Ireland Driving Test 6 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At roadworks, what does this sign mean?
- Stop before or at the sign. (Correct answer)
- Stop only if faced by oncoming traffic.
- Only proceed if road is clear ahead.
- Make a detour.
Correct answer: Stop before or at the sign.
This red circular sign with a white horizontal bar is the international 'Stop' sign, often used temporarily at roadworks. It indicates a mandatory stop for all vehicles. Drivers must come to a complete halt before or at the sign and only proceed when it is safe, often when directed by a flagman.
Question 2: What do these signs together mean?
- End of speed limit.
- End of detour. (Correct answer)
- End of road.
- End of road works.
Correct answer: End of detour.
The combination of these signs indicates the end of a temporary diversion or detour. The blue sign with the arrow initially directed traffic, and the 'END' sign below it confirms that the alternative route has concluded. Drivers can now resume their original route or follow standard road signage.
Question 3: What does this sign mean?
- Traffic must cross over to left-hand lane. (Correct answer)
- Bend in the road to the left ahead.
- Slow lane ahead for heavy traffic.
- Lay-by ahead.
Correct answer: Traffic must cross over to left-hand lane.
This blue directional sign indicates a mandatory lane change ahead. The arrow shows that traffic in the current lane must merge or cross over to the left-hand lane. This is typically used to guide traffic around an obstruction or a lane closure, ensuring a smooth transition.
Question 4: What does this sign mean?
- Lay-by ahead.
- Start of central reserve or obstruction. (Correct answer)
- Heavy vehicles have priority.
- Dual-carriageway ahead.
Correct answer: Start of central reserve or obstruction.
This sign indicates the beginning of a central reserve or an obstruction that divides the road into two separate carriageways or lanes. The two white arrows diverging around the black rectangle clearly show that traffic must pass on either side of the upcoming barrier. Drivers should be aware of the road splitting ahead.
Question 5: What does this sign mean?
- Dual-carriageway ends ahead.
- Lighter vehicles should use the middle lane.
- End of central reserve or obstruction. (Correct answer)
- Beware of vehicles with a wide load.
Correct answer: End of central reserve or obstruction.
This sign indicates the end of a central reserve or obstruction that previously divided the road. The two white arrows converging after the black rectangle show that the divided carriageways are merging back into a single road. Drivers should be prepared for traffic from both sides to join.
Question 6: What does this hand signal mean?
- The cyclist intends to stop.
- The cyclist intends to turn left.
- The cyclist intends to slow down.
- The cyclist intends to move out or to turn right. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The cyclist intends to move out or to turn right.
In cycling, extending the right arm straight out to the side is the standard signal for indicating an intention to turn right or move out to the right. This signal clearly communicates to following traffic that the cyclist is changing direction or position to the right. Drivers should be prepared for the cyclist to execute this maneuver.
Question 7: What does this hand signal mean?
- The cyclist intends to turn left.
- The cyclist is signaling following traffic to overtake.
- The cyclist intends to move out or to turn right.
- The cyclist intends to slow down or stop. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The cyclist intends to slow down or stop.
A cyclist extending their right arm downwards with the palm facing backwards is signaling their intention to slow down or stop. This signal is crucial for warning following traffic to reduce speed and maintain a safe distance. It allows other road users to anticipate the cyclist's actions and react accordingly.
Question 8: What does this hand signal mean?
- The cyclist intends to go straight on. (Correct answer)
- The cyclist is turning to her left.
- The cyclist is yielding right of way to you.
- The cyclist is preparing to stop.
Correct answer: The cyclist intends to go straight on.
While not as universally standardized as turn or stop signals, a cyclist pointing forward or making a 'come on' gesture can indicate their intention to proceed straight ahead. This signal clarifies their path, especially when approaching junctions where other road users might expect a turn. It helps communicate their continued direction of travel.
Question 9: What does this hand signal mean?
- The cyclist intends to stop.
- The cyclist intends to dismount.
- The cyclist intends to overtake.
- The cyclist intends to turn left. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The cyclist intends to turn left.
Extending the left arm straight out to the side is the standard hand signal for a cyclist intending to turn left. This clear signal communicates their intention to change direction to the left, allowing drivers and other road users to anticipate their movement and adjust their own actions safely.
Question 10: What does this hand signal mean?
- The cyclist intends to slow down.
- The cyclist intends to stop for pedestrians.
- The cyclist intends to turn to her left.
- The cyclist intends to turn right. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The cyclist intends to turn right.
This hand signal, where the cyclist extends their right arm straight out to the side, clearly indicates their intention to turn right. It is a crucial communication to following and oncoming traffic, alerting them to the cyclist's change of direction. Drivers should be prepared to yield or adjust their speed accordingly.
Question 11: What does this hand signal mean?
- The cyclist intends to stop.
- The cyclist intends to turn left. (Correct answer)
- The cyclist is signaling you to stop.
- The cyclist intends to cross the road.
Correct answer: The cyclist intends to turn left.
A cyclist extending their left arm straight out to the side is giving the standard signal for a left turn. This signal is vital for informing other road users of their intended maneuver, promoting safety by allowing drivers to anticipate and react to the cyclist's change in direction.
Question 12: What does this hand signal mean?
- The driver intends to yield to oncoming traffic.
- The driver intends to slow down or stop.
- The driver intends to turn right.
When a driver extends their right arm straight out horizontally, it is the traditional hand signal for indicating an intention to turn right or move out to the right. This signal is used to clearly communicate a change in direction or lane position to other road users, especially if vehicle indicators are not functioning or visible.
Question 13: What does this hand signal mean?
- The driver intends to turn left.
- The driver intends to move out or turn right. (Correct answer)
- The driver intends to do a 'U'-turn.
- The driver intends to stop.
Correct answer: The driver intends to move out or turn right.
When a driver extends their right arm straight out horizontally, it is the traditional hand signal for indicating an intention to turn right or move out to the right. This signal is used to clearly communicate a change in direction or lane position to other road users, especially if vehicle indicators are not functioning or visible.
Question 14: What does this hand signal mean?
- The driver intends to turn left.
- The driver intends to turn right.
- The driver intends to begin a 'U'-turn.
- The driver intends to slow down or stop. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The driver intends to slow down or stop.
A driver extending their right arm downwards with the palm facing backwards is signaling their intention to slow down or stop. This hand signal is a traditional way to warn following traffic to reduce speed and be prepared for the vehicle to halt. It's particularly useful when brake lights might not be seen clearly.
Question 15: What does this hand signal mean?
- The driver intends to perform a reverse maneuver.
- The driver intends to turn right. (Correct answer)
- The driver intends to slow down or stop.
- The driver is telling other drivers to slow down.
Correct answer: The driver intends to turn right.
This hand signal, with the driver's right arm extended horizontally, is the standard and traditional way to indicate an intention to turn right. It provides a clear visual cue to other road users about the driver's upcoming maneuver, enhancing safety and communication on the road.
Question 16: What does this hand signal mean?
- The driver is signaling you to proceed.
- The driver intends to reverse.
- The driver intends to move straight ahead. (Correct answer)
- The driver intends to stop.
Correct answer: The driver intends to move straight ahead.
While less common than turn or stop signals, a driver extending their arm forward and making a slight waving or pointing motion can indicate their intention to proceed straight ahead. This signal helps clarify their path, especially at junctions, and can also be used to invite other road users to proceed if it's safe.
Question 17: What does this Garda signal mean?
- Stop if approaching from the front. (Correct answer)
- Proceed if approaching from the front.
- Stop if approaching from behind.
- Proceed if approaching from behind.
Correct answer: Stop if approaching from the front.
When a Garda (Irish police officer) stands facing traffic with both arms extended horizontally to the sides, it means that traffic approaching from the front (facing the Garda's chest) must stop. This signal is equivalent to a red light, indicating a mandatory halt for safety or traffic management.
Question 18: What does this Garda signal mean?
- Stop if approaching from behind. (Correct answer)
- Turn right.
- Turn left.
- Stop if approaching from front.
Correct answer: Stop if approaching from behind.
When a Garda stands with their back to traffic and both arms extended horizontally to the sides, it means that traffic approaching from behind (facing the Garda's back) must stop. This signal is crucial for controlling traffic flow and ensuring safety at intersections or incident sites.
Question 19: What does this Garda signal mean?
- Proceed if approaching from the front.
- Turn right.
- Turn left.
- Stop if approaching from either the front or behind. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Stop if approaching from either the front or behind.
A Garda extending one arm vertically upwards signifies that all traffic approaching from either the front or behind must stop. This signal is often used to prepare for a change in traffic direction or to clear an intersection, acting as a universal stop command for all immediate traffic.
Question 20: What does this Garda signal mean?
- The Garda is beckoning on traffic approaching from the front.
- You must not proceed to the right.
- The Garda is beckoning on traffic approaching from either side. (Correct answer)
- You must not proceed to the left.
Correct answer: The Garda is beckoning on traffic approaching from either side.
When a Garda extends both arms out to the sides, palms facing forward, it signifies that traffic approaching from either side (front and rear relative to the Garda's body) should proceed. This signal is used to control traffic flow, often at busy junctions or in emergencies. Drivers must always obey Garda signals, as they override traffic lights and road signs.
Question 21: What does this Garda signal mean?
- Traffic approaching from the front may proceed. (Correct answer)
- Traffic approaching from behind may proceed.
- Traffic approaching from the left may proceed.
- Traffic approaching from the right may proceed.
Correct answer: Traffic approaching from the front may proceed.
When a Garda stands with one arm extended forward, palm facing the approaching traffic, it indicates that traffic coming from that direction (the front) should proceed. This signal is used to direct specific streams of traffic through an intersection or past an obstruction. Drivers must always obey Garda signals, even if they contradict other traffic controls.
Question 22: What does this road marking indicate?
- Pedestrian island ahead.
- Cycle lane ahead.
- Zebra crossing. (Correct answer)
- Traffic-calming ahead.
Correct answer: Zebra crossing.
The road marking consisting of broad white stripes parallel to the road is the universal symbol for a zebra crossing. These markings indicate a designated area where pedestrians have priority to cross the road. Drivers must slow down and be prepared to stop if pedestrians are waiting to cross or are already on the crossing.
Question 23: What does this road marking mean?
- No parking in this area. (Correct answer)
- Road surface is uneven.
- You may park for a maximum of one hour only.
- You may overtake if the road is clear ahead.
Correct answer: No parking in this area.
A continuous yellow line painted along the edge of the carriageway, often accompanied by a sign, indicates a 'No Parking' restriction. This means that vehicles are not permitted to park in the area where the line is present. These restrictions are typically in place to maintain traffic flow, ensure visibility, or provide access for emergency services.
At roadworks, what does this sign mean?