Question 1

Which technical checks might the tester ask you to demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

demonstrate technical checks such as air pressure and the condition of tyres, oil, fuel, windscreen washer fluid level, coolant, brakes (including handbrake), steering, lights, indicators, reflectors and horn.

Question 2

What does the law say the tester can check on the car at the test?

Accepted Answer

Performing a random check on the condition of the tyres, steering, brakes, fluids (e.g. engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device

Question 3

Which secondary controls might you have to work at your test?

Accepted Answer

work the secondary controls, such as windscreen wipers and washers, de-misters, rear window heater, lights and air-conditioning, fans, rear foglights, air vents and temperature control.

Question 4

Which checks and controls are part of the practical test?

Accepted Answer

Technical checks - including tyres, lights, oil levels; In-car checks - including seat and mirror adjustments; Secondary controls - including windscreen washers, wipers, lights

Question 5

What safety checks should you make before moving off?

Accepted Answer

check that all doors, the bonnet and the boot are closed; make sure your seat and head restraint are properly adjusted; make sure your rear view mirrors are clean and properly adjusted; check that all safety belts (yours and those of your front-seat and back-seat passengers) are fastened

Question 6

Which parts of your car must you have checked regularly?

Accepted Answer

You must ensure that the steering, brakes, front and rear lamps, indicators, reflectors, rear view mirrors, safety belts, speedometer, tyres, windscreen wipers, horn and silencer are checked regularly.

Question 7

What is the minimum tyre tread depth?

Accepted Answer

Most vehicles must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm over the main tread, however it is strongly recommended that you consider changing the tyres when they have reached 3 mm.

Question 8

How do you know the correct tyre pressure?

Accepted Answer

Regularly check the pressure of every tyre, including the spare tyre, and pay attention to the recommended pressure levels. See the manufacturer's specifications for correct inflation pressure.

Question 9

What damage should you look for on a tyre?

Accepted Answer

Regularly examine your tyres for cuts, cracks and bulges, which could cause unexpected 'blow-outs.'

Question 10

What are the limits on a space saver spare tyre?

Accepted Answer

Only use these tyres to complete a journey or make a journey to a tyre dealer. Do not travel at a speed in excess of the recommended speed stamped on the tyre. space saver-type spare wheels aren't acceptable, as their speed rating doesn't meet test requirements.

Question 11

Which lights must a car have at the front?

Accepted Answer

Two headlights (white or yellow); Two white sidelights; Direction indicator lights (amber only)

Question 12

Which lights and reflectors must a car have at the back?

Accepted Answer

Two red lights (commonly known as tail lights); Two red brake lights; Two red reflectors; Number plate lighting; Direction indicator lights (amber only)

Question 13

When may you use fog lights?

Accepted Answer

You must only use fog lights in dense fog or falling snow. Turn them off in clear weather or you will risk causing glare and may dazzle other drivers.

Question 14

When should you use dipped headlights?

Accepted Answer

just after the beginning (dusk) and before the end (dawn) of lighting-up hours; when stopped in traffic; when meeting other traffic; in built-up areas where there is good street lighting; when following behind another vehicle; where there is dense fog, falling snow or heavy rain

Question 15

Are daytime running lights enough at night?

Accepted Answer

Make sure to turn on your dipped head lights at lighting up time as daytime running lights are not suitable or safe to use at night time.

Question 16

What type of glass must a windscreen be made of?

Accepted Answer

Laminated glass must be used for the windscreens of motor vehicles registered since January 1986. It must also be used when replacing damaged windscreens of older vehicles.

Question 17

How should you look after the wipers and washers?

Accepted Answer

Keep your windscreen wipers and wiper blades in good working condition and keep your windscreen washer liquid topped up.

Question 18

When must you use your mirrors?

Accepted Answer

You must use your vehicle's mirrors before signalling, before moving off, changing lanes, overtaking, slowing down, stopping, turning, or opening doors.

Question 19

Who does not have to wear a seat belt?

Accepted Answer

Where safety belts are fitted, you must wear them. The only exceptions are for: people who wear a disabled person's belt; people whose doctors have certified that, on medical grounds, they should not wear a safety belt; driving instructors or driver testers during a lesson or a test; Gardaí or members of the Defence Forces in the course of their duty

Question 20

Who is responsible for passengers under 17 wearing a belt?

Accepted Answer

By law, the driver of a passenger car or goods vehicle must ensure passengers under 17 years of age wear a safety belt or an appropriate child restraint. You may receive up to 5 penalty points if your passengers in this age group are not belted or restrained.

Question 21

Which children must use a child restraint?

Accepted Answer

All children under 150cm in height or 36kg in weight must use a child restraint system (CRS) suitable for their height and weight while travelling in a car or goods vehicle (other than a taxi).

Question 22

May a rear-facing child seat go in front of an airbag?

Accepted Answer

It is illegal to place a rear-facing child seat in the front where there is an active airbag. An airbag that deploys (opens up) in front of a rear-facing child car seat can cause serious injury or even death if there is a collision.

Question 23

What must your car display on the day of the test?

Accepted Answer

Be sure the following are clearly displayed on your vehicle: A valid, original insurance disc (white background with a green band along the left-hand side).; A valid original motor tax disc; A valid NCT disc or valid CVRT disc, if applicable; L-plates on the front and rear

Question 24

Which insurance document must you bring to the test?

Accepted Answer

Bring a valid certificate of motor insurance showing that you are insured to drive the vehicle presented for test. The insurance cert must be an original or copy of the original, (digital copies are acceptable).

Question 25

On test day, how should your tyres look on a visual check?

Accepted Answer

On visible inspection, your tyres should meet the minimum legal requirements. There should be no obvious bulges, cuts or severe uneven wear present. Tyres should be inflated to the correct pressure.

Question 26

What happens if a dashboard warning light comes on at your test?

Accepted Answer

Any dashboard warning lights indicating a malfunction or a defect, which shows before or during the test, will lead to your test not going ahead or being cut short.

Driving test car checks: questions and answers

What the Tester May Ask

Tyres

Lights and Reflectors

Windscreen and Mirrors

Seat Belts and Child Restraints

Your Car on Test Day

Drive your test routes before test day