Irish Driving Licence Categories: The Complete Guide for 2026

When most people think about the irish driving licence they think about the standard car licence that allows them to drive a passenger vehicle on Irish roads. However the irish driving licence system in Ireland covers a wide range of vehicle categories beyond the standard car licence — from motorcycles and trucks to buses and tractors. Understanding the different irish driving licence categories is essential for every driver in Ireland, whether you are applying for your first entitlement or looking to expand your existing driving permissions.
This comprehensive guide covers every irish driving licence category available in Ireland in 2026, explaining what each category covers, the requirements for obtaining it, and who needs it.
For expert support and guidance on all irish driving licence categories visit registeredirelandlicense.com — Ireland’s most trusted driving licence service.

How the Irish Driving Licence Category System Works

The irish driving licence category system in Ireland is based on the EU harmonised driving licence framework, which means that the categories used in Ireland are the same as those used across all EU and EEA member states. Each category of the irish driving licence covers a specific type of vehicle or vehicles, and drivers must hold the appropriate category entitlement for every type of vehicle they wish to drive on Irish public roads.
All irish driving licence category applications are processed through the National Driver Licence Service, known as the NDLS, under the authority of the Road Safety Authority, known as the RSA. Each category has its own specific age requirements, medical requirements, and testing requirements that must be met before the entitlement is granted.

Irish Driving Licence Category AM — Mopeds

Category AM is the entry level category of the irish driving licence system and covers mopeds and light quadricycles. Specifically category AM covers two-wheeled vehicles with a maximum design speed of no more than 45km/h and an engine displacement of no more than 50cc for combustion engines. The minimum age for category AM is 16 years.
To obtain a category AM entitlement as part of your irish driving licence you must pass the Driver Theory Test for motorcycles, obtain a learner permit, complete the required Essential Driver Training lessons for this category, and pass the RSA practical driving test. Category AM is a popular starting point for young people who want to begin their independent mobility journey before reaching the minimum age for a full car licence.

Irish Driving Licence Category A1 — Light Motorcycles

Category A1 of the irish driving licence covers light motorcycles with an engine displacement of no more than 125cc, a maximum power output of 11kW, and a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.1kW/kg. The minimum age for category A1 is 16 years.
Category A1 is one of the most popular motorcycle categories of the irish driving licence system and is the category that holders of the B196 equivalent entitlement in other countries are typically familiar with. It provides genuine freedom and independence on Irish roads while keeping the power and speed of the vehicle within manageable limits for less experienced riders.

Irish Driving Licence Category A2 — Medium Motorcycles

Category A2 of the irish driving licence covers motorcycles with a maximum power output of 35kW and a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2kW/kg. The minimum age for category A2 is 18 years and it cannot be obtained from a motorcycle with a power output that has been restricted from more than double the required maximum.
Category A2 represents a significant step up in terms of power and performance from category A1 and is designed for riders who have developed sufficient experience and skill to handle a more powerful motorcycle safely on Irish roads. Many riders progress naturally from category A1 to category A2 as their confidence and experience grow.

Irish Driving Licence Category A — All Motorcycles

Category A is the full motorcycle category of the irish driving licence and covers all motorcycles without any power restrictions. There are two routes to obtaining category A. The first is direct access which requires a minimum age of 24 years. The second is progressive access which is available from the age of 20 years provided the applicant has held a category A2 entitlement for at least two years.
Category A is the ultimate motorcycle entitlement of the irish driving licence system and gives holders the freedom to ride any motorcycle on Irish roads regardless of engine size or power output. It is the goal of many serious motorcycle enthusiasts and provides access to the full range of motorcycles available on the market.

Irish Driving Licence Category B — Cars

Category B is the most common and most widely held category of the irish driving licence and covers standard passenger cars and light vehicles. Specifically category B covers vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of no more than 3,500kg and with no more than