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.


Must cars use dipped headlights solely because they enter a tunnel in Ireland?

201. Must cars use dipped headlights solely because they enter a tunnel in Ireland?

✓ Yes.
No.

Drivers in Ireland are generally required to use dipped headlights when driving through tunnels.

Vehicle using dipped headlights in a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can you check that a manual gearbox is in neutral?

202. How can you check that a manual gearbox is in neutral?

Pull up the parking brake.
✓ Move the gear lever gently from side to side.
Turn the steering wheel.
Press the accelerator pedal.

When a manual gearbox is in neutral, the gear lever can normally be moved freely from side to side across the centre of the gear pattern. Check that neutral is selected before starting the engine when appropriate.

Checking neutral with a manual gear lever
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you are unsure who has priority at a junction?

203. What should you do if you are unsure who has priority at a junction?

✓ Slow down and proceed only when it is safe.
Check only the direction that normally has priority.
Enter slowly so the other driver has time to react.
Proceed if the other driver appears to be slowing down.

If priority is unclear, reduce speed, observe carefully, and avoid entering the junction until you are sure it is safe.

Vehicles approaching a junction with uncertain priority
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid driving too close to the edge of the road?

204. Why should you avoid driving too close to the edge of the road?

✓ The edge may be uneven or weak.
It can make oncoming traffic harder to see.
It can make the steering require more effort.
It can make your speed harder to judge.

Road edges can be soft, uneven, or damaged. Driving too close to the edge can reduce control or cause the vehicle to leave the road.

Vehicle travelling close to the road edge
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you check blind spots before moving off?

205. Why should you check blind spots before moving off?

✓ A cyclist, pedestrian, or vehicle may be beside you.
To judge the speed of traffic approaching from behind.
To make sure your mirrors are adjusted correctly.
To check whether the road ahead is clear.

Mirrors do not show every area around your vehicle. A blind-spot check can reveal cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, or vehicles before you move off.

Driver checking a blind spot before moving off
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle begins to aquaplane?

206. What should you do if your vehicle begins to aquaplane?

Turn the steering wheel sharply to regain grip.
Brake firmly to force the tyres back onto the road.
✓ Ease off the accelerator and keep steering gently.
Change lanes immediately to find a drier surface.

Aquaplaning happens when the tyres lose contact with the road surface. Ease off the accelerator, avoid sudden movements, and wait for grip to return.

Vehicle losing tyre contact on a water-covered road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the brake pedal feels unusually soft?

207. What should you do if the brake pedal feels unusually soft?

Continue until the brakes begin making noise.
Use only the parking brake while driving.
Reduce the tyre pressure to improve braking.
✓ Stop safely and have the braking system inspected.

A soft brake pedal or increased stopping distance may indicate a serious brake fault. Do not continue driving normally until the system has been checked.

Brake-pedal check for a possible braking fault
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

208. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Exterior mirror folding.
Exterior mirror adjustment.
Seat adjustment.
Electric window control.

This control folds or unfolds the vehicle's exterior mirrors. It is useful when parking in narrow spaces or when leaving the vehicle parked.

Control for folding the exterior mirrors
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should heavy items be placed low and evenly distributed?

209. Why should heavy items be placed low and evenly distributed?

To make the steering lighter.
To increase the available luggage space.
To reduce wear on the engine.
✓ To help keep the vehicle stable.

A high or uneven load can make the vehicle unstable, especially during braking, cornering, or sudden steering.

Heavy luggage positioned low in a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which control is normally used to switch on the dipped headlights?

210. Which control is normally used to switch on the dipped headlights?

The hazard warning switch.
The windscreen-wiper control.
The rear-window demister.
✓ The lighting control.

The lighting control is normally used to switch on the dipped headlights. Depending on the vehicle, it may be a rotary switch or part of a lighting stalk.

Lighting control for switching on dipped headlights
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of a pedestrian crossing?

211. What is the purpose of a pedestrian crossing?

To separate pedestrians from cyclists along the road.
To give pedestrians priority throughout the whole street.
✓ To help pedestrians cross the road safely.
To provide a place where vehicles may stop temporarily.

Pedestrian crossings provide a designated place where people can safely cross the road.

Pedestrian crossing across a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if someone is injured in a road collision?

212. What should you do if someone is injured in a road collision?

Help them stand up and check whether they can walk.
Remove a motorcyclist's helmet to check for injuries.
✓ Call for help and avoid moving them unless there is immediate danger.
Give them food or drink while waiting for help.

Moving an injured person can worsen spinal or other injuries. Keep them calm, protect them from further danger, and provide first aid only within your level of training.

Assistance for an injured person after a road collision
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does pulling the lighting stalk towards you normally do?

213. What does pulling the lighting stalk towards you normally do?

✓ Flash the main-beam headlights.
Switch on the front fog lights.
Activate the direction indicators.
Switch on the dipped headlights.

Pulling the lighting stalk towards you normally flashes the main-beam headlights. This briefly illuminates the main beam while the stalk is held or operated.

Lighting stalk used to flash the main-beam headlights
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when passing a horse rider?

214. What should you do when passing a horse rider?

Accelerate while passing to get past quickly.
Flash your headlights before moving alongside.
Pass closely to reduce the time beside the horse.
✓ Slow down and give plenty of space.

Horses can be startled by noise or sudden movement. Slow down, pass carefully, and leave enough space.

Vehicle passing a horse and rider
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle breaks down on a busy road?

215. What should you do if your vehicle breaks down on a busy road?

Remain in the traffic lane even if you can move to safety.
Stand beside the vehicle while waiting for help.
✓ Move to a safe place, use hazard lights, and stay clear of traffic.
Stay close to the vehicle so other drivers can see you.

If your vehicle breaks down, make it visible and get yourself away from moving traffic. Safety comes before repairing the vehicle.

Broken-down vehicle beside a busy road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you miss your motorway exit?

216. What should you do if you miss your motorway exit?

✓ Continue to the next exit.
Use an emergency opening in the central reservation.
Move onto the shoulder and reverse carefully.
Cross the painted separation area back to the exit.

Never reverse or make a sudden manoeuvre. Continue safely and change your route at the next suitable exit.

Vehicle continuing past a motorway exit
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching a tunnel?

217. What should you do when approaching a tunnel?

Stop and wait until the tunnel is clear.
Increase speed to spend less time inside.
Drive closer to the vehicle ahead for guidance.
✓ Use the correct lights and keep a safe distance.

When entering a tunnel, use the correct lights, keep enough distance, and stay alert for slower traffic.

Vehicle approaching a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should motorcyclists take extra care on wet road markings?

218. Why should motorcyclists take extra care on wet road markings?

✓ They can provide less grip than the surrounding road.
They can cause the tyre pressure to rise suddenly.
They can make the brakes overheat.
They can increase the motorcycle's engine temperature.

Wet painted road markings can provide less grip than the surrounding road surface. Ride smoothly over them and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering that could cause the tyres to lose grip.

Motorcycle approaching wet painted road markings
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with the clutch during emergency braking in a manual vehicle?

219. What should you do with the clutch during emergency braking in a manual vehicle?

Pump it repeatedly.
Release it suddenly.
Keep it partly pressed.
✓ Press it fully while maintaining firm brake pressure.

During emergency braking in a manual vehicle, maintain firm pressure on the brake and press the clutch pedal fully so the engine does not stall as the vehicle slows. Do not reduce braking pressure while operating the clutch.

Brake and clutch operation during an emergency stop
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What do the + and − controls normally adjust when the speed limiter is active?

220. What do the + and − controls normally adjust when the speed limiter is active?

The engine idle speed.
✓ The selected maximum speed.
The following distance.
The transmission gear.

When the speed limiter is active, the + and − controls normally increase or decrease the selected maximum speed. The exact adjustment steps can vary between vehicles.

Plus and minus controls for the speed limiter
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you never leave a child or pet alone in a parked vehicle on a warm day?

221. Why should you never leave a child or pet alone in a parked vehicle on a warm day?

The vehicle battery may discharge more quickly.
The windows may become difficult to open.
✓ The interior can heat up quickly and cause serious heat illness.
The tyres may lose pressure while the vehicle is parked.

The inside of a parked vehicle can heat up rapidly, even when the outside temperature does not feel extreme. Children and animals are particularly vulnerable to overheating and heatstroke. Leaving a window partly open does not make the vehicle safe.

Parked vehicle and the danger of interior heat
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your brakes feel less effective after driving through water?

222. What should you do if your brakes feel less effective after driving through water?

Increase speed to warm the brakes.
Ignore it if the vehicle still stops.
✓ Drive carefully and test them gently when safe.
Brake hard several times to dry them quickly.

Water can reduce braking performance. After driving through water, check the brakes gently when it is safe to do so.

Checking braking response after driving through water
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is a danger of driving a petrol or diesel vehicle with the boot or tailgate open?

223. What is a danger of driving a petrol or diesel vehicle with the boot or tailgate open?

The boot warning light may remain on.
The rear window demister may stop working.
✓ Exhaust fumes can be drawn into the passenger compartment.
The fuel gauge may become inaccurate.

Driving with the boot or tailgate open can allow exhaust gases to be drawn into the vehicle. Exhaust fumes may contain carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and may be difficult to detect. Keep the luggage compartment properly closed while driving whenever possible.

Open vehicle tailgate and exhaust-fume risk
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave space when cycling beside parked cars?

224. Why should you leave space when cycling beside parked cars?

Because the road could be slippery beside parked cars.
✓ A door may open suddenly.
To make it easier for traffic to overtake you.
To stay outside the marked parking area.

A driver or passenger may open a door without seeing you. Leaving space reduces the risk of a dooring collision.

Cyclist riding beside parked cars
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which foot normally operates the brake and accelerator in a manual vehicle?

225. Which foot normally operates the brake and accelerator in a manual vehicle?

The left foot.
The left foot for the brake and right foot for the accelerator.
✓ The right foot.
Either foot.

In a manual vehicle, the right foot normally operates both the brake and accelerator pedals, while the left foot operates the clutch.

Pedal arrangement and foot controls in a manual vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the button on a seat-belt buckle used for?

226. What is the button on a seat-belt buckle used for?

To tighten the shoulder belt.
To adjust the belt height.
To lock the seat in position.
✓ To release the seat belt.

Pressing the button on the seat-belt buckle releases the latch so the belt can be unfastened. Keep the seat belt fastened whenever required while the vehicle is moving.

Release button on a seat-belt buckle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the minimum age for riding a moped in Ireland?

227. What is the minimum age for riding a moped in Ireland?

14 years.
15 years.
✓ 16 years.
18 years.

The minimum age for riding a moped in Ireland is generally 16 years.

Minimum age for riding a moped
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Should the side stand be fully raised before riding a motorcycle?

228. Should the side stand be fully raised before riding a motorcycle?

No, it only needs to be raised on motorways.
Yes, but only when carrying a passenger.
No, the stand helps stabilise the motorcycle while moving.
✓ Yes, a lowered stand could catch the road and affect control.

The side stand should be fully raised before riding. If it remains down, it may strike the road surface, particularly when turning, and could cause the rider to lose control.

Motorcycle side stand and pre-ride checks
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should pedestrians avoid sudden movements near traffic?

229. Why should pedestrians avoid sudden movements near traffic?

Drivers always expect pedestrians to walk straight.
✓ Drivers may not have enough time to react.
Pedestrians are only allowed to walk slowly.
You lose priority if you change direction suddenly.

Sudden movements can surprise drivers and reduce the time they have to slow down or stop safely.

Pedestrian movements close to road traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a passenger normally sit on a motorcycle?

230. How should a passenger normally sit on a motorcycle?

Sideways so they can get off more easily.
As far back as possible without using the footrests.
Standing on the footrests when the road is uneven.
✓ Securely on the passenger seat with both feet on the footrests.

A motorcycle passenger should sit securely on the designated passenger seat, keep both feet on the footrests and avoid sudden movements that could affect the motorcycle's balance and stability.

Passenger seated on a motorcycle with feet on the footrests
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before beginning a journey in severe winter weather?

231. What should you check before beginning a journey in severe winter weather?

Check whether other vehicles are using the roads.
✓ The weather, road conditions, tyres, fuel or charge, and emergency supplies.
Nothing extra if the vehicle has winter tyres.
Only whether you have enough fuel or charge.

Check whether the journey is necessary and prepare for delays or changing conditions. Suitable tyres, sufficient fuel or charge, warm clothing, and basic emergency supplies may be important.

Preparing a vehicle for a winter journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you approach slow-moving farm machinery?

232. What should you do if you approach slow-moving farm machinery?

✓ Keep a safe distance and overtake only when safe.
Use your horn so the driver moves aside.
Overtake even if the vehicle is signalling to turn.
Overtake as soon as the road becomes slightly wider.

Farm machinery may be wide, slow, or turn unexpectedly. Keep distance and only overtake when you have a clear view and enough space.

Vehicle approaching slow-moving farm machinery
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if traffic stops inside a tunnel?

233. What should you do if traffic stops inside a tunnel?

✓ Stop at a safe distance and follow signals or instructions.
Reverse toward the tunnel entrance.
Sound the horn continuously until traffic moves.
Make a U-turn and leave the tunnel.

Remain calm, keep space from the vehicle ahead, and obey traffic signals, signs, or instructions from tunnel staff.

Traffic stopped inside a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

234. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Dipped headlights.
Main beam.
Sidelights.
Front fog lights.

This symbol indicates that the dipped headlights are switched on. Dipped headlights illuminate the road ahead while limiting glare for other road users.

Dipped-headlight symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

235. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Low tyre pressure.
Low engine oil.
Low washer fluid.
✓ Low engine coolant level.

This symbol indicates that the engine coolant level is low. Check the coolant level when the engine is cool and refill it with the correct coolant if necessary.

Low coolant-level warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if another vehicle is tailgating you?

236. What should you do if another vehicle is tailgating you?

✓ Stay calm and increase your safety margin ahead.
Tap the brakes to make them increase their distance.
Speed up to create more space behind you.
Move toward the centre to discourage them from passing.

If someone follows too closely, avoid sudden actions. Keeping more space in front gives you more time to brake gently if needed. If it is safe, allow the tailgating vehicle to pass.

Following vehicle visible close behind
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

237. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Adaptive cruise control.
Parking assistance.
✓ Lane-departure warning.
Electronic stability control.

This symbol relates to the lane-departure warning or lane-keeping system. The system monitors the vehicle's position within its lane and may warn the driver if the vehicle begins to leave the lane unintentionally.

Lane-departure warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

238. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Dipped headlights.
Parking lights.
✓ Interior lighting.
Hazard warning lights.

This control operates the vehicle's interior lighting. Depending on the vehicle, the lights can be switched on manually or set to illuminate automatically when a door is opened.

Control for the vehicle's interior lighting
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

239. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Air conditioning is active.
Engine coolant is too cold.
✓ Risk of icy road conditions.
The windscreen is frozen.

This symbol warns that the outside temperature is low enough for ice to form. Road surfaces, especially bridges and shaded areas, may be slippery even when they appear clear.

Icy-road warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the windscreen wipers leave the glass smeared?

240. What should you do if the windscreen wipers leave the glass smeared?

Replace the washer pump instead of the blades.
Use the wipers at a higher speed.
✓ Clean the windscreen and blades, and replace worn blades.
Ignore it unless the wipers stop moving.

Worn or dirty wiper blades can seriously reduce visibility in rain. Clean them first and replace them if they remain ineffective or damaged.

Wiper streaks on a vehicle's windscreen
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you adjust the seat and mirrors correctly before driving?

241. Why should you adjust the seat and mirrors correctly before driving?

To make the steering and pedals easier to operate.
To make blind spots disappear completely.
✓ To maintain good control and a clear view around the vehicle.
To improve the grip of the tyres.

A correct driving position helps you operate the pedals and steering comfortably and maintain proper control. Correctly adjusted mirrors improve your view around the vehicle and help reduce blind spots. Adjust both before starting your journey.

Adjusting the driving position and mirrors before a journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with the clutch when bringing a manual vehicle to a stop?

242. What should you do with the clutch when bringing a manual vehicle to a stop?

✓ Press it before the engine begins to stall.
Keep it released until after the vehicle stops.
Press it before using the brake pedal.
Pump it repeatedly while braking.

When stopping a manual vehicle, brake normally and press the clutch pedal before the engine speed becomes too low and the engine stalls. Avoid pressing the clutch unnecessarily early, as this reduces engine braking.

Clutch-pedal operation when stopping a manual vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You should follow the vehicle in front as closely as possible in traffic.

243. You should follow the vehicle in front as closely as possible in traffic.

True.
✓ False.

You should keep a safe following distance so you have enough time to react if traffic slows or stops suddenly.

Vehicle following closely behind another vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

244. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ A general warning requiring attention.
Low tyre pressure.
An engine-management fault.
A brake-system fault.

This is a general or master warning symbol. It indicates that the vehicle has detected a condition requiring attention and is often accompanied by a message or another warning on the instrument display.

General warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which speed unit is used in Ireland?

245. Which speed unit is used in Ireland?

✓ Kilometres per hour (km/h).
Miles per hour (mph).

Road speeds in Ireland are shown in kilometres per hour (km/h).

Road speed expressed in kilometres per hour
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when the road is covered with snow or ice?

246. What should you do when the road is covered with snow or ice?

✓ Reduce speed, increase following distance, and drive gently.
Drive at the normal speed limit if the road looks clear.
Use quick steering movements if the vehicle starts to slide.
Brake firmly in bends to keep control.

Snow and ice greatly reduce tyre grip. Lower speed, extra distance, and gentle steering, braking, and acceleration help maintain control.

Vehicle travelling on a snow-covered road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which passenger vehicles are covered by driving licence D?

247. Which passenger vehicles are covered by driving licence D?

Goods vehicles over 7,500 kg.
Cars and light vehicles up to 3,500 kg.
✓ Buses designed for more than eight passengers.
Minibuses for no more than eight passengers.

Category D covers motor vehicles designed and constructed to carry more than eight passengers in addition to the driver. A trailer up to 750 kg may be towed.

Bus covered by category D
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should a front passenger keep their feet off the dashboard?

248. Why should a front passenger keep their feet off the dashboard?

✓ It can greatly increase the risk of injury if the airbag deploys.
It can prevent the engine from cooling properly.
It can interfere with the rear-view mirror.
It can prevent the passenger airbag from deploying.

A front airbag deploys very quickly and with considerable force. If a passenger has their feet or legs on the dashboard, airbag deployment can force their legs backwards and greatly increase the risk of serious injury. Passengers should sit normally with their feet in the footwell and wear their seat belts correctly. The driver should make sure everyone is seated and restrained safely before setting off.

Passenger resting their feet on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a direction indicator does not cancel after a turn?

249. What should you do if a direction indicator does not cancel after a turn?

Leave it flashing until the next turn.
Press the horn.
Switch on the hazard warning lights.
✓ Return the indicator control to its neutral position.

Direction indicators often cancel automatically after a turn, but if an indicator remains on, return the indicator control to its neutral position so you do not mislead other road users.

Returning the indicator stalk to its neutral position
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the brakes fade during a long descent?

250. What should you do if the brakes fade during a long descent?

✓ Select a lower gear and stop safely to allow the brakes to cool.
Accelerate between bends to reduce brake use.
Switch off the engine to help slow the vehicle.
Keep pressing the brakes continuously all the way downhill.

Continuous braking can cause overheating and reduced braking performance. A lower gear provides engine braking and reduces demand on the brakes.

Vehicle descending a hill with overheating brakes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA