Ireland Driving Test 13 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: When driving along and wishing to stop at a shop on the side of the street in order to make a purchase, what should a driver do?

Continue on to a safe parking space. (Correct answer)
Switch on you hazard warning lights and park slightly up on the footpath.
Continue to a point where a 'U-turn' can be made safely and return to park on the footpath in the proper direction.
Park on the footpath so as not to impede the free flow of traffic on the road.

Correct answer: Continue on to a safe parking space.

Parking on a footpath or in a manner that obstructs traffic is illegal and dangerous, creating hazards for pedestrians and other road users. A responsible driver must prioritize safety and legality by finding a designated, safe parking space. This ensures the free flow of traffic and pedestrian safety, even if it means driving a little further.

Question 2: When a driver is driving behind another vehicle that they do not intend to overtake, what should the driver do?

Keep well back and to the centre of the road.
Keep well back to allow following traffic to overtake them. (Correct answer)
Drive close behind it in order to let following traffic overtake both vehicles.
Signal to following traffic to overtake both vehicles.

Correct answer: Keep well back to allow following traffic to overtake them.

Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for road safety, providing adequate time to react and stop in an emergency. Additionally, keeping well back allows other vehicles to safely overtake you, preventing congestion and reducing frustration for drivers behind. This promotes smooth traffic flow and reduces the risk of multi-vehicle incidents.

Question 3: Why is tailgating (driving too close behind the vehicle in front) dangerous?

The driver exceeds the speed limit when tailgating.
The drivers braking system is less efficient.
The driver prevents other vehicles from overtaking both vehicles safely.
The vehicle will not have sufficient distance to stop safely in an emergency. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The vehicle will not have sufficient distance to stop safely in an emergency.

Tailgating drastically reduces the reaction time and braking distance available to a driver. In an emergency, such as the vehicle in front stopping suddenly, there won't be enough space to stop safely, leading to a high risk of a rear-end collision. Maintaining a safe following distance is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring sufficient stopping capability.

Question 4: Is tailgating allowed on a motorway or dual carriageway?

Yes, because there will be no oncoming traffic.
Only when all traffic moves in one direction at the same speed.
Yes, because traffic will not have to stop suddenly.
No, because the vehicle in front may stop suddenly. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, because the vehicle in front may stop suddenly.

Tailgating is never allowed, regardless of the road type, because it eliminates the safe stopping distance needed in an emergency. Even on motorways or dual carriageways, traffic can slow or stop unexpectedly due to incidents or congestion. This makes tailgating extremely dangerous and a major cause of serious collisions, as there's insufficient time to react.

Question 5: What danger can arise during daylight when a driver enters an area that is heavily shaded by overhanging trees?

The vehicle's engine could suddenly run cold.
Visibility could be suddenly reduced. (Correct answer)
The vehicle's windscreen could fog up.
The vehicle's windscreen could fog up.
Falling branches.

Correct answer: Visibility could be suddenly reduced.

When moving from bright sunlight into a heavily shaded area, the eyes need time to adjust to the sudden decrease in light. This momentary adjustment period can cause a significant and sudden reduction in a driver's visibility. Drivers should anticipate this change and reduce speed accordingly to maintain safety and react to potential hazards.

Question 6: What should a driver do when being overtaken by another vehicle?

Continue at the same pace. (Correct answer)
Move to the right.
Move to the left.
Increase your speed.

Correct answer: Continue at the same pace.

When being overtaken, it is crucial to maintain a consistent speed and direction to ensure the overtaking manoeuvre is completed safely. Increasing your speed would prolong the overtaking process and could put both vehicles at risk, while slowing down unexpectedly could also cause issues. Staying steady helps the other driver complete the pass efficiently and safely.

Question 7: When should signals (for example, with indicators) be given to other road users?

Only when it is necessary to warn following traffic.
Only when it is necessary to warn oncoming traffic.
Clearly and in good time to let other road users know your intentions. (Correct answer)
Except where road markings indicate your direction.

Correct answer: Clearly and in good time to let other road users know your intentions.

Signals are vital for communication on the road, informing other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians of your planned actions. Giving clear and timely signals allows others to anticipate your movements and react accordingly, preventing confusion and reducing the risk of collisions. This promotes a safer and more predictable driving environment for everyone.

Question 8: When driving into a narrow gap between oncoming vehicles and vehicles parked on the left. What should a driver do?

Edge your way forward around the parked vehicles.
Signal to oncoming traffic to halt and move to the right and drive as normal.
Indicate and drive on enforcing your priority.
Indicate right, stopping if necessary, until the oncoming traffic has passed by. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Indicate right, stopping if necessary, until the oncoming traffic has passed by.

When facing a narrow gap with oncoming traffic and parked vehicles, the safest approach is to yield to oncoming traffic. Indicating right shows your intention to move around the parked vehicles, but stopping to let oncoming traffic pass ensures you don't force them to stop or swerve. Prioritizing safety and courtesy is key to preventing a potential head-on collision.

Question 9: How does giving a late signal affect other road users?

Only oncoming traffic are affected.
Only oncoming traffic are affected. (Correct answer)
They always have sufficient time in which to react.
They are not affected.

Correct answer: Only oncoming traffic are affected.

A late signal deprives other road users of sufficient time to anticipate your actions and react safely. While various road users are affected, a late signal can be particularly hazardous for oncoming traffic, especially when making a turn across their path. Without adequate warning, oncoming drivers may not have enough time to adjust their speed or position, significantly increasing the risk of a collision.

Question 10: How does rain affect driving in this situation?

It increases the danger of skidding. (Correct answer)
It reduces your visibility.
It reduces the danger of skidding.
It increases the drivers visibility.

Correct answer: It increases the danger of skidding.

Rain significantly reduces the friction between tires and the road surface, making the road slippery. This reduced grip increases the risk of skidding, especially when braking, accelerating, or turning. Drivers must reduce speed and increase following distance in wet conditions to maintain control and prevent accidents.

Question 11: When a driver is at a junction where visibility is extremely limited, what should the driver do?

Seek help from a passer-by.
Drive the front of the vehicle out onto the other road to enable other drivers to see you.
Sound the horn and quickly proceed.
Move out with extreme care, watching carefully to the left and the right. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Move out with extreme care, watching carefully to the left and the right.

At junctions with limited visibility, it's crucial to proceed with maximum caution. Slowly edging out allows a driver to gain a better view of the road without entering the path of oncoming traffic too quickly. Constantly checking both left and right ensures that any approaching vehicles or hazards are spotted in time to react safely and avoid collisions.

Question 12: When should a driver use the vehicle’s rear view mirror?

Before changing direction (Correct answer)
Changing gears.
Reversing only.
Moving off only.

Correct answer: Before changing direction

The rear-view mirror is essential for checking traffic behind you before making any change in direction, such as turning, changing lanes, or braking. This allows you to assess the position and speed of other vehicles, ensuring your intended manoeuvre can be executed safely without causing a collision. It's a critical part of the 'Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre' routine.

Question 13: How should a driver proceed if their view is obstructed at a junction?

Move out slowly onto the road while watching carefully for other traffic. (Correct answer)
Flash lights on and off quickly before moving out.
Sound the horn several times and proceed.
Ask a passer-by to guide you out onto the other road.

Correct answer: Move out slowly onto the road while watching carefully for other traffic.

When visibility is obstructed at a junction, the safest procedure is to creep forward slowly and cautiously. This allows the driver to gradually gain a better view of the main road without suddenly entering the path of oncoming traffic. Continuous observation to both left and right ensures any approaching vehicles are identified early, allowing for a safe reaction.

Question 14: What should a driver do when approaching traffic lights stuck on red?

Sound your horn.
Check that there are no oncoming vehicles, and increase your speed.
Indicate and increase your speed.
Stop and proceed with great caution. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stop and proceed with great caution.

Traffic lights stuck on red indicate a malfunction or an unusual situation, but the primary rule is to treat a red light as a stop signal. After stopping, a driver should proceed with extreme caution, ensuring the junction is clear and safe before moving. This minimizes the risk of collision in an unpredictable situation, as other drivers might not expect you to proceed.

Question 15: What should a driver do when there are dark clouds and visibility is reduced during daylight hours?

Drive with full headlights switched on.
Do not switch on lights until 'lighting-up hours'.
Drive with side-lights or dipped headlights switched on. (Correct answer)
Keep close to any vehicle in front with headlights off.

Correct answer: Drive with side-lights or dipped headlights switched on.

When visibility is reduced during daylight hours due to dark clouds or adverse weather, it's important to make your vehicle more visible to other road users. Side-lights or dipped headlights achieve this without dazzling oncoming drivers, improving safety for everyone on the road. This ensures your vehicle can be seen clearly from a distance.

Question 16: When driving behind a heavy goods vehicle that is signalling to turn right, what should a driver do?

Overtake it slowly on the inside by driving partly on the footpath if necessary.
Stay behind until there is sufficient space to overtake it on the inside or until it has completed the turn. (Correct answer)
See if the vehicle can complete the turn without stopping, and if not, overtake it yourself.
Tap your brakes to signal other vehicles to slow down.

Correct answer: Stay behind until there is sufficient space to overtake it on the inside or until it has completed the turn.

Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) often need a wide turning radius, especially when turning right. They may swing out to the left before turning right, creating a dangerous blind spot and potentially trapping vehicles attempting to overtake on the inside. Staying behind ensures safety, allowing the HGV to complete its manoeuvre without risk of collision.

Question 17: When driving behind a bus that is signalling to turn left and there is oncoming traffic, what should a driver do?

Overtake it on the left-hand side.
Overtake it on the right-hand side.
Tap your brakes to signal other vehicles to slow down.
Stay back and allow it to complete the turn. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stay back and allow it to complete the turn.

Buses, like HGVs, are large vehicles that require more space to manoeuvre, especially when turning. Staying back and allowing the bus to complete its left turn ensures you don't get caught in its blind spot or impede its movement. This is a matter of road safety and courtesy, preventing potential collisions or delays for both vehicles.

Question 18: What might be described as a bus driver’s ‘blind spots’?

The area to the front, sides and rear of the bus which the driver cannot see. (Correct answer)
The windscreen area covered by the sun-visor.
The seats at the rear of the bus.
The sunscreens or blinds covering individual seats when pulled down.

Correct answer: The area to the front, sides and rear of the bus which the driver cannot see.

A bus driver's blind spots are areas around the vehicle that are not visible through mirrors or direct line of sight. These include significant areas directly in front, to the sides, and immediately behind the bus. Other road users, especially smaller vehicles, must be aware of these zones to avoid remaining unseen and risking a collision.

Question 19: Where are the blind spots on a truck (for its driver) that a driver in a car behind the truck needs to be aware of?

The area directly behind the vehicle.
The areas to the front, sides and rear which the driver cannot see. (Correct answer)
The portion of the windscreen covered by the sun-visor.
Parts of the road ahead which are obscured by other large vehicles.

Correct answer: The areas to the front, sides and rear which the driver cannot see.

Trucks have significant blind spots, often larger than those of cars, due to their size and design. These 'no-zones' exist directly in front, along the sides, and immediately behind the truck, making it impossible for the driver to see vehicles in these areas. Drivers of smaller vehicles must avoid lingering in these areas to ensure the truck driver can see them, reducing the risk of accidents.

Question 20: Where are the blind spots that a driver needs to be aware of when towing a loaded trailer?

The view to the front hidden by the sun visor.
The number plate and lights on the rear of the vehicle and of the trailer.
The area directly behind the vehicle.
The areas to the side and rear of the vehicle and of the trailer that the driver cannot see. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The areas to the side and rear of the vehicle and of the trailer that the driver cannot see.

When towing a trailer, the vehicle's blind spots are significantly extended, particularly to the sides and directly behind the trailer. The trailer itself obstructs the rear view, and its length creates larger blind zones along the sides that mirrors cannot cover. Drivers must be extra vigilant, use extended mirrors if necessary, and take extra care when changing lanes or reversing.

Question 21: When is it permissible to overtake another vehicle on the left-hand side?

When there are three lanes available.
Never.
When the vehicle in front is signaling to turn right. (Correct answer)
When there is sufficient space to do so.

Correct answer: When the vehicle in front is signaling to turn right.

Overtaking on the left is generally prohibited, but an exception is made when the vehicle in front is signaling to turn right and there is sufficient space on the left to pass safely. In this specific scenario, the vehicle turning right will be moving towards the centre or right of the road, creating a clear path on the left for a safe overtake.

Question 22: What should a driver who wishes to perform a U-turn do?

Check ahead and behind for approaching traffic. (Correct answer)
Only perform a 'U'-turn outside the urban speed limit area.
Check behind for approaching traffic and signal them to stop.
Check ahead for approaching traffic and signal them to stop.

Correct answer: Check ahead and behind for approaching traffic.

A U-turn involves turning your vehicle 180 degrees to face the opposite direction, which requires significant road space and time. Before attempting such a manoeuvre, it is crucial to thoroughly check for approaching traffic from both directions to ensure the road is clear and safe. Safety is paramount when performing this manoeuvre to prevent collisions.

Question 23: What should a driver who wishes to perform a turnabout do?

Drive onto a footpath, is necessary, in order to ensure that you have sufficient room to turn.
Drive into somebody's driveway and reverse back onto the road.
Check ahead and behind for oncoming traffic and turn briskly while still keeping a look out. (Correct answer)
Reverse into somebody's driveway and drive onto the road.

Correct answer: Check ahead and behind for oncoming traffic and turn briskly while still keeping a look out.

A turnabout (or three-point turn) requires careful execution to reverse direction in a confined space. It's essential to first check for traffic in both directions to ensure the manoeuvre can be started safely. Turning briskly, while maintaining continuous observation, minimizes the time spent obstructing the road and reduces the risk of collision.

Question 24: What should drivers do if they become drowsy while driving?

Open a window or turn on the air conditioning to let cool air into the vehicle.
Stop, take a break including a short walk if possible. (Correct answer)
Stretch your arms and close your eyes for short periods.
Turn up the heating.

Correct answer: Stop, take a break including a short walk if possible.

Drowsiness significantly impairs a driver's concentration, reaction time, and judgment, making driving extremely dangerous. The only effective solution is to stop driving and take a proper break, which includes resting and possibly a short walk to refresh. Simply opening a window or turning up the heating are temporary fixes that do not address the underlying fatigue.

Question 25: What should the driver do if they are driving and feel tired?

The driver should stop and take a break. (Correct answer)
The driver should drive along the centre of the road.
The driver should increase speed to shorten the journey time.
The driver should eat something.

Correct answer: The driver should stop and take a break.

Driving while tired significantly impairs judgment, reaction time, and concentration, increasing the risk of accidents. Stopping to rest allows the driver to regain alertness and ensures they are in a fit state to continue the journey safely. Prioritizing rest over continuing to drive while fatigued is crucial for road safety.

Ireland Driving Test 13

When driving along and wishing to stop at a shop on the side of the street in order to make a purchase, what should a driver do?