Graduated motorcycle licence rules introduced in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is introducing a new graduated licensing system for motorcycle riders from 1 October, bringing compulsory training modules and a logbook into the process of gaining an A1, A2 or A licence.

The changes form part of Northern Ireland’s new Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system, which is aimed at reducing collisions involving new and inexperienced road users. The scheme has been developed primarily around young car drivers, but several of its measures also apply to motorcyclists.

Under the new system, motorcycle learners will have to complete 10 mandatory training modules covering knowledge, riding skills, attitudes and behaviour before they can take their practical test. An 11th module covering motorway riding is available but optional.

Progress through the mandatory modules will be recorded in a compulsory logbook, with each section signed off before the learner can take their practical test. The logbook will form part of Northern Ireland's digital GDL system, which is also being used to manage the car licensing process. Access to the Programme of Training and Logbook costs £17.

There is, however, an important difference between the motorcycle and car systems. Motorcycle learners will not be subject to the new six-month mandatory minimum learning period that applies to Category B car learners. The new restrictions limiting young newly qualified drivers' ability to drive late at night and carry passengers also do not apply to motorcycle riders.

There are changes after passing the test, though. The existing new-rider restriction period will increase from 12 months to two years, during which an R plate must be displayed. At the same time, the existing 45mph restriction will be removed, meaning newly qualified riders will be able to ride at the posted speed limit.

There is a transition period for existing learners. Anyone whose Category A provisional entitlement began before 1 October can continue under the current system and take the existing practical test until 31 March 2027. From 1 April 2027, learners will need to have completed the new Programme of Training and Logbook before booking their practical test.

The National Motorcyclists Council and its member organisation, the British Motorcyclists Federation, support the principle of structured motorcycle training but say the effectiveness of the new system needs to be measured rather than assumed.

The organisations are particularly interested in whether the additional training requirements result in safer riders and greater progression towards full motorcycle licences, or whether added complexity and cost could discourage some learners from continuing their training – something all motorcycle organisations want to limit.

That distinction could become important beyond Northern Ireland. Motorcycle licensing is devolved, meaning the new system is separate from changes currently being considered for England, Scotland and Wales.

The UK Government's Road Safety Strategy, published in January 2026, includes a review of motorcycle training, testing and licensing, with the Department for Transport and DVSA also examining how to encourage riders who remain on provisional licences after completing CBT to progress towards a full licence.

Northern Ireland will therefore provide a real-world test of whether a more structured approach to motorcycle training can improve rider development without making the route to a full licence unnecessarily difficult.

Speaking about the news, BMF Chair Jim Freeman said: 

“The BMF and NMC support structured, high-quality training which demonstrably helps develop safer riders and reduce casualties. We all share the objective of reducing the unacceptable number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured on our roads.

“But we must also be careful not to assume that simply making motorcycle licensing more restrictive or complicated will automatically make riders safer. Any changes must be evidence-led, proportionate and affordable and should encourage, rather than discourage, riders to undertake further training and progress towards a full motorcycle licence.

“Northern Ireland is taking a distinctive approach and we will be watching closely to see what the evidence tells us. If structured training produces safer riders, better hazard awareness and increased progression towards full licences, there may be valuable lessons for the rest of the UK. Equally, we need to understand whether any elements create unintended barriers to people taking up motorcycling or continuing their training.

“The BMF and NMC will remain fully engaged with Government, the DVSA, and our other partners and key stakeholders as the Government develops and implements its new Road Safety Strategy. We want motorcycling to be at the heart of that work and riders themselves to have a strong voice in shaping the future of motorcycle training and road safety.

“Our shared objective is better-trained, safer riders, with an accessible and affordable route towards gaining a full motorcycle licence.”

The first results will take some time to emerge, but from 1 October the experiment begins.

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