DTT Rules of Road 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches with sirens and flashing lights?
- Move to the left, slow down, and allow the emergency vehicle to pass safely (Correct answer)
- Speed up to get out of the way
- Stop immediately wherever you are
- Flash your headlights to acknowledge
Correct answer: Move to the left, slow down, and allow the emergency vehicle to pass safely
When an emergency vehicle approaches, you should check your mirrors, move to the left to create space, slow down, and allow the vehicle to pass. Do not stop suddenly or in a dangerous position, and do not mount the kerb unless safe to do so.
Question 2: In Ireland, when must you use dipped headlights?
- During lighting-up time (from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise) and in poor visibility (Correct answer)
- Only when it is completely dark
- Only on motorways
- Only in rural areas
Correct answer: During lighting-up time (from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise) and in poor visibility
Irish law requires dipped headlights during lighting-up time (from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise) and during conditions of poor visibility such as fog, heavy rain, or snow.
Question 3: What is the correct procedure at a Pelican crossing when the amber light is flashing?
- You may proceed if the crossing is clear and no pedestrians are crossing or waiting to cross (Correct answer)
- You must stop regardless of whether pedestrians are present
- You can drive through at any time during the flashing amber
- The flashing amber means the lights are broken
Correct answer: You may proceed if the crossing is clear and no pedestrians are crossing or waiting to cross
A flashing amber light at a Pelican crossing means you may proceed only if the crossing is completely clear. If a pedestrian is still crossing, you must wait. This phase follows the red light and precedes the green.
Question 4: What is the two-second rule in driving?
- A method for maintaining a safe following distance by staying at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead (Correct answer)
- The time you should wait before moving off at a green light
- The time limit for indicating before turning
- The maximum time you can be stopped on a motorway hard shoulder
Correct answer: A method for maintaining a safe following distance by staying at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead
The two-second rule is a guideline for maintaining a safe following distance. Pick a fixed point and count two seconds from when the vehicle ahead passes it until you reach the same point. In wet conditions, double this to four seconds.
Question 5: Under Irish law, what is the penalty points system?
- A system where drivers accumulate points on their licence for traffic offences, with disqualification at 12 points (or 7 for learner/novice drivers) (Correct answer)
- A reward system for safe driving
- A system only used for commercial drivers
- Points are only given for speeding offences
Correct answer: A system where drivers accumulate points on their licence for traffic offences, with disqualification at 12 points (or 7 for learner/novice drivers)
Ireland's penalty points system adds points to a driver's licence record for various traffic offences. A fully licensed driver who accumulates 12 points faces a 6-month disqualification. Learner and novice drivers are disqualified at 7 points.
Question 6: When driving on a motorway in Ireland, what is the maximum speed limit unless otherwise signed?
- 120 km/h (Correct answer)
- 100 km/h
- 130 km/h
- 110 km/h
Correct answer: 120 km/h
The default maximum speed limit on motorways in Ireland is 120 km/h unless lower limits are indicated by signage. This applies to cars — lower limits apply to vehicles towing trailers and to heavy goods vehicles.
DTT Rules of Road 2
What should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches with sirens and flashing lights?