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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. When a vehicle is stopped in a tunnel due to congestion what should a driver do?Answer: Switch off the engine.
  2. When dazzled by the lights of an oncoming vehicle, what should a driver do?Answer: Do not look directly at the lights.
  3. When driving along a dual carriageway in normal driving conditions, which lane should a driver be in?Answer: In the left-hand lane unless the driver wishes to overtake or turn right.
  4. When driving along, a driver feels that the oncoming car may crash into their vehicle. What should they do?Answer: Sound the horn to attract the attention of the other driver and take evasive action.
  5. When driving at night and blinded by the lights of an oncoming vehicle, what should a driver do?Answer: Look towards the verge and slow down and stop if necessary.
  6. When driving at night the full headlights of a typical car should enable the driver to see for a distance of how many metres?Answer: 100 metres.
  7. When driving at night, when must a driver dip the vehicle’s full headlights?Answer: When meeting or driving behind other traffic.
  8. When driving at night, when must a driver use dipped headlights?Answer: When meeting or driving behind other traffic.
  9. When can a driver expect to encounter black ice?Answer: When the temperature drops close to freezing.
  10. When driving along and required to stop suddenly, what should a driver do?Answer: Apply the footbrake firmly.
  11. When driving at night the dipped headlights of a typical car should enable the driver to see for a distance of how many metres?Answer: 30 metres.
  12. When driving on dark winter mornings and evenings on unlit country roads, what should a driver be aware of?Answer: That there could be vulnerable pedestrians walking on the road.
  13. When driving on this one-way street with vehicles parked on both sides, what should a driver be prepared for?Answer: Pedestrians crossing between the vehicles.Large green lorry ahead, with red cars behind it on both sides and another car farther ahead to the right.
  14. When driving on a road that has a potholed surface and there is an e-scooter ahead, what should a driver do?Answer: Allow extra clearance in case the e-scooter swerves to avoid a pothole.
  15. When driving on a road with tram lines why should a driver take extra care?Answer: Driving on the tracks can reduce tyre grip.Driver's view along a cobbled street with metal rails, tall buildings and a white car ahead.
  16. When driving on dark winter mornings and evenings on unlit country roads, what should a driver be aware of?Answer: Cyclists are much more vulnerable in poor lighting conditions.
  17. When driving on a cobblestone road why should you take extra care?Answer: The road surface is uneven and road grip varies.Driver's view following a white car along a narrow cobbled street lined with tall buildings.
  18. When driving on a motorway, what should a driver do if they miss their exit?Answer: Leave the motorway at the next exit and cross to the other side using the fly-over (or underpass).
  19. When driving on a road that has a potholed surface and there is a cyclist ahead, what should a driver do?Answer: Allow extra clearance in case the cyclist swerves to avoid a pothole.
  20. When is jack-knifing most likely to occur?Answer: When trying to reduce speed sharply while travelling downhill.
  21. When is it safe for a driver to use the main beam headlights when driving at night?Answer: When there is no oncoming traffic.
  22. When is it permissible to overtake another vehicle on the nearside (left-hand side)?Answer: When the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right.
  23. When meeting an oncoming vehicle at night, what should a driver do?Answer: Avoid looking directly at the oncoming vehicle's lights.
  24. When is a tractor most likely to overturn?Answer: When turning sharply.
  25. When must a driver use a red flag as a marker for a rear load overhang that exceeds one metre?Answer: Only during the day.
  26. When joining a motorway from a slip road, what should a driver do?Answer: Adjust speed to match that of the motorway traffic, and merge into a suitable gap.
  27. When negotiating junctions, which road users are particularly vulnerable?Answer: Motorcyclists.
  28. When may the holder of a Category W learner permit carry a passenger on a tractor or works vehicle?Answer: When there is proper passenger seating and the passenger holds a full Category W licence.
  29. When is a driver allowed to carry more passengers in a car than there are seat belts available?Answer: It is never allowed.
  30. When should rear fog lights be used?Answer: In dense fog or falling snow.
  31. When should a driver use fog lights on their vehicle?Answer: Use fog lights only in dense fog and falling snow.
  32. When should a driver use the vehicle’s rear view mirror?Answer: Before changing direction.
  33. When required to stop in an emergency, what should a driver do?Answer: Apply the footbrake firmly.
  34. When stopped at traffic lights, a driver should take particular care for which road users coming up on their left?Answer: Cyclists.
  35. When stopped at traffic lights and the green light comes on, what should a driver do?Answer: Check that other road users have cleared the junction and move off with care.
  36. When should rear fog lights be used?Answer: When driving in dense fog or falling snow.
  37. When should a driver use dipped headlights?Answer: From just after dusk to just before dawn.
  38. When should pedestrians wear reflective clothing at night?Answer: At night, when walking outside built-up areas.
  39. When preparing to stop, a driver notices the vehicle behind is towing a trailer. What should the driver do?Answer: Indicate in good time and pull in gradually to allow the vehicle behind extra stopping distance.
  40. When driving on a national road is it permitted to drive on the hard shoulder in order to allow faster-moving traffic to overtake?Answer: Yes, temporarily when the hard shoulder is clear and it is safe to drive there.
  41. Which action contributes to Eco-Driving?Answer: Maintaining a steady speed.
  42. Which type of road users are particularly vulnerable at junctions?Answer: E-scooter users.
  43. Where may a driver overtake on a 2-plus-1 road?Answer: In the two-lane stretch.
  44. Which action contributes to Eco-Driving?Answer: Selecting a high gear as soon as possible.
  45. Which of the following affects the braking distance of a vehicle?Answer: The speed and weight of the vehicle.
  46. Which of the following road users are most vulnerable in slow-moving city traffic?Answer: Motorcyclists.
  47. Which vehicle is in the correct position to make a right turn from the major road into the minor road?Answer: 3Overhead junction diagram with four numbered colored cars; one road runs vertically and a side road joins from the right.
  48. Why might it be dangerous to drive on a poorly-lit street?Answer: It may be difficult to make out poorly lit vehicles in the dark areas.Darkened view of a junction with a yellow car on the left and pale road markings ahead.
  49. Why might it be dangerous to drive on a poorly-lit street?Answer: Pedestrians crossing in a dark area might be difficult to see.Darkened view of a junction, a yellow car on the left and a pedestrian stepping from the right pavement.
  50. Why is it dangerous to allow children to stand in the space between the front seats of a car?Answer: They could be thrown forward if the brakes are applied suddenly.

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