Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI)

Background Information On DVLNI

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI) was established as an Executive Agency within the Department of the Environment (DOE) on 2 August 1993.

Our headquarters are in County Hall, Coleraine but we also operate a taxi licensing and vehicle operator licensing office in Belfast and a network of local vehicle licensing (motor tax) offices in Armagh, Ballymena, Belfast, Coleraine, Downpatrick, Enniskillen, Londonderry and Omagh.


Vehicle Category Descriptions - Motorcycles

Light motorcycles
with a cubic capacity not exceeding 125cc and a power output not exceeding 11kW (14.6bhp). Category A1 Minimum age 17 - NOTE: After passing A1 test drivers will be restricted to 125cc

Motorcycles up to 25kW
(33bhp) and a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW / kg. Motorcycle combination with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW / kg. Category A Minimum age 17 - NOTE: After passing A1 test drivers will be restricted to 125cc

Any size motorcycle
with or without a sidecar. Category A NOTE: Age 21 or 2 years from the date of standard A test pass.


Riding A Motorcycle
The Licensing Position From 1 January 1997

Changes to the Learner Motorcycle Specification

The learner motorcycle specification is an engine size of up to 125cc and a power output of 11kw (14.6bhp).
The Theory Test

From 1 April 2003 learner motorcyclists have to pass the written theory test as well as the practical test to gain a full motorcycle licence even if they hold a full car licence. However, anyone who takes a theory and practical test to obtain either a full moped or A1 licence will continue to be exempt from the requirement to take a theory test as part of any future motorcycle test.
The New Category A and A1 Driving Licence

At age 17 or over, you will have two types of full motorcycle licence to aim for - the A1 light motorcycle licence or the standard category A motorcycle licence.

To gain a full A1 light motorcycle licence you must pass a theory test followed by a practical test on a vehicle over 75cc but not more than 120cc. A full A1 licence permits you to ride any motorcycle up to 125cc and a power output of up to 11kW (14.6 bhp) without `L' plates, carry pillion passengers and use motorways.

To gain a full standard category A licence you must pass a theory test followed by a practical test on a motorcycle of over 120cc but not larger than 125cc and capable of at least 100kph. In practice the normal test vehicle will be a 125cc machine. A full standard category A licence permits you ride any motorcycle with a power output of up to 25kW (33bhp) and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg without `L' plates, carry pillion passengers and use motorways. You are restricted to a motorcycle up to 25kW for two years (not counting any periods of disqualification). After two years you may ride any size motorcycle.
Notes

The power output of an engine is measured in kilowatts (kW) or brake horse power (bhp). A kilowatt is the metric measurement of brake horse power. One brake horse power equals 0.75 kilowatts. Engine capacity (or size) is measured in cubic centimetres (cc). The size of an engine is not directly related to its power output. Further information may be obtained from motorcycle retailers or manufacturers.



Off-Road Motorcycle Manoeuvre Test

As a result of a European Directive, the Driver and Vehicle Agency had originally planned to introduce a new off-road motorcycle manoeuvres test during April 2008.

However, following representations made by some in the motorcycle industry and other interested parties, the Minister has agreed that the off-road motorcycle manoeuvres test will now be introduced in September 2008, in-line with the remainder of the United Kingdom.

It has also been decided that the requirement for the wearing of protective clothing by trainees and test candidates during the off-road motorcycle manoeuvres test will be the same as on the on-road practical motorcycle test. However, DVA will continue to highly recommend that all motorcyclists, both trainee and qualified, wear suitable protective clothing whilst riding on-road or during the off-road test.

Further information about the test will be issued in due course.



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