QuizTraffic rulesIreland

This interesting quiz helps you test your knowledge in a clear and visual way. With easy multiple-choice questions, you can quickly build confidence and learn new facts while keeping it simple, interactive, and fun.


How may drivers normally use a phone while driving in Ireland?

551. How may drivers normally use a phone while driving in Ireland?

✓ Hands-free.
Either handheld or hands-free.
Handheld.
Only for texting.

When phone use while driving is permitted in Ireland, drivers must generally use a hands-free system rather than holding the phone.

Hands-free phone use inside a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before joining a motorway?

552. What should you do before joining a motorway?

Signal and expect motorway traffic to make space for you.
✓ Check your mirrors and blind spot, signal, and look for a safe gap.
Check your mirrors only and assume the blind spot is clear.
Wait until the end of the slip road before checking for a gap.

Observe motorway traffic early, signal clearly, and merge only when there is a safe gap.

Driver checking motorway traffic before merging
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before starting a long journey?

553. What should you check before starting a long journey?

Only the dashboard warning lights.
Nothing if the vehicle was recently serviced.
Only the lights if you plan to drive at night.
✓ Tyres, lights, fluids, windows, mirrors, and essential equipment.

A brief vehicle check can reveal tyre damage, low fluid levels, faulty lights, or visibility problems before they cause danger. Also confirm that any spare wheel or tyre-repair equipment is available and usable.

Vehicle safety checks before a long journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you not rely only on a reversing camera?

554. Why should you not rely only on a reversing camera?

✓ It may not show everything around the vehicle.
It shows every blind spot around the vehicle.
It makes mirrors unnecessary when reversing.
It removes the need to look around before reversing.

Reversing cameras can help, but they may have blind spots and limited coverage. Always check your mirrors and surroundings, look around where possible, and reverse slowly.

Reversing-camera display inside a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can loud music be dangerous while cycling?

555. Why can loud music be dangerous while cycling?

It reduces the grip of the tyres.
✓ You may not hear traffic or warning sounds.
It makes the bicycle harder to balance.
It makes the brakes respond more slowly.

Hearing approaching vehicles, bells, horns, and other warning sounds is an important part of staying aware.

Cyclist listening to music near traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before rejoining traffic after a breakdown?

556. What should you do before rejoining traffic after a breakdown?

✓ Check all around, signal, and enter only when there is a safe gap.
Signal and expect approaching traffic to slow down.
Pull out as soon as there is enough space for your vehicle.
Check your mirrors only and pull out if they look clear.

Check mirrors and blind spots, signal clearly, and build up speed safely without causing approaching traffic to brake suddenly.

Vehicle preparing to rejoin traffic after a breakdown
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if EV charging equipment becomes unusually hot or smells burnt?

557. What should you do if EV charging equipment becomes unusually hot or smells burnt?

✓ Stop the charging session, keep clear, and report the fault.
Keep charging until the vehicle reaches full charge.
Cover the equipment to contain the heat.
Continue charging at a lower power setting.

Unusual heat, a burning smell, smoke, sparks, or repeated charging faults can indicate an electrical problem. Stop using the charging equipment if it is safe to do so, keep clear of anything damaged or overheating, and report the fault or seek appropriate assistance.

Faulty electric-vehicle charging equipment
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

558. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Dipped headlights.
✓ Direction indicators.
Hazard warning lights.
Main beam.

This symbol indicates that a direction indicator is operating. The flashing indicator shows the direction in which the driver intends to turn or change position on the road.

Direction-indicator symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you expect after one wild animal crosses the road?

559. What should you expect after one wild animal crosses the road?

✓ More animals may follow.
Wild animals normally cross roads one at a time.
You can continue normally once the animal has passed.
The road is likely to remain clear.

Many animals travel in groups. Slow down and continue watching both sides of the road.

Wild animals crossing a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you check your mirrors regularly while driving?

560. Why should you check your mirrors regularly while driving?

To avoid having to check your blind spots.
To judge your speed from vehicles behind.
To see whether road signs behind you have changed.
✓ To stay aware of traffic around you.

Regular mirror checks help you understand what is happening behind and beside your vehicle.

Driver checking traffic in a rear-view mirror
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you normally brake on a motorcycle?

561. How should you normally brake on a motorcycle?

Use only the front brake.
Use only the rear brake.
✓ Use both brakes smoothly and progressively.
Apply both brakes as suddenly as possible.

During normal braking, use both the front and rear brakes smoothly and progressively. The front brake normally provides much of the braking force, while the rear brake also helps slow and stabilise the motorcycle. Sudden or poorly balanced braking can reduce stability or cause a wheel to lose grip.

Motorcyclist using the front and rear brakes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you keep a safe following distance?

562. Why should you keep a safe following distance?

To make your vehicle easier to see ahead.
✓ To have enough time to stop.
To make overtaking easier.
To reduce wear on the brakes.

A safe following distance gives you enough time to react if the vehicle in front slows down or stops suddenly.

Gap between a vehicle and the traffic ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave extra space behind a vehicle carrying animals?

563. Why should you leave extra space behind a vehicle carrying animals?

Because these vehicles always have priority.
✓ Because it may move slowly or stop unexpectedly.
Because they must always travel in the centre of the road.
Because they cannot use their horn.

Vehicles transporting animals may accelerate slowly, take bends carefully, or brake gently to protect their load.

Vehicle following an animal transporter
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

564. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Power-steering warning.
Brake-system warning.
Charging-system warning.
Low tyre pressure.

This symbol indicates a possible fault with the power-steering system. Steering assistance may be reduced or unavailable, making the steering wheel harder to turn.

Power-steering warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you smell fuel or see fuel leaking from your vehicle?

565. What should you do if you smell fuel or see fuel leaking from your vehicle?

✓ Stop, switch off the engine, avoid flames or sparks, and call for assistance.
Restart the engine to check whether the leak continues.
Drive slowly to the nearest fuel station.
Wash the leaking fuel away with water.

Leaking fuel creates a serious fire risk. Keep people away, do not restart the engine, and arrange professional assistance.

Fuel leaking from a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should a motorcyclist avoid riding in another vehicle's blind spot?

566. Why should a motorcyclist avoid riding in another vehicle's blind spot?

The motorcycle's brakes may become less effective.
The vehicle ahead must always change lanes.
The motorcycle's indicators may be harder to see.
✓ The driver may not be able to see the motorcycle.

Motorcycles can be difficult to see, particularly when they remain in another vehicle's blind spot. Avoid staying alongside a vehicle where the driver may not see you, and choose a position where you are more likely to be visible.

Motorcycle in another vehicle's blind spot
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before entering a roundabout?

567. What should you do before entering a roundabout?

✓ Slow down and give way when required.
Maintain your speed unless another vehicle blocks your path.
Enter first if you reach the roundabout before other traffic.
Stop before every roundabout, even when it is clear.

Before entering a roundabout, reduce your speed, observe traffic, and give way according to the local rules.

Vehicle approaching a roundabout
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the main emergency number in Ireland?

568. What is the main emergency number in Ireland?

000.
111.
123.
✓ 112.

The main emergency number in Ireland is 112.

112 emergency telephone number
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when a bus signals to pull away from a bus stop?

569. What should you do when a bus signals to pull away from a bus stop?

Accelerate and pass before the bus moves out.
✓ Slow down and be prepared to let it move out when safe.
Ignore the signal until the bus starts moving.
Sound your horn so the bus waits for you.

Buses may pull away after picking up passengers. Slow down, check the traffic situation, and allow space when it is safe.

Bus signalling to pull away from a stop
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the accelerator becomes stuck while you are driving?

570. What should you do if the accelerator becomes stuck while you are driving?

✓ Select neutral, brake firmly, and steer to a safe stopping place.
Apply the parking brake sharply while moving.
Switch off the engine immediately before selecting neutral.
Keep driving and wait for the accelerator to release.

Selecting neutral disconnects engine power from the wheels. Brake firmly, maintain steering control, and switch off the engine after stopping safely.

Stuck accelerator pedal in a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How does higher speed affect a vehicle's stopping distance?

571. How does higher speed affect a vehicle's stopping distance?

✓ It increases the distance needed to stop.
It decreases the distance needed to stop.
It has no effect if the brakes are in good condition.
It affects reaction distance but not braking distance.

As speed increases, the vehicle travels farther while the driver reacts and requires more distance to brake. This means the total stopping distance increases significantly as speed rises.

Vehicle speed and the distance needed to stop
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can main-beam headlights make driving in fog more difficult?

572. Why can main-beam headlights make driving in fog more difficult?

✓ The light can reflect off fog droplets and reduce visibility.
The brighter light makes the windscreen mist more quickly.
Main beam makes interior lights less effective.
Main beam reduces the effectiveness of the fog lights.

Main beam can reflect back from fog and create glare, making it harder to see the road ahead.

Headlight glare reflected by fog
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do about a chip in the windscreen?

573. What should you do about a chip in the windscreen?

Clean the glass and continue driving normally.
Cover the chip so it cannot spread.
Ignore it if it is outside your direct view.
✓ Have it assessed and repaired promptly.

A chip can obstruct your view, weaken the glass, and develop into a larger crack. Have it checked and repaired promptly.

Stone chip in a vehicle's windscreen
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if oncoming headlights dazzle you at night?

574. What should you do if oncoming headlights dazzle you at night?

✓ Slow down and look toward the edge of your lane.
Maintain your speed until the vehicle has passed.
Turn on your interior lights to reduce the glare.
Look briefly at the headlights to judge their position.

Bright headlights can reduce your vision. Avoid staring at them, slow down if needed, and use the road edge or lane markings to guide you safely.

Oncoming headlights dazzling a driver at night
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when roadworks are ahead?

575. What should you do when roadworks are ahead?

Follow the vehicle ahead closely through the work zone.
Ignore temporary signs if permanent signs are still visible.
✓ Slow down and follow the temporary signs.
Maintain normal speed if your lane remains open.

Roadworks can create narrow lanes, workers near traffic, uneven surfaces, and temporary rules. Slow down and follow the signs.

Roadworks and temporary traffic signs ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you never reverse or make a U-turn inside a tunnel unless directed?

576. Why should you never reverse or make a U-turn inside a tunnel unless directed?

Tunnel ventilation works only in the normal direction of travel.
The tunnel may be too narrow for the vehicle to turn.
✓ It can cause a serious collision with approaching traffic.
A U-turn can confuse the tunnel's traffic monitoring system.

Other drivers may not expect a vehicle to reverse or turn around. Only change direction when instructed by police or tunnel staff.

Vehicle manoeuvring inside a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the safest choice if you have consumed alcohol?

577. What is the safest choice if you have consumed alcohol?

Drink coffee before driving.
Drive slowly and avoid busy roads.
✓ Do not drive and arrange a sober form of transport.
Drive only if you do not feel drunk.

Alcohol can impair judgement, coordination, vision, and reaction time. A sober driver, taxi, public transport, or an overnight stay is the safer choice.

Alcohol consumption and the decision not to drive
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you check for motorcyclists before changing lanes?

578. Why should you check for motorcyclists before changing lanes?

Motorcyclists must stop when a car changes lanes.
Motorcycles always travel faster than other traffic.
✓ Motorcycles can be harder to see and may be in your blind spot.
Motorcycles need more road space than cars.

Motorcyclists are smaller and can be hidden in blind spots. Check mirrors, signal, and look carefully before changing lanes.

Motorcycle near a vehicle preparing to change lanes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with the parking brake before leaving a parked vehicle?

579. What should you do with the parking brake before leaving a parked vehicle?

Leave it partly applied.
Release it completely.
✓ Apply it securely.
Apply it only on a slope.

Before leaving a parked vehicle, apply the parking brake securely to help prevent unintended movement. Also select the appropriate gear or transmission position for parking.

Securing a parked vehicle with the parking brake
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

580. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Low windscreen washer fluid.
Engine-temperature warning.
Low coolant level.
Windscreen demister active.

This symbol indicates that the windscreen washer fluid level is low. Refill the washer-fluid reservoir with suitable fluid when possible.

Low washer-fluid warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when people are waiting at a pedestrian crossing?

581. What should you do when people are waiting at a pedestrian crossing?

Drive through if the pedestrians are still waiting.
Sound your horn so pedestrians wait.
Maintain your speed until someone starts crossing.
✓ Slow down and stop if they want to cross.

When people are waiting near a pedestrian crossing, reduce your speed and be ready to stop. Pedestrians may begin crossing at any moment.

People waiting at a pedestrian crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a vehicle is reversing near you?

582. What should you do if a vehicle is reversing near you?

Stand close behind it so the driver can see you.
Cross behind it once the driver looks forward.
Rely on the reversing sensors to make it stop.
✓ Stay clear and make sure the driver can see you.

Reversing vehicles have blind spots. Stay away from the vehicle and make sure the driver can see you.

Pedestrian near a reversing vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why must a roof load be securely attached?

583. Why must a roof load be securely attached?

✓ It could shift or fall and create a serious hazard.
To keep the vehicle within its normal height.
Because the roof will hold the load in place while driving.
To stop the roof rack from increasing fuel consumption.

A roof load is exposed to strong airflow and movement. It must be restrained correctly and kept within the permitted limits.

Load secured to a vehicle's roof
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Can you assume that you are safe to drive the morning after drinking?

584. Can you assume that you are safe to drive the morning after drinking?

Yes, sleep removes all alcohol from your body.
✓ No, alcohol may still remain in your body.
Yes, if you feel completely sober.
Yes, if you only need to drive a short distance.

The body needs time to process alcohol. Sleeping, eating, showering, or drinking coffee does not instantly remove it.

Fitness to drive the morning after drinking
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

585. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Engine-management warning.
Engine-temperature warning.
Charging-system warning.
✓ Diesel glow-plug preheating.

This symbol indicates the diesel glow-plug preheating system. In a diesel vehicle, wait for the light to go out before starting the engine when required. If it remains illuminated or flashes while driving, it may indicate a fault.

Diesel glow-plug preheating symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before making a turn?

586. What should you do before making a turn?

Check only the traffic directly ahead.
Rely on other road users to slow down for you.
Signal only after you begin turning.
✓ Check mirrors, signal, and make sure it is safe.

Before turning, check your mirrors, use your indicator, and make sure the turn can be made safely.

Driver preparing to turn at a junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does a green traffic light mean?

587. What does a green traffic light mean?

You may enter even if traffic is blocking the junction.
✓ You may proceed if it is safe.
You must proceed as soon as the light turns green.
You may turn in any direction without checking the signs.

A green light allows you to continue, but you must still watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.

Green traffic light at a junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the power steering suddenly stops assisting you?

588. What should you do if the power steering suddenly stops assisting you?

Accelerate to make the steering easier.
✓ Hold the wheel firmly, use greater steering effort, and stop safely.
Make sharp steering movements to test the remaining assistance.
Keep driving normally if the vehicle still turns.

The vehicle can normally still be steered, but much more effort may be required. Reduce speed and arrange an inspection.

Driver coping with a loss of power-steering assistance
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

589. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Engine-management warning.
✓ Automatic start-stop system.
Cruise control.
Anti-theft system.

This symbol relates to the automatic start-stop system, which can switch the engine off temporarily while the vehicle is stationary and restart it when driving resumes. The exact colour and appearance may vary between vehicles.

Automatic start-stop system symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the charging-system warning light comes on?

590. What should you do if the charging-system warning light comes on?

Continue driving until the battery is completely discharged.
Restart the engine repeatedly to reset the warning.
Increase engine speed until the warning light goes out.
✓ Reduce electrical use, stop safely, and seek assistance.

The alternator or charging system may have failed. The vehicle may stop once the remaining battery charge is exhausted.

Charging-system warning illuminated on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when joining a motorway from an entry lane?

591. What should you do when joining a motorway from an entry lane?

Enter at a low speed and let motorway traffic adjust.
Merge as soon as the entry lane begins.
✓ Match your speed, check around you, and merge into a safe gap.
Stop at the end of the entry lane and wait for a large gap.

Use the entry lane to build a suitable speed, check carefully, signal, and merge only when it is safe.

Vehicle joining a motorway from an entry lane
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid keeping the clutch pedal pressed while driving?

592. Why should you avoid keeping the clutch pedal pressed while driving?

It locks the steering.
It increases tyre pressure.
✓ It reduces engine braking and vehicle control.
It applies the parking brake.

Keeping the clutch pedal pressed while the vehicle is moving disconnects the engine from the transmission. This reduces engine braking and can reduce your control of the vehicle.

Clutch held down while a vehicle is moving
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does the SET function of cruise control normally do?

593. What does the SET function of cruise control normally do?

Applies the brakes automatically.
Returns to a previously stored speed.
✓ Stores the current speed as the cruising speed.
Switches cruise control off.

The SET function normally stores the vehicle's current speed as the cruise-control speed. Use it only when the road, traffic, and driving conditions are suitable.

SET button for storing a cruising speed
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you reduce speed in residential areas?

594. Why should you reduce speed in residential areas?

Parked vehicles have priority over moving traffic.
Overtaking is prohibited throughout residential areas.
✓ Pedestrians, cyclists, and children may be nearby.
Because residential roads are usually more slippery.

Residential areas often have pedestrians, cyclists, parked vehicles, driveways, and children, and hazards may appear suddenly. Lower speed gives you more time to react and stop safely.

Vehicle travelling through a residential street
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should the head restraint be adjusted correctly?

595. Why should the head restraint be adjusted correctly?

To improve rear visibility.
✓ To reduce the risk of neck injury in a collision.
To make the seat belt tighter.
To support the lower back.

A correctly adjusted head restraint helps support the head and can reduce the risk of neck injury, especially in a rear-end collision. The top of the restraint should normally be level with the top of the head.

Adjusting a vehicle seat's head restraint
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your lane is blocked by an obstacle?

596. What should you do if your lane is blocked by an obstacle?

Signal and expect oncoming traffic to make room.
Speed up to keep traffic flowing around the obstacle.
Follow another vehicle around it without checking yourself.
✓ Slow down, check carefully, and give way if needed.

If your lane is blocked, reduce speed, check mirrors and oncoming traffic, and only move around the obstacle when it is safe.

Obstacle blocking a vehicle's lane
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you expect if the engine suddenly stalls while the vehicle is moving?

597. What should you expect if the engine suddenly stalls while the vehicle is moving?

The steering and brakes will stop working completely.
✓ Steering and braking may require more effort, so move to a safe place.
The steering will become lighter as the vehicle slows.
Power assistance will continue working normally.

Power assistance may be reduced when the engine stops. Keep control, use the hazard lights if needed, and steer toward a safe stopping area.

Driver responding to an engine stall while moving
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid unnecessary lane changes in roadworks?

598. Why should you avoid unnecessary lane changes in roadworks?

✓ Narrow lanes and changing layouts increase the risk of collision.
Temporary lanes are designed for frequent lane changes.
Lane changes are safer when traffic is moving slowly.
Changing lanes helps traffic move faster through roadworks.

Frequent lane changes create additional risk where space is limited and drivers are already adapting to temporary layouts.

Vehicles travelling through restricted roadworks lanes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should cyclists avoid using a handheld phone?

599. Why should cyclists avoid using a handheld phone?

✓ It reduces your control and attention.
Because phones can interfere with bicycle electronics.
Because phone signals can interfere with traffic lights.
Because a phone may be used only at low speeds.

Using a phone can distract you and may prevent you from steering, braking, or reacting properly.

Cyclist using a handheld phone
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should a motorcyclist do when approaching loose gravel?

600. What should a motorcyclist do when approaching loose gravel?

✓ Reduce speed before reaching it and use smooth controls.
Brake hard while riding over it.
Turn suddenly to avoid every loose stone.
Accelerate sharply to cross it quickly.

Loose gravel can significantly reduce tyre grip. Reduce speed before reaching it, keep the motorcycle as upright as practical, and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering while crossing the loose surface.

Motorcyclist approaching loose gravel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA