Ireland Driving Test 19 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In what direction should a driver turn when entering a roundabout?
- To the Right.
- To the Right, only when controlled by a traffic light.
- To the left or right.
- To the left. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To the left.
When entering a roundabout in Ireland, drivers must always turn to the left. This is because traffic circulates clockwise around the central island, which is standard practice in countries where vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. Turning left upon entry ensures you join the flow of traffic correctly and safely.
Question 2: Where two lanes are provided on the approach to a roundabout, which lane should a driver select when they intend taking an exit to the right of the roundabout?
- The left-hand lane.
- Right lane, only when controlled by a traffic light.
- The right-hand lane. (Correct answer)
- Either lane.
Correct answer: The right-hand lane.
When approaching a roundabout with two lanes and intending to take an exit to the right, a driver should select the right-hand lane. This is the standard procedure for right turns or exits past 12 o'clock on a roundabout, allowing for proper positioning and signaling. Using the correct lane helps to guide other drivers about your intentions and prevents cutting across traffic.
Question 3: What position should a driver approach a roundabout when intending to take the first exit to the left?
- Approach in any lane and give a clear signal.
- Approach in the left-hand lane and give way to traffic already on the roundabout. (Correct answer)
- Approach in the right-hand lane and give way to traffic which is already on the roundabout.
- Approach in any lane, traffic on the roundabout must give way to you.
Correct answer: Approach in the left-hand lane and give way to traffic already on the roundabout.
When intending to take the first exit (to the left) at a roundabout, a driver should approach in the left-hand lane. This positioning is crucial for signaling your intention clearly and preparing for the earliest exit. Additionally, it is always mandatory to give way to traffic already circulating on the roundabout, ensuring safety and preventing collisions.
Question 4: Where should a vehicle be positioned before turning right?
- The left-hand side of the road.
- Just left of the centre of the road. (Correct answer)
- Either side of the centre of the road.
- The right-hand side of the road.
Correct answer: Just left of the centre of the road.
Before turning right on a two-way road, a driver should position their vehicle just left of the centre of the road. This allows sufficient space for traffic to pass on your left if safe to do so, while also preparing for the turn. This positioning helps to indicate your intentions clearly to other road users and ensures you can make the turn safely without obstructing oncoming traffic unnecessarily.
Question 5: What should a driver do before turning right from a major road into a minor road?
- Yield right of way to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians crossing at the junction. (Correct answer)
- Turn in front of oncoming traffic as it must give right-of-way to you.
- Stop and signal traffic to exit right from the minor road.
- Stop and signal traffic to exit left from the minor road.
Correct answer: Yield right of way to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians crossing at the junction.
Before turning right from a major road into a minor road, a driver must yield right of way to both oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing at the junction. Turning right involves crossing the path of oncoming vehicles, which have priority, and pedestrians who may be using the crossing. This ensures the safety of all road users and prevents collisions.
Question 6: What should a driver do when entering a tunnel?
- Switch on dipped headlights. (Correct answer)
- Switch on your headlights.
- Listen to the local radio.
- Switch on your hazard warning lights.
Correct answer: Switch on dipped headlights.
When entering a tunnel, a driver should switch on their dipped headlights. Tunnels are often poorly lit or have varying light conditions, making it essential to improve your visibility to other drivers and to clearly see the road ahead. Dipped headlights provide sufficient illumination without dazzling oncoming traffic or drivers in front.
Question 7: What should a driver do when entering a tunnel?
- Drive compact to the vehicle in front.
- Register at the first tunnel station.
- Wear sunglasses, if available, to prevent glare from the lights.
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
When entering a tunnel, it is crucial to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Tunnels present unique challenges, such as reduced visibility and limited escape routes in emergencies. Maintaining an adequate following distance provides more time to react to sudden stops or incidents, significantly reducing the risk of multi-vehicle collisions.
Question 8: What should a driver do when entering a tunnel?
- Listen to the local radio.
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and remove sunglasses, if you are wearing them. (Correct answer)
- Switch on your hazard warning lights.
- Switch on your full headlights.
Correct answer: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and remove sunglasses, if you are wearing them.
Upon entering a tunnel, a driver should keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and remove sunglasses if they are wearing them. Removing sunglasses is vital because tunnels are typically darker than outside, and sunglasses would severely impair your vision. Maintaining a safe distance allows for better reaction time in the confined space of the tunnel.
Question 9: When driving through a tunnel what should a driver do?
- Register at the first tunnel station.
- Keep further back than normal from the vehicle in front. (Correct answer)
- Drive compact to the vehicle in front.
- Wear sunglasses, if available, to prevent glare from the lights.
Correct answer: Keep further back than normal from the vehicle in front.
When driving through a tunnel, it is important to keep further back than normal from the vehicle in front. The enclosed environment of a tunnel means that sudden stops or incidents can escalate quickly, and there are fewer opportunities for evasive action. An increased following distance provides a greater safety margin and more time to react to unexpected events.
Question 10: What should a driver do if there is traffic congestion in a tunnel?
- Leave the vehicle.
- Switch on hazard warning lights. (Correct answer)
- Stop at the nearest emergency exit.
- Keep close to the vehicle in front.
Correct answer: Switch on hazard warning lights.
If there is traffic congestion in a tunnel, a driver should switch on their hazard warning lights. This action immediately alerts drivers behind you to the slowing or stopped traffic ahead, which is crucial in the potentially reduced visibility of a tunnel. Using hazard lights helps prevent rear-end collisions and improves overall safety within the confined space.
Question 11: What should a driver do if traffic comes to a halt in a tunnel?
- Select a low gear, and keep the engine ticking over.
- Only give hand signals.
- Switch on your fog lights.
- Switch off the engine.
If traffic comes to a halt in a tunnel, especially for an extended period, a driver should switch off the engine. This action helps to reduce the build-up of harmful exhaust fumes within the enclosed tunnel environment, improving air quality for all occupants. It also conserves fuel and prevents unnecessary engine idling.
Question 12: What should a driver do if their vehicle breaks down or they are involved in a collision in a tunnel?
- Beckon other traffic to overtake.
- Switch on hazard warning lights and walk to emergency station to call for help. (Correct answer)
- Switch on your hazard warning lights - ONLY.
- Call for help from an emergency station - ONLY.
Correct answer: Switch on hazard warning lights and walk to emergency station to call for help.
If your vehicle breaks down or is involved in a collision in a tunnel, you should immediately switch on your hazard warning lights to alert other drivers. After ensuring it's safe, you should then walk to the nearest emergency station or telephone point to call for help. This ensures your safety by getting you out of the immediate danger zone and allows you to contact authorities quickly.
Question 13: What should a driver do if their vehicle breaks down in a tunnel?
- Wait in the vehicle until help arrives.
- Flag down a passing motorist and ask for help.
- Walk to the end of the tunnel and call the police.
- Use the emergency telephone to call for help. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Use the emergency telephone to call for help.
If your vehicle breaks down in a tunnel, the correct action is to use the emergency telephone to call for help. These telephones are strategically placed within tunnels and connect directly to the tunnel control centre, allowing for immediate and precise communication of your location and situation. This ensures that appropriate assistance can be dispatched quickly and efficiently.
Question 14: What should a driver do in the event of a breakdown or incident in a tunnel?
- Switch on hazard lights and stop as close to the left-hand side as possible. (Correct answer)
- Reverse the vehicle, if necessary, to make room from over taking traffic.
- Beckon other traffic to overtake.
- Hitch a lift to the nearest service area and get help.
Correct answer: Switch on hazard lights and stop as close to the left-hand side as possible.
In the event of a breakdown or incident in a tunnel, a driver should switch on their hazard lights and stop as close to the left-hand side of the road as possible. This action makes your vehicle visible to other drivers and emergency services, while positioning it to minimize obstruction to traffic flow. Clearing the main carriageway helps maintain safety and allows for easier access for assistance.
Question 15: What should a driver do if their vehicle goes on fire in a tunnel?
- Wait for the tunnel traffic radio to announce procedure.
- Drive to nearest tunnel lay-by.
- Drive to the nearest emergency exit.
- Leave the vehicle and follow the emergency escape route. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Leave the vehicle and follow the emergency escape route.
If your vehicle catches fire in a tunnel, the most critical action is to immediately leave the vehicle and follow the emergency escape route. Tunnel fires produce toxic smoke and intense heat, making it extremely dangerous to remain inside or near the vehicle. Emergency escape routes are clearly marked and designed to lead you to safety away from the immediate danger.
Question 16: When approaching a junction where a pedestrian is crossing the road what should a driver do?
- Wave the pedestrian on.
- Yield right of way to the pedestrian. (Correct answer)
- Carry on because the pedestrian only has right-of-way at a pedestrian crossing.
- Sound the horn as a warning of your appoach.
Correct answer: Yield right of way to the pedestrian.
When approaching a junction where a pedestrian is crossing the road, a driver must yield right of way to the pedestrian. Pedestrians are vulnerable road users and have priority when crossing at junctions, regardless of whether there is a marked crossing or not. This rule ensures their safety and prevents potential accidents.
Question 17: What should a driver do if their progress is hindered by a cyclist ahead?
- Drive close behind to encourage the cyclist to pull in.
- Stay well back until there is an opportunity to overtake safely. (Correct answer)
- Sound the horn to encourage the cyclist to move over.
- Try to squeeze past the cyclist despite oncoming traffic.
Correct answer: Stay well back until there is an opportunity to overtake safely.
If your progress is hindered by a cyclist ahead, you should stay well back until there is a clear and safe opportunity to overtake. Cyclists are vulnerable road users and require ample space, typically at least 1.5 meters, when being overtaken. Patience ensures you can pass them safely without putting them at risk, especially if there's oncoming traffic or hazards.
Question 18: When stopped at traffic lights and the green light comes on but pedestrians are still crossing the road, what should a driver do?
- Signal the pedestrains to warn them of the light's changing and move out when it changes.
- Sound the horn as a warning to them that the lights are about to change.
- Inch forward in your vehicle to encourage them to complete the crossing quickly.
- Wait as long as necessary to enable them to complete the crossing. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Wait as long as necessary to enable them to complete the crossing.
If the traffic light turns green but pedestrians are still crossing the road, a driver must wait as long as necessary for them to complete their crossing. Pedestrians always have priority in such situations, and it is illegal and dangerous to proceed or pressure them. Ensuring their safety is paramount, even if it means a slight delay.
Question 19: What should a driver do when they see a slow moving vehicle up ahead being driven by a learner driver?
- Quickly overtake the vehicle to avoid being delayed.
- Be patient and allow extra time to the driver if necessary. (Correct answer)
- Sound the horn to encourage the driver to speed up.
- Drive close behind the vehicle to encourage the driver to speed up.
Correct answer: Be patient and allow extra time to the driver if necessary.
When encountering a slow-moving vehicle driven by a learner driver, it is essential to be patient and allow them extra time and space. Learner drivers are still developing their skills and confidence, and rushing or pressuring them can lead to mistakes or dangerous situations. Maintaining a calm and understanding approach contributes to road safety for everyone.
Question 20: What should a driver do when they see a slow moving vehicle up ahead being driven by a learner driver?
- Stay back until the driver can overtake safely. (Correct answer)
- Drive close behind the vehicle in front and flash your headlights.
- Overtake the vehicle as quickly as possible.
- Sound the horn to encourage the driver to pull in.
Correct answer: Stay back until the driver can overtake safely.
When you see a slow-moving vehicle ahead being driven by a learner driver, you should stay back until you can overtake safely. Learner drivers may be unpredictable or make sudden movements, so maintaining a safe following distance is crucial. This patience allows you to assess the situation and choose an opportune moment to overtake without putting the learner or yourself at risk.
Question 21: What way is an inexperienced learner driver likely to react in traffic situations?
- The same as an experienced driver.
- Slower then an experienced driver. (Correct answer)
- More correctly then an experienced driver.
- More quickly then an experienced driver.
Correct answer: Slower then an experienced driver.
An inexperienced learner driver is likely to react slower than an experienced driver in traffic situations. This is due to their lack of experience, which means they take longer to observe, process information, and make decisions. Other drivers should anticipate this slower reaction time and adjust their driving accordingly to ensure safety.
Question 22: A driver sees a cyclist Just ahead who is about to overtake a parked vehicle There is no oncoming traffic, what should a driver do?
- Allow the cyclist to overtake the parked vehicle and then proceed. (Correct answer)
- Overtake the cyclist before the cyclist has a chance to overtake the parked vehicle.
- Allow enough clearance to overtake both the parked vehicle and the cyclist together.
- Expect the cyclist to go on the inside of the vehicle.
Correct answer: Allow the cyclist to overtake the parked vehicle and then proceed.
When a driver sees a cyclist ahead who is about to overtake a parked vehicle, they should allow the cyclist to complete this maneuver before proceeding. Cyclists require sufficient space to safely move around obstacles, and giving them priority prevents forcing them into a dangerous position. This patient approach ensures the safety of the vulnerable cyclist.
Question 23: In slow-moving traffic in a built-up area, what should a driver do when approaching a pedestrian crossing?
- Drive close up behind the vehicle in front and move forward when it moves.
- Avoid obstructing the pedestrian crossing only if there are pedestrians on the crossing.
- Time their stop\/start movements to avoid obstructing the pedestrian crossing. (Correct answer)
- Stop your vehicle on the pedestrian crossing if necessary.
Correct answer: Time their stop\/start movements to avoid obstructing the pedestrian crossing.
In slow-moving traffic in a built-up area, a driver approaching a pedestrian crossing must time their stop/start movements to avoid obstructing it. It is illegal and dangerous to stop on a pedestrian crossing, as it prevents pedestrians from using it safely and freely. This requires anticipating traffic flow and leaving enough space to stop before the crossing if necessary.
Question 24: At road junctions, what type of road users are particularly vulnerable?
- Minibus or van drivers.
- Tractor drivers.
- Car drivers.
- Motorcyclists. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Motorcyclists.
At road junctions, motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable road users. Their smaller size makes them less visible to other drivers, especially when turning or changing lanes, leading to the 'looked but failed to see' phenomenon. Additionally, motorcyclists have no protective shell like car drivers, making them highly susceptible to serious injury in a collision.
Question 25: At road junctions, what type of road users are particularly vulnerable?
- Minibus or van drivers.
- Tractor drivers.
- Pedestrians. (Correct answer)
- Car drivers.
Correct answer: Pedestrians.
Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable at road junctions because they lack the protection of a vehicle and are often less visible to drivers. When vehicles are turning or merging, there's a higher risk of collision with pedestrians, who can suffer serious injuries.
In what direction should a driver turn when entering a roundabout?