Ireland Driving Test 9 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What lights indicate a zebra crossing?

Flashing amber beacons. (Correct answer)
Continuously lit amber beacons.
Flashing red beacons.
Continuously lit red beacons.

Correct answer: Flashing amber beacons.

Zebra crossings are specifically indicated by flashing amber beacons, often called Belisha beacons, positioned on poles at either side of the crossing. These flashing lights serve as a clear visual warning to drivers that they are approaching a pedestrian crossing where pedestrians have priority. This distinct signal helps ensure drivers are aware and prepared to stop.

Question 2: What do flashing amber arrows indicate?

The direction indicated is a cul-de-sac.
There is a weight restriction in the direction indicated.
Drivers are prohibited to proceed in the direction indicated.
Drivers should proceed in the direction indicated. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Drivers should proceed in the direction indicated.

Flashing amber arrows are used at junctions or traffic lights to indicate a permitted movement in the direction of the arrow. They signal to drivers that they may proceed in that specific direction, often with caution, even if the main traffic light for straight-ahead traffic is not green. This helps guide traffic flow safely through complex intersections.

Question 3: What do temporary traffic lights at road works mean?

A Driver need only obey while road workers are on site.
A Driver need not obey if there is no oncoming traffic.
A Driver must comply with the lights at all times. (Correct answer)
A Driver need not obey if a convoy of traffic is going the same direction as you.

Correct answer: A Driver must comply with the lights at all times.

Temporary traffic lights at roadworks are legally binding signals, just like permanent traffic lights. They are installed to manage traffic flow safely around hazards, protect road workers, and prevent accidents. Drivers must obey these lights at all times, regardless of whether workers are visible or if there appears to be no oncoming traffic, as the hazards remain.

Question 4: When do temporary speed limits apply at roadworks?

Only apply when the road workers are on site.
Need not be obeyed if there is no oncoming traffic.
Do not apply to earth moving vehicles being used on the road work site.
For the duration of the roadworks. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: For the duration of the roadworks.

Temporary speed limits at roadworks are put in place for the entire duration of the works, not just when workers are present. The road conditions, such as uneven surfaces, debris, or narrow lanes, pose a continuous hazard to drivers. Therefore, these limits must be observed at all times to ensure safety until the roadworks are completed and the signs are removed.

Question 5: What is the correct action to take in this situation?

Keep a close eye on the children, if necessary give a warning signal and be prepared to brake in good time. (Correct answer)
Speed up to pass the children quickly.
Continue to drive at a fast speed.
Drive closer to the left-hand kerb.

Correct answer: Keep a close eye on the children, if necessary give a warning signal and be prepared to brake in good time.

Children near the roadway are highly unpredictable and may dart into the road without warning. The correct action is to prioritize their safety by reducing speed, keeping a vigilant eye on them, and being prepared to brake immediately. A warning signal should only be used if necessary to alert them, not to startle them.

Question 6: An approaching driver notices that the boy on the children’s bicycle has said goodbye to his friend. What is the correct action for the driver to take?

Proceed as the boy is on the footpath.
Stop the car until the boy has moved off.
Be prepared for the boy setting off at any moment without paying attention to your vehicle. (Correct answer)
Slow down and beckon the boy to cross the road.

Correct answer: Be prepared for the boy setting off at any moment without paying attention to your vehicle.

Children, especially when distracted or interacting with friends, often have limited awareness of traffic. The boy saying goodbye suggests he might be about to move off on his bicycle, potentially without checking for vehicles. Drivers must anticipate this unpredictable behavior by slowing down and being ready to stop to prevent an accident.

Question 7: As the driver of the car, which conduct is correct?

A driver may proceed. (Correct answer)
A driver must drive on the right-hand side to allow clearance to the motorcyclist.
A driver must wait.
A driver must give right of way to the motorcyclist.

Correct answer: A driver may proceed.

In this specific junction scenario, the car driver has the right of way, allowing them to proceed safely. This could be due to road markings, traffic light signals, or the direction of travel (e.g., turning left while oncoming traffic is turning right). Always confirm the path is clear before proceeding, even with right of way.

Question 8: What should the car diver do in this situation?

The driver must stop and yield right of way to the other road users.
The driver may drive around the corner before the cyclist.
The driver must allow the cyclist to proceed. (Correct answer)
The driver must allow the motorcyclist to proceed.

Correct answer: The driver must allow the cyclist to proceed.

When a car driver is turning right, they must yield to oncoming traffic that is proceeding straight or turning left. This includes cyclists, who are vulnerable road users and can be less visible. It is crucial to give cyclists priority and ensure their path is clear before completing the turn to prevent collisions.

Question 9: What must a driver be prepared for in this situation?

The ball could damage your vehicle.
One of the children could turn back to collect the ball from the roadway. (Correct answer)
The ball may burst after you have passed.
A pothole on the road could damage a tyre on your car.

Correct answer: One of the children could turn back to collect the ball from the roadway.

When a ball rolls into the road, it is a strong indicator that a child might follow it without looking. Children often prioritize retrieving their toy over their own safety, making their actions unpredictable. Drivers must anticipate this by slowing down significantly and being prepared to stop immediately.

Question 10: When approaching the pedestrian crossing, what should the driver do in this situation?

Slow down in good time and be prepared to stop. (Correct answer)
Continue to drive on fast because the pedestrians have to wait.
Maintain your speed because the pedestrians have not stepped on to the crossing.
Sound the horn to draw attention to your vehicle and continue to drive at the same speed.

Correct answer: Slow down in good time and be prepared to stop.

Pedestrian crossings are designated areas where pedestrians have priority. Even if pedestrians haven't stepped onto the crossing yet, they may be intending to. Drivers must approach with caution, reduce speed in good time, and be prepared to stop to allow pedestrians to cross safely, ensuring their right of way is respected.

Question 11: What should the driver do in this situation?

The driver may proceed onto the roundabout in front of the yellow car.
The driver must yield to the yellow car on the roundabout. (Correct answer)
As the driver is entering the roundabout they have right of way.
The driver must wait for the yellow car to stop.

Correct answer: The driver must yield to the yellow car on the roundabout.

At roundabouts in Ireland, traffic already on the roundabout has priority over traffic entering it. Therefore, the driver approaching the roundabout must yield to the yellow car, which is already circulating. This rule ensures a smooth and safe flow of traffic and prevents collisions at the entry points.

Question 12: What should the car driver do in this situation?

The car driver may proceed first.
The car driver must allow the motorcycle to proceed. (Correct answer)
The car driver must allow the bus to proceed.
The car driver is not allowed to turn right.

Correct answer: The car driver must allow the motorcycle to proceed.

When a car driver is turning right, they must yield to oncoming traffic, including motorcycles, that are proceeding straight or turning left. Motorcycles can be less visible and harder to judge speed for, making it essential to give them priority. The car driver must ensure the motorcycle's path is clear before completing the turn.

Question 13: What should the driver do in this situation?

The driver may turn in front of the other two cars. (Correct answer)
The driver must allow the red car to proceed.
The driver must stop and allow all other traffic to proceed.
The driver must allow the blue car to proceed.

Correct answer: The driver may turn in front of the other two cars.

In this specific junction scenario, the driver has the right of way to turn in front of the other two cars. This could be due to the direction of travel (e.g., turning left while others are waiting to turn right or yield) or traffic signals. Always ensure the path is clear and safe before proceeding, even with priority.

Question 14: Why should a driver be alert in this area?

Pedestrians may cross between parked cars. (Correct answer)
Pedestrians are only allowed to cross the road at pedestrian crossings.
Potholes may cause damage to your tyres.
Cars may pull out in front of you.

Correct answer: Pedestrians may cross between parked cars.

Areas with parked cars create significant blind spots for drivers, making it difficult to see pedestrians, especially children, who might suddenly emerge from between vehicles. Pedestrians may also have their view obstructed. Drivers must be extra vigilant, reduce speed, and be prepared to stop to prevent accidents in such areas.

Question 15: What should the driver do if children are playing at the edge of the roadway?

Maintain the same speed because the children can see an oncoming vehicle quite clearly at this point.
Accelerate and move to the right-hand side of the road to avoid the children.
Reduce speed, drive cautiously and remain ready to brake. (Correct answer)
Give a warning signal and drive past at the same speed.

Correct answer: Reduce speed, drive cautiously and remain ready to brake.

Children playing near the roadway are highly unpredictable and may run into the path of a vehicle without warning. The safest action is to significantly reduce speed, drive with extreme caution, and remain ready to brake. This allows the driver ample time to react to any sudden movements and prevent an accident.

Question 16: What should the driver do in this situation?

The cyclist must allow the other vehicles to proceed.
The driver has to let the van cross the junction.
The cyclist must proceed first.
The driver may cross first with caution. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The driver may cross first with caution.

This scenario indicates that the driver (cyclist in this context) has the right of way at the junction, perhaps due to road markings or the direction of travel. While having priority, it is always crucial to proceed with caution. The driver should ensure the path is clear and safe before crossing the junction.

Question 17: What should the driver do in this situation?

The driver may proceed first. (Correct answer)
The driver must allow the orange car cross.
The driver is not allowed to turn left.
The driver is not allowed to turn right.

Correct answer: The driver may proceed first.

In this specific junction scenario, the driver has the right of way to proceed first. This could be due to traffic signals, road markings, or the general rules of priority at an intersection (e.g., turning left when oncoming traffic is turning right). Always verify the path is clear and safe before making your move.

Question 18: What should the driver do in this situation?

The driver must allow the blue truck to proceed. (Correct answer)
The driver is not allowed to turn right.
The driver must allow the yellow car to proceed.
Turn up the volume on the radio.

Correct answer: The driver must allow the blue truck to proceed.

This scenario implies that the blue truck has the right of way, perhaps because it is going straight, turning left from the main road, or the driver is turning right across its path. Drivers must always yield to vehicles with priority to ensure safety and prevent collisions. It is crucial to wait until the truck has passed before proceeding.

Question 19: What should a driver be conscious of in this situation?

Traffic emerging from the street on the left.
The bus driver will always signal before moving off.
The bus may start to reverse.
People crossing the street at the rear of the bus. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: People crossing the street at the rear of the bus.

A stopped bus can obscure pedestrians, especially those who have just alighted and may attempt to cross the road from behind the bus without checking for oncoming traffic. Drivers must anticipate this danger by slowing down significantly and being prepared for pedestrians to emerge unexpectedly from behind the bus.

Question 20: The silver car is overtaking the parked car, what should the driver do in this situation?

The driver should drive on if you don't hit the ball.
The driver should drive on at the same speed.
Reduce speed considerably and be ready to stop. (Correct answer)
The driver should move closer to the red car.

Correct answer: Reduce speed considerably and be ready to stop.

When a ball rolls into the road, it is a strong warning sign that a child might follow it without looking. The driver must anticipate this unpredictable behavior by significantly reducing speed, covering the brake, and being prepared to stop immediately to prevent a potential accident involving a child.

Question 21: What should a driver be aware of in this situation?

Pedestrians may leave the traffic island without paying attention. (Correct answer)
Nothing as pedestrians are always careful in this situation.
Oncoming traffic may serve to avoid pedestrians\/
A pothole on the road may cause damage to your tyres.

Correct answer: Pedestrians may leave the traffic island without paying attention.

Pedestrians on a traffic island might be distracted, misjudge the speed of approaching vehicles, or assume it's safe to cross. They may step off the island unexpectedly without paying full attention to traffic. Drivers must be vigilant, reduce speed, and be prepared to stop to ensure pedestrian safety.

Question 22: The driver is following these two vehicles and wishes to overtake. What must the driver consider before overtaking here?

You should overtake both vehicles together.
The drivers field of view is not good enough to allow safe overtaking. (Correct answer)
The roadway marking forbids overtaking here.
Pedestrian crossing ahead.

Correct answer: The drivers field of view is not good enough to allow safe overtaking.

Overtaking requires a clear and unobstructed view of the road ahead to ensure there is enough space and no oncoming traffic. If the driver's field of view is restricted, such as on a bend, near a hill crest, or due to other vehicles, it is unsafe and illegal to overtake. Attempting to do so risks a head-on collision.

Question 23: What should a driver do when approaching a vehicle which is attempting to park?

Give warning signal and drive on quickly.
Drive close to the car without crossing the broken line.
That the vehicle being parked may move out without warning. (Correct answer)
Pedestrian crossing ahead.

Correct answer: That the vehicle being parked may move out without warning.

A vehicle attempting to park may make sudden and unpredictable movements, such as reversing, moving forward, or adjusting its position, often without signaling or checking for other traffic. Drivers approaching such a vehicle must slow down, maintain a safe distance, and be prepared for any unexpected maneuvers to avoid a collision.

Question 24: What should the driver allow for when following the bus on an icy road?

A longer braking distance. (Correct answer)
Expect bus driver to wait until you have overtaken him.
Pedestrians will not dash across the road.
School children waiting for the bus.

Correct answer: A longer braking distance.

Icy roads drastically reduce tire grip, making it much harder to stop a vehicle. Following a large bus also obstructs your view of the road ahead, limiting your reaction time. Therefore, allowing a significantly longer braking distance is crucial to ensure you have enough space and time to stop safely and avoid a collision.

Question 25: What should the driver of the silver car do before turning left?

Turn the corner before the cyclist.
Allow the cyclist heading straight on to pass. (Correct answer)
Increase speed to be able to turn the corner before the cyclist.

Correct answer: Allow the cyclist heading straight on to pass.

When turning left, drivers must always give way to cyclists who are proceeding straight ahead, especially if they are already in or approaching the junction. Turning in front of a cyclist is extremely dangerous, as it can lead to a collision with a vulnerable road user. Prioritizing the cyclist's safety by allowing them to pass is a fundamental rule of safe driving.

Ireland Driving Test 9

What lights indicate a zebra crossing?