Mixed Deck — All DTT Topics Flashcards

What is the 'Dutch courage' effect of alcohol in terms of driving risk?

Answer: Alcohol causes false confidence — drivers take greater risks while being less capable of managing them

The 'Dutch courage' effect describes alcohol increasing risk-taking behaviour while simultaneously reducing the physical and cognitive ability to handle those risks — a deadly combination in driving.

What does a sign showing a red circle with a '30' inside mean?

Answer: Maximum speed of 30 km/h

A red-bordered circle with '30' inside is a mandatory maximum speed limit sign. No vehicle may exceed 30 km/h in that zone.

How should you use your headlights when driving into a low winter sun?

Answer: Use dipped headlights to make your vehicle more visible to oncoming traffic

In low sun conditions, use dipped headlights even in daylight. While you may find it hard to see due to glare, dipped headlights help oncoming drivers see your vehicle against the bright background.

What should you look for when carrying out a visual walkaround check of a vehicle?

Answer: Tyre condition, lights, leaks under the vehicle, bodywork damage, and load security

A walkaround check involves inspecting tyres (inflation and damage), all lights, fluid leaks under the vehicle, bodywork for damage, and any secured loads. This should be done before every journey.

You are driving along and a bus has stopped at a bus stop. The bus indicates to pull out. What should you do?

Answer: Give way to the bus if it is safe to do so

In Ireland, drivers must give way to buses pulling out from bus stops where a 'yield to buses' sign is displayed. Even without a sign, giving way is the safe and courteous action.

What is the safest way to designate a driver when going out with a group?

Answer: Nominate one person before going out who agrees to drink no alcohol for the evening

The designated driver must commit to drinking no alcohol before the outing begins. Choosing mid-evening, rotating, or picking the 'least drunk' person all risk driving above the limit.

What level should the brake fluid reservoir be at?

Answer: Between the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir

Brake fluid should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the reservoir. Low brake fluid can indicate a leak or worn brake pads and should be investigated immediately.

In Ireland, when must you use dipped headlights?

Answer: During lighting-up time (from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise) and in poor visibility

Irish law requires dipped headlights during lighting-up time (from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise) and during conditions of poor visibility such as fog, heavy rain, or snow.

What is the purpose of the catalytic converter in a vehicle's exhaust system?

Answer: To reduce harmful emissions by converting toxic gases into less harmful substances

The catalytic converter is an emissions control device that converts harmful exhaust gases (carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides) into less harmful substances (carbon dioxide, water, nitrogen) through chemical reactions.

What does 'filtering' mean for motorcyclists at junctions in Ireland?

Answer: Moving slowly through stationary or slow traffic between lanes

Filtering refers to motorcyclists moving slowly through stationary or very slow-moving queued traffic. While not explicitly illegal, it must be done at very low speed and with great caution.

What is the rule about overtaking at a pedestrian crossing in Ireland?

Answer: No overtaking on the approach to or at a pedestrian crossing

It is illegal to overtake any moving vehicle on the approach to a pedestrian crossing. The zig-zag lines on the approach reinforce this prohibition.

What is the Garda checkpoint procedure for testing alcohol at random stops?

Answer: Gardaí may require any driver to take a preliminary breath test at a mandatory checkpoint

Under Irish road traffic law, Gardaí at mandatory alcohol testing checkpoints can require any driver to provide a preliminary breath specimen, regardless of whether impairment is suspected.

What is the minimum disqualification period for a first drink-driving offence in Ireland?

Answer: 3 years

A first drink-driving conviction in Ireland carries a mandatory minimum disqualification of 3 years, in addition to a fine and a possible criminal conviction.

A brown rectangular sign with white text and symbols indicates:

Answer: Tourist or leisure attraction ahead

Brown rectangular signs with white text and pictograms are used in Ireland to indicate tourist attractions, heritage sites, and leisure facilities.

If a Garda suspects a driver of drink driving, what test can they require at the roadside?

Answer: A preliminary breath test using a breathalyser

Gardaí can require a preliminary breath test at the roadside using a breathalyser. If this test is positive, the driver is taken to a Garda station for an evidential breath test.

What is the minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in Ireland?

Answer: 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width

The minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in Ireland is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference. Driving with tyres below this limit is an offence.

How often must a car undergo a National Car Test (NCT) in Ireland for a vehicle first registered more than 10 years ago?

Answer: Every year

Cars over 10 years old must undergo the NCT annually. Cars that are 4-10 years old are tested every two years. The first NCT is due when the car is 4 years old.

What does a red temperature gauge warning light mean?

Answer: The engine is overheating — stop safely and switch off the engine

A red temperature warning means the engine is overheating. You must stop safely and switch off the engine immediately to prevent serious damage. Do not open the radiator cap while hot.

At 100 km/h on a dry road, approximately how long is the total stopping distance for a car?

Answer: 75 metres

At 100 km/h on a dry road, the total stopping distance is approximately 75 metres, combining reaction distance and braking distance.

What is the total stopping distance made up of?

Answer: Reaction distance and braking distance

Total stopping distance is the sum of reaction distance (the distance travelled while the driver reacts) and braking distance (distance to stop once brakes are applied).