Motorways and tunnels: 40 theory test questions

All 40 questions, answers and sources

1. You hold a learner permit for a car. May you drive it on a motorway?

   1. No, you need a full licence for that category
   2. Yes, if a fully licensed driver sits beside you
   3. Yes, but only outside rush hour
   4. Yes, if you keep to Lane 1 at all times
   Show the answer

   A: No, you need a full licence for that category. Only people with a full driving licence for the category of vehicle they are driving may use a motorway. A learner permit is not enough.

   “…people who do not hold a full driving licence for the category of vehicle…”

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2. Which of these vehicles must not use a motorway?

   1. A car towing a small trailer with a full licence holder
   2. A van with a 1.6 litre engine
   3. An electric car with a full licence holder
   4. A vehicle that cannot reach at least 50 km/h
   Show the answer

   D: A vehicle that cannot reach at least 50 km/h. Vehicles that cannot reach a speed of at least 50 km/h are banned from motorways.

   “…vehicles incapable of a speed of at least 50kmh…”

3. What is the maximum speed limit on an Irish motorway unless signs show otherwise?

   1. 100 km/h
   2. 110 km/h
   3. 120 km/h
   4. 130 km/h
   Show the answer

   C: 120 km/h. The default maximum on a motorway is 120 km/h, unless a sign, your vehicle type or a permanent lower limit says otherwise.

   “The maximum speed limit on a motorway is 120km per hour unless:”

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4. In dry conditions, roughly what is your total stopping distance at 120 km/h?

   1. 52 metres, about 13 car lengths
   2. 102 metres, about the length of a soccer pitch
   3. 75 metres, about 20 car lengths in dry weather
   4. 150 metres, about 40 car lengths
   Show the answer

   B: 102 metres, about the length of a soccer pitch. At 120 km/h on a dry road you need about 102 metres to stop, which is roughly 27 car lengths.

   “102 metres (27 car lengths). This is about the length of a soccer pitch.”

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5. You are joining a motorway from a slip road. What is the acceleration lane for?

   1. Overtaking slower traffic on the slip road
   2. Building up your speed before you merge
   3. Stopping to wait for a large gap
   4. Letting motorway traffic merge into your lane
   Show the answer

   B: Building up your speed before you merge. Use the acceleration lane to build up speed so you can merge smoothly with traffic already on the motorway.

   “Use the acceleration lane to build up your speed before merging into…”

6. While joining a motorway, may you drive over the hatched markings to merge early?

   1. No, you must not drive on them before merging
   2. Yes, if the left lane is empty
   3. Yes, if you signal clearly and the lane is free
   4. Only when traffic is moving slowly
   Show the answer

   A: No, you must not drive on them before merging. When joining a motorway you must keep off the hatched markings and merge where the road layout allows.

   “Do not drive on hatched markings before merging into traffic on the…”

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7. You are joining a motorway and a car is already in Lane 1 beside you. Who has priority?

   1. You, because you are signalling
   2. You, because you are on the left
   3. Whoever is driving faster
   4. The car already on the motorway
   Show the answer

   D: The car already on the motorway. When entering a motorway you let traffic already on it pass and give way to it.

   “When entering the motorway, be careful and pay attention, and let traffic already…”

8. You have just joined a motorway and want to overtake a slower van. What should you do first?

   1. Move straight into Lane 2 to pass it
   2. Use the hard shoulder to get by
   3. Stay in Lane 1 until you have adjusted to the traffic speed
   4. Flash your lights so the van moves over
   Show the answer

   C: Stay in Lane 1 until you have adjusted to the traffic speed. Each lane change is its own manoeuvre. Settle into the left lane and match the traffic speed before you overtake.

   “Treat each lane change as a separate manoeuvre. Stay in the left-hand lane…”

9. You realise you are driving against the flow of traffic on a motorway. What should you do?

   1. Turn around at the next gap in the median
   2. Reverse carefully to the last slip road
   3. Pull in to the hard shoulder at once and stop
   4. Drive on slowly with hazard lights to the next exit
   Show the answer

   C: Pull in to the hard shoulder at once and stop. Stop on the hard shoulder right away, do not try to turn, and call the Gardaí on 999 or 112.

   “If you find yourself driving against the flow of traffic, pull in immediately to…”

10. A friend's car has broken down on the motorway. May you stop to pick them up?

    1. Yes, if you use your hazard lights while they get in
    2. No, you must not pick up anyone on a motorway
    3. Yes, if you stop on the hard shoulder
    4. Yes, if they wear a high visibility vest
    Show the answer

    B: No, you must not pick up anyone on a motorway. Picking up or setting down anyone on a motorway is not allowed.

    “You must not pick up or set down anybody on a motorway.”

11. When may you drive on the hard shoulder of a motorway?

    1. Only in an emergency
    2. To pass slow traffic in a queue
    3. To reach your exit when Lane 1 is busy
    4. Whenever traffic is moving below 50 km/h
    Show the answer

    A: Only in an emergency. The hard shoulder is not a carriageway, so you may drive on it only in an emergency.

    “You must not drive on any part of the motorway that is not a carriageway…”

12. On a motorway, when should you be in Lane 1?

    1. Only when driving below 80 km/h
    2. Only when you plan to take the next exit
    3. Only on motorways with two lanes
    4. At all times unless you are overtaking
    Show the answer

    D: At all times unless you are overtaking. The normal keep left rule applies on motorways. Stay in Lane 1 unless you are overtaking.

    “The normal 'keep left' rule applies. Stay in this lane unless you are overtaking.”

13. On a two-lane motorway, what is Lane 2 mainly for?

    1. Cruising at the full 120 km/h
    2. Cars only, while trucks and buses keep to Lane 1
    3. Traffic travelling long distances
    4. Overtaking, then moving back to Lane 1
    Show the answer

    D: Overtaking, then moving back to Lane 1. On a two-lane motorway, use Lane 2 to overtake and then return to Lane 1.

    “On a two-lane motorway, use this for overtaking only and move back into Lane 1…”

14. On a three-lane motorway, Lane 1 has a line of slow trucks. Where may you stay?

    1. In Lane 3 until you reach your exit
    2. On the hard shoulder until they clear
    3. In Lane 2 while the slower traffic is in Lane 1
    4. In Lane 1, sitting behind the trucks only
    Show the answer

    C: In Lane 2 while the slower traffic is in Lane 1. On a three-lane motorway you may stay in the centre lane while slower traffic occupies Lane 1.

    “On a three-lane motorway, you may stay in this centre lane while there is…”

15. You are towing a caravan on a three-lane motorway with no obstruction ahead. Which lane must you not use?

    1. Lane 1
    2. Lane 3
    3. Lane 2
    4. The acceleration lane
    Show the answer

    B: Lane 3. A vehicle towing a trailer, horsebox or caravan must not use the outside lane, which is Lane 3 on a three-lane motorway.

    “…a vehicle towing a trailer, horsebox or caravan; or…”

16. How can you usually tell an auxiliary lane on a motorway?

    1. Its broken line is shorter, closer and wider
    2. It has a solid yellow line on its left
    3. It is marked with red surfacing
    4. It has a continuous white line on its right
    Show the answer

    A: Its broken line is shorter, closer and wider. Auxiliary lanes usually have a broken white line on the right with shorter, closer and wider markings than normal lanes.

    “…lane, with markings that are shorter, closer and wider than the broken white…”

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17. You are in Lane 1 and do not plan to leave at the next exit. Should you move into the auxiliary lane?

    1. No, only if leaving at the next exit
    2. Yes, it is a good place to cruise
    3. Yes, to let joining traffic in
    4. Yes, if Lane 1 is busy
    Show the answer

    A: No, only if leaving at the next exit. From the main motorway, enter the auxiliary lane only when you intend to take the next exit, unless Gardaí direct you.

    “…should not enter (Lane A) if your intention is not to leave the motorway at the next…”

18. Motorway traffic is in a slow queue. How close should you stay to the car in front?

    1. Close enough that nobody can cut in
    2. About one metre at low speed
    3. Bumper to bumper to keep the queue tight
    4. Far enough back to stop safely
    Show the answer

    D: Far enough back to stop safely. Even in a queue you must leave enough room in front to stop safely.

    “…protect your position. Please remember that you must leave enough room in…”

19. You want to move from Lane 3 to Lane 1. How should you signal?

    1. One long signal that covers both lane changes
    2. Only signal for the final move
    3. Signal for each lane change, one at a time
    4. No signal needed if the lanes are clear
    Show the answer

    C: Signal for each lane change, one at a time. On a motorway you signal before every move, so going from Lane 3 to Lane 1 is two stages with two signals.

    “Once on a motorway, you must make a signal before every move. For example…”

20. You have switched on your indicator to change lanes. What does that give you?

    1. Right of way after three flashes
    2. No right of way at all
    3. Priority over traffic behind you
    4. Right of way once you start moving over
    Show the answer

    B: No right of way at all. Signalling only tells others what you plan. It does not give you the right of way.

    “An indicator is not a right of way.”

21. Traffic ahead on the motorway is slowing down sharply. What should you do to warn drivers behind?

    1. Flash your headlights at the cars behind you
    2. Use your hazard warning lights
    3. Sound your horn
    4. Switch on your fog lights
    Show the answer

    B: Use your hazard warning lights. If traffic ahead slows sharply, hazard warning lights warn the traffic behind you.

    “…braking. If you notice traffic slowing down sharply, use your hazard warning…”

22. A vehicle behind you on the motorway has its right indicator flashing. What does it mean?

    1. It is catching up and plans to overtake you
    2. It wants you to speed up
    3. It is about to leave the motorway at the next exit
    4. It is warning you of a hazard ahead
    Show the answer

    A: It is catching up and plans to overtake you. A right indicator from a vehicle in your mirror means it is closing on you and intends to overtake.

    “…flashing is trying to tell you that it's catching up on you and intends to…”

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23. When may you pass traffic on its left on a motorway?

    1. Whenever the left lane is clear
    2. When the car in Lane 2 will not move over
    3. When you are within 1 km of your exit
    4. In slow queues where the lane on your right is slower
    Show the answer

    D: In slow queues where the lane on your right is slower. Overtake on the right only, except in slow moving queues where the queue on your right is slower than yours.

    “Overtake only on the right, unless traffic is travelling in slow moving queues…”

24. You have just missed your motorway exit. What should you do?

    1. Cross the ghost island while it is clear
    2. Reverse along the hard shoulder
    3. Drive on to the next exit
    4. Stop on the hard shoulder and wait
    Show the answer

    C: Drive on to the next exit. If you miss your exit, carry on to the next one. Never cross the ghost island or reverse on the hard shoulder.

    “If you miss your exit, drive on to the next exit. You must not attempt to cross…”

25. What distances do the countdown signs before a motorway exit mark?

    1. 3, 2 and 1 kilometres
    2. 500, 300 and 100 metres
    3. 300, 200 and 100 metres
    4. 1,000, 500 and 250 metres
    Show the answer

    C: 300, 200 and 100 metres. The three countdown signs tell you that the next exit is 300, 200 and then 100 metres away.

    “Countdown sign The driver is 200 metres from the next exit.”

26. Your car breaks down on the motorway. Should you place a warning triangle behind it?

    1. Yes, 50 metres behind the car
    2. No, it is too dangerous
    3. Yes, 100 metres behind the car
    4. Yes, on the hard shoulder line only
    Show the answer

    B: No, it is too dangerous. Do not place a warning triangle on a motorway because walking back to set it up is too dangerous.

    “Do not place any warning device such as a triangle on the motorway as it…”

27. Your car has broken down on the hard shoulder. How should you get out?

    1. Through the left-hand doors
    2. Through the driver's door, after checking mirrors
    3. Through the boot
    4. Whichever door is nearest
    Show the answer

    A: Through the left-hand doors. Leave through the left-hand doors so you stay away from moving traffic, and make passengers do the same.

    “Do not walk on the motorway. Leave your vehicle through the left-hand…”

28. How many high visibility vests should you always carry for motorway driving?

    1. At least one
    2. One per passenger seat
    3. At least four
    4. At least two
    Show the answer

    D: At least two. Wear a high visibility vest if you break down and always carry at least two in the vehicle.

    “Wear a high visibility vest. Always carry at least two in the vehicle.”

29. Why is the motorway roadside phone better than a mobile after a breakdown?

    1. It is free, unlike a mobile call
    2. It connects you straight to a garage
    3. It switches on warning signs behind you
    4. It tells the control centre your exact location
    Show the answer

    D: It tells the control centre your exact location. The roadside phone lets the Motorway Operations Control Centre know exactly where you are.

    “Centre (MOCC). This automatically lets them know your exact location. If…”

30. Your car is fixed and you are about to rejoin the motorway from the hard shoulder. What should you do?

    1. Pull straight into Lane 2
    2. Reverse to the last slip road
    3. Build up speed on the hard shoulder first
    4. Wait for a Garda to stop traffic
    Show the answer

    C: Build up speed on the hard shoulder first. After a breakdown, build up speed on the hard shoulder before merging, watching for other stopped vehicles.

    “Before you re-join the motorway after a breakdown, build up your speed…”

31. How does a Location Reference Indicator (LRI) sign show your direction of travel?

    1. As the next town's name
    2. As N, S, E or W
    3. As a junction number
    4. As an arrow colour code
    Show the answer

    B: As N, S, E or W. LRI signs give the road number, the distance from the start and a direction that is always N, S, E or W.

    “…the direction of travel – this can only be one of N, S, E and W; and…”

32. You see an object blocking a motorway lane ahead. What should you do?

    1. Tell the Gardaí once you can phone safely
    2. Stop and move it to the hard shoulder
    3. Stop behind it with your hazards on
    4. Flash your lights at the cars ahead
    Show the answer

    A: Tell the Gardaí once you can phone safely. Report the obstruction to the Gardaí but do not try to remove it yourself. Do not use a mobile while driving.

    “…roadside telephone or a mobile phone to tell the Gardaí. Do not attempt to…”

33. A motorway is closed and you are diverted off it. What do the diversion signs ask you to do?

    1. Follow a symbol back to the motorway
    2. Follow signs for the nearest town
    3. Follow the vehicle in front
    4. Use the hard shoulder to the next junction
    Show the answer

    A: Follow a symbol back to the motorway. Emergency diversion signs use shapes such as a square or diamond. Follow your symbol to rejoin the motorway.

    “These signs instruct motorists to follow a particular symbol in order to re-join…”

34. You drive into fog on a dual carriageway. How should you slow down?

    1. Lift off the accelerator only
    2. Brake hard to drop speed quickly
    3. Change down gears without braking
    4. Brake lightly so your brake lights warn drivers behind
    Show the answer

    D: Brake lightly so your brake lights warn drivers behind. Check your mirrors and use the foot brake gently. Your brake lights warn drivers behind that you are slowing.

    “…slow down. Use your foot brake lightly so that your lights warn following drivers.”

35. Which Irish toll road has no barrier toll plaza?

    1. The M1 between Dublin and the border
    2. Every motorway built after 2010
    3. The M50, with eFlow barrier-free tolling
    4. The Dublin Port Tunnel
    Show the answer

    C: The M50, with eFlow barrier-free tolling. Every toll road in Ireland uses a barrier toll plaza except the M50, which uses eFlow barrier-free tolling.

    “…the exception of the M50 eFlow barrier-free tolling system, are managed by a…”

36. Why should you tune in to the FM station shown at a tunnel entrance?

    1. To get toll payment details
    2. To hear safety instructions in the tunnel
    3. To avoid losing your radio signal underground
    4. To hear speed camera warnings
    Show the answer

    B: To hear safety instructions in the tunnel. The designated station lets you hear safety instructions while you drive through the tunnel.

    “If available, tune in to the designated FM radio station as this will let you…”

37. What do variable speed limit signs look like inside a tunnel?

    1. White circles with a red border and black numbers
    2. Black squares with red circles and white or yellow numbers
    3. Yellow diamonds with black numbers
    4. Blue squares with white numbers
    Show the answer

    B: Black squares with red circles and white or yellow numbers. Variable limits in tunnels show on black squares with red circles and white or yellow numbers. They are maximums, not targets.

    “…which are black squares with red circles and numbers in white or…”

38. In a tunnel, a vehicle ahead of you catches fire. What should you do?

    1. Switch off, leave the car and get out on foot
    2. Reverse out of the tunnel
    3. Stay in your car with the windows closed
    4. Drive past it quickly in the other lane
    Show the answer

    A: Switch off, leave the car and get out on foot. With a fire ahead, switch off, leave your vehicle at once and use the nearest emergency exit.

    “…if the fire is ahead of you, turn off your engine, leave the vehicle…”

39. In a tunnel, a vehicle behind you is on fire. What should you do?

    1. Stop and switch off your engine
    2. Leave your car and walk to an exit
    3. Stop and use the emergency phone
    4. Drive on out of the tunnel
    Show the answer

    D: Drive on out of the tunnel. If the fire is behind you, keep driving and leave the tunnel.

    “…drive out of the tunnel if the fire is behind you; or…”

40. The traffic lane control signs above a motorway are blank. What speed limit applies?

    1. 80 km/h until the next lane control sign
    2. No limit applies
    3. The default speed limit for that road
    4. The last limit those signs showed
    Show the answer

    C: The default speed limit for that road. Blank lane control signs mean the default speed limit applies.

    “If the traffic lane control signs are blank, the default speed limit applies.”

    Read the guide