Ireland Driving Test 21 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What should a driver do when driving at night on an unlit road?

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

Correct answer: Watch out for cars parked on the left.

When driving at night on an unlit road, visibility is severely reduced. Cars parked on the left side of the road (in countries with left-hand traffic like Ireland) can be unexpected obstacles. Drivers must be vigilant and anticipate such hazards to avoid collisions, as they may not be easily visible until close range.

Question 2: What should a driver do when driving at night on an unlit road?

Watch out for stray animals or livestock. (Correct answer)
Maintain their speed when meeting oncoming traffic.
Drive on the centre of the road.
Drive as close as possible to the line of reflective studs.

Correct answer: Watch out for stray animals or livestock.

Driving at night on an unlit road means significantly reduced visibility, making it difficult to spot unexpected hazards. Stray animals or livestock can suddenly appear on the road, posing a serious collision risk. Drivers must be extra cautious and prepared to react quickly to prevent accidents involving animals.

Question 3: What could happen if a driver parks on a footpath?

The suspension could be weakened.
The tyres could lose air pressure.
Traffic could be impeded.
Pedestrians could be impeded. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pedestrians could be impeded.

Parking on a footpath is illegal and inconsiderate because it obstructs the path intended for pedestrians. This forces pedestrians, including those with prams, wheelchairs, or visual impairments, into the road, creating a dangerous situation and impeding their safe movement. It prioritizes vehicle convenience over pedestrian safety.

Question 4: What should a driver do when driving along and there is a cyclist on the road up ahead?

Check the mirrors, indicate in good time and move out if it is safe to do so. (Correct answer)
Indicate, check the mirror and move out.
Indicate, move out and check the mirror for following traffic.
Use your mirrors, and move out to overtake without indicating.

Correct answer: Check the mirrors, indicate in good time and move out if it is safe to do so.

When overtaking a cyclist, safety is paramount, and a methodical approach is required. Checking mirrors ensures awareness of following traffic, indicating in good time communicates your intentions, and only moving out when safe ensures ample space for the cyclist and avoids sudden maneuvers. This sequence minimizes risk to all road users.

Question 5: If indicators are not fitted or are not working, how should signals be given?

It is not necessary to give signals provided you look around.
Your position on the road is a signal in itself.
By hand, clearly and in good time. (Correct answer)
Verbally, out you window.

Correct answer: By hand, clearly and in good time.

If a vehicle's indicators are not working or not fitted, drivers are legally required to use clear and timely hand signals to communicate their intentions. This ensures other road users understand planned maneuvers like turning or stopping. Relying on road position alone or verbal signals is insufficient and unsafe.

Question 6: What should a driver do when travelling on a country road with following traffic, and they meet pedestrians?

Flash their lights so that following traffic might see the pedestrian.
Leave a minimum safety clearance of 25 centimeters.
Signal to following traffic their intention to overtake the pedestrians. (Correct answer)
Gesture to the pedestrian to move in off the road.

Correct answer: Signal to following traffic their intention to overtake the pedestrians.

When encountering pedestrians on a country road with following traffic, it's crucial to communicate your intentions to the drivers behind you. Signaling your intention to overtake the pedestrians allows following traffic to anticipate your maneuver and adjust their speed and position accordingly. This prevents sudden braking or unsafe overtaking attempts by others, enhancing overall road safety.

Question 7: In relation to cyclists and pedestrians, what should a driver be aware of when driving on dark winter mornings and evenings on unlit country' roads?

Car has the correct tyre pressure.
They will always be wearing reflective clothing and lighting.
Cyclists are much more vulnerable in poor lighting conditions. (Correct answer)
Cyclists are less vulnerable in poor lighting conditions.

Correct answer: Cyclists are much more vulnerable in poor lighting conditions.

On dark winter mornings and evenings, especially on unlit country roads, visibility is severely compromised. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable because they are smaller, less stable, and often less visible than cars, even with lights and reflective gear. Drivers must exercise extreme caution and be prepared for their presence.

Question 8: In relation to cyclists and pedestrians, what should a driver be aware of when driving on dark winter mornings and evenings on unlit country' roads?

Car tyres have the correct tyre pressure.
Cyclist and pedestrians will always be visible.
A driver should take extra care for cyclists and pedestrians in the countryside as they may not be clearly visible. (Correct answer)
Cyclists and pedestrians are less vulnerable in poor lighting conditions.

Correct answer: A driver should take extra care for cyclists and pedestrians in the countryside as they may not be clearly visible.

Dark winter mornings and evenings on unlit country roads create very poor visibility conditions. Cyclists and pedestrians may not be clearly visible, especially if they are not wearing reflective clothing or do not have adequate lighting. Therefore, drivers must take extra care, reduce speed, and be highly vigilant to spot them in time.

Question 9: In relation to pedestrians, what should a driver be aware of when driving on dark winter mornings and evenings?

There will be no pedestrians on the road.
That there could be vulnerable pedestrians walking in the countryside. (Correct answer)
Have no effect on your ability to see vulnerable pedestrians.
All pedestrians in the countryside will be wearing reflective armbands and bright clothing, and will be clearly visible to you.

Correct answer: That there could be vulnerable pedestrians walking in the countryside.

During dark winter mornings and evenings, reduced light conditions make it much harder to see pedestrians, especially in rural areas without streetlights or footpaths. Drivers must anticipate that vulnerable pedestrians could be walking on the road and adjust their driving to ensure their safety. It's crucial not to assume the road is clear.

Question 10: In relation to pedestrians, what should a driver be aware of when driving on dark winter mornings and evenings?

Stray animals may be on the road.
Schoolchildren are more vulnerable on unlit country roads on dark winter mornings and evenings. (Correct answer)
You should drive with full headlights at all times in order to see pedestrians walking on unlit country roads.
You should anticipate that any pedestrians up ahead will be on a footpath and will be free from danger from your vehicle.

Correct answer: Schoolchildren are more vulnerable on unlit country roads on dark winter mornings and evenings.

Schoolchildren are particularly vulnerable pedestrians, especially on unlit country roads during dark winter mornings and evenings. Their smaller stature and potential lack of awareness of traffic, combined with poor visibility, significantly increase their risk. Drivers must be extra vigilant and reduce speed in areas where children might be present.

Question 11: What drivers are required to display L-plates on their vehicle?

Learner drivers who are accompanied by the holder of a full licence in the relevant category.
Drivers who have less than two years driving experience.
Drivers on their second Learner Permit.
All learner permit holders except those driving agricultural tractors and works vehicles. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All learner permit holders except those driving agricultural tractors and works vehicles.

In Ireland, all learner permit holders, with the specific exception of those driving agricultural tractors and works vehicles, are legally required to display L-plates. This regulation serves to identify inexperienced drivers to other road users, encouraging caution and awareness around them. It's a key part of road safety for new drivers.

Question 12: What restriction will be noted on a driver’s full licence if they have passed their test on a vehicle with automatic transmission?

They may not tow a trailer.
They may not drive at speeds of more than 80 km\/h.
They must continue to display 'L' plates.
They may not drive vehicles with manual transmission. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They may not drive vehicles with manual transmission.

If a driver passes their test using a vehicle with automatic transmission, their full licence will carry a restriction. This means they are only qualified to drive automatic vehicles and are not legally permitted to drive vehicles with manual transmission, as they have not demonstrated the necessary skills for operating a clutch and gear stick.

Question 13: What roads are learner permit holders allowed to drive on?

All roads.
All roads except motorways and dual-carriageways.
All roads except motorways. (Correct answer)
All roads except dual-carriageways.

Correct answer: All roads except motorways.

In Ireland, learner permit holders are prohibited from driving on motorways. This restriction is in place due to the higher speeds, complex traffic conditions, and increased risks associated with motorway driving, which are deemed unsuitable for inexperienced drivers. They are allowed on other road types, including dual-carriageways, but not motorways.

Question 14: How should an L-plate be composed?

A white L on a yellow background.
A green L on a white background.
A red L on a transparent background.
A red L on a white background. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A red L on a white background.

In Ireland, an L-plate must be composed of a red 'L' on a white background. This specific design and colour scheme are legally mandated to ensure consistency and immediate recognition by other road users. It helps clearly identify a learner driver on the road.

Question 15: Which roads are Learner Permit holders not allowed to drive on?

They may not drive on dual-carriageways.
They may drive on all roads.
They may not drive on national primary roads.
They may not drive on motorways. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They may not drive on motorways.

Learner Permit holders in Ireland are specifically prohibited from driving on motorways. This rule is in place to protect inexperienced drivers and other road users from the challenges of high-speed, complex motorway driving. They are permitted on other road types, including dual-carriageways, but motorways are strictly off-limits.

Question 16: Where can drivers locate the Gross Vehicle Weight of their vehicle?

On a metal plate in the vehicle. (Correct answer)
On the tachograph.
On the insurance disc.
On the Tax Disc.

Correct answer: On a metal plate in the vehicle.

The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of a vehicle, which specifies its maximum permissible operating weight, is typically found on a metal plate or sticker. This plate is usually located in a prominent position within the vehicle, such as the door jamb, under the bonnet, or in the boot, and contains important vehicle specifications.

Question 17: Is it permitted to use a vehicle in a public place without a current tax disc displayed?

Yes, but for not more than one month after the expiry of the previous disc.
No. all motor vehicles must be taxed before the vehicle is taken on the road. (Correct answer)
Yes, but for not more than 14 days after the expiry of the previous disc.
Yes, but for not more than 10 days after the expiry of the previous disc.

Correct answer: No. all motor vehicles must be taxed before the vehicle is taken on the road.

In Ireland, it is a legal requirement for all motor vehicles used in a public place to have a current and valid tax disc displayed. There is no grace period after the expiry of the previous disc; driving without a current tax disc is an offence. Vehicles must be taxed before being taken on the road.

Question 18: If a driver wishes to drive a vehicle but the tax disc is expired, what should they do?

Notify the Gardai.
Drive it only in case of an emergency.
They should not drive it. (Correct answer)
Renew it within 10 days or expiry.

Correct answer: They should not drive it.

Driving a vehicle with an expired tax disc on a public road is illegal in Ireland. There is no grace period or exception for emergencies; the vehicle must be taxed before it is used. The driver should renew the tax before driving the vehicle.

Question 19: If a driver wishes to drive another vehicle which is not currently taxed, would they be allowed to transfer the current tax disc from their own vehicle onto it?

Only when the proper form has been completed.
No. Tax discs are not transferable. (Correct answer)
Yes, on a temporary basis.
Yes, provided your own vehicle is not being used at the same time.

Correct answer: No. Tax discs are not transferable.

Tax discs are issued for a specific vehicle and are not transferable to another vehicle. Each vehicle must have its own valid and current tax disc displayed. Attempting to transfer a tax disc from one vehicle to another is illegal and will not make the second vehicle legally taxed.

Question 20: When a vehicle is being driven by a person who is not its owner, who should ensure that the correct tax disc is displayed?

The driver, where not the owner.
The driver and the owner of the vehicle are equally responsible. (Correct answer)
The owner, where not the driver.
The government.

Correct answer: The driver and the owner of the vehicle are equally responsible.

Both the driver and the owner of a vehicle share legal responsibility for ensuring that a current tax disc is displayed when the vehicle is used in a public place. Even if the driver is not the owner, they are still liable for this legal requirement. This ensures accountability for vehicle compliance.

Question 21: When must a current tax disc be displayed on a new vehicle on a public road?

At all times. (Correct answer)
Not later than 3 months after registration.
Only when driving on motorways.
Not later than 6 months after registration.

Correct answer: At all times.

A current tax disc must be displayed on a new vehicle on a public road at all times, just like any other vehicle. There is no grace period for new vehicles after registration; they must be taxed before being used. This ensures all vehicles on public roads are compliant from the outset.

Question 22: Who may demand to see a driver’s vehicle registration document\/vehicle licensing certificate?

Any person with whom you are involved in an accident.
Any garda. (Correct answer)
Anyone.
Any traffic Warden.

Correct answer: Any garda.

In Ireland, only a Garda (Irish police officer) has the legal authority to demand to see a driver’s vehicle registration document or vehicle licensing certificate. This is part of their powers to enforce road traffic legislation and verify vehicle ownership and compliance. No other individual or authority has this right.

Question 23: When a vehicle is being driven by a person who is not its owner but who has the owner’s consent, who should ensure that the vehicle is properly insured?

Both the driver and the vehicle owner. (Correct answer)
The vehicle owner only.
The driver only.
The drivers closest relative.

Correct answer: Both the driver and the vehicle owner.

When a vehicle is driven by someone other than the owner, both the driver and the owner are legally responsible for ensuring that the vehicle is properly insured. The owner must ensure the vehicle has valid insurance, and the driver must ensure they are covered to drive it. This dual responsibility ensures comprehensive legal compliance.

Ireland Driving Test 21

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