Ireland Driving Test 17 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: When is black ice likely to occur on the road?

In cold weather after rain. (Correct answer)
In cold weather.
During winter.
Just before dawn.

Correct answer: In cold weather after rain.

Black ice forms when water on the road surface freezes, which typically happens in cold weather after rain, melted snow, or frost. It is particularly dangerous because it is transparent and takes on the color of the road, making it very difficult for drivers to see until they are already on it.

Question 2: What is the safest practice when driving on icy roads?

Apply the brakes regularly in order to improve tyre grip.
Drive at a slower speed than usual using gentle acceleration and braking. (Correct answer)
Accelerate harder using the lower gears.
Drive slower than normal and do not use the brakes.

Correct answer: Drive at a slower speed than usual using gentle acceleration and braking.

Icy roads drastically reduce tyre grip, significantly increasing the risk of skidding and loss of control. Driving at a slower speed provides more time to react to changing conditions and reduces the impact force if a skid occurs. Gentle acceleration and braking are crucial to prevent sudden weight shifts that can break traction.

Question 3: When driving a vehicle, what effect could icy roads have?

Front tyre treads could wear out more rapidly.
Tyre grip could improve.
Rear tyre treads could wear out more rapidly.
The vehicle could skid more easily than normal. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The vehicle could skid more easily than normal.

Icy roads severely reduce the friction between a vehicle's tyres and the road surface. This lack of grip means that even minor changes in speed, direction, or braking can cause the tyres to lose traction, leading to a skid where the driver loses control of the vehicle.

Question 4: What should a driver do when driving in slippery road conditions?

Press the clutch only.
Press the clutch and brake together.
Engage neutral gear position.
Use gentle acceleration and braking. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Use gentle acceleration and braking.

Slippery road conditions mean there is significantly less grip between the tyres and the road surface. Abrupt acceleration or braking can easily overwhelm the available traction, causing the wheels to spin or lock up, which leads to a loss of control or a skid. Using gentle inputs allows the tyres to maintain contact and control.

Question 5: How should a driver negotiate a bend when the road is slippery?

Press the clutch and brake together.
Drive slowly and smoothly. (Correct answer)
Engage neutral gear position.
Press the clutch only.

Correct answer: Drive slowly and smoothly.

When the road is slippery, tyre grip is significantly reduced, making it easier to skid. Driving slowly and smoothly through a bend minimizes the forces acting on the tyres, reducing the risk of losing traction. Sudden steering, braking, or acceleration can easily cause the vehicle to skid outwards or inwards from the bend.

Question 6: Apart from the risk of skidding, what danger may arise when driving in snow?

Road signs and road markings may become obscured. (Correct answer)
It maybe colder.
The travelling distance may seem shorter.
Apart from the risk of skidding no other dangers arise.

Correct answer: Road signs and road markings may become obscured.

Apart from the obvious risk of skidding, heavy snow can obscure critical road features. Snowfall can cover road signs, traffic lights, and lane markings, making them difficult or impossible for drivers to see. This can lead to confusion, missed instructions, and an increased risk of accidents.

Question 7: What should a driver do when driving in heavy rain?

Speed up so that the vehicle will glide over any standing water.
Be in the alert for skidding or aquaplaning . (Correct answer)
Weave the vehicle slightly from side to side in order to improve tyre grip.
Maintain normal speeds as on dry road.

Correct answer: Be in the alert for skidding or aquaplaning .

Heavy rain significantly reduces tyre grip and can lead to standing water on the road. This creates a high risk of skidding, where tyres lose traction, or aquaplaning, where a layer of water builds up between the tyres and the road, causing the vehicle to lose contact and control. Drivers must be vigilant for these dangers and adjust their speed and driving style accordingly.

Question 8: What is the danger in driving with badly worn tyres at high speed on wet roads?

Control of the vehicle is reduced because it is gliding on a film of water. (Correct answer)
Air pressure in the tyres is reduced.
There is no danger provided the tyres are at the correct pressure.
There is no danger provided the tyre pressure had been reduced to account for the worn tread.

Correct answer: Control of the vehicle is reduced because it is gliding on a film of water.

Badly worn tyres have insufficient tread depth to effectively displace water on wet roads. At high speeds, this can lead to aquaplaning, where the tyres ride on a film of water instead of the road surface. This results in a complete loss of steering and braking control, making the vehicle extremely dangerous.

Question 9: What should a driver do when they encounter mud on the road?

Apply the brakes immediately.
Change to a lower gear and carry on.
Reduce speed and be aware of the farm or works vehicles on the road. (Correct answer)
Gently increase speed to prevent mud from sticking to tyres.

Correct answer: Reduce speed and be aware of the farm or works vehicles on the road.

Mud on the road significantly reduces tyre grip, making the surface slippery and increasing the risk of skidding. Reducing speed allows for better control and more time to react to unexpected conditions. Additionally, mud often indicates the presence of farm or works vehicles, which may be slow-moving or entering/exiting the road, requiring extra caution.

Question 10: What should a driver be aware of when crossing tram lines at an angle?

Be aware that tyre grip is reduced on the lines. (Correct answer)
Depress the clutch pedal and 'coast' across.
Be aware that the wheels could get caught in the lines.
Be aware that tyre grip is improved on the lines.

Correct answer: Be aware that tyre grip is reduced on the lines.

Tram lines, especially when wet, are made of metal and offer significantly less grip than the surrounding asphalt road surface. Crossing them at an angle can cause tyres to slip or even get caught, leading to a loss of control. It is safer to cross them as close to a right angle as possible, slowly and smoothly, to minimize the risk.

Question 11: What should a driver be aware of when crossing road markings such as lines or arrows?

Steering control is improved.
Tyre grip is improved.
A.B.S will prevent the vehicle from skidding.
Tyre grip is reduced. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Tyre grip is reduced.

Road markings, such as painted lines or arrows, are often made of materials that can be smoother or more slippery than the surrounding road surface, especially when wet. Driving over them can temporarily reduce tyre grip, increasing the risk of skidding or losing control, particularly during braking or turning manoeuvres.

Question 12: What should a driver do after passing through a flooded section of road?

Apply the brake pedal lightly at slow speed for a short distance to dry the brakes. (Correct answer)
Do nothing.
Apply the brakes firmly to check if they are still effective.
Drive faster for a time in order to dry out your brakes.

Correct answer: Apply the brake pedal lightly at slow speed for a short distance to dry the brakes.

Water can reduce the effectiveness of a vehicle's brakes by getting between the brake pads and discs/drums. After passing through a flooded section, lightly applying the brake pedal at a slow speed generates friction and heat. This action helps to dry out the brakes and restore their full efficiency before they are needed in an emergency.

Question 13: What should a driver do when they approach roadworks warning signs?

Reduce speed and be prepared to stop for works vehicles or a flagman. (Correct answer)
Increase speed in order to avoid getting stuck in soft ground.
Maintain your speed until signalled to do otherwise by flagman.
Engage a lower gear to improve grip and maintain your speed.

Correct answer: Reduce speed and be prepared to stop for works vehicles or a flagman.

Roadworks areas are inherently hazardous due to changing road conditions, potential obstacles, and the presence of workers and machinery. Reducing speed gives the driver more time to react to unexpected situations, such as works vehicles moving or a flagman directing traffic. This ensures safety for both the driver and road workers.

Question 14: What should a driver be aware of when driving through a section of road where roadworks are ongoing?

Traffic is likely to travel much faster.
The driver has right of way over earthmoving machinery.
That the area will be cleared for you and you should not delay.
That the surface may be slippery due to mud or loose chippings. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: That the surface may be slippery due to mud or loose chippings.

Roadworks often involve digging, resurfacing, or moving materials, which can leave mud, loose chippings, or uneven surfaces on the road. These conditions significantly reduce tyre grip and can make the road very slippery, increasing the risk of skidding or losing control. Drivers must be aware of these hazards and adjust their driving accordingly.

Question 15: When driving on a one-way street and wishing to turn right, what should a driver do?

Drive close to the centre line of the road while indicating right.
Drive close to the left-hand-side of the road.
Drive close to the right-hand side of the road. (Correct answer)
Drive close to the centre line of the road.

Correct answer: Drive close to the right-hand side of the road.

On a one-way street, drivers wishing to turn right should position their vehicle close to the right-hand side of the road. This allows other traffic to pass safely on the left and clearly signals the driver's intention to turn right, making the manoeuvre predictable and safe for all road users.

Question 16: When driving on a one-way street and wishing to turn right up ahead, what should a driver do?

Move to the right-hand side in good time. (Correct answer)
Drive on the left until you are close to the turn before taking up position on the right.
Drive close to the centre of the road.
Continue in the lane you are in.

Correct answer: Move to the right-hand side in good time.

To execute a right turn safely from a one-way street, a driver should move to the right-hand side of the road well in advance of the turn. This signals their intention to other road users, allows traffic to flow past on the left, and ensures they are in the correct position for a smooth and safe turn.

Question 17: When a driver wants to turn left into a property and there is a bus lane on the left, what should the driver do?

Watch out for buses only.
Watch out for cyclists, taxis and buses which may be using the bus lane. (Correct answer)
Use a 'slowing down' hand signal in addition to your left turn indicator.
Not turn left across a bus lane.

Correct answer: Watch out for cyclists, taxis and buses which may be using the bus lane.

Bus lanes are often shared by other specific road users, such as cyclists and taxis, especially during their operational hours. When turning left across a bus lane, a driver must check carefully for all authorised users of that lane to avoid potential collisions and ensure a safe manoeuvre.

Question 18: What traffic may use a contra-flow bus lane?

Buses, taxis and motorcycles.
Buses on a scheduled service. (Correct answer)
Buses, taxis and cyclists.
Buses and taxis.

Correct answer: Buses on a scheduled service.

A contra-flow bus lane is specifically designed for buses traveling in the opposite direction to the main flow of traffic. These lanes are typically reserved exclusively for buses on a scheduled service to ensure their efficient movement and safety, and other vehicles are generally prohibited from using them.

Question 19: What traffic may use a with-flow bus lane during the specified times?

Buses, taxis and cyclists. (Correct answer)
Buses only.
All traffic.
Vehicles with more than one passenger.

Correct answer: Buses, taxis and cyclists.

With-flow bus lanes are typically designated for specific road users during operational hours to give priority to public transport and other modes. In Ireland, these lanes are generally open to buses, taxis, and cyclists during the specified times, promoting efficient movement for these groups.

Question 20: When may a driver drive (other than a bus or taxi driver) in a with-flow bus lane?

During the hours specified on the bus lane information plate.
After a bus has gone through on it.
After 9 p.m.
Outside the hours specified on the bus lane information plate. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Outside the hours specified on the bus lane information plate.

Bus lanes are usually operational only during specific hours, which are clearly indicated on accompanying road signs. Outside of these specified hours, the bus lane reverts to a normal traffic lane, and other drivers are permitted to use it. It is crucial to always check the signage to confirm the operational times.

Question 21: When driving along a dual carriageway, what lane position should a driver be in?

On the right-hand lane, except when driving a tractor or works vehicle.
On either lane of their choice.
In the left-hand lane unless the driver wishes to overtake or turn right . (Correct answer)
On the right-hand lane.

Correct answer: In the left-hand lane unless the driver wishes to overtake or turn right .

On dual carriageways (and motorways), the general rule is to keep to the left-hand lane unless you are overtaking another vehicle or preparing to turn right. This 'keep left unless overtaking' rule is fundamental for maintaining smooth traffic flow and preventing lane hogging, ensuring safer and more efficient travel.

Question 22: When turning right from a minor road onto a dual carriageway with a wide median strip, what should a driver do?

When clear on the right, proceed to the central median and then wait until it is clear on the left before proceeding. (Correct answer)
Not drive onto the dual-carriageway until there is a suitable gap in the traffic from both directions.
Not turn right onto a dual-carriageway.
Not halt on the median strip.

Correct answer: When clear on the right, proceed to the central median and then wait until it is clear on the left before proceeding.

When turning right onto a dual carriageway with a wide median strip, the manoeuvre can be treated as two separate stages for safety. First, cross the nearest carriageway when it's clear from the right and stop safely within the central median. Then, wait for a clear gap in traffic from the left on the second carriageway before completing the turn.

Question 23: When turning right from a minor road onto a dual carriageway with a narrow median strip, what should a driver do?

When the nearest carriageway is clear, drive on to the median strip and wait.
Stop on the narrow median strip before proceeding.
The driver should not turn right onto a dual-carriageway.
Wait on the minor road until there is a suitable gap in the traffic from both directions. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Wait on the minor road until there is a suitable gap in the traffic from both directions.

A narrow median strip on a dual carriageway does not provide sufficient space for a vehicle to stop safely between the two carriageways. Therefore, the driver must remain on the minor road and wait until there is a sufficiently large gap in traffic from both directions to complete the right turn in one continuous movement without stopping on the median.

Question 24: What does a 2-plus-1 road have?

Two non-motorway lanes in one direction and one non-motorway lane in the opposite direction. (Correct answer)
Two motorway lanes and one non-motorway lane, in two directions.
Two non-motorway lanes and one motorway lane, in two directions.
Two motorway lanes in one direction and one non-motorway lane in the opposite direction.

Correct answer: Two non-motorway lanes in one direction and one non-motorway lane in the opposite direction.

A '2-plus-1' road is a specific non-motorway road layout designed to improve safety and overtaking opportunities on single carriageway roads. It features two lanes in one direction and one lane in the opposite direction, with the two-lane section typically alternating to allow for safe overtaking manoeuvres.

Question 25: On a 2-plus-1 road, where must a driver only turn right?

When in the one-lane stretch.
At controlled junctions. (Correct answer)
When in the two-lane stretch.
When directed by a pointsman.

Correct answer: At controlled junctions.

On a 2-plus-1 road, right turns are generally restricted to specific, safe locations. Controlled junctions, which often feature traffic lights or clear signage, are designed to manage traffic flow and provide safe opportunities for turning right. Attempting a right turn in an uncontrolled section of such a road would be highly dangerous due to the alternating lane configurations and potential for oncoming traffic.

Ireland Driving Test 17

When is black ice likely to occur on the road?