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Safe and Responsible Driving: theory test questions

420 questions from the Irish Driver Theory Test, each with the correct answer and an explanation.

  1. In general how regularly should a vehicle be serviced?Answer: As per the manufacturer's recommendation.
  2. In slow-moving city traffic, a driver should occasionally check their blind spots for which road users in particular?Answer: Cyclists.
  3. If there is no footpath, where must a pedestrian walk?Answer: Right-hand side of the road.
  4. What should a driver do if their vehicle goes on fire in a tunnel?Answer: Leave the vehicle and follow the emergency escape route.
  5. In normal driving conditions on a motorway, which lane should the driver occupy?Answer: Drive in the nearside (left-hand) lane unless intending to overtake.
  6. Is a learner driver permitted to drive unaccompanied if they have the consent of the vehicle owner?Answer: No, a learner driver is not permitted to drive unaccompanied even with the owner's consent.
  7. The driver intends to turn left at this junction – what should the driver do?Answer: Allow the cyclist to continue before turning left.Driver's view at a junction beside a cyclist in a red-surfaced lane; a red van approaches from the right and colored route arrows cross ahead.
  8. The driver is following these two vehicles and wishes to overtake – what must the driver consider before overtaking here?Answer: The driver's field of view is not good enough to allow safe overtaking.Two cars ahead on a residential road, with another car partly visible at a side road on the right.
  9. The silver car is overtaking the parked red car, what should the driver do in this situation?Answer: Reduce speed considerably and be ready to stop.Silver car beside a red parked car on a residential road; a ball is visible on the grass to the left.
  10. Is a driver allowed to exceed the speed limit when overtaking?Answer: The driver may not exceed the speed limit when overtaking.
  11. Subject to the speed limit, what is the “safest” speed to drive at?Answer: The speed that will enable the driver to stop the vehicle within the distance ahead that they can see to be clear.
  12. The driver intends to turn right at this junction – what should the driver do?Answer: Stop at the line.Driver's view at a junction with a STOP sign on the left, a lorry opposite and a motorcyclist on the right; colored route arrows cross ahead.
  13. On a busy road, how should a driver allow passengers out of a vehicle?Answer: Stop and allow them to get out on the side nearest the kerb.
  14. On a narrow busy road, what should pedestrians do when walking?Answer: Walk in single file.
  15. The driver intends to turn right at this junction – what should the driver do?Answer: Proceed after the motorcycle and bus have passed.Driver's view at a junction with a STOP sign on the left, a lorry opposite and a motorcyclist on the right; colored route arrows cross ahead.
  16. What action should the driver take?Answer: Stop at the Stop line.Driver's view at a junction with a STOP sign on the left, a red lorry opposite and a cyclist on the right; colored route arrows cross ahead.
  17. What can a driver do to maximise fuel efficiency while driving?Answer: Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
  18. What action should a driver take when they meet a vehicle with flashing blue lights?Answer: Move to the left, reduce speed and stop if necessary.
  19. What action should a driver take if the engine in their vehicle cuts out suddenly when they are driving along?Answer: Signal and steer the vehicle to the side of the road.
  20. What are the drink driving penalties for a learner driver with a blood alcohol concentrate (BAC) of 20 mg to 80 mg per 100 millilitres of blood?Answer: €200 fine and 3 months driving disqualification.
  21. What are the drink driving penalties for a driver with a blood alcohol concentrate (BAC) of 80 mg to 100 mg per 100 millilitres of blood?Answer: €400 fine and 6 months driving disqualification.
  22. To whom should a driver report aggressive driving?Answer: Local Garda Station or Traffic Watch.
  23. What should a driver do if their vehicle is forced to stop in a tunnel due to a breakdown or a crash?Answer: Call for help from an emergency station.
  24. What action should a driver take on approach to the brow of this hill?Answer: Reduce speed as possible hazards ahead.Empty rural road with broken white center markings, trees and distant hills.
  25. What do flashing amber beacons on an oncoming vehicle alert a driver to?Answer: That the oncoming vehicle may be slow moving or extra wide.
  26. What clearance should drivers normally allow for when passing parked vehicles?Answer: A door width.
  27. What does a 2-plus-1 road have?Answer: Two non-motorway lanes in one direction and one non-motorway lane in the opposite direction.
  28. What should a driver do if a bus in front has moved out to make a left-hand turn and there is oncoming traffic?Answer: Stay back and allow the bus to complete the turn.
  29. What could happen if a driver parks on a footpath?Answer: Pedestrians could be prevented from passing.
  30. What effect does a worn exhaust have on a vehicle?Answer: It causes noise and gas pollution levels to increase.
  31. What should a driver be alert to in this area?Answer: Pedestrians may cross between parked cars.Narrow street lined with buildings and parked cars on both sides; a yellow car faces the viewer on the right.
  32. What effect could a front-tyre blow-out have on a vehicle?Answer: The steering wheel will pull to one side.
  33. What effect can wet weather have on the vehicle’s exterior mirrors?Answer: It can distort the rear vision of the driver.
  34. What effect does drinking alcohol have on a driver?Answer: It reduces concentration.
  35. What effect can a faulty exhaust system have?Answer: It can increase the vehicle's noise and pollution levels.
  36. What effect does spilt diesel have on a road?Answer: It makes the road more slippery.
  37. What does this dial provide information on?Answer: Engine revolution.Photograph of a circular numbered dashboard gauge, with the needle near 5 and a small digital display below.
  38. What is meant by the term jack-knifing?Answer: When the trailer is travelling faster than the drawing vehicle.
  39. What should a driver do if they are behind schedule in reaching a destination at an appointed time?Answer: Be patient and do not exceed the speed limit so as to arrive safely.
  40. What effect does a wet road surface have on a vehicle’s braking ability?Answer: Generally, it doubles the braking distance of that required on a dry surface.
  41. What is the penalty for a vehicle owner who allows a learner driver to drive their vehicle unaccompanied?Answer: Their vehicle will be seized.
  42. What is the purpose of a catalytic converter?Answer: To reduce harmful exhaust emissions.
  43. What is the fine for a learner driver who drives unaccompanied?Answer: 160
  44. What is the maximum penalty on conviction for drug driving?Answer: €5,000 fine and 6 months in prison.
  45. What is the purpose of rumble strips on the sides of a carriageway?Answer: To alert drivers that their vehicle is veering out of their lane.
  46. What should a driver do if they are not travelling as fast as the vehicle in front?Answer: The driver should keep to the left and allow vehicles to overtake if they wish.
  47. What is the purpose of a catalytic converter?Answer: It filters exhaust gases and reduces air pollution.
  48. What is the effect on the control of the vehicle if there is a film of water between the vehicle’s tyres and the road surface?Answer: Steering and braking will be less effective.
  49. What is the safest practice when driving on icy roads?Answer: Drive at a slower speed than usual using gentle acceleration and braking.
  50. What procedure should a driver follow when intending to overtake an e-scooter travelling in the same direction up ahead?Answer: Check mirrors, signal and move out if it is safe to do so.

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