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Driving Licence Categories in Ireland: A Comprehensive Guide

Explore the various driving licence categories in Ireland, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. Learn about the specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and age limits for each licence type to ensure a smooth application process and legally drive on Irish roads.
Posted in Driving Licence & On The Topic
Getting the right driving licence is crucial for anyone who wants to legally drive on Irish roads. In this guide, we provide an overview of the different driving licence categories in Ireland, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. We also outline the requirements for each licence type, based on information from the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

Table of Contents

What Can You Drive at Each Age in Ireland?

The table below outlines the different driving licence categories available in Ireland based on the age of the driver. It provides an overview of the types of vehicles you can drive at each age, including mopeds, motorcycles, cars, vans, trucks, and buses. Note that additional requirements, such as passing theory tests and completing training, still apply for obtaining a licence in each category.

Age Licence Category Description
16 years old AM Moped and light quadricycle
A1 Small motorcycle
17 years old B Car and light van
A1 Small motorcycle
AM Moped and light quadricycle
18 years old A2 Medium-sized motorcycle
C1 Small truck or large van
C Truck
AM, A1, B Moped, light quadricycle, small motorcycle, car, and light van
20 years old A Motorcycle (any size) and motor tricycle (with 2 years on an A2 licence)
AM, A1, A2, B, C1, C All vehicles up to truck category
21 years old D1 Minibus
D Bus (with specific conditions)
24 years old A, D Motorcycle (any size), motor tricycle, and bus

Cars and Light Vans

Discover the driving licence categories for cars and light vans in Ireland, including their requirements and age restrictions. This table provides essential information on car (B), car with trailer (BE), and moped and light quadricycle (AM) licence types, allowing you to understand the steps needed to obtain each licence. Get the information you need to begin your journey to becoming a qualified driver.

Licence Category Description Requirements
B Car and light van
  • 17 years old or over
  • Theory test passed
  • 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons completed (if required)
BE Car and light van with trailer
  • Full B licence held
  • Trailer weight does not exceed the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity

Motorcycles

Discover the various motorcycle licence categories in Ireland and their specific age requirements with our SEO-optimized table. Whether you’re looking to drive a small, medium, or large motorcycle, or even a motor tricycle, this comprehensive guide highlights the necessary qualifications for each category. Keep in mind that additional requirements, such as passing theory tests and completing Initial Basic Training (IBT), are essential for obtaining a motorcycle licence.

Licence Category Description Requirements
AM Moped and light quadricycle
  • 16 years old or over
  • Theory test passed
  • Initial Basic Training (IBT) completed
A1 Small motorcycle
  • 16 years old or over
  • Theory test passed
  • Initial Basic Training (IBT) completed
A2 Medium-sized motorcycle
  • 18 years old or over
  • Theory test passed
  • Initial Basic Training (IBT) completed
A Motorcycle (any size) and motor tricycle
  • 24 years old or over (or 20 years old with 2 years on an A2 licence)
  • Theory test passed
  • Initial Basic Training (IBT) completed

Trucks

Discover the various truck driving licence categories in Ireland with our comprehensive table. Understand the requirements for each category, including age restrictions, theory test, and Driver CPC modules. This information is essential for aspiring truck drivers and helps ensure you’re on the right path to obtaining the appropriate licence for your needs.

Licence Category Description Requirements
C1 Small truck or large van
  • 18 years old or over
  • Theory test passed
  • Driver CPC module completed
C1E Small truck or large van with trailer
  • Full C1 licence held
  • Trailer weight does not exceed the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity
C Truck
  • 18 years old or over
  • Theory test passed
  • Driver CPC module completed
CE Truck with trailer or articulated truck
  • Full C licence held
  • Trailer weight does not exceed the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity

Buses

Discover the various bus driving licence categories in Ireland, including minibuses and buses with trailers. This comprehensive guide outlines the requirements for each bus licence type, helping aspiring bus drivers understand the eligibility criteria and steps to obtain their desired licence. Gain insights into age, theory test, and Driver CPC module requirements for a smooth and successful licence application process.

Licence Category Description Requirements
D1 Minibus
  • 21 years old or over
  • Theory test passed
  • Driver CPC module completed
D1E Minibus with trailer
  • Full D1 licence held
  • Trailer weight does not exceed the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity
D Bus
  • 24 years old or over (or 21 years old with specific conditions)
  • Theory test passed
  • Driver CPC module completed
DE Bus with trailer
  • Full D licence held
  • Trailer weight does not exceed the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity

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