Irish Driving Test: Pre-Drive Flashcards for Road Signs & Signals

Hand signal: Turning right

Extend right arm horizontally out window.

Hand signal: Turning left

Extend right arm and rotate in small circles.

Hand signal: Slowing down / stopping

Extend right arm downward with palm facing backward, move up and down.

Signal to other driver to overtake

Extend right arm and wave forward in a sweeping motion.

Signal acknowledging another driver letting you pass

Brief hand raise (not required in test, but courtesy).

What does ABS warning light mean?

Anti-lock Braking System fault; get system checked.

When should you use fog lights?

Use only in dense fog or falling snow; turn off when visibility improves.

What is the rear window demister used for?

Clears condensation from the rear window.

What is the front windscreen demister used for?

Clears condensation from the inside of windscreen using airflow/heat.

When should you use hazard lights?

When stopped and obstructing traffic or in emergency; not while moving.

STOP sign

You MUST stop and proceed only when safe.

YIELD sign

Give way to traffic on the main road.

No Entry

You must not enter this road.

No Right Turn

Right turn prohibited.

No Left Turn

Left turn prohibited.

No U-Turn

U-turn prohibited.

No Overtaking

Do not overtake vehicles.

One-way traffic

Traffic flows in one direction only.

Pedestrian Only

Only pedestrians allowed on this road.

Cyclists Only

Only bicycles permitted.

Bus Lane

Lane reserved for buses (and sometimes taxis/bikes depending on signage).

Contra-Flow Bus Lane

Bus lane operates in opposite direction to other traffic.

Maximum speed limit signs

Indicate maximum speed allowed in km/h.

National speed limit applies

Default limit applies (100 km/h rural roads, 120 km/h motorways).

Sharp bend ahead

Slow down and prepare to turn.

Double bend

Two bends ahead; slow and stay composed.

Road narrows

Road width reduces; be prepared to give way.

Slippery road

Reduce speed; avoid sudden steering or braking.

Humpback bridge

Visibility limited; slow down.

Uneven road

Surface irregular; reduce speed.

School ahead

Children may cross; slow & be prepared to stop.

Pedestrian crossing ahead

Prepare to stop for pedestrians.

Roundabout ahead

Prepare to yield to traffic from the right.

Traffic lights ahead

Prepare to stop if necessary.

Two-way traffic ahead

Opposing flows of traffic; stay left.

Level crossing with barrier

Stop when barrier is down or lights flash.

Level crossing without barrier

Proceed with extreme caution; check for trains.

Steep hill up/down

Select suitable gear and control speed.