Ireland Driving Test 18 — Questions and Answers

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

Barriers between lanes of traffic going in the same direction.
Barriers between the hard shoulder and the verge.
Two lanes for cars and one lane for trucks and buses.
Two lanes of traffic in one direction and one in the opposite direction. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Two lanes of traffic in one direction and one in the opposite direction.

A 2-plus-1 road is a specific type of road design intended to improve traffic flow and safety on single carriageways. It features two lanes for traffic traveling in one direction, allowing for overtaking, and one lane for traffic traveling in the opposite direction. These lane configurations typically alternate periodically along the road's length.

Question 2: Where may a driver overtake on a 2-plus-1 road?

In the one-lane stretch if there is no oncoming traffic, and in the two-lane stretch.
In either the one-lane stretch or the two-lane stretch.
In the two-lane stretch. (Correct answer)
In the one-lane stretch.

Correct answer: In the two-lane stretch.

On a 2-plus-1 road, overtaking is only permitted and safe in the designated two-lane stretch. This section provides an additional lane specifically for passing slower vehicles without having to enter the opposing traffic lane. Overtaking in the one-lane stretch would mean crossing into oncoming traffic, which is extremely dangerous and prohibited.

Question 3: What should a driver do when travelling on a motorway or dual carriageway?

Be alert for other drivers who may suddenly change lanes or reduce speed. (Correct answer)
Match your speed to that of the vehicle in front.
Match your speed to that of the vehicle in the adjoining lane.
Relax because there will be no oncoming or crossing traffic.

Correct answer: Be alert for other drivers who may suddenly change lanes or reduce speed.

Even though motorways and dual carriageways are designed for high-speed, free-flowing traffic, vigilance is crucial. Drivers must remain alert for sudden actions from others, such as unexpected lane changes or braking, to react safely and prevent collisions. Assuming a relaxed attitude can lead to delayed reactions and dangerous situations.

Question 4: When driving on a motorway, what should a driver do?

Drive on whichever lane has the least volume of traffic.
Drive in the right-hand lane unless you intend to take a left exit.
Drive in the left-hand lane unless intending to overtake. (Correct answer)
Not drive on the left-hand lane as it is reserved for heavy goods vehicles and coaches.

Correct answer: Drive in the left-hand lane unless intending to overtake.

On motorways in countries that drive on the left (like Ireland), the left-hand lane is considered the normal driving lane. Drivers should keep to this lane unless they are actively overtaking a slower vehicle or traffic conditions necessitate moving to a right-hand lane. This rule helps maintain smooth traffic flow and reserves the right lane for passing maneuvers.

Question 5: When driving on a motorway, what should a driver do?

Be alert for other drivers who may suddenly change lane or reduce speed. (Correct answer)
Drive at the maximum permitted speed.
Match your speed to that of the vehicle in front.
Relax because there will be no oncoming or crossing traffic.

Correct answer: Be alert for other drivers who may suddenly change lane or reduce speed.

Motorways, despite their design for continuous flow, still require drivers to be highly attentive. Other drivers may make unpredictable maneuvers like sudden lane changes or braking, which can create hazardous situations. Maintaining alertness allows a driver to anticipate and react safely to such events, preventing potential accidents.

Question 6: In preparation for driving on a motorway. what changes should a driver make to tyre pressure?

The driver should increase tyre pressure in order to cope with sustained high speeds.
The driver should ensure that tyre pressure is normal. (Correct answer)
The driver should reduce tyre pressure because high speeds will cause them to heat up.
The driver should increase the front tyre pressure.

Correct answer: The driver should ensure that tyre pressure is normal.

For all driving conditions, including sustained high speeds on a motorway, tyres should be inflated to the manufacturer's recommended normal pressure. Incorrect tyre pressure, whether too high or too low, can compromise handling, increase tyre wear, and even lead to tyre failure, which is especially dangerous at motorway speeds. There is no need to adjust pressure specifically for motorway driving if it's already correct.

Question 7: What should a driver do when joining a motorway from a slip road?

Always stop and give a hand signal.
Drive along the hard shoulder if necessary until a suitable gap appears in the motorway traffic to allow you to merge with it.
Try to match the vehicle speed to that of traffic already on the motorway and merge into it in a suitable gap. (Correct answer)
Drive directly onto the motorway.

Correct answer: Try to match the vehicle speed to that of traffic already on the motorway and merge into it in a suitable gap.

When joining a motorway, the primary goal is to merge smoothly and safely with existing traffic. This involves using the slip road to accelerate to a speed similar to that of motorway traffic and then identifying a safe gap to merge into, without forcing other drivers to brake or swerve. Stopping or driving along the hard shoulder is generally unsafe and prohibited.

Question 8: Is a driver permitted to pick up or set down a passenger on a motorway?

Only when you stop on the hard-shoulder.
Only during daylight hours.
Only when you are within 200 meters of a slip-road.
No. this is not permitted. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No. this is not permitted.

Motorways are designed for continuous, high-speed traffic flow, and stopping on them, including the hard shoulder, is strictly prohibited except in genuine emergencies or designated service areas. Picking up or setting down passengers would create a significant hazard for both the vehicle and the passengers, disrupting traffic and increasing accident risk.

Question 9: When driving on a motorway and wishing to turn back, what should a driver do?

Wait on the right-hand side shoulder until a suitable gap appears in oncoming traffic.
Leave the motorway at the next exit and cross to the other side using the fly-over (or underpass). (Correct answer)
Cross to the opposite side of the motorway when there is a suitable gap in the oncoming traffic.
Wait on the hard shoulder until a suitable gap appears in traffic from both directions and then cross to the opposite side of the motorway.

Correct answer: Leave the motorway at the next exit and cross to the other side using the fly-over (or underpass).

It is extremely dangerous and illegal to cross a motorway or attempt a U-turn on it. If a driver needs to turn back, they must exit the motorway at the next available junction, use the local road network or an overpass/underpass to safely cross to the opposite carriageway, and then re-enter the motorway in the desired direction.

Question 10: What should a driver do when driving on a motorway and wishing to take a break?

Pull well in on the left of the hard shoulder and switch on the hazard warning lights.
Only stop for 15 minutes or less.
Leave by the next exit and find a lay-by or suitable place to stop. (Correct answer)
Leave by the next exit and find a lay-by or suitable place to stop.

Correct answer: Leave by the next exit and find a lay-by or suitable place to stop.

Stopping on the hard shoulder of a motorway is reserved for emergencies only. For planned breaks, drivers must exit the motorway at the next junction and find a safe, designated stopping place such as a service station, lay-by, or car park off the main carriageway. This ensures safety for both the driver and other motorway users.

Question 11: What should a driver do when leaving a motorway?

Maintain your speed until traffic conditions oblige you to slow down.
Comply with the speed limit on the road the driver is joining. (Correct answer)
Reduce speed gradually for a few kilometers.
Maintain the speed of the vehicle in front of you.

Correct answer: Comply with the speed limit on the road the driver is joining.

When leaving a motorway, drivers transition from a high-speed environment to roads with potentially lower speed limits and different traffic conditions. It is crucial to reduce speed appropriately on the slip road and immediately comply with the posted speed limit of the road being joined, as well as being alert for new hazards like junctions or pedestrians.

Question 12: What should a driver do if they drive past their intended exit by mistake?

Stop on the hard shoulder and reverse back to the exit.
Use the emergency telephone to ask for advice.
Drive on and leave at the next exit. (Correct answer)
Carefully complete a 'U'-turn.

Correct answer: Drive on and leave at the next exit.

If a driver misses their intended exit on a motorway, they must continue driving to the next available exit. Reversing, stopping on the hard shoulder to reverse, or attempting a U-turn are all extremely dangerous and illegal maneuvers on a motorway. It is always safer to take the next exit and find an alternative route.

Question 13: What is the difference between driving on a motorway and driving on other types of road?

Traffic usually travels at a higher speed on a motorway. (Correct answer)
Traffic usually travels at lower speeds on a motorway than on a dual-carriageway.
Hand-signals may not be used on a motorway.
Speed limits are the same for all vehicles on a motorway.

Correct answer: Traffic usually travels at a higher speed on a motorway.

Motorways are specifically designed for high-speed, long-distance travel, with features like multiple lanes, grade-separated junctions, and no direct access from properties. This design allows traffic to flow more freely and at higher average speeds compared to most other types of roads, which often have lower speed limits and more potential hazards.

Question 14: On a motorway, a driver wants to overtake another vehicle - what should the driver do?

Use their mirrors, signal and overtake in the right-hand lane. (Correct answer)
Use the mirror, signal and overtake in the left-hand lane if necessary.
Check for following and oncoming traffic and overtake in either lane.
Check for following traffic and overtake in either lane.

Correct answer: Use their mirrors, signal and overtake in the right-hand lane.

In countries like Ireland where traffic drives on the left, overtaking on a motorway is done by moving into the lane immediately to the right of the vehicle being overtaken. Before doing so, the driver must always check their mirrors, signal their intention, and ensure the maneuver can be completed safely without impeding other traffic.

Question 15: What may the hard shoulder of a motorway be used for?

Exiting the motorway.
Stopping to receive a call on a mobile phone.
Stopping the vehicle so the driver can have a rest.
Stopping in an emergency. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stopping in an emergency.

The hard shoulder on a motorway is strictly reserved for emergencies only, such as a vehicle breakdown, medical emergency, or if instructed by emergency services. It is not to be used for non-emergency stops like making a phone call, resting, or exiting the motorway, as stopping there unnecessarily poses a significant risk to safety.

Question 16: On exiting the motorway what should a driver do?

Be alert for oncoming and crossing traffic. (Correct answer)
Not overtake for a few kilometers.
Watch for oncoming traffic on the slip road.
Maintain motorway speeds for a few kilometers.

Correct answer: Be alert for oncoming and crossing traffic.

When exiting a motorway, drivers transition from a controlled, high-speed environment to roads that may have junctions, roundabouts, pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming or crossing traffic. It is crucial to reduce speed and heighten awareness to safely navigate these new hazards and comply with the different rules of the road.

Question 17: What should a driver do when leaving a motorway?

Drive up to 110 km\/h.
Reduce speed gradually for a few kilometers.
Obey the posted speed limit. (Correct answer)
Drive up to 120 km\/h.

Correct answer: Obey the posted speed limit.

Upon leaving a motorway, drivers will enter a slip road and then typically join other roads that have different, usually lower, speed limits than the motorway. It is essential to reduce speed on the slip road and strictly adhere to the posted speed limits for the road being joined, as these limits are set for safety based on the road's design and potential hazards.

Question 18: A driver wishes to go straight ahead at a cross junction of equal importance - what should the driver do?

Give way to traffic approaching from the right. (Correct answer)
Give way to traffic approaching both left and right.
Give way to traffic approaching from your left.
Carry on as normal because you have the right of way.

Correct answer: Give way to traffic approaching from the right.

At an uncontrolled cross junction of equal importance (i.e., no signs or markings indicating priority), the general rule in countries that drive on the left (like Ireland) is to give way to traffic approaching from your right. This rule helps to prevent collisions by establishing a clear order of precedence.

Question 19: What is a clearway?

A road which is reserved for buses only.
An area where stopping and parking is not allowed during certain times. (Correct answer)
A road which is reserved for pedestrians only.
A road without road markings.

Correct answer: An area where stopping and parking is not allowed during certain times.

A clearway is a section of road, often marked by signs, where stopping or parking is prohibited during specific hours or at all times. This restriction is implemented to ensure the free flow of traffic, particularly during peak times, by preventing obstructions caused by stationary vehicles.

Question 20: What should a driver consider doing when parking a vehicle facing down a hill?

Wheel angle does not matter.
Angle your wheels in the straight ahead position.
Angling the wheels towards the kerb. (Correct answer)
Angle your wheels towards the road.

Correct answer: Angling the wheels towards the kerb.

When parking downhill, angling the front wheels towards the kerb (and applying the handbrake) is a crucial safety measure. If the handbrake were to fail, the vehicle would roll into the kerb and stop, rather than rolling freely into the road or down the hill. This prevents a potential runaway accident and ensures the vehicle remains safely stationary.

Question 21: What should a driver consider doing when parking on a two-way street facing downhill?

Turn the steering wheel towards the kerb. (Correct answer)
Put the gears in forward.
Ensure the steering wheel is facing straight.
Turn the steering wheel to the right.

Correct answer: Turn the steering wheel towards the kerb.

When parking downhill on a two-way street, turning the steering wheel towards the kerb ensures that if the vehicle's brakes fail, it will roll into the kerb and stop. This prevents the vehicle from continuing to roll into the street and becoming a hazard to other traffic. This is a critical safety precaution.

Question 22: What should a driver consider doing when parking a vehicle on a two-way street and facing uphill?

Turning the steering wheel to the left.
Putting the gears into neutral.
Putting the gears into reverse.
Turning the steering wheel to the right. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Turning the steering wheel to the right.

When parking uphill on a two-way street, turning the steering wheel to the right means the front wheels are angled away from the kerb. If the vehicle's brakes fail, it will roll backward, and the wheels will turn into the kerb, stopping the vehicle safely. This prevents it from rolling into traffic or further down the hill.

Question 23: While driving on a primary road that is not divided by a central dividing line, what should a driver do?

Imagine there is one there and drive on the right-hand side.
Position your vehicle midway on the left-hand side.
Drive on the middle of the road.
Imagine there is a central line and drive on the left-hand side. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Imagine there is a central line and drive on the left-hand side.

Even on roads without a visible central dividing line, drivers must always assume one exists and keep well to the left-hand side of the road. This ensures they maintain a safe position relative to any oncoming traffic and adhere to the fundamental rule of driving on the left in Ireland, preventing head-on collisions.

Question 24: What should a driver do when approaching a sharp right-hand bend on a narrow road?

Maintain your speed and flash your lights as a warning.
Move to the centre of the road to improve braking.
Reduce speed. keep well to the left and watch for oncoming traffic. (Correct answer)
Wait until you are close to the bend before braking.

Correct answer: Reduce speed. keep well to the left and watch for oncoming traffic.

Approaching a sharp bend on a narrow road requires extreme caution. Reducing speed allows for better control and reaction time, while keeping well to the left maximizes clearance from any potential oncoming traffic that might cut the corner. This strategy minimizes the risk of a collision and allows for safer negotiation of the bend.

Question 25: What should a driver do when approaching a roundabout?

Drive onto it as the traffic on it must give way to you.
Give way only to heavy goods vehicles on the roundabout.
Give way only if taking the second or third exit.
Give way to traffic already on the roundabout. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Give way to traffic already on the roundabout.

When approaching a roundabout, drivers must always give way to traffic that is already on the roundabout and approaching from their right. This fundamental rule ensures a smooth and safe flow of traffic by establishing clear priority. Failing to yield can lead to dangerous situations and is a common cause of collisions.

Ireland Driving Test 18

What does a 2-plus-1 road have?