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Technical Matters: theory test questions

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

  1. What does the speed rating of a tyre indicate?Answer: The maximum speed for which the tyre is designed.
  2. On a motorway, when should a driver use the hazard warning lights?Answer: When slowing down quickly because of danger ahead.
  3. Under what circumstances could both cross-ply and radial tyres be fitted to a vehicle?Answer: When each type is fitted on a different axle.
  4. In general, above what gross vehicle weight must a trailer have brakes fitted?Answer: 750 kg
  5. What can be affected by driving on under-inflated tyres?Answer: Braking ability.
  6. If the oil pressure gauge shows little or no pressure, or the warning light comes on, what could the problem be?Answer: The oil level is too low.
  7. If a vehicle is driven with low oil pressure, what effect does this have on its engine?Answer: It increases wear and tear on the engine.
  8. What is the purpose of engine oil?Answer: It lubricates the engine.
  9. When driving, where should a driver rest their left foot?Answer: On the floor or foot rest.
  10. What does the warning light and/or red zone on a fuel gauge mean?Answer: The level of fuel in the tank is low.
  11. When is it recommended to use coolant?Answer: All year round.
  12. What effect does low tyre-pressure have on a vehicle?Answer: Braking and cornering are impaired.
  13. What effect does automatic transmission have on engine braking power?Answer: It reduces it.
  14. What is the primary purpose of the battery fitted to a petrol – or diesel – powered motor vehicle?Answer: To start the engine.
  15. What should a driver do if the fuel system becomes air-locked?Answer: Bleed the air out of the fuel system.
  16. What happens if the vehicle has a flat battery?Answer: The engine will not start.
  17. Why should the valve be replaced when having a tubeless tyre fitted?Answer: To ensure the tyre will remain inflated.
  18. What should a driver do before checking the engine oil level on a vehicle?Answer: Make sure that the engine is switched off and cold.
  19. If the vehicle’s oil-pressure gauge is reading low or the red oil-pressure warning light comes on, what should a driver do?Answer: Drive to a safe place, stop the vehicle and check the oil level.
  20. If driving a vehicle with automatic transmission, what in particular should a driver be aware of?Answer: That engine braking power is reduced.
  21. What does Anti-lock braking system (ABS) do?Answer: ABS prevents the wheels from locking under harsh braking conditions.
  22. After changing a wheel on a vehicle, which of the following should be checked after a short distance?Answer: The wheel nut tightness.
  23. What may happen if the vehicle’s engine oil is not changed as required?Answer: Parts of the engine may suffer increased wear.
  24. What is an effect of under-inflated tyres on a vehicle?Answer: Impaired braking and steering.
  25. What effect would a weak battery have on a vehicle’s driving performance?Answer: It would have no effect.
  26. While driving at higher speeds, what does a continuous vibration in the steering indicate?Answer: The wheel balance is uneven.
  27. When a driver operates the indicator switch and hears a more rapid clicking noise than normal, what could this mean?Answer: An indicator bulb may have blown.
  28. What effect can a worn shock absorber have on a vehicle?Answer: It can cause the vehicle to "bounce" in an unstable manner.

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