Safety, incidents and penalties: 40 theory test questions

All 40 questions, answers and sources

1. A Garda directing traffic signals you to stop, but your traffic light is green. What should you do?

   1. Stop, the Garda's signal overrides it
   2. Go, because green gives you priority
   3. Slow down and go if the junction is clear
   4. Stop only if the light turns amber
   Show the answer

   A: Stop, the Garda's signal overrides it. When a Garda controls traffic, their signals take priority over traffic lights.

   “If a Garda is controlling traffic, their signals override all other signals from…”

2. A Garda asks to see your motor insurance certificate. How long do you have to produce it?

   1. 24 hours
   2. 28 days
   3. 3 months
   4. 10 days
   Show the answer

   D: 10 days. You must produce a valid motor insurance certificate to a Garda within 10 days of being asked.

   “Produce a valid motor insurance certificate to a Garda within 10 days of it…”

3. Can Gardaí breath test you at a checkpoint if they have no reason to think you have been drinking?

   1. No, they must first have a reason to suspect drink
   2. No, only after a crash
   3. Yes, checkpoints need no such opinion
   4. Only if you have committed an offence
   Show the answer

   C: Yes, checkpoints need no such opinion. Gardaí can run checkpoints that breath test drivers without first forming any opinion that they have been drinking.

   “Gardaí can set up checkpoints to take roadside breath samples without the…”

4. A Garda asks you to do impairment tests. What happens if you refuse?

   1. Nothing, they are voluntary
   2. You commit an offence
   3. You must take them later at home
   4. You get a written warning only
   Show the answer

   B: You commit an offence. Refusing to perform impairment tests when a Garda requires them is an offence.

   “…your ability to drive is impaired. It is an offence to refuse to perform impairment…”

5. Why should you keep the noise level in your car down?

   1. So you can hear the engine for gear changes
   2. So you can hear emergency vehicle sirens
   3. So the tester can hear your commentary
   4. So other drivers can hear your horn
   Show the answer

   B: So you can hear emergency vehicle sirens. Keep in-car noise low enough that you can hear sirens from emergency vehicles.

   “…levels in your vehicle at a level that allows you to hear the sirens from…”

6. You are stopped in traffic. Why should you leave plenty of space in front?

   1. To make room for an emergency vehicle
   2. So you can save fuel in stop-start traffic
   3. So you can roll back on a hill
   4. So cyclists can cut across in front
   Show the answer

   A: To make room for an emergency vehicle. A gap in front lets you move over if an emergency vehicle needs to pass, which you cannot do if you are boxed in.

   “You should also leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front…”

7. An ambulance needs to pass and the road is narrow. Should you mount the kerb?

   1. Yes, always, to clear the road quickly
   2. Yes, if you switch on your hazard lights
   3. Never, under any circumstances
   4. Only if you must and no one is on the path
   Show the answer

   D: Only if you must and no one is on the path. Avoid mounting the kerb. Do it only if you absolutely have to and are sure there are no pedestrians.

   “Never mount the kerb unless you absolutely have to and, even then, only…”

8. You have pulled in for a fire engine. It passes. What should you do?

   1. Pull out at once behind it
   2. Follow it closely to clear traffic
   3. Stay put and watch for others
   4. Flash your lights to say it is clear
   Show the answer

   C: Stay put and watch for others. Stay where you are until it passes and watch for others, as there may be more than one.

   “Stay there until the emergency vehicle has passed. Watch out for other…”

9. You are at a red light and an ambulance with sirens is behind you. No Garda is directing you. What should you do?

   1. Drive through the red light carefully
   2. Go through if no one is coming
   3. Stay at the light unless directed
   4. Mount the kerb beside the lights
   Show the answer

   C: Stay at the light unless directed. Do not break a red light or speed to let emergency vehicles pass unless Gardaí or emergency staff direct you.

   “Break a red light or speed to allow emergency service vehicles to pass…”

10. What is the reliable way to know how much you can drink and stay under the limit?

    1. One pint is always under the limit
    2. There is no reliable way
    3. Wait one hour per drink
    4. Eat a large meal first
    Show the answer

    B: There is no reliable way. No method tells you how much you can drink before going over the limit. The safe choice is not to drink and drive at all.

    “There is no reliable way to tell how much you can drink before you exceed the…”

11. A driver fails a roadside breath test. What happens next?

    1. They are arrested and must give a further sample
    2. They get a warning and can drive on
    3. They must wait an hour and retest
    4. They are sent a letter within 28 days
    Show the answer

    A: They are arrested and must give a further sample. Failing a preliminary roadside breath test leads to arrest and an evidential sample at a Garda station.

    “…preliminary breath test at the roadside, they will be arrested and required to…”

12. A driver refuses to give an evidential breath, blood or urine sample for the first time. What ban follows?

    1. 6 months
    2. 1 year
    3. 2 years
    4. 4 years
    Show the answer

    D: 4 years. Refusing an evidential sample brings an automatic four-year ban for a first offence and six years after that.

    “…evidential purposes will attract an automatic disqualification of four years for a…”

13. A fully licensed, non-professional driver tests between 50mg and 80mg BAC. What ban do they get?

    1. No ban, a fine only
    2. A 6-month ban
    3. A 1-year ban
    4. An immediate 3-month ban
    Show the answer

    D: An immediate 3-month ban. Between 50mg and 80mg, the driver gets a €200 fixed penalty and an immediate three-month ban.

    “…and an immediate 3 month disqualification. The driver cannot drive in a…”

14. A learner driver is tested and is over 20mg BAC but under 80mg. What happens?

    1. A warning only
    2. €100 fine and 2 penalty points
    3. €200 fine and a 3-month ban
    4. €400 fine and a 6-month ban
    Show the answer

    C: €200 fine and a 3-month ban. Learner, novice and professional drivers above 20mg but under 80mg get a €200 fixed penalty and a three-month ban.

    “…are above the 20mg limit (but less than 80mg), they will be served with an…”

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15. For drug driving law, what does the word drugs include?

    1. Only illegal drugs
    2. Prescribed and pharmacy medicines too
    3. Only drugs without a prescription
    4. Only cannabis and cocaine
    Show the answer

    B: Prescribed and pharmacy medicines too. Intoxicants include drugs, and that covers legal prescribed and over the counter medicines.

    “…word 'drugs' here includes legal prescribed and over the counter (OTC) medicines.”

16. A roadside drug test checks oral fluid. Which of these does it test for?

    1. Cocaine
    2. Caffeine
    3. Nicotine
    4. Paracetamol
    Show the answer

    A: Cocaine. The roadside device tests oral fluid for cannabis, cocaine, opiates and benzodiazepines.

    “Cannabis, Cocaine, Opiates and Benzodiazepines. If positive, a blood specimen…”

17. What is the maximum penalty for drug driving on summary conviction?

    1. €5,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail
    2. €1,000 fine and 3 penalty points
    3. €2,000 fine and up to 1 month in prison
    4. €10,000 fine and up to 2 years in prison
    Show the answer

    A: €5,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail. Drug driving carries the same penalty as drink driving: up to €5,000 and up to six months in prison.

    “€5,000 fine and up to 6 months imprisonment on summary conviction.”

18. During a 4-second micro sleep, how far can your car travel?

    1. 10 metres
    2. 25 metres
    3. 50 metres
    4. 100 metres
    Show the answer

    D: 100 metres. In a micro sleep of just 4 seconds, a car can cover 100 metres with nobody in control.

    “During a micro-sleep of even 4 seconds, your car can travel 100 metres (more…”

19. You feel tired and stop in a safe place. How long should your nap be?

    1. At least 45 minutes
    2. About an hour
    3. 20 minutes at most
    4. 5 minutes at most
    Show the answer

    C: 20 minutes at most. Have a caffeinated drink and nap for at most 20 minutes, as a longer nap can leave you groggy.

    “…for a maximum of 20 minutes (set the alarm on your mobile phone).”

20. You are tired but only a few minutes from home. What should you do?

    1. Keep going, as you are nearly there
    2. Stop, many tired crashes happen near home
    3. Open the window and drive on
    4. Turn up the radio and drive faster
    Show the answer

    B: Stop, many tired crashes happen near home. Do not push on because you are close. Many tiredness crashes happen in the last few minutes as the body relaxes.

    “…minutes from your destination. Many tiredness-related collisions occur within a…”

21. Another driver is trying to provoke you. What should you do?

    1. Brake sharply to warn them to back off
    2. Stay calm and keep driving safely
    3. Speed up to get away from them
    4. Swerve to block them from passing
    Show the answer

    B: Stay calm and keep driving safely. Do not react. Speeding up, braking or swerving suddenly could cause a crash.

    “…to speed up, brake or swerve suddenly. This could cause a crash or make other…”

22. Is it an offence to lend a car to a 15-year-old for use on a public road?

    1. Yes, it is an offence
    2. No, if they stay on quiet roads
    3. No, if you sit beside them
    4. No, if it is only for a short trip
    Show the answer

    A: Yes, it is an offence. Supplying a vehicle to a person under 16 for use in a public place is an offence. Supply includes lending.

    “…who is under 16 years of age for use in a public place. Similarly, it is an…”

23. You are involved in a minor crash. What must you do?

    1. Drive on if nobody seems hurt
    2. Leave once you have a photo
    3. Drive to the nearest Garda station first
    4. Stop and stay for a reasonable time
    Show the answer

    D: Stop and stay for a reasonable time. If you are in an incident, you must stop and remain at the scene for a reasonable time.

    “If you are involved in an incident, you must stop your vehicle and remain…”

24. You crash with another car and no Garda is at the scene. Who must you give your details to?

    1. Nobody until a Garda arrives
    2. Only your own insurer
    3. Anyone involved in the crash
    4. Only the other driver's insurer
    Show the answer

    C: Anyone involved in the crash. With no Garda present, give your details to any person involved or, if asked, to an independent witness.

    “…information to any person involved in the crash or, if requested, to an…”

25. Someone is injured in a crash and no Garda is present. What must happen?

    1. It must be reported within 28 days by post
    2. Only the insurers need to be told
    3. Report it at the nearest Garda station
    4. Only the ambulance service needs to know
    Show the answer

    C: Report it at the nearest Garda station. If anyone is injured and no Garda is at the scene, the crash must be reported to the nearest Garda station.

    “…accident must be reported to the nearest Garda station.”

26. You damage a parked car. No Garda or owner is around. What must you do?

    1. Leave a note and drive away
    2. Give the details at a Garda station soon
    3. Nothing, if the damage is small
    4. Wait at the car until the owner returns
    Show the answer

    B: Give the details at a Garda station soon. If neither a Garda nor the owner is available, give all the relevant information at a Garda station as soon as reasonably possible.

    “…owner is immediately available, you must give all relevant information at…”

27. When may you move an injured person at a crash scene?

    1. If there is a risk of fire or overturning
    2. When they ask to be moved
    3. When they are in an awkward position
    4. When the ambulance is delayed
    Show the answer

    A: If there is a risk of fire or overturning. Do not move an injured person unless there is a risk of fire or of the vehicle turning over.

    “…there is a risk of fire or of the vehicle…”

28. A tanker carrying acid has crashed. Where should you stand?

    1. Downwind, to stay out of the fumes
    2. Close by, to read the labels
    3. Beside the tanker to warn traffic
    4. Where the wind is not blowing at you
    Show the answer

    D: Where the wind is not blowing at you. Keep well clear and position yourself so the wind is not blowing from the incident towards you.

    “…position yourself, if possible, to make sure that the wind is not blowing…”

29. A first-time learner driver gets 7 penalty points within 36 months. What happens?

    1. A warning letter
    2. A 3-month ban
    3. They must resit the theory test
    4. A 6-month ban
    Show the answer

    D: A 6-month ban. A first-time learner or novice driver with 7 points in 36 months is banned for 6 months.

    “A first-time learner driver who receives 7 points in a 36-month period…”

    Read the guide

30. How many penalty points in 36 months bring a ban for a fully licensed driver?

    1. 7
    2. 9
    3. 12
    4. 15
    Show the answer

    C: 12. A fully licensed driver who builds up 12 points in 36 months is banned for 6 months.

    “A fully licensed driver who receives 12 points in a 36-month period will…”

31. When are penalty points added to your licence record?

    1. On the day of the offence
    2. 28 days after notification
    3. 7 days after the offence
    4. Only after you renew your licence
    Show the answer

    B: 28 days after notification. Points go on your record 28 days after the notice is sent, which happens when you pay or are convicted.

    “Penalty points will be applied to your licence record 28 days after the…”

32. You do not pay a fixed charge within 28 days. What happens?

    1. It rises by 50%
    2. It doubles and you go to court
    3. It stays the same for 6 months
    4. Your licence is suspended at once
    Show the answer

    A: It rises by 50%. An unpaid fixed charge rises by 50% after 28 days. If still unpaid after another 28 days, it goes to court.

    “If you do not pay the charge within this time, it increases by 50%. You…”

33. Your car was caught speeding but a friend was driving. How long do you have to give the Gardaí their details?

    1. 28 days
    2. 7 days
    3. 14 days
    4. 56 days
    Show the answer

    A: 28 days. The registered owner has 28 days to name the driver, or they are treated as the driver.

    “28 days. If you do, the named driver will receive the fixed charge notice.”

34. You own a car and let a learner drive it alone. What can happen to you?

    1. Nothing, only the learner is liable
    2. Your insurer pays a fine
    3. You get two penalty points
    4. Gardaí can seize your car
    Show the answer

    D: Gardaí can seize your car. An owner who lets an unaccompanied learner drive risks having the car seized and a fine of up to €1,000.

    “…driver to drive their vehicle is liable to have their vehicle seized by the Gardaí…”

    Read the guide

35. A learner is caught driving unaccompanied and pays within 28 days. What is the penalty?

    1. €80 and 1 penalty point
    2. €240 and 4 penalty points
    3. €160 and 2 points
    4. €60 and no penalty points
    Show the answer

    C: €160 and 2 points. Paying within 28 days means a €160 fine and two points. It rises after that and on conviction.

    “…a €160 fine and two penalty points if paid within 28 days…”

    Read the guide

36. Under the Graduated Driver Licence system, can a novice driver accompany a learner?

    1. Yes, after one year with a full licence
    2. No, it must be a fully qualified driver
    3. Yes, if they hold the same category
    4. Yes, if they display N-plates
    Show the answer

    B: No, it must be a fully qualified driver. Learner drivers must always be accompanied by a fully qualified driver, not a novice.

    “…always be accompanied by a fully qualified driver (not a novice).”

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37. You receive a penalty points ban. How long do you have to send your licence to the NDLS?

    1. 7 days from the start of the ban
    2. 14 days from the start of the ban
    3. 28 days from the start of the ban
    4. 56 days from the notice date
    Show the answer

    B: 14 days from the start of the ban. Post your licence to the NDLS within 14 days of the ban starting. Failing to surrender it is an offence.

    “…you will have to post your driving licence to the NDLS within 14 days of…”

38. Does time spent banned from driving count towards the 36-month penalty points period?

    1. No, the period is extended
    2. Yes, it counts in full
    3. Yes, but only the first 3 months
    4. Only if you had no other points
    Show the answer

    A: No, the period is extended. Time banned or without a licence does not count. The 36-month period is extended to cover it.

    “The time you spend banned from driving or without a licence does not count…”

39. How many penalty points apply on payment for holding a mobile phone while driving?

    1. 1
    2. 2
    3. 5
    4. 3
    Show the answer

    D: 3. Holding a mobile phone while driving carries 3 points on payment and 5 on conviction.

    “Holding a mobile phone while driving 3 5 120 180…”

40. How many penalty points apply on payment for failing to display L-plates?

    1. 1
    2. 3
    3. 2
    4. 4
    Show the answer

    C: 2. Not displaying an L-plate or tabard carries 2 points on payment and 4 on conviction.

    “Failure to display L-plate or tabard 2 4 120 180…”

    Read the guide