DTT Road Sharing — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When overtaking a cyclist on a road with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less, what is the recommended minimum passing distance?
- At least 1 metre (Correct answer)
- At least 2.5 metres
- No minimum — just pass when safe
- At least 3 metres
Correct answer: At least 1 metre
In Ireland, the recommended minimum passing distance when overtaking a cyclist is at least 1 metre in areas with speed limits of 50 km/h or less. On roads with higher speed limits, 1.5 metres is recommended. Always reduce speed when passing.
Question 2: What should you do when you encounter a horse and rider on a rural road?
- Slow down significantly, give plenty of space, pass wide and slow, and avoid sudden engine revving or horn use (Correct answer)
- Pass quickly to avoid startling the horse
- Sound your horn to alert the rider
- Flash your headlights to warn them
Correct answer: Slow down significantly, give plenty of space, pass wide and slow, and avoid sudden engine revving or horn use
Horses can be easily startled by engine noise, horns, and sudden movements. Slow down well in advance, pass wide and slow, and avoid any actions that might frighten the animal. A startled horse can be dangerous for the rider, the horse, and other road users.
Question 3: At a pedestrian crossing, a blind person with a guide dog is waiting to cross. What should you do?
- Stop and wait patiently — do not wave them across as they cannot see your gesture, and do not sound your horn (Correct answer)
- Wave them across energetically
- Sound your horn to let them know you have stopped
- Flash your headlights
Correct answer: Stop and wait patiently — do not wave them across as they cannot see your gesture, and do not sound your horn
A visually impaired person cannot see gestures, headlight flashes, or other visual signals. Stop and wait patiently. Do not sound your horn as this can be confusing. The pedestrian may rely on traffic sounds to determine when it is safe to cross.
Question 4: When can a driver legally use a bus lane in Ireland?
- Only outside the bus lane operating hours shown on the signs, or if you are driving a permitted vehicle type such as a taxi or bicycle (Correct answer)
- At any time if the lane is empty
- Only on weekends
- Never — bus lanes are exclusively for buses
Correct answer: Only outside the bus lane operating hours shown on the signs, or if you are driving a permitted vehicle type such as a taxi or bicycle
Bus lanes operate during specific hours displayed on signs (typically during peak times). Outside these hours, all traffic may use them. During operating hours, only permitted vehicles (buses, taxis, cyclists) may use the bus lane.
Question 5: What does a driver need to be aware of when sharing the road with motorcyclists?
- Motorcyclists can be harder to see, may be affected by wind and road surfaces, and are more vulnerable in a collision (Correct answer)
- Motorcyclists are always visible due to their headlights
- Motorcyclists have the same level of protection as car drivers
- Motorcyclists always travel slower than cars
Correct answer: Motorcyclists can be harder to see, may be affected by wind and road surfaces, and are more vulnerable in a collision
Motorcyclists are vulnerable road users: they are smaller and harder to spot, are exposed to wind and weather, can be destabilised by poor road surfaces or debris, and have no protective shell. Always check specifically for motorcycles before changing lanes or turning.
Question 6: You are driving on a road with a cycle lane marked by a continuous white line. Can you drive or park in this lane?
- No — a continuous white line means the cycle lane is mandatory and motor vehicles must not enter, drive in, or park in it (Correct answer)
- Yes, if you are only stopping briefly
- Yes, during non-peak hours
- Yes, if no cyclists are present
Correct answer: No — a continuous white line means the cycle lane is mandatory and motor vehicles must not enter, drive in, or park in it
A mandatory cycle lane (marked with a continuous white line) must not be used by motor vehicles at any time for driving or parking. A cycle lane with a broken white line is advisory and may be entered in exceptional circumstances.
DTT Road Sharing
When overtaking a cyclist on a road with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less, what is the recommended minimum passing distance?