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Approved Motorcycle Instructor (AMI)

Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) has introduced a scheme of Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) in Northern Ireland for those wishing to ride a motorcycle/ moped as a learner rider. An Approved Motorcycle Instructor (AMI) Register was also introduced.

What is AMI?

The AMI register helps regulate the qualification and approval of motorcycle instructors who will provide on-road motorcycle tuition and CBT training. As a basis, the AMI scheme is of similar make-up to the Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) scheme in place for learner car drivers. However the AMI scheme is aimed specifically at those wishing to teach learner moped and motorcycle riders. An AMI will issue the CBT certificate once a learner has reached the standard expected within the CBT scheme.

How do I become an AMI?

To become an Approved Motorcycle Instructor, you will have to complete the following qualifying examinations:

All three parts must be passed in this order and completed within a two-year period, commencing on the date that Part 1 is passed. You must complete all three parts before this two-year period expires to enable you to continue towards registration. If you fail any part of the examination process three times, you will have to wait two years from the date you first sat the Part 1 theory test before being able to begin the examination process again.

A list of training material which will assist you in preparing for each of the examinations is contained in the Guide to become an AMI which can be downloaded below. You can apply online for any part of your AMI test by clicking the link below

If you have a disability you can still apply to become an AMI provided the details of your restrictions on your licence are sent with your initial application to ensure suitable arrangements are made to facilitate your needs as appropriate.

Once all three parts of the examination of assessment are successfully completed, an instructor may apply to have their name added to the AMI Register subject to the payment of the registration fee and a satisfactory Access Northern Ireland (ANI) check by DVA.

Locations of tests to become an AMI

The theory test (Part 1) is available at six theory test centres throughout Northern Ireland – Ballymena, Belfast, Londonderry, Newry, Omagh and Portadown.

The Riding Ability and Fitness Test (Part 2) and the Instructional Ability Test (Part 3) will be conducted by DVA from three locations: Craigavon, Londonderry (Newbuildings) and Mallusk.

Fees to become an AMI

The fees will mirror the current ADI scheme:

  • Theory Test (Part 1) Fee - £72
  • Riding Ability and Fitness Test (Part 2) Fee - £130
  • Instructional Ability Test (Part 3) Fee - £138
  • Registration/ Renewal Fee - £240

How long does registration last?

Registration will be valid for four years, as long as the registered AMI continues to comply with the eligibility criteria.

On expiry of the four-year period, instructors will be required to renew their registration. On payment of the specified fee, and assuming they remain eligible for the register, their membership will be renewed for a further four years. This will be subject to them continuing to demonstrate that they have satisfactory instructional ability skills.

What you need to be an AMI

If you want to become an AMI you must:

  • hold a current full Northern Ireland, Great Britain or Community (EC/EEC) motorcycle licence
  • have held one of the above licences for a total of four years out of the past six years
  • have not been disqualified from motorcycle riding/ driving in any part of the four years preceding the date of your application
  • have passed the specified theory, practical and instructional ability test within a two-year period
  • be a fit and proper person to have your name included on the Register. All spent and unspent convictions, motoring and non-motoring will be taken into account when DVA assesses your suitability to be entered onto the Register

CBT Instruction

Once on the register you can apply for CBT authorisation by:

  • completing the application form which includes a declaration agreeing to the adherence of CBT Conditions of Authority; and
  • purchase at least one book of CBT certificates

An Instructors guide to delivering Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), Information Manual and Monthly Return Form can be downloaded here:

Exemptions for current motorcycle instructors

Individuals who are already listed on the DOE Voluntary Motorcycle Register will have “acquired rights” to the AMI Register and a maximum six-month period to apply for registration once the register is introduced. Any member of the voluntary register who applies after 28 May 2011 will have to go through the entire registration process, including the three-part qualifying process. Acceptance will be subject to successful completion of an Access Northern Ireland (ANI) check and payment of the appropriate fee.

Individuals with relevant motorcycle qualifications and experience may be exempt from either Part 2 (Test of Riding Ability and Fitness) and/ or Part 3 (Test of Instructional Ability) of the qualifying process. Each of these cases will be considered on an individual basis by a panel made up of two representatives from the Department of the Environment and one from the Northern Ireland Motorcycle Stakeholder Group.  

This transitional arrangement will be available for a period of six months from the date of implementation of the AMI Register. Consideration will only be given to those applicants who gained their experience/ qualification prior to the introduction of the AMI register.

Quality assurance of AMIs

During the period of registration each instructor will be assessed by DVA to ensure their ability to instruct remains at a satisfactory standard. This will be a continued ability and fitness test (Check Test).

The test will be conducted by a DVA examiner attending a lesson being delivered to a pupil by the AMI. The examiner will observe the lesson and the instruction given, assessing this for appropriateness in terms of the ability and needs of the pupil. For the purpose of the quality check the pupil will not be assessed in any way. However, the instructor will be examined on their ability to deliver appropriate instruction based on the needs of the pupil.

If an instructor fails this test they will have to undertake a second assessment and if they fail they will be given a third and final assessment. If they fail for a third time a recommendation will be made to remove their name from the register.

Appeals process

Anyone wishing to appeal any decision taken by the Registrar regarding the refusal to add a name to the register or revoke an AMIs certificate will be able to do so.

The Registrar will notify you of his/ her intention to remove you from the register and you are entitled to make representation to him/ her within a specified period. Appeals are time bound depending on the circumstances. However, notification of time limits will be specified in correspondence to the individual.

Sample tests

Sample copies of Pre-Set Test (PST) Reports for AMI Test of Instructional Ability (Part 3) can be downloaded below:

Application forms may be downloaded below:

or you can get them from:

Business Support Unit
Driver & Vehicle Agency
Balmoral Road
Malone Lower
Belfast
BT12 6QL

Completed forms should be sent to the Business Support unit (BSU) at the above address.