DTT Road Sharing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A school bus has stopped ahead with its amber lights flashing. What should you do?
- Slow down significantly and be prepared to stop, as children may be crossing the road (Correct answer)
- Pass at normal speed — the bus is just picking up passengers
- Overtake the bus quickly while children are boarding
- Sound your horn to warn children
Correct answer: Slow down significantly and be prepared to stop, as children may be crossing the road
When a school bus stops with flashing lights, children may be crossing the road. Slow down and be prepared to stop. Children can be unpredictable and may not look for traffic. In Ireland, while not a legal requirement to stop (unlike some countries), extreme caution is required.
Question 2: What should you be aware of when driving near a pedestrian using a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter?
- They are classified as pedestrians and may use footpaths, crossings, and road edges; they move slower and may be less visible (Correct answer)
- They are classified as vehicles and must use the road
- They always have right of way on all roads
- They can travel at the same speed as cars
Correct answer: They are classified as pedestrians and may use footpaths, crossings, and road edges; they move slower and may be less visible
Users of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are classified as pedestrians under Irish law. They may travel on footpaths and at road edges. They move slowly, sit low (reducing visibility), and may not hear approaching traffic. Give them plenty of space and time.
Question 3: When turning left at a junction, what specific danger should you check for?
- A cyclist or motorcyclist travelling alongside you on the left (in your blind spot) who may go straight on (Correct answer)
- Only oncoming traffic
- Only pedestrians on the right side
- There are no specific dangers when turning left
Correct answer: A cyclist or motorcyclist travelling alongside you on the left (in your blind spot) who may go straight on
When turning left, cyclists and motorcyclists may be travelling alongside you on the left side, in your blind spot. Always check your left mirror and blind spot before turning. This is a common cause of serious collisions in urban areas.
Question 4: What is the correct way to share a road with a group of runners or walkers?
- Slow down, give them as much space as possible, and be patient — they should be walking facing oncoming traffic on roads without footpaths (Correct answer)
- Sound your horn to alert them and pass closely
- They have no right to be on the road
- Flash your lights and maintain speed
Correct answer: Slow down, give them as much space as possible, and be patient — they should be walking facing oncoming traffic on roads without footpaths
Pedestrians on roads without footpaths should walk facing oncoming traffic (on the right side). When you encounter them, slow down, give maximum space, and pass with care. At night, they may be difficult to see, especially if not wearing reflective clothing.
Question 5: You approach a zebra crossing where a pedestrian is waiting to cross. What must you do?
- Stop and allow the pedestrian to cross safely before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Only stop if the pedestrian has already stepped onto the crossing
- Sound your horn to check if they intend to cross
- Speed up to pass before they start crossing
Correct answer: Stop and allow the pedestrian to cross safely before proceeding
At a zebra crossing, pedestrians have right of way once they are at the crossing and clearly intend to cross. You must stop and allow them to cross safely. Never wave a pedestrian across — they may not see your gesture or there may be traffic in the other lane.
Question 6: What extra precautions should you take when driving near a tram (Luas) line in Dublin?
- Never drive on the tram tracks, be aware that trams cannot swerve to avoid you, and always check for trams before crossing tracks (Correct answer)
- Trams will stop for you like any other vehicle
- Tram tracks can be used as an extra lane when traffic is busy
- Trams always have a green light
Correct answer: Never drive on the tram tracks, be aware that trams cannot swerve to avoid you, and always check for trams before crossing tracks
Trams (Luas) are rail-based and cannot swerve or stop quickly. Never park or drive on tram tracks. Always check for trams from both directions before crossing tracks, obey tram signals, and be aware of pedestrians near tram stops.
DTT Road Sharing 2
A school bus has stopped ahead with its amber lights flashing.
What should you do?