Ireland Driving Test Flashcards

At roadworks, what does this sign mean?

Answer: Stop before or at the sign.

This red circular sign with a white horizontal bar is the international 'Stop' sign, often used temporarily at roadworks. It indicates a mandatory stop for all vehicles. Drivers must come to a complete halt before or at the sign and only proceed when it is safe, often when directed by a flagman.

What do these signs together mean?

Answer: End of detour.

The combination of these signs indicates the end of a temporary diversion or detour. The blue sign with the arrow initially directed traffic, and the 'END' sign below it confirms that the alternative route has concluded. Drivers can now resume their original route or follow standard road signage.

What does this sign mean?

Answer: Traffic must cross over to left-hand lane.

This blue directional sign indicates a mandatory lane change ahead. The arrow shows that traffic in the current lane must merge or cross over to the left-hand lane. This is typically used to guide traffic around an obstruction or a lane closure, ensuring a smooth transition.

What does this sign mean?

Answer: Start of central reserve or obstruction.

This sign indicates the beginning of a central reserve or an obstruction that divides the road into two separate carriageways or lanes. The two white arrows diverging around the black rectangle clearly show that traffic must pass on either side of the upcoming barrier. Drivers should be aware of the road splitting ahead.

What does this sign mean?

Answer: End of central reserve or obstruction.

This sign indicates the end of a central reserve or obstruction that previously divided the road. The two white arrows converging after the black rectangle show that the divided carriageways are merging back into a single road. Drivers should be prepared for traffic from both sides to join.

What does this hand signal mean?

Answer: The cyclist intends to move out or to turn right.

In cycling, extending the right arm straight out to the side is the standard signal for indicating an intention to turn right or move out to the right. This signal clearly communicates to following traffic that the cyclist is changing direction or position to the right. Drivers should be prepared for the cyclist to execute this maneuver.

What does this hand signal mean?

Answer: The cyclist intends to slow down or stop.

A cyclist extending their right arm downwards with the palm facing backwards is signaling their intention to slow down or stop. This signal is crucial for warning following traffic to reduce speed and maintain a safe distance. It allows other road users to anticipate the cyclist's actions and react accordingly.

What does this hand signal mean?

Answer: The cyclist intends to go straight on.

While not as universally standardized as turn or stop signals, a cyclist pointing forward or making a 'come on' gesture can indicate their intention to proceed straight ahead. This signal clarifies their path, especially when approaching junctions where other road users might expect a turn. It helps communicate their continued direction of travel.

What does this hand signal mean?

Answer: The cyclist intends to turn left.

Extending the left arm straight out to the side is the standard hand signal for a cyclist intending to turn left. This clear signal communicates their intention to change direction to the left, allowing drivers and other road users to anticipate their movement and adjust their own actions safely.

What does this hand signal mean?

Answer: The cyclist intends to turn right.

This hand signal, where the cyclist extends their right arm straight out to the side, clearly indicates their intention to turn right. It is a crucial communication to following and oncoming traffic, alerting them to the cyclist's change of direction. Drivers should be prepared to yield or adjust their speed accordingly.

What does this hand signal mean?

Answer: The cyclist intends to turn left.

A cyclist extending their left arm straight out to the side is giving the standard signal for a left turn. This signal is vital for informing other road users of their intended maneuver, promoting safety by allowing drivers to anticipate and react to the cyclist's change in direction.

What does this hand signal mean?

Answer: The driver intends to move out or turn right.

When a driver extends their right arm straight out horizontally, it is the traditional hand signal for indicating an intention to turn right or move out to the right. This signal is used to clearly communicate a change in direction or lane position to other road users, especially if vehicle indicators are not functioning or visible.

What does this hand signal mean?

Answer: The driver intends to slow down or stop.

A driver extending their right arm downwards with the palm facing backwards is signaling their intention to slow down or stop. This hand signal is a traditional way to warn following traffic to reduce speed and be prepared for the vehicle to halt. It's particularly useful when brake lights might not be seen clearly.

What does this hand signal mean?

Answer: The driver intends to turn right.

This hand signal, with the driver's right arm extended horizontally, is the standard and traditional way to indicate an intention to turn right. It provides a clear visual cue to other road users about the driver's upcoming maneuver, enhancing safety and communication on the road.

What does this hand signal mean?

Answer: The driver intends to move straight ahead.

While less common than turn or stop signals, a driver extending their arm forward and making a slight waving or pointing motion can indicate their intention to proceed straight ahead. This signal helps clarify their path, especially at junctions, and can also be used to invite other road users to proceed if it's safe.

What does this Garda signal mean?

Answer: Stop if approaching from the front.

When a Garda (Irish police officer) stands facing traffic with both arms extended horizontally to the sides, it means that traffic approaching from the front (facing the Garda's chest) must stop. This signal is equivalent to a red light, indicating a mandatory halt for safety or traffic management.

What does this Garda signal mean?

Answer: Stop if approaching from behind.

When a Garda stands with their back to traffic and both arms extended horizontally to the sides, it means that traffic approaching from behind (facing the Garda's back) must stop. This signal is crucial for controlling traffic flow and ensuring safety at intersections or incident sites.

What does this Garda signal mean?

Answer: Stop if approaching from either the front or behind.

A Garda extending one arm vertically upwards signifies that all traffic approaching from either the front or behind must stop. This signal is often used to prepare for a change in traffic direction or to clear an intersection, acting as a universal stop command for all immediate traffic.

What does this Garda signal mean?

Answer: The Garda is beckoning on traffic approaching from either side.

When a Garda extends both arms out to the sides, palms facing forward, it signifies that traffic approaching from either side (front and rear relative to the Garda's body) should proceed. This signal is used to control traffic flow, often at busy junctions or in emergencies. Drivers must always obey Garda signals, as they override traffic lights and road signs.

What does this Garda signal mean?

Answer: Traffic approaching from the front may proceed.

When a Garda stands with one arm extended forward, palm facing the approaching traffic, it indicates that traffic coming from that direction (the front) should proceed. This signal is used to direct specific streams of traffic through an intersection or past an obstruction. Drivers must always obey Garda signals, even if they contradict other traffic controls.