Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to consolidate the driver licensing system for motorcyclists in order that all riders who pass may be deemed competent to drive all motorcycle types with one successful test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32537/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 1999 as amended provide, in accordance with the requirements of the EU Directive on driving licences, for minimum ages for access to the different categories of driving licence for motorcycles. A minimum age of 18 applies to category A which covers all motorcycles while a minimum age of 16 applies to category A1 which covers motorcycles with an engine capacity not exceeding 125 cubic centimetres and with a power rating not exceeding 11 kilowatts.

A successful test in category A qualifies a motorcycle rider to ride all motorcycles. Such a test must be carried out on a motorcycle with an engine capacity exceeding 125 cubic centimetres. I do not propose to require all motorcyclists to undergo this test as such a measure would effectively raise the minimum age for category A1 to 18 years and remove the option for those who do not wish to ride a larger motorcycle to learn on a category A1 motorcycle and undergo a test in that category.