75 Questions & Answers For The Irish Driving Test

75 Vocabulary-style flashcards based on the most frequently asked questions for the Irish Driving Test, covering road signs, rules, speed limits, and safety procedures.

Overtaking Check

Ensure the road ahead is clear, check mirrors and blind spots, and signal your intention.

Parking Distance from Kerb

Within $45\,cm$ from the kerb.

Human Factors that Affect Driving

Alcohol, drugs (prescription and non-prescription), tiredness & fatigue, road rage, and attitude.

Flashing Green Vehicle Light

Indicates a doctor on an emergency call.

Seat Belt Responsibility

The driver is responsible for passengers under $17$ years of age; passengers $17$ years of age & over are responsible for themselves.

Continuous Yellow Line

No parking during certain hours

Rumble Strips Purpose

To alert drivers to reduce speed or to warn of a hazard ahead.

Red Dashboard Warning Light

Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and investigate the issue.

Red X above Motorway Lane

The lane is closed, and you must not use it.

Broken Yellow Line

Indicates a hard shoulder normally for pedestrians & cyclists; safe brief use allowed for faster traffic to overtake.

Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS)

Prevents wheels from locking during emergency braking to maintain steering control.

Pedestrian Crossing Island (Zebra)

A central island means the crossing should be treated as two separate crossings.

Pedestrian Crossing Island (Straight Pelican)

A Pelican crossing that goes straight across counts as one crossing even with a central island.

Pedestrian Crossing Island (Staggered Pelican)

Pelican crossings on either side of the central island not in a straight line count as two separate crossings.

Clearway

No parking during specified times or stopping unless waiting in a line of traffic.

Double Broken White Lines

Alerts the driver to continuous white lines a short distance ahead; must not cross unless safe.

Motorway Breakdown Procedure

Move to the hard shoulder, turn on hazard lights, place a warning triangle behind the vehicle, and call for assistance.

Solid White Line (Centre)

You must stay to the left & must not cross the line unless for access or in an emergency.

The $2$ Second Rule

A measure of safe following distance in dry conditions, doubled in wet and extended in icy conditions.

Minimum Tyre Tread Depth

At least $1.6\,mm$ over the main treads for most vehicles.

Roundabout Priority

You must give right of way to traffic already on a roundabout.

White Zig-zag Lines (Zebra Crossing)

Indicates no overtaking or parking.

Tailgating

Driving too close to a vehicle in front, not keeping a safe distance.

Single Red Line

No stopping during certain times as indicated by nearby signs.

Traffic Calming Zone

An area where speed is restricted to enhance pedestrian safety.

With-flow Bus Lane

Runs in the same direction as traffic; can be used by bicyclists and taxis during reserved times on the information plate.

Contra-flow Bus Lane

Reserved only for buses day or night; no other traffic may use it.

Parking Distance from Pedestrian Crossing

No parking $15\,metres$ before or $5\,metres$ after.

Cyclist Encounter at Roundabout

Give way to the cyclist and proceed with caution.

Snowy or Icy Preparation

Clear windows and mirrors, use de-icer, reduce speed, and allow for longer braking distances.

Box Junction Entry Rule

Do not enter unless you can clear it without stopping, except when turning right.

Box Junction Right Turn Exception

You may enter while waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic if you don't block traffic that has priority.

No Entry Road Markings

A continuous & a broken white line with the words "NO ENTRY".

Being Overtaken Rule

You must not increase your speed.

Parking Proximity to Junction

Must park over $5\,metres$ away.

Horn Restrictions (Built-up Area)

Do not use between $11.30\,pm$ & $7.00\,am$ unless there is a traffic emergency.

Fog Light Usage

Use in dense fog or conditions where visibility is significantly reduced.

Headlight Dazzle (Oncoming)

Slow down/stop if necessary and avoid looking by watching the left verge until the vehicle passes.

Headlight Dazzle (Behind)

Operate the night-driving mode on your mirror if reflected light causes dazzle.

Hit Parked Car Procedure

Leave contact details securely on the vehicle and report the incident to Gardaí.

Single Broken White Line (Centre)

Permits overtaking if it is safe and legal to do so.

Dual Carriageway Lane Selection

Normally use lane $1$ or the left-hand driving lane unless markings indicate otherwise.

Overtaking on the Left (Slow Traffic)

Permitted when traffic in both lanes is slow and the left-hand lane is moving faster than the right.

Overtaking on the Left (Signaling)

Permitted when you have signaled your intention to turn left.

Hazard Lights Usage

Use when the vehicle is stationary and causing an obstruction, or in an emergency.

Coasting

Driving with the clutch pedal held down or gear lever in neutral; dangerous due to reduced control.

Flashing Red Traffic Lights

Indicates a stop is required for an approaching train.

Green Arrow (Motorway Lane)

Indicates the lane is open and you may use it.

Right Turn Position (One-way Street)

Drive as close as you can to the right-hand side.

U-turn Prohibitions

Prohibited in one-way streets, where continuous white lines exist, or where signs direct otherwise.

Illegal Reversing

Illegal when it would cause danger or inconvenience to other road users.

National Road Speed Limit

The limit is $100\,km/h$ for primary and secondary roads.

Motorway Speed Limit

The limit is $120\,km/h$.

Overtaking on Left (Right-Turning Vehicle)

Permitted when going straight and the driver in front has moved out and signaled a right turn.

Pelican Crossing

A pedestrian crossing controlled by lights.

Zebra Crossing

Has flashing orange beacons and is controlled by the presence of pedestrians.

Animals on Road Procedure

Slow down, be prepared to stop, and avoid using horn or lights to startle them.

Blind Spot

The area around your vehicle that cannot be seen using mirrors.

Mixed Centre Lines Obedience

When a continuous and broken line are together, you must obey the line nearest you.

Flashing Blue Light

Indicates an emergency service vehicle (Gardaí, fire brigade, ambulance) on an emergency call.

Narrow Central Median Procedure

If too narrow for the vehicle, you must wait until you can complete the crossing of the dual carriageway.

Unmarked Crossroads Priority

Give priority to traffic on the junction and traffic approaching from your right.

Hatched Markings

Diagonal or chevron markings for merging, diverging, or separating traffic; you must not enter this area.

Double Continuous Yellow Lines

No parking at any time.

Amber Traffic Light Action

Stop unless it is unsafe to do so.

Built-up Area Speed Limit

Usually $50\,km/h$; special limits may be $30\,km/h$ or $60\,km/h$.

Hard Shoulder (Motorway) Usage

Only in emergencies or when directed by Gardaí or road signs.

Stopping Distance at $50\,km/h$ (Dry)

Approximately $25\,meters$.

Tunnel Driving Rules

Turn on dipped headlights, maintain space, and observe specific speed limits.

Stop Sign (No White Line)

You must stop at the sign itself.

Bus Lane Access

Allowed outside operational hours or when signs specifically permit other vehicles.

Filter Light

A green or amber arrow light; you may proceed in that direction if safe.

Motorway Characteristics

Left-only exits, no traffic lights, no junctions, no roundabouts, and limits up to $120\,Kph$.

White Diamond Road Markmarking

Indicates a tram or bus lane.

Overtaking Prohibition Locations

Bends, hills, bridges, continuous lines, near signs/entrances, narrow roads, or taxi ranks.

Brake Failure Procedure

Pump the pedal, use the handbrake gradually, and shift to a lower gear.

Flashing Amber Traffic Light

Proceed if clear; pedestrians have priority.

Yield Sign

Give way to traffic on a major road or roundabout and do not proceed unless safe.

Country Road Hazards

Pedestrians, animals, muddy surfaces, concealed entrances, and slow farm machinery.

Traffic Light Sequence

Green, Amber, Red.

Mobile Phone Penalty

Fines, penalty points, and potential disqualification.

Red Triangle (Roadside)

Indicates a temporary hazard or warning ahead.

Dipping Headlights Requirements

Meeting traffic, following closely, on lit roads, in snow/fog/dusk/dawn to avoid inconveniencing others.