
21. Pedestrian and rail crossings (rail where possible)
22. Bends
23. Socially responsible riding/driving
Repeating a module
You must successfully complete each module before moving onto the next and completing the course. If you have difficulties with a particular module, you can repeat it until you reach the necessary standard.
Assessment by the RSA
If you are unhappy with the progress you are making in the IBT programme you can apply to the RSA to have a member of staff carry out your assessment. The fee for this is currently €70.
However, if is deemed that you have not reached the necessary standards, they may refuse to stamp your logbook or issue you with a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion.
