Ireland Driving Test 7 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What does this road marking mean?

You have right-of-way over traffic from both right and left.
Traffic from right and left have the right-of-way.
Taxi pick-up area.
A driver must not enter unless turning right or the exit is clear. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A driver must not enter unless turning right or the exit is clear.

This describes a yellow box junction. Drivers must not enter the yellow box unless their exit road or lane is clear, or they are turning right and are waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic. The purpose of a yellow box junction is to prevent gridlock and ensure that traffic can flow freely through the intersection.

Question 2: What does this road marking mean?

You may overtake.
A driver must not cross the line. (Correct answer)
You are approaching a stop sign.
Road narrows ahead.

Correct answer: A driver must not cross the line.

A continuous white line in the middle of the road signifies that drivers must not cross it. This marking is used in areas where it is unsafe to overtake or change lanes, such as on bends, near junctions, or where visibility is restricted. Crossing a continuous white line is a serious offense and can lead to dangerous situations.

Question 3: What do white arrows painted on the road indicate?

The lane drivers should use for the direction they intent to take. (Correct answer)
Left and right-hand lanes are for buses only.
Heavy vehicles should separate from lighter traffic.
Traffic flow divides at roadworks ahead.

Correct answer: The lane drivers should use for the direction they intent to take.

White arrows painted on the road surface are lane indications, guiding drivers into the correct lane for their intended direction of travel (e.g., straight, left turn, right turn). These arrows help manage traffic flow at junctions and ensure drivers are in the appropriate position well in advance. Drivers should select their lane early and follow the directions indicated by these arrows.

Question 4: What does this road marking and information plate together mean?

Parking not allowed at the times shown. (Correct answer)
Parking only at times shown.
Taxi parking only outside the times shown.
Taxi parking only at the times shown.

Correct answer: Parking not allowed at the times shown.

A 'No Parking' sign (often a red circle with a diagonal line) combined with an information plate specifying times means that parking is prohibited during those particular hours. Outside of the stated times, parking may be permitted, but drivers must always check the signage carefully. This type of restriction helps manage traffic and parking demand at different times of the day.

Question 5: What does this road marking mean?

A driver must not cross the broken white line unless it is safe to do so. (Correct answer)
You may not overtake.
You may overtake provided you do not cross the broken white line.
You may not perform a reverse maneuver.

Correct answer: A driver must not cross the broken white line unless it is safe to do so.

A broken white line in the center of the road indicates that it is permissible to cross it, for example, to overtake or turn, provided it is safe to do so. Drivers must ensure there is no oncoming traffic and that they have sufficient clear road ahead before crossing. This marking allows for flexibility in traffic movement where visibility and road conditions permit.

Question 6: What could this road marking mean?

All traffic must keep to the left of the broken white lines.
Dual-carriageway ahead.
Continuous white line lies ahead. (Correct answer)
You are approaching a stop sign.

Correct answer: Continuous white line lies ahead.

A series of short, broken white lines that become progressively longer and closer together indicate that a continuous white line is approaching. This serves as a warning to drivers that overtaking or crossing the line will soon be prohibited. It signals a transition to a section of road where it is unsafe to cross the center line.

Question 7: If driving from A to B, what do these road markings mean?

A driver may cross the continuous white line only when performing a 'U'-turn.
A driver may not overtake, only motorcyclists may cross the continuous white line.
A driver may not overtake by crossing the continuous white line.
A driver may overtake if it is safe to do so. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A driver may overtake if it is safe to do so.

When driving from A to B, if the line nearest to your side of the road is a broken white line, it means you are permitted to cross it to overtake or turn, provided it is safe. The continuous white line on the other side applies to traffic coming from the opposite direction. This dual line system allows for safe overtaking in one direction while restricting it in the other.

Question 8: If driving from A to B, what do these road markings mean?

A driver may overtake by crossing the continuous white line.
A driver may not cross the lines to overtake. (Correct answer)
A driver may not overtake.
Only motorcyclists may overtake crossing the continuous white line.

Correct answer: A driver may not cross the lines to overtake.

When driving from A to B, if the line nearest to your side of the road is a continuous white line, it means you must not cross it. This prohibits overtaking or turning across the line, even if the line on the other side is broken. This restriction is in place for safety reasons, indicating that it is unsafe to cross the center line from your direction.

Question 9: What does this road marking mean?

No entry. (Correct answer)
The road ahead is a cul-de-sac.
Pedestrian crossing.
Private vehicles not allowed.

Correct answer: No entry.

A 'No Entry' road marking, typically a white bar on a red circle, is often painted on the road surface at the entrance to a one-way street or restricted area. This marking explicitly prohibits vehicles from entering that road or area from that direction. It is crucial for maintaining correct traffic flow and preventing head-on collisions.

Question 10: What does this road marking mean?

Parking prohibited at all times. (Correct answer)
Parking prohibited during business hours.
Tax parking only.
Keep outside the yellow lines.

Correct answer: Parking prohibited at all times.

Double yellow lines painted along the edge of the carriageway indicate that parking is prohibited at all times. This restriction is typically enforced in areas where parking would cause significant obstruction, safety hazards, or impede traffic flow. Drivers must not park their vehicles where double yellow lines are present.

Question 11: What does the broken yellow line road marking mean?

Lay-by ahead.
No stopping for any reason except in an emergency.
Slow lane for heavy vehicles only.
The edge of the carriageway or hard shoulder. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The edge of the carriageway or hard shoulder.

A broken yellow line along the edge of the road typically indicates the boundary of the carriageway or the start of a hard shoulder. On motorways, it marks the left edge of the main carriageway, separating it from the hard shoulder. Drivers should generally keep to the left of this line and only use the hard shoulder in emergencies or when directed.

Question 12: What does this traffic light mean?

Stop, unless it would be unsafe to do so. (Correct answer)
Stop.
Proceed if the way is clear.
Prepare to move off.

Correct answer: Stop, unless it would be unsafe to do so.

An amber traffic light (non-flashing) means that you must stop behind the stop line. However, if you are so close to the stop line when the light changes to amber that stopping safely would involve harsh braking or could cause a rear-end collision, you may proceed with caution. This rule prevents sudden and dangerous stops.

Question 13: What does this traffic light mean?

Traffic is not allowed to turn right.
The driver may proceed in the direction of the green arrow if the way is clear. (Correct answer)
All traffic must turn right.
You must stop and wait until the full green light appears.

Correct answer: The driver may proceed in the direction of the green arrow if the way is clear.

A green arrow traffic light, either alone or in conjunction with a red light, indicates that traffic may proceed in the direction shown by the arrow, provided the way is clear. This allows specific movements at an intersection while other traffic streams might be held by a red light. Drivers must still ensure the path is clear and safe before proceeding.

Question 14: What does this traffic light mean?

Traffic is not allowed to turn left.
All traffic must turn left only.
Left turning traffic may proceed if the way is clear. (Correct answer)
Traffic turning left should prepare for full green to move off.

Correct answer: Left turning traffic may proceed if the way is clear.

A green arrow pointing left at a traffic light specifically indicates that vehicles intending to turn left may proceed. This signal is often used to allow left-turning traffic to move independently of straight-through or right-turning traffic. Drivers must still ensure the junction is clear and safe before making the turn.

Question 15: What does this traffic light mean?

You may proceed.
Traffic must stop at the traffic light. (Correct answer)
You may proceed if you can do so safely.
You may stop if you can do so safely.

Correct answer: Traffic must stop at the traffic light.

A red traffic light means that all traffic facing the light must stop behind the stop line. It is a clear instruction to halt and wait for the signal to change. Failing to stop at a red light is a serious offense and highly dangerous, as it risks collision with traffic from other directions.

Question 16: What does this traffic light mean?

You must give way to any oncoming traffic turning right.
You must stop.
Traffic may proceed if the way is clear. (Correct answer)
You may proceed but not turn right.

Correct answer: Traffic may proceed if the way is clear.

A full green traffic light indicates that traffic may proceed straight ahead, turn left, or turn right, provided the way is clear and it is safe to do so. Drivers must still be aware of pedestrians and other vehicles, especially when turning, and yield right-of-way where required. It does not automatically grant absolute right-of-way.

Question 17: What colour traffic light comes on after the green?

Flashing amber.
Green arrow.
Amber only. (Correct answer)
Red only.

Correct answer: Amber only.

In a standard sequence of traffic lights, the amber light comes on after the green light. This serves as a warning to drivers that the light is about to change to red, giving them time to safely stop or clear the junction if already committed. It is followed by the red light.

Question 18: When traffic lights are green, when should a driver not proceed?

Buses are stopped waiting to turn from the road on you right.
When by doing so, your vehicle blocks the junction. (Correct answer)
Buses are stopped waiting to turn from the road on your left.
Oncoming traffic is waiting to make a left turn.

Correct answer: When by doing so, your vehicle blocks the junction.

Even if a traffic light is green, a driver must not proceed if doing so would cause their vehicle to stop within the junction, blocking the path of other traffic or pedestrians. This is known as 'blocking the box' or 'gridlocking' and is illegal and inconsiderate. Drivers should wait behind the stop line until their exit is clear.

Question 19: What does a flashing left amber arrow at a traffic light mean?

A driver may turn left but yield to traffic on the other road. (Correct answer)
A driver may turn left if the green light is also shown.
A driver may turn left.
A driver may proceed straight ahead.

Correct answer: A driver may turn left but yield to traffic on the other road.

A flashing left amber arrow at a traffic light means that drivers may turn left, but they must yield to any oncoming traffic or pedestrians. It indicates a permissive turn, where drivers can proceed with caution, but do not have absolute right-of-way. This differs from a solid green arrow, which typically grants priority.

Question 20: What colour traffic light comes on after a non-flashing amber light?

Green only.
Flashing blue light.
Red or Green.
Red only. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Red only.

After a non-flashing amber light, the next light in the sequence is always red. The amber light serves as a warning that the red light is imminent, instructing drivers to stop unless it's unsafe to do so. This sequence ensures a clear stop period before traffic from another direction receives a green light.

Question 21: What do flashing amber lights at a pelican crossing mean?

Stop and give way to pedestrians - proceed if the way is clear. (Correct answer)
You are entering a special speed limit area.
Danger ahead - you must stop and wait until they stop flashing.
Drivers have right-of-way.

Correct answer: Stop and give way to pedestrians - proceed if the way is clear.

At a pelican crossing, flashing amber lights mean that drivers must stop if there are pedestrians on the crossing or waiting to cross. Once the crossing is clear of pedestrians, drivers may proceed with caution, even if the lights are still flashing amber. This allows traffic to flow once pedestrians have safely crossed.

Question 22: What is the maximum permissible speed for cars or motorcycles on motorways?

100 km\/h.
60 km\/h.
120 km\/h. (Correct answer)
80 km\/h.

Correct answer: 120 km\/h.

In Ireland, the maximum permissible speed for cars and motorcycles on motorways is 120 km/h, unless otherwise indicated by signage. This speed limit is set for safety and efficiency on high-speed, multi-lane roads. Drivers must always adhere to posted speed limits, which can be lower in certain sections due to roadworks or specific conditions.

Question 23: What is the maximum permissible speed for cars or motorcycles on single carriageway national roads?

60 km\/h.
100 km\/h. (Correct answer)
80 km\/h.
120 km\/h.

Correct answer: 100 km\/h.

On single carriageway national roads in Ireland, the maximum permissible speed for cars and motorcycles is 100 km/h. This limit applies to roads designated as national roads that do not have physically separated carriageways. Drivers should always be aware of local signage, as lower speed limits may be in place for safety reasons, especially in built-up areas or near junctions.

Question 24: What is the maximum permissible speed of a car towing a caravan on national roads?

100 km\/h.
120 km\/h.
80 km\/h. (Correct answer)
60 km\/h.

Correct answer: 80 km\/h.

When a car is towing a caravan or any other trailer on national roads in Ireland, the maximum permissible speed is reduced to 80 km/h. This lower speed limit is enforced for safety reasons, as towing a trailer significantly increases the vehicle's length, weight, and braking distance. Adhering to this limit helps maintain stability and control, especially during braking or cornering.

Question 25: What is the maximum permissible speed of a car towing a caravan on a motorway?

120 km\/h.
100 km\/h.
90 km\/h.
80 km\/h. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 80 km\/h.

For cars towing a caravan or trailer on motorways in Ireland, the maximum permissible speed is 80 km/h. This is a specific restriction for towing vehicles, even though the general motorway limit for cars is 120 km/h. The reduced speed limit is crucial for safety, as towing affects vehicle handling, stability, and stopping distances at higher speeds.

Ireland Driving Test 7

What does this road marking mean?