How to become an Approved Motorcycle Instructor (AMI)
To become an AMI, you must complete three qualifying tests. Part one tests your theory knowledge, part two tests your riding ability and fitness, and part three tests your ability to instruct learner motorcycle drivers.
Following the NI Executive’s review of COVID-19 restrictions, AMI qualifying tests have resumed.
The information pack for AMIs and ADIs gives links to available COVID-19 advice and other useful information. Coronavirus (Covid 19) and motoring outlines how the DVA plan to manage the phased return of driving tests.
Check tests for fully qualified AMIs are still suspended
If you need to contact the Business Support Unit (BSU), email DVA.AMI@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
This email address will be monitored but due to ongoing pressure on DVA services and staff, it may take longer than usual to receive a reply. There is no phone service available at present.
Becoming an AMI
When you first apply, an enhanced security check will be carried out by Access NI (ANI). Once completed, Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) will send you your eligibility number which you will need to book a theory test.
If you have concerns about your criminal history you are advised to speak to DVA before committing to any fees for packages offered by AMI training providers.
Information about the ANI check is on pages 13 and 14 of Your guide to becoming an Approved Motorcycle Instructor. There is also a list of training materials to help you prepare for each test.
You must pass all three tests, in order, within two years. If you fail any of the tests three times, you must wait two years from the date you first sat the theory test before beginning the process again.
Becoming an AMI when disabled
Yes. The the details of the restrictions on your licence must be sent with your application to make sure suitable arrangements are made to meet your needs.
Other requirements to be an AMI
As well as the three tests and a satisfactory ANI check, you must also:
- currently hold a full NI, Great Britain or Community (EC/EEC) motorcycle licence
- have held the licence 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 before the date of your application
Apply to become an AMI
You can apply online:
- AMI theory test (part one) - DVA official provider's website
- AMI test of riding ability and fitness (part two) - DVA official provider's website
- AMI test of instructional ability (part three) - DVA official provider's website
You can also send the fee with an application form to:
Business Support UnitDriver & Vehicle Agency
Balmoral Road
Malone Lower
Belfast
BT12 6QL
Telephone: 028 9068 5203
Forms are available from DVA's Business Support Unit or can be downloaded.
- AMI theory test (part one)
- AMI riding ability and fitness test (part two)
- AMI instructional ability test (part three)
- AMI registration or renewal application form
Should you need to contact BSU about a Part 1, 2 or 3 application or booking, email ADIAMIApplications@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
AMI test centre locations
The theory test (part one) is available at six test centres – Ballymena, Belfast, Londonderry, Newry, Omagh and Portadown.
The riding ability (part two) and the instructional ability test (part three) are conducted at Craigavon, Londonderry (Newbuildings) and Mallusk.
AMI test fees
Approved Motorcycle Instructor test fees are available at the following page:
Joining the register
After passing all three tests, you may apply to have your name added to the AMI Register, once you have paid the registration fee and had a satisfactory ANI check.
EU transfer
If you hold an AMI licence in an EU country, you can get this transferred to a NI licence if you are resident in NI.
You can apply online to transfer this.