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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. Why must a driver be particularly careful here?Answer: Because there is an increased danger of skidding.Driver's view along a tree-lined street with many fallen and blowing leaves; red van at the right side road.
  2. What should a driver do on a narrow road when another vehicle is coming in the opposite direction?Answer: Reduce speed and allow reasonable clearance between their vehicle and the oncoming one before proceeding.
  3. What should a driver do in order to keep alert during a long journey?Answer: Increase the air circulation and stop if necessary.
  4. What should a driver do if they get a tyre blow-out on the road?Answer: Apply the footbrake gently and bring the vehicle to a halt.
  5. What should a driver do if they meet a vehicle with flashing amber beacons?Answer: Slow down and prepare to stop.
  6. What should a driver do in this situation when intending to turn left?Answer: Yield to pedestrians already crossing.Driver's view approaching a left-hand corner where pedestrians stand at the pavement edge; a red route arrow turns left.
  7. What should a driver do when continuing straight ahead in the middle lane?Answer: Slow down and allow the driver in front to change lanes.Driver's view approaching a junction behind a red car with an amber rear lamp and a white car; painted arrows mark the lanes.
  8. What should a driver do when driving in heavy rain?Answer: Be aware that the vehicle may slide or 'aquaplane'.
  9. What should a driver do when driving at night on an unlit road?Answer: Watch out for unlit cyclists.
  10. What should a driver do when driving at night on an unlit road?Answer: Watch out for pedestrians wearing dark clothing.
  11. What should a driver do when driving on a wide road behind a vehicle that has signalled to turn right ahead?Answer: Overtake on the left-hand side and carry on if safe to do so.
  12. What should a driver do to avoid having to make an emergency stop?Answer: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
  13. What should a driver do when approaching a junction normally controlled by traffic lights and the traffic lights are not lighting?Answer: Treat it as an unmarked junction and proceed cautiously while watching out for other traffic.
  14. What should a driver do to ensure better fuel efficiency from their vehicle?Answer: Ensure that the vehicle is regularly serviced.
  15. What should a driver do when feeling tired within a short distance from their destination?Answer: Stop in a safe place and take a break.
  16. What should a driver do when there are dark clouds and visibility is reduced during daylight hours?Answer: Drive with dipped headlights switched on.
  17. What is the recommended minimum stopping distance for a car travelling at 50 km/h on a dry road?Answer: 25 metres.
  18. What should a driver do when driving in slippery road conditions?Answer: Drive at lower speeds and use gentle acceleration and braking.
  19. How does giving a late signal affect other road users?Answer: They may not have been given enough time to react.
  20. What should a driver do if they see a truck reversing into a side entrance on the left-hand side of the road ahead?Answer: Stop and stay back safely and wait until the way is clear.
  21. Which action is likely to cause an increase in fuel consumption?Answer: Harsh acceleration.
  22. What should the driver do if there are cattle on the road ahead?Answer: The driver should reduce speed and pass them with care.
  23. Where is black ice likely to occur on the road?Answer: In sheltered or shaded areas.
  24. What should a driver do if their vehicle breaks down in a tunnel?Answer: Switch on the hazard warning lights.
  25. What can be achieved by the driving style known as ‘Eco-Driving’?Answer: Increased fuel efficiency.
  26. What should a driver do when entering a tunnel?Answer: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
  27. When meeting oncoming traffic on a national road, is it permitted to move into the hard shoulder to allow following traffic to overtake?Answer: Yes, temporarily when the hard shoulder is clear and it is safe to drive there.
  28. What should a driver do if they experience micro-sleep whilst driving?Answer: Stop in a safe place.
  29. A driver is automatically disqualified from driving for how long if, on a first offence, they refused to provide a member of An Garda Síochána with a sample of blood, urine or breath?Answer: 4 years
  30. As the driver of the car, which conduct is correct?Answer: A driver may proceed with cautionDriver's view of a junction, a cyclist at the left corner, and red and yellow curved route arrows.
  31. After a heavy downpour, why should a driver keep a greater distance from the vehicle in front?Answer: Because wheel-spray may impair visibility.Blue car ahead on a rural road in heavy rain, with water spray and dark clouds.
  32. A learner permit driver who receives 7 penalty points in a 36 month period (three years) will be banned from driving for how many months?Answer: 6 months.
  33. An approaching driver notices that the boy on the children’s bicycle has said goodbye to his friend. What is the correct action for the driver to take?Answer: Be prepared for the boy setting off at any moment.Road junction with an adult and a child on a small bicycle on the right pavement.
  34. Along with an impairment test, what may a Gárda request if they suspect a driver of driving under the influence of drugs?Answer: A saliva sample.
  35. How should a driver overtake the cyclist in this situation?Answer: By crossing the broken white line.Cyclist ahead on the left side of a road with broken white center markings.
  36. In what direction should a driver turn when entering a roundabout?Answer: To the left.
  37. How many penalty points will an unaccompanied learner driver receive on conviction?Answer: 4 penalty points.
  38. How can a driver help the environment?Answer: By reducing speed.
  39. How should a driver manage a bend when driving a fully loaded vehicle?Answer: At a slower speed than when empty.
  40. Can An Gárda Síochána conduct roadside testing for drugs and alcohol in the mornings?Answer: Yes, they can check at any time.
  41. Before exiting the vehicle on a busy road, what should the driver ensure?Answer: Before opening the door the driver should check it is safe to do so.
  42. How should a driver apply the brakes in an emergency if the vehicle is fitted with anti-lock brakes (ABS)?Answer: Press the brake pedal firmly and hold.
  43. What is the maximum disqualification period imposed in court where the learner driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level in excess of 80 mg?Answer: Six years
  44. In dry weather how might a driver judge what is a safe following distance to vehicle in front?Answer: By using a fixed point and applying the two second rule.
  45. If it is safe to overtake a cyclist in speed zones over 50 km/h, what is the recommended minimum passing distance?Answer: Allow a minimum of 1.5 metres.
  46. If a motorist or a motorcyclist is taking medication which may affect their driving, what should they do?Answer: Seek medical advice in relation to driving.
  47. If the vehicle’s windows are covered with ice, what should the driver do?Answer: Fully clear ice from all windows.
  48. In slow-moving city traffic, a driver should occasionally check their blind spots for which road users in particular?Answer: E-scooters.
  49. If the owner of a vehicle allows a learner driver to drive their vehicle, what is the maximum fine the owner could face?Answer: €1,000
  50. What advice should a driver give to passengers before opening doors?Answer: Check all around and open door with caution.

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