DTT HGV Motorway Driving and CPC Requirements

Question 1

What is the maximum speed limit for trucks over 3.5 tonnes on an Irish motorway?

Accepted Answer

90 km/h — enforced by the mandatory speed limiter

Answer

120 km/h — same as cars

Answer

100 km/h for articulated trucks only

Answer

80 km/h for all commercial vehicles

Question 2

What lanes are trucks permitted to use on a three-lane motorway in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Lane 1 (nearside/left) and lane 2 (middle) — lane 3 (offside/right) is restricted to cars and certain vehicles only

Answer

All three lanes — trucks may use any lane

Answer

Lane 1 only — trucks must never use lane 2

Answer

Lane 2 for overtaking only — lane 1 mandatory otherwise

Question 3

What must a truck or bus driver do before joining a motorway from a slip road?

Accepted Answer

Accelerate to match motorway traffic speed on the slip road, check mirrors and blind spots, and merge safely into a gap in the left lane

Answer

Stop at the end of the slip road and wait for a safe gap

Answer

Flash headlights to signal intent to merge

Answer

Use the hard shoulder to gain speed after the slip road ends

Question 4

What is the procedure when a truck's load shifts during motorway driving?

Accepted Answer

Move to the hard shoulder safely, stop, switch on hazard lights, and secure the load before continuing — do not continue with an unstable load

Answer

Continue to the next motorway services and then secure the load

Answer

Reduce speed and continue — a shifted load is manageable at lower speeds

Answer

Call the depot from the cab — they will send assistance to escort the vehicle

Question 5

What is the correct response when a tyre blows out on a truck travelling on a motorway?

Accepted Answer

Grip the steering firmly, ease off the throttle gradually, do not brake sharply, steer to the hard shoulder, and stop safely

Answer

Brake hard to stop as quickly as possible

Answer

Continue to the next junction — a single tyre blowout on a multi-axle truck is manageable at speed

Answer

Sound the horn and switch on hazard lights before braking

Question 6

What action must a truck driver take when encountering a 'Smart Motorway' mandatory variable speed limit?

Accepted Answer

Comply with the displayed mandatory speed limit — gantry-displayed limits override default limits

Answer

Mandatory speed limits on gantries do not apply to commercial vehicles below 90 km/h

Answer

Reduce to the displayed speed only if congestion is visible

Answer

Smart motorway limits are advisory for trucks — follow the speed limiter setting