Northern Ireland is set to launch a new Graduated Driver Licensing system on October 1, introducing mandatory training modules and digital logbooks for motorcycle riders seeking an A1, A2, or A license.
Under the official regulations, learner riders must complete 10 compulsory modules covering riding skills, road knowledge, and behavior before they can book a practical test.
Access to the training logbook costs £17.
Motorcycle learners are exempt from the new six-month minimum learning period, night driving bans, and passenger restrictions that apply to car drivers.
However, newly qualified riders must display R plates for two years instead of one, while the previous 45 mph speed restriction has been abolished.
Existing learners whose provisional entitlement began before October 1 may test under the current rules until March 31, 2027.
Full compliance with the new training logbook becomes mandatory for all test takers starting April 1, 2027.
Rider Groups Support Training but Warn on Costs
The British Motorcyclists Federation and National Motorcyclists Council expressed support for structured safety training while warning that added costs and complexity must not deter prospective riders from advancing to full licenses.
Jim Freeman, Chair of the British Motorcyclists Federation, said the groups support high-quality training that demonstrably helps develop safer riders and reduce casualties.
He added that 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.
Freeman noted that Northern Ireland is taking a distinctive approach and that the groups will watch closely to see what the evidence shows.
He said 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.
The BMF and NMC also want to understand whether any elements create unintended barriers to people taking up motorcycling or continuing their training.
Freeman said the groups will remain fully engaged with Government, the DVSA, and other partners as the new Road Safety Strategy is developed and implemented.
The policy operates independently from licensing rules in England, Scotland, and Wales, serving as a regional test case ahead of potential broader UK motorcycle training reviews.
