Ireland Driving Test 15 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What effect does drinking alcohol have on a driver?

It improves co-ordination.
It increases awareness.
It makes the driver drowsy. (Correct answer)
It increases your concentration.

Correct answer: It makes the driver drowsy.

Alcohol is a depressant that slows down the central nervous system. This effect can lead to reduced alertness, impaired judgment, and drowsiness, making it extremely dangerous to drive. Even small amounts of alcohol can significantly impair a driver's ability to react and make safe decisions.

Question 2: If a motorist or a motorcyclist is taking medication which may affect their driving, what should they do?

Drive for short distances only.
Seek medical advice in relation to driving. (Correct answer)
Seek medical advice in relation to driving.
Make sure that the medication is recorded on your licence record.

Correct answer: Seek medical advice in relation to driving.

Many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can have side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired concentration. These effects can significantly compromise a person's ability to drive safely. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor or pharmacist to understand potential driving implications before getting behind the wheel.

Question 3: If taking unprescribed medication what should a driver check before driving their vehicle?

Check that the medication does not affect driving. (Correct answer)
Only medication issued under prescription may cause drowsiness.
Use of soft drugs prior to driving will not affect your driving.
Use of soft drugs would never cause you to take risks while driving.

Correct answer: Check that the medication does not affect driving.

Even unprescribed or over-the-counter medications can have side effects that impair driving, such as drowsiness, blurred vision, or reduced reaction time. Drivers must always read the medication labels carefully or consult a pharmacist. This ensures they are aware of any potential risks and can confirm it's safe to drive before operating a vehicle.

Question 4: What effect does a wet road surface have on a vehicle’s braking ability?

It decreases the braking distance for vehicles without ABS.
It reduces the braking distance required.
Generally. it doubles the normal braking distance required on a dry surface. (Correct answer)
It makes no difference to the braking distance.

Correct answer: Generally. it doubles the normal braking distance required on a dry surface.

A wet road surface significantly reduces the friction between a vehicle's tires and the road. This decreased grip means it takes much longer for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. As a general rule, braking distances on wet roads can be at least double those required on dry surfaces.

Question 5: When driving uphill behind a slow-moving vehicle, what should a driver do?

Drive close behind it while keeping to the centre or the road.
Drive alongside of it until you can overtake it.
Drive close behind it while keeping well to the left.
Stay well behind the vehicle until it can be overtaken safely . (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stay well behind the vehicle until it can be overtaken safely .

When driving uphill behind a slow-moving vehicle, your view of oncoming traffic and potential hazards can be obscured. Staying well behind provides a safe following distance, allowing you to assess the road ahead for a clear and safe opportunity to overtake, if necessary, without putting yourself or others at risk.

Question 6: After overtaking another vehicle, what should a driver do?

Gradually move back into the left when the vehicle has been overtaken. (Correct answer)
Cut back in front of the vehicle and reduce speed.
Continue to signal right for a distance.
Cut into the left as soon as they have passed it.

Correct answer: Gradually move back into the left when the vehicle has been overtaken.

After overtaking, it's essential to ensure you have sufficient clear space between your vehicle and the overtaken vehicle before gently steering back into your original lane. This prevents cutting off the other driver and maintains a safe distance, avoiding any sudden movements that could cause a collision or force the other driver to brake.

Question 7: What could happen if a driver cuts in too soon when overtaking another vehicle?

Your engine could increase power.
Your engine could lose power.
The steering could lock.
Both vehicles could collide. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Both vehicles could collide.

Cutting in too soon after overtaking means you haven't left enough safe space between your vehicle and the one you just passed. This dangerous action forces the overtaken driver to brake suddenly or swerve to avoid a collision. Such abrupt maneuvers significantly increase the risk of a rear-end collision or other accidents involving both vehicles.

Question 8: What should a driver do when overtaking parked vehicles?

Watch in their right-hand mirror.
Move as far to the right as possible.
Allow sufficient clearance when passing. (Correct answer)
Keep close to the vehicles and watch out for pedestrians.

Correct answer: Allow sufficient clearance when passing.

When passing parked vehicles, it is crucial to allow ample space to account for sudden opening doors, pedestrians stepping out from between cars, or vehicles pulling away unexpectedly. Maintaining sufficient clearance minimizes the risk of collision with the parked vehicle or any unforeseen hazards, ensuring safety for all.

Question 9: What stopping distance should a driver allow when they suspect that the road might be icy?

Up to ten times the normal distance. (Correct answer)
Twice the normal distance.
The normal distance.
Up to half the normal.

Correct answer: Up to ten times the normal distance.

Ice dramatically reduces tire grip, making roads extremely slippery and treacherous. This severe reduction in friction means that stopping distances can increase by as much as ten times compared to dry conditions. Drivers must exercise extreme caution, reduce speed significantly, and allow vast amounts of space when driving on icy roads.

Question 10: What clearance should drivers normally allow for parked vehicles?

The width or an average person.
A door width. (Correct answer)
Six meters.
The width of the mirror.

Correct answer: A door width.

When passing parked vehicles, a 'door width' is a practical and safe rule of thumb for clearance. This distance accounts for the possibility of a car door suddenly opening, preventing a collision and ensuring the safety of both the driver and any occupants of the parked vehicle who might be exiting.

Question 11: Why does it take longer to stop the vehicle on a wet road?

The suspension of the vehicle is lighter in wet weather.
The tyres have more grip than in dry weather.
The tyres have less road grip than in dry weather. (Correct answer)
The brake fluid is less effective in wet weather.

Correct answer: The tyres have less road grip than in dry weather.

It takes longer to stop a vehicle on a wet road because water acts as a lubricant, significantly reducing the friction between the tires and the road surface. This decreased grip means the tires cannot effectively transfer braking force to the road, leading to a longer distance required to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

Question 12: What is the effect on driving if there is a film of water between the vehicle’s tyres and the road surface?

Steering and braking will be more effective.
Steering and braking will be less effective. (Correct answer)
Braking only will be less effective.
Steering will be more effective.

Correct answer: Steering and braking will be less effective.

A film of water between the vehicle's tires and the road surface, known as aquaplaning or hydroplaning, causes a loss of direct tire contact with the road. This significantly reduces friction, making both steering and braking much less effective. The driver loses control, increasing the risk of skidding and accidents.

Question 13: What should a driver do if they encounter loose chippings on a road?

Stop the vehicle until the loose chippings can be removed.
Increase speed so as to avoid causing damage to the vehicle.
Press their hand against the windscreen or motorcycle faring.
Slow down and allow extra clearance to all traffic until they have gone past the area with the loose chippings. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Slow down and allow extra clearance to all traffic until they have gone past the area with the loose chippings.

Loose chippings on a road can reduce tire grip, cause skidding, and be thrown up by tires, potentially damaging your vehicle or others. Slowing down reduces the risk of losing control and allows more time to react. Allowing extra clearance prevents stones from hitting other vehicles or pedestrians.

Question 14: What effect does spilt diesel have on a road?

It makes the road more slippery. (Correct answer)
It improves the vehicles braking ability.
Improve tyre grip on bends.
It increases tyre noise.

Correct answer: It makes the road more slippery.

Spilt diesel creates an extremely slick and hazardous surface on the road, significantly reducing tire grip. This makes braking and steering much less effective and increases the risk of skidding and loss of control. It is particularly dangerous for motorcyclists due to their smaller contact patch with the road.

Question 15: What should a driver do when driving in slippery road conditions?

Drive at faster speeds to maintain tyre grip.
Drive at lower speeds and use gentle acceleration and braking. (Correct answer)
Apply the brakes sharply from time to time to test the road surface.
Drive at normal speed but allow extra stopping distance.

Correct answer: Drive at lower speeds and use gentle acceleration and braking.

In slippery road conditions, reduced speed allows more time to react to hazards and reduces the likelihood of losing control. Using gentle acceleration and braking prevents sudden shifts in weight and tire spin, which helps maintain traction and stability on the compromised surface, making driving safer.

Question 16: What should a driver do when travelling downhill on snow or ice?

Keep close to the left and brake sharply to keep the speed down.
Use a higher gear than normal in order to avoid wheel spin.
Avoid using the brake and use a high gear.
Use an appropriate lower gear and brake gently to reduce speed. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Use an appropriate lower gear and brake gently to reduce speed.

When travelling downhill on snow or ice, using a lower gear allows the engine to provide natural braking (engine braking), which is smoother and less likely to cause skidding than relying solely on the foot brake. Gentle braking further helps to control speed without locking the wheels, maintaining traction and stability.

Question 17: How does driving at high speed affect a vehicle’s road holding?

The road holding ability of the vehicle is increased.
The wheel alignment keeps the tyres in full contact with the road.
The road holding ability of the vehicle is reduced. (Correct answer)
The suspension compensates for any unevenness in the road surface.

Correct answer: The road holding ability of the vehicle is reduced.

Driving at high speed reduces the time available to react to hazards and makes it harder for tires to maintain optimal grip, especially on bends or uneven surfaces. This decreased contact and control means the vehicle's ability to hold the road effectively is diminished. Consequently, the risk of losing control and having an accident increases.

Question 18: What is the recommended minimum stopping distance for a car travelling at 50 km\/h on a dry road?

15 metres.
25 metres. (Correct answer)
45 metres.
5 metres.

Correct answer: 25 metres.

The recommended minimum stopping distance for a car travelling at 50 km/h on a dry road is approximately 25 metres. This distance accounts for both the driver's thinking distance (reaction time) and the actual braking distance required to bring the vehicle to a complete stop safely.

Question 19: What is the recommended minimum stopping distance for a car travelling at 50 km\/h on a wet road?

36 metres. (Correct answer)
46 metres.
16 metres.
26 metres.

Correct answer: 36 metres.

On a wet road, stopping distances are significantly increased due to reduced tire grip and friction. For a car travelling at 50 km/h, the recommended minimum stopping distance increases to approximately 36 metres. This highlights the critical need for drivers to adjust their speed and maintain greater following distances in wet conditions.

Question 20: What is the recommended minimum stopping distance for a car travelling at 100 km\/h on a dry road?

60 metres.
70 metres. (Correct answer)
90 metres.
80 metres.

Correct answer: 70 metres.

Stopping distance increases exponentially with speed due to the greater kinetic energy that needs to be dissipated. At 100 km/h on a dry road, the recommended minimum stopping distance is approximately 70 metres. This requires a much greater distance to safely bring the vehicle to a stop compared to lower speeds.

Question 21: What is the recommended minimum stopping distance for a car travelling at 100 km\/h on a wet road?

131 metres.
121 metres. (Correct answer)
141 metres.
111 metres.

Correct answer: 121 metres.

When travelling at 100 km/h on a wet road, the stopping distance is substantially extended due to reduced friction and increased kinetic energy. The recommended minimum stopping distance in these conditions is approximately 121 metres. This emphasizes the critical need for significantly increased following distance and reduced speed in adverse weather.

Question 22: What is the minimum safe distance to leave between vehicles travelling at 100 km\/h on a dry road?

92 metres.
72 metres.
62 metres. (Correct answer)
82 metres.

Correct answer: 62 metres.

The minimum safe distance to leave between vehicles travelling at 100 km/h on a dry road is approximately 62 metres. This distance is crucial for allowing enough time and space for a driver to react and stop safely if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes, thereby preventing a rear-end collision.

Question 23: What is a likely consequence of sudden braking?

The vehicle's braking system could overheat.
The vehicle's braking system could lose a lot of air.
The vehicle's braking system could lose a lot of fluid.
The vehicle could be hit from behind. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The vehicle could be hit from behind.

Sudden braking can catch following drivers off guard, especially if they are not maintaining a safe following distance. This abrupt action significantly increases the risk of a rear-end collision, as the driver behind may not have enough time or space to react and stop safely. Smooth and gradual braking is always preferred.

Question 24: Which of the following affects the braking distance of a vehicle?

The power of the vehicle.
The speed and weight of the vehicle. (Correct answer)
Road conditions and the tyres on the vehicle.
The number of passengers carried.

Correct answer: The speed and weight of the vehicle.

Both the speed and weight of a vehicle are primary factors affecting its braking distance. Higher speeds mean more kinetic energy to dissipate, requiring a longer distance to stop. Similarly, a heavier vehicle has more momentum, which also increases the distance needed to come to a complete halt safely.

Question 25: In dry weather how might a driver judge what is a safe following distance to vehicle in front?

By driving at the same speed as the vehicle in front.
By allowing at least two seconds to elapse between the vehicle in front and the drivers own vehicle passing a fixed point. (Correct answer)
By allowing at least 2 vehicle lengths for each kilometer per hour.
By allowing at least 2 vehicle lengths between the vehicles.

Correct answer: By allowing at least two seconds to elapse between the vehicle in front and the drivers own vehicle passing a fixed point.

The 'two-second rule' is a standard safety guideline for maintaining a safe following distance in ideal dry conditions. This time-based method allows drivers sufficient reaction time and braking distance to avoid a collision if the vehicle in front suddenly stops or slows down. It's more adaptable than fixed vehicle lengths, as it accounts for varying speeds.

Ireland Driving Test 15

What effect does drinking alcohol have on a driver?