Ireland Driving Test 14 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What should a driver do if they are behind schedule in reaching a destination at an appointed time?

Be patient and drive so as to arrive safely. (Correct answer)
Exceed the speed limit, if necessary, to make up the time.
Drive on the hard shoulder where available.
Drive aggressively.

Correct answer: Be patient and drive so as to arrive safely.

Rushing to make up for lost time by exceeding speed limits or driving aggressively is extremely dangerous and illegal. Prioritizing safety means maintaining appropriate speeds and driving calmly, even if it means arriving late. It is always better to arrive late than to risk a collision or endanger yourself and other road users.

Question 2: What should a driver do if they do not want to travel as fast as the vehicle in front?

The driver should keep to the left and allow vehicles to overtake if they wish. (Correct answer)
The driver should keep its position and allow following vehicles to overtake if they wish.
The driver should give a hand signal to following traffic to overtake.
The driver should indicate left and keep to the left.

Correct answer: The driver should keep to the left and allow vehicles to overtake if they wish.

On multi-lane roads or roads where overtaking is permitted, slower vehicles should always keep to the left-most lane or position. This allows faster traffic to pass safely on the right, maintaining smooth traffic flow and reducing frustration for other drivers. It is a fundamental rule for lane discipline and road etiquette.

Question 3: What should a driver do if they wish to drive across a busy road and the traffic lights which normally control the junction are temporarily out of action?

Sound the horn and proceed slowly to cross the road.
Slowly force you way across, using hazard warning lights if necessary.
Take good observations, wait for a clear break in the traffic and proceed to cross the road. (Correct answer)
Beckon to other drivers your intention to cross, and proceed.

Correct answer: Take good observations, wait for a clear break in the traffic and proceed to cross the road.

When traffic lights are out, a junction effectively becomes uncontrolled, requiring drivers to treat it with extreme caution. Drivers must prioritize safety by making thorough observations in all directions and only proceeding when there is a safe and clear gap in traffic. Relying on horns or forcing a way through is dangerous and can cause collisions.

Question 4: What should a driver do if they see a school bus stopped on the left-hand side of the road ahead?

Reduce speed and overtake with caution. (Correct answer)
Sound the horn as a warning and continue.
Carry on regardless.
Signal and maintain current speed.

Correct answer: Reduce speed and overtake with caution.

A stopped school bus often indicates that children are boarding or alighting, and they may unexpectedly cross the road. Reducing speed and proceeding with caution allows the driver ample time to react to any sudden movements by children, ensuring their safety. This is a critical safety measure around vulnerable road users.

Question 5: What should the driver do when driving behind a vehicle that is going from side to side on the road in an unsafe manner?

The driver should stay well back until the road widens sufficiently to allow safe overtaking. (Correct answer)
The driver should signal and go around to the left of the vehicle.
The driver should flash its lights and gesture aggressively at the other driver.
The driver should drive close behind with a view to overtaking.

Correct answer: The driver should stay well back until the road widens sufficiently to allow safe overtaking.

A vehicle swerving indicates an unsafe or impaired driver, or a vehicle with a serious fault. Maintaining a significant distance protects you from their unpredictable movements and allows you more time to react. Overtaking such a vehicle is highly risky until a safe opportunity arises, preferably on a wider road where the other driver's erratic movements pose less immediate danger.

Question 6: What should a driver do if a heavy goods vehicle in front has moved out to make a left turn ahead?

Stay behind it and allow it to finish the turn. (Correct answer)
Drive into the space on its left-hand side.
Move to the right, but do not overtake.
Move out immediately and overtake as quickly as possible.

Correct answer: Stay behind it and allow it to finish the turn.

Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) require a much wider turning circle than cars, often needing to swing out to the right before making a left turn. Driving into the space on its left side (undertaking) is extremely dangerous as the HGV driver may not see you and could crush your vehicle. Patience and allowing the HGV to complete its maneuver safely is paramount.

Question 7: What should a driver do if a bus in front has moved out to make a left-hand turn and there is oncoming traffic?

Maintain your speed until you are close behind the bus.
Overtake on the left hand-side.
Stay back and allow the bus to complete the turn. (Correct answer)
Overtake on the right hand-side.

Correct answer: Stay back and allow the bus to complete the turn.

Similar to HGVs, buses also require extra space to complete turns, especially left-hand turns where they might swing out. Attempting to overtake on either side, particularly the left, while the bus is turning is very dangerous as the bus driver's visibility may be limited, and you could be caught in its path. It's safest to wait patiently for the bus to complete its maneuver.

Question 8: What should a driver do if they see a truck reversing into a side entrance on the left-hand side of the road ahead?

Try to drive past it.
Drive up close to the truck and stop.
Sound your horn to indicate to the driver of the truck that you wish to overtake.
Stop and wait until your way is clear. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stop and wait until your way is clear.

A reversing truck has significant blind spots, and its driver's attention is focused on the maneuver. Attempting to drive past or signal to overtake is dangerous as the truck might not see you and could collide. Stopping and waiting ensures safety for both drivers and allows the truck to complete its maneuver without obstruction or risk.

Question 9: What should a driver do if they wish to turn right at traffic lights while the green light is showing and there is oncoming traffic approaching?

Remain at the stop line until a suitable gap in the oncoming traffic appears before making the turn.
Wait until a green arrow comes on.
Go forward towards the centre of the junction and wait for a suitable gap to appear in the oncoming traffic before making the turn. (Correct answer)
Wait for the light to turn amber and then make the turn.

Correct answer: Go forward towards the centre of the junction and wait for a suitable gap to appear in the oncoming traffic before making the turn.

When turning right at a green light with oncoming traffic, the correct procedure is to advance into the junction, positioning your vehicle to the right of the center point. This allows you to wait safely for a gap in oncoming traffic while also clearing the stop line for vehicles behind you. Turning from the stop line or waiting for an arrow when none is present would impede traffic flow or be incorrect.

Question 10: When is it permitted to force oncoming traffic onto the hard shoulder on the opposite side of the road while overtaking?

When the vehicle you are overtaking moves over and slows down.
It is not permitted to force oncoming traffic onto the hard shoulder while overtaking. (Correct answer)
When none of the oncoming traffic is overtaking.
When the shoulder is wide enough.

Correct answer: It is not permitted to force oncoming traffic onto the hard shoulder while overtaking.

Forcing oncoming traffic onto the hard shoulder is extremely dangerous, illegal, and constitutes reckless driving. The hard shoulder is for emergencies or specific circumstances, not for other vehicles to use to avoid a head-on collision caused by an unsafe overtaking maneuver. Safe overtaking requires a clear road ahead without endangering others.

Question 11: Forcing oncoming traffic onto the hard shoulder on the opposite side of the road - is this safe driving?

Dangerous driving only at night.
Only acceptable when the oncoming traffic is slow moving.
No, this is dangerous driving. (Correct answer)
Yes, this is safe driving.

Correct answer: No, this is dangerous driving.

Forcing oncoming traffic onto the hard shoulder is a highly dangerous and aggressive maneuver. It puts other road users at severe risk of collision or losing control, as the hard shoulder may contain debris or be uneven. Safe driving demands that overtaking only occurs when there is ample space and no risk to oncoming vehicles.

Question 12: When meeting oncoming traffic on a national road, is it permitted to move into the hard shoulder to allow following traffic to overtake?

Never.
Yes, temporarily when the hard shoulder is clear, and it is safe to drive there while the faster traffic overtakes. (Correct answer)
Yes, when a truck or bus is oncoming.
Yes, when there is a junction up ahead on the left.

Correct answer: Yes, temporarily when the hard shoulder is clear, and it is safe to drive there while the faster traffic overtakes.

On national roads in Ireland, it is permissible to temporarily use a clear hard shoulder to allow faster traffic to overtake you, provided it is safe to do so and does not endanger pedestrians or cyclists. This practice helps improve traffic flow and reduces frustration for faster drivers. However, it should only be done briefly and when the hard shoulder is genuinely clear.

Question 13: When driving on a national road is it permitted to drive on the hard shoulder in order to allow faster-moving traffic to overtake?

Only when driving on a dual-carriageway.
Never.
Yes, temporarily, when the shoulder is clear, and it is safe to drive there while the traffic overtakes you. (Correct answer)
Only when a truck or bus wishes to overtake you.

Correct answer: Yes, temporarily, when the shoulder is clear, and it is safe to drive there while the traffic overtakes you.

Irish road rules allow drivers on national roads to move temporarily onto a clear hard shoulder to facilitate overtaking by faster traffic. This is a specific provision to enhance road safety and traffic flow. However, it must only be done when the hard shoulder is free of obstacles and it is safe to do so, as it is not a general driving lane.

Question 14: What action should a driver take in a queue of traffic controlled by traffic lights?

A driver should always maintain their position in the queue. (Correct answer)
A driver should overtake on the right and move to the head of the queue.
A driver should watch only for any vehicle overtaking on the right side.
A driver should overtake on the left and move to the head of the queue.

Correct answer: A driver should always maintain their position in the queue.

In a queue of traffic, especially at traffic lights, maintaining your position is crucial for safety and orderly traffic flow. Overtaking on either side to jump the queue is dangerous, illegal, and can cause collisions or block junctions. Patience and adherence to lane discipline are essential for safe driving.

Question 15: What should the driver do when driving a vehicle they are not familiar with?

Avoid any long journeys until you are more familiar with the vehicle.
Drive initially with extra care and at a lower speed than normal. (Correct answer)
Drive at your normal speed and become accustomed to its features over time.
Drive faster than normal in order to assess its capability.

Correct answer: Drive initially with extra care and at a lower speed than normal.

Every vehicle handles differently, with variations in braking, acceleration, steering, and blind spots. When driving an unfamiliar vehicle, it's vital to drive cautiously and at a reduced speed to become accustomed to its characteristics and controls. This minimizes the risk of accidents while adapting to the new vehicle.

Question 16: What should drivers do if they approach road works and there is earth-moving machinery moving about?

Reduce speed as there maybe loose gravel or mud on the road. (Correct answer)
Engage a lower gear.
Be aware that the road surface may be uneven.
Be aware that there may be loose gravel on the road.

Correct answer: Reduce speed as there maybe loose gravel or mud on the road.

Road works often involve heavy machinery and disturbed surfaces, leading to hazards like loose gravel, mud, or uneven ground. Reducing speed is essential to maintain control of the vehicle, prevent skidding, and react safely to unexpected changes in the road condition or movement of machinery. This ensures safety for both drivers and workers.

Question 17: Subject to the speed limit, what is the ‘safest’ speed to drive at?

The speed that will enable the driver to stop the vehicle within the distance ahead that they can see to be clear. (Correct answer)
The speed of other road users.
At the speed limit.
The speed of the slowest vehicle on the road.

Correct answer: The speed that will enable the driver to stop the vehicle within the distance ahead that they can see to be clear.

The 'safest' speed is not merely the speed limit, but one that allows the driver to react and stop safely within their visible stopping distance. This principle, known as the 'limit of vision' or 'stopping distance rule,' accounts for varying road conditions, visibility, and vehicle capabilities. It ensures the driver always has control and can avoid hazards.

Question 18: When driving along and wishing to use a hand-held mobile phone, what should a driver do?

Move the phone as needed and keep the call to just a few minutes.
Steer with one hand.
Secure the phone between your shoulder and the side or your head while steering with both hands.
Stop at a safe location before using the phone. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stop at a safe location before using the phone.

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is illegal and extremely dangerous, as it significantly distracts the driver and impairs their ability to control the vehicle and react to hazards. To ensure safety and comply with the law, a driver must pull over to a safe, stationary location before making or receiving a call. This prevents accidents caused by driver distraction.

Question 19: When stopped at traffic lights and the green light comes on, what should a driver do?

Accelerate at the same rate as other drivers.
Check that other road users have cleared the junction and move off with care. (Correct answer)
Accelerate quickly so as not to delay the traffic.
Check your mirrors and move off quickly.

Correct answer: Check that other road users have cleared the junction and move off with care.

Even when the light turns green, it's crucial to quickly check the junction for any lingering vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists who might still be clearing the intersection. Moving off immediately without checking can lead to collisions with those who may not have cleared the junction. A brief observation ensures the junction is clear before proceeding safely.

Question 20: What should a driver do if another vehicle blocks their right of way at a junction?

Be patient. (Correct answer)
Flash your lights to express your displeasure.
Go after the vehicle with the intention of complaining to the driver.
Sound your horn.

Correct answer: Be patient.

When another vehicle blocks your right of way, reacting with aggression (flashing lights, sounding horn, or retaliating) can escalate the situation and lead to dangerous road rage or further incidents. The safest and most responsible action is to remain patient, avoid confrontation, and allow the situation to resolve without increasing risk. Patience promotes road safety.

Question 21: A driver who is about to undertake a journey is upset or angry. What should they do?

Not drive until they are calm. (Correct answer)
Only drive in a low gear for a period.
Try to relax as they drive along.
Drive slower than normal for a distance.

Correct answer: Not drive until they are calm.

Strong emotions like anger or upset significantly impair a driver's judgment, concentration, and reaction time, making them more prone to aggressive driving or errors. Driving in such a state is dangerous for both the driver and other road users. It is essential to wait until emotional stability is restored before getting behind the wheel to ensure safety.

Question 22: When being overtaken and there is oncoming traffic, what should a driver do?

Maintain your position because the other driver should not have attempted to overtake you.
Maintain your position and flash your lights to warn the oncoming traffic.
Speed up so they cannot overtake you.
Reduce speed and allow the overtaking vehicle to return to the left side of the road after completing the overtaking manoeuvre. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Reduce speed and allow the overtaking vehicle to return to the left side of the road after completing the overtaking manoeuvre.

When being overtaken, especially with oncoming traffic, it is courteous and safe to slightly reduce your speed. This creates more space for the overtaking vehicle to complete its maneuver quickly and safely, allowing it to return to its lane without risk to itself or oncoming traffic. Maintaining speed or speeding up is dangerous and uncooperative.

Question 23: When in a hurry and another vehicle cuts in front, what should a driver do?

Be patient and not retaliate. (Correct answer)
Flash your lights to express your annoyance.
Pull up closely behind them so that the other vehicles cannot cut into your path.
Drive faster to make up for lost time.

Correct answer: Be patient and not retaliate.

When another vehicle cuts in, reacting aggressively (flashing lights, tailgating, or speeding up) is dangerous and can lead to road rage or accidents. Even when in a hurry, maintaining patience and composure is vital for safe driving. Retaliation only increases risk and serves no positive purpose, potentially escalating a minor incident into a serious one.

Question 24: What should a driver do when they get a puncture while driving?

Stop immediately, unless on a motorway and change the tyre.
Stop immediately and change the tyre.
Drive to the closest repair shop and have them change the tyre.
Stop at a safe place and change the tyre. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stop at a safe place and change the tyre.

Driving on a flat tyre can damage the wheel, affect steering, and potentially cause a loss of control. While it's important to stop, doing so immediately on a motorway or in an unsafe location (e.g., blind bend, busy road) is also dangerous. The safest action is to slow down, find a safe, level spot away from traffic, and then change the tyre.

Question 25: What should a driver do when they want to change to the lane on the right in which there is other traffic?

Pull in and stop, wait until a suitable gap appears and then move out to the right-hand lane.
Use the mirror, signal and move into the right-hand lane when a suitable gap appears in the traffic in that lane. (Correct answer)
Indicate and move gradually into the right-hand lane.
Increase your speed until you are travelling at the same speed as the traffic in the right lane, then move over.

Correct answer: Use the mirror, signal and move into the right-hand lane when a suitable gap appears in the traffic in that lane.

The correct procedure for changing lanes involves using your mirrors to check for traffic, signaling your intention to other drivers, and then moving only when a suitable and safe gap appears. This sequence ensures you are aware of your surroundings, communicate your actions, and avoid cutting off other vehicles or causing a hazard.

Ireland Driving Test 14

What should a driver do if they are behind schedule in reaching a destination at an appointed time?