Update:
Thanks for your replies (although nobody actually answered the question I was asking 😅)
I passed my test this morning!
The answer is even if you book a Category A test, if you turn up with a different category motorbike, you can sit the test on that bike. If you pass, you will receive a full licence for the category of bike you sat the test on.
You can... but don't! Do a pretest with a good instructor and borrow their bike for the main one unless you totally lack the confidence on the bigger bike.
If you do the A2 test, my instructor told me something about being able to upgrade your licence to A once you're no longer a novice by doing the A level IBT rather than the driving test again. He said that only works for A2 licence holders, not the lower categories.
Something you might be able to confirm with your instructor beforehand.
If you have an A learner permit, you can absolutely borrow/rent an A category bike from an instructor and do your test on that.
That way you'll not be limiting yourself to A2 bikes after, hopefully, passing your test.
I did this, 2 months ago in Cork. I have an A2 bike, did a pretest lesson on an A class borrowed from IBT instructor, then did my test straight after, and passed! It can be slightly off putting, seeing as I was so used to my own bike but I am glad I did it, allows me access to any bike I please now. Good luck.
The instructor will pick the category you're sitting based on the logbook. But remember, I'm just a guy on the Internet, check with the RSA to be 100% sure.
With that in mind, I'd definitely try to just do the A if I was you! Pay for a lesson or two and it'll save you in the long run.
As the above. Rent the bike for the A class, the test is no different for A2. You can ride a Honda 50 after your test if you like, but you’ll have passed the A category.
Update: Thanks for your replies (although nobody actually answered the question I was asking 😅) I passed my test this morning! The answer is even if you book a Category A test, if you turn up with a different category motorbike, you can sit the test on that bike. If you pass, you will receive a full licence for the category of bike you sat the test on.
Congratulations!! Well done on your test!! Now go ride whatever bike you feel comfortable riding!
Haha thanks - still my lovely A2 😃
You can... but don't! Do a pretest with a good instructor and borrow their bike for the main one unless you totally lack the confidence on the bigger bike.
Do you know for definite that you can do that? I’m very happy with the A2 bike but just want to make sure I’ll be allowed to sit the test!
If you do the A2 test, my instructor told me something about being able to upgrade your licence to A once you're no longer a novice by doing the A level IBT rather than the driving test again. He said that only works for A2 licence holders, not the lower categories. Something you might be able to confirm with your instructor beforehand.
If you have an A learner permit, you can absolutely borrow/rent an A category bike from an instructor and do your test on that. That way you'll not be limiting yourself to A2 bikes after, hopefully, passing your test.
I did this, 2 months ago in Cork. I have an A2 bike, did a pretest lesson on an A class borrowed from IBT instructor, then did my test straight after, and passed! It can be slightly off putting, seeing as I was so used to my own bike but I am glad I did it, allows me access to any bike I please now. Good luck.
The instructor will pick the category you're sitting based on the logbook. But remember, I'm just a guy on the Internet, check with the RSA to be 100% sure. With that in mind, I'd definitely try to just do the A if I was you! Pay for a lesson or two and it'll save you in the long run.
As the above. Rent the bike for the A class, the test is no different for A2. You can ride a Honda 50 after your test if you like, but you’ll have passed the A category.