Ireland Driving Test 20 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: At road junctions, what type of road users are particularly vulnerable?

Minibus or van drivers.
Cyclists. (Correct answer)
Tractor drivers.
Car drivers.

Correct answer: Cyclists.

Cyclists are highly vulnerable at road junctions because they are less visible than larger vehicles and lack the protective frame of a car. Drivers making turns or changing lanes can easily overlook cyclists, leading to a high risk of serious collisions.

Question 2: At traffic lights, a driver should take particular care for which road users coming up on the left?

Buses or vans.
Cars.
Cyclists. (Correct answer)
Tractors.

Correct answer: Cyclists.

Cyclists often filter through traffic on the left side, making them less visible to drivers, especially when a driver intends to turn left. Drivers must always check their left blind spot and mirrors at traffic lights to avoid colliding with cyclists who may be alongside or approaching.

Question 3: At traffic lights, a driver should take particular care for which road users coming up on the left?

Buses or vans.
Motorcyclists. (Correct answer)
Cars.
Tractors.

Correct answer: Motorcyclists.

Motorcyclists, like cyclists, can be less visible than cars and may filter through traffic on the left side. Drivers must exercise extra caution and check their left blind spot at traffic lights to ensure they don't overlook a motorcyclist, preventing potential collisions.

Question 4: What should a driver do if the traffic light changes to green while pedestrians are still crossing at traffic lights or at a pelican crossing?

Wait patiently and let them cross at ease. (Correct answer)
Rev your engine to encourage them to hurry along.
Beckon them along as quickly as possible.
Move off slowly.

Correct answer: Wait patiently and let them cross at ease.

Pedestrians who are already crossing when the light changes have the right of way and must be allowed to complete their crossing safely. It is crucial for drivers to prioritize pedestrian safety and avoid any actions that could rush or endanger them.

Question 5: When a driver intends to make a left-hand turn on a busy city street junction and there are pedestrians and cyclists around, what should a driver do?

Signal left, watch the right-hand mirror and make the turn when it is clear.
Watch for cyclists or pedestrians who may try to cross the road in front of the vehicle. (Correct answer)
Stay tight on the left so as to prevent cyclists or pedestrians coming up your left side.
Honk your horn.

Correct answer: Watch for cyclists or pedestrians who may try to cross the road in front of the vehicle.

When making a left turn, drivers must be highly aware of vulnerable road users who might be crossing the road they are turning into or filtering on the left. Actively looking for cyclists and pedestrians prevents collisions and ensures a safe maneuver.

Question 6: When a driver intends to make a left-hand turn on a busy city street junction and there are pedestrians and cyclists around, what should a driver do?

Stay tight on the left so as to prevent cyclists or pedestrians coming up your left side.
Watch for cyclists or pedestrians on the left. (Correct answer)
Signal left, watch the right-hand mirror and make the turn when it is clear.
Honk your horn.

Correct answer: Watch for cyclists or pedestrians on the left.

When making a left turn, cyclists and pedestrians can often approach or position themselves on the left side of a vehicle, entering the driver's blind spot. Actively checking for them is crucial to prevent 'left hook' collisions where the turning vehicle cuts across their path.

Question 7: When a driver intends to make a left-hand turn on a busy city street junction and there are pedestrians and cyclists around, what should a driver do?

Allow comfort space for any pedestrian on the left. (Correct answer)
Stay tight on the left so as to prevent cyclists or pedestrians coming up your left side.
Signal left, watch the right-hand mirror and make the turn when it is clear.
Honk your horn.

Correct answer: Allow comfort space for any pedestrian on the left.

When turning left, it's essential to give pedestrians ample space, especially if they are on the pavement or crossing. This 'comfort space' accounts for potential sudden movements and ensures their safety, preventing them from feeling rushed or endangered by the turning vehicle.

Question 8: In slow-moving city traffic, a driver should occasionally check their blind spots for which road users in particular?

Cyclists. (Correct answer)
Other large vehicles.
Horse drawn carriages.
Taxis.

Correct answer: Cyclists.

In slow-moving city traffic, cyclists often weave between stationary or slow-moving vehicles, making them prone to appearing in blind spots. Regular checks of blind spots are vital to detect cyclists and prevent collisions, especially before changing lanes or turning.

Question 9: In slow-moving city traffic, a driver should occasionally check their blind spots for which road users in particular?

Other large vehicles.
Motorcyclists. (Correct answer)
Parking bays.
Taxis.

Correct answer: Motorcyclists.

Motorcyclists frequently filter through slow-moving traffic, positioning themselves in gaps or alongside vehicles, which can place them in a driver's blind spot. Frequent checks of mirrors and blind spots are essential to detect their presence and prevent collisions during lane changes or maneuvers.

Question 10: In slow-moving city traffic a driver should occasionally check their blind spots for which road users in particular?

Proceed if you can edge your way through.
Tell them to be careful and wave them across.
Beckon them to return to the side.
Pedestrians. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pedestrians.

In slow-moving city traffic, pedestrians may attempt to cross the road at unexpected points, assuming vehicles will stop or move slowly enough for them. Drivers must constantly scan for pedestrians who might step out, as they are highly vulnerable in traffic.

Question 11: What should a driver do when approaching a junction with green traffic lights where there are elderly people crossing?

Sound the horn to warn them that you are approaching and maintain your speed.
Increase speed to pass quickly.
Allow them to cross in their own time. (Correct answer)
Increase engine noise to warn the person of your approach.

Correct answer: Allow them to cross in their own time.

Elderly pedestrians may take longer to cross the road due to reduced mobility, and they have the right of way if they are already crossing. Drivers must show patience and allow them to complete their crossing safely without any pressure or perceived threat.

Question 12: If the traffic lights change while pedestrians are still crossing at pelican crossings or traffic lights, what should a driver do?

Increase speed to pass quickly.
Wait patiently and let them cross with ease. (Correct answer)
Sound the horn to warn them that you are approaching and maintain your speed.
Increase engine noise to warn the person of your approach.

Correct answer: Wait patiently and let them cross with ease.

If pedestrians are still crossing when the traffic light changes, they have the right of way and must be allowed to complete their crossing safely. Drivers should prioritize pedestrian safety, waiting patiently to avoid any actions that could rush or endanger them.

Question 13: What should a driver do if they see an elderly person crossing the road up ahead?

Increase engine noise to warn the person of your approach.
Sound the horn to warn them that you are approaching and maintain your speed.
Reduce speed and let the person to complete the crossing safely. (Correct answer)
Increase speed to pass quickly.

Correct answer: Reduce speed and let the person to complete the crossing safely.

Elderly pedestrians may have slower reaction times and reduced mobility, making them more vulnerable on the road. Reducing speed and allowing them ample time to cross safely demonstrates responsible driving and prioritizes their safety.

Question 14: What should a driver do if while driving at 80 km\/h they see children on the road ahead?

Maintain your speed.
Sound the horn to warn them of your approach and maintain your speed.
Turn on your headlights.
Reduce speed and prepare to stop if necessary. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Reduce speed and prepare to stop if necessary.

Children are unpredictable and may run into the road without warning, making them extremely vulnerable. Reducing speed significantly and being prepared to stop immediately is crucial to react safely to any sudden movements and prevent accidents.

Question 15: What should a driver do when they see children just ahead on the road?

Give them a wide clearance and be prepared to slow down if necessary. (Correct answer)
Keep your course as the noise of the engine will make them keep in.
Flash your lights and sound your horn to warn them of your approach.
Flash your lights to warn them of your presence and maintain your present speed.

Correct answer: Give them a wide clearance and be prepared to slow down if necessary.

Children are unpredictable and may make sudden movements into the road. Giving them a wide clearance provides a safety buffer, and being prepared to slow down or stop allows a driver to react effectively to any unexpected actions, prioritizing their safety.

Question 16: When driving on a windy day and a cyclist is up ahead, what should a driver do?

Allow extra clearance in case the cyclist is blown off course. (Correct answer)
Expect the cyclist to be alert and to keep in ot the left.
Maintain your course but sound the horn as a warning.
Maintain your course but prepare to swerve around the cyclist if necessary.

Correct answer: Allow extra clearance in case the cyclist is blown off course.

Strong winds can cause cyclists to wobble or be unexpectedly pushed sideways, making them unstable. Allowing extra clearance provides a safe buffer, preventing a collision if the cyclist is suddenly blown off their intended path.

Question 17: What should a driver do when overtaking a cyclist?

Allow extra clearance in case the cyclist swerves suddenly. (Correct answer)
Sound the horn as a warning and overtake the cyclist as quickly as possible.
Drive close to the cyclist and overtake promptly.
Sound the horn as a warning.

Correct answer: Allow extra clearance in case the cyclist swerves suddenly.

Cyclists may need to swerve suddenly to avoid potholes, drain covers, or other hazards, or due to wind. Providing extra clearance when overtaking gives them the necessary space to maneuver safely and prevents a collision if they deviate from their path.

Question 18: What should a driver do when they see joggers ahead on the left?

The driver should sound the horn and flash it's lights to warn them of their presence.
Expect them to move in so the driver can pass them by.
Indicate, use the mirrors and overtake allowing sufficient clearance.
Check the mirrors, indicate and overtake the joggers allowing them sufficient clearance. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Check the mirrors, indicate and overtake the joggers allowing them sufficient clearance.

Joggers are vulnerable road users who may not always be aware of approaching vehicles. The correct procedure for overtaking any vulnerable road user involves checking mirrors, signaling intentions, and providing ample space to ensure a safe pass without startling or endangering them.

Question 19: When driving on a road that has a potholed surface and there is a cyclist ahead, what should a driver do?

Allow extra clearance in case the cyclist swerves out to avoid a pothole. (Correct answer)
Change to a lower gear and overtake quickly.
Expect the cyclist to keep to the left and maintain your speed.
Maintain your course and sound your horn to alert the cyclist of your approach.

Correct answer: Allow extra clearance in case the cyclist swerves out to avoid a pothole.

Potholes and uneven surfaces pose a significant hazard for cyclists, often forcing them to swerve unexpectedly to avoid them. Providing extra clearance when driving near a cyclist on such a road gives them the necessary space to maneuver safely without risking a collision.

Question 20: What precautions should a driver take in relation to pedestrians when driving in slow-moving traffic?

Watch for pedestrians who may cross the road in front of your vehicle. (Correct answer)
Allow them to cross the road only at pedestrian crossings.
Rev your engine occasionally as a warning.
Do not leave a gap between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.

Correct answer: Watch for pedestrians who may cross the road in front of your vehicle.

In slow-moving traffic, pedestrians may perceive it as safe to cross the road, even outside designated crossings, due to the reduced vehicle speeds. Drivers must remain vigilant and anticipate such behavior to prevent accidents.

Question 21: What should a driver be aware of when making a left-hand turn?

Check for pedestrians or cyclists who may have come up on the inside. (Correct answer)
Following traffic must have room to overtake.
Cyclists might come up on the 'outside'.
You should approach with the nearside wheels brushing against the kerb.

Correct answer: Check for pedestrians or cyclists who may have come up on the inside.

When making a left-hand turn, pedestrians and cyclists can often approach or position themselves on the left side of a vehicle, entering the driver's blind spot. It is crucial to check this area thoroughly to prevent 'left hook' collisions where the turning vehicle cuts across their path.

Question 22: When driving through a residential area, what particular hazards should a driver be aware of?

Vehicles may drive or reverse onto the road. (Correct answer)
Minimum loading limits may apply.
All the traffic may be slow moving.
Parking fees may apply.

Correct answer: Vehicles may drive or reverse onto the road.

Residential areas often have many driveways and parked cars, meaning vehicles can unexpectedly enter or reverse onto the road at any time. Drivers must be vigilant and anticipate such movements to avoid collisions and ensure safety.

Question 23: When driving through a residential area, what particular hazards should a driver be aware of?

Obey the speed limit and maintain their course.
Switch on the hazard warning lights.
Children or residents may come out suddenly. (Correct answer)
Parking fees may apply.

Correct answer: Children or residents may come out suddenly.

Residential areas are places where people live, and children playing or residents moving about can unexpectedly enter the roadway. Drivers must be extra cautious, reduce speed, and be prepared to stop to prevent accidents involving vulnerable individuals.

Question 24: When driving on a country road without footpaths, what should a driver look out for coming towards them on their side of the road?

Pedestrians. (Correct answer)
Motorcycles.
Cyclists.
Tractors.

Correct answer: Pedestrians.

On country roads without footpaths, pedestrians are forced to walk on the road itself, often facing oncoming traffic. This makes them highly vulnerable, and drivers must be particularly vigilant for their presence, especially around bends or in poor visibility.

Question 25: What should a driver do when driving at night on an unlit road?

Drive as close as possible to the line of reflective studs.
Watch out for pedestrians wearing dark clothing. (Correct answer)
Drive on the centre of the road.
Maintain their speed when meeting oncoming traffic.

Correct answer: Watch out for pedestrians wearing dark clothing.

Driving at night on an unlit road significantly reduces visibility, making it difficult to spot hazards. Pedestrians, especially those wearing dark clothing, are particularly vulnerable and hard to see. Therefore, a driver must be extra vigilant and actively watch out for them to prevent accidents.

Ireland Driving Test 20

At road junctions, what type of road users are particularly vulnerable?