Sharing the road: 40 theory test questions

All 40 questions, answers and sources

1. You approach a zebra crossing. A pedestrian is standing at the kerb waiting to cross. What must you do?

   1. Give way and let them cross
   2. Continue, as they are not on the crossing yet
   3. Sound your horn and drive on slowly
   4. Flash your lights to wave them across
   Show the answer

   A: Give way and let them cross. At a zebra crossing you must give way to pedestrians, even when they are only waiting to cross.

   “…on or at a zebra crossing (even if they are only waiting to cross)”

2. At a pelican crossing the amber light is flashing and a pedestrian is still crossing. What should you do?

   1. Drive on, as flashing amber means go
   2. Give way to the pedestrian on the crossing
   3. Sound your horn so they hurry across
   4. Move forward slowly to show you are waiting
   Show the answer

   B: Give way to the pedestrian on the crossing. While the amber light flashes at a pelican crossing, pedestrians on the crossing have priority.

   “…on or at a pelican crossing, when the amber light is flashing…”

3. You are moving off from a parking space and a pedestrian is crossing the road in front. Who has priority?

   1. You do, as you are on the road
   2. Whoever started moving first
   3. The pedestrian
   4. You do, if you have signalled
   Show the answer

   C: The pedestrian. When you move off from a stationary position, you must give way to pedestrians crossing the road.

   “…crossing the road, if you are moving off from a stationary position (for…”

4. You are turning into a side road. A pedestrian has already started crossing it. What must you do?

   1. Sound your horn and complete the turn
   2. Turn quickly before they reach the middle
   3. Continue, as traffic has priority here
   4. Give way to the pedestrian
   Show the answer

   D: Give way to the pedestrian. At a junction you must give way to pedestrians who have started to cross.

   “…at a junction, if they have started crossing the road.”

5. Compared with other road users, how much right of way does your car have?

   1. No greater right of way than anyone else
   2. More than cyclists and pedestrians
   3. More than anyone else on a main road
   4. More than pedestrians but not cyclists
   Show the answer

   A: No greater right of way than anyone else. A motor vehicle has no extra right of way, so you should drive defensively and make way for others when needed.

   “Your vehicle does not have greater right of way than any other road user, so…”

6. You are waiting to emerge from a side road. A car on the main road is indicating left into your road. What should you do?

   1. Pull out at once, as it is turning
   2. Wait until it has started its left turn
   3. Flash your lights and pull out
   4. Pull out if the car is slowing down
   Show the answer

   B: Wait until it has started its left turn. An indicator is not a promise. Wait until the vehicle has actually begun to turn before you emerge.

   “…waiting until a vehicle has started its left-hand turn before you emerge…”

7. Why should you take special care when reversing where young children are about?

   1. Children often run towards cars that are reversing
   2. Reversing lights confuse young children
   3. A small child may be hidden from your mirrors
   4. Parking sensors never detect children
   Show the answer

   C: A small child may be hidden from your mirrors. A small child behind the car may not show in your mirrors or back window. If in doubt, get out and check.

   “…small child behind your vehicle through your mirrors or back window. If…”

8. Where should you not park when dropping a child at school?

   1. On a road with a 50 km/h limit
   2. More than 15 metres from the gate
   3. In the school's own car park
   4. At the school entrance
   Show the answer

   D: At the school entrance. Parking at a school entrance can block it and force children onto the road to get around your car.

   “Do not park at a school entrance. Thoughtless parking can confuse parents and…”

9. You park with two wheels up on the footpath, blocking it. Is this allowed?

   1. No, blocking a footpath is an offence
   2. Yes, if your hazard lights are on
   3. Yes, for up to 30 minutes
   4. Yes, if you stay with the vehicle
   Show the answer

   A: No, blocking a footpath is an offence. It is an offence for your vehicle to block a footpath or a cycle track.

   “It is an offence if your vehicle blocks a footpath or a cycle track.”

10. You see young school children close to the road ahead. What may you do to let them know you are there?

    1. Flash your headlights
    2. Use your horn
    3. Rev your engine
    4. Switch on hazard lights
    Show the answer

    B: Use your horn. Near young school children you may use your horn so they know a car is coming.

    “…children, you may use your horn to let them know you are there.”

11. A school warden raises the Stop sign. When can you drive on?

    1. As soon as the children have crossed
    2. As soon as the sign is lowered
    3. When the warden has returned to the footpath
    4. When the road ahead looks clear
    Show the answer

    C: When the warden has returned to the footpath. You must stay stopped until the children have crossed, the sign is lowered and the warden is safely back on the footpath.

    “…the school warden has safely returned to the footpath.”

12. What is the best way to take care near cyclists and motorcyclists?

    1. Sound your horn before passing them
    2. Keep your hazard lights on
    3. Stay at least 10 metres behind them at all times
    4. Use mirrors and recheck blind spots
    Show the answer

    D: Use mirrors and recheck blind spots. Cyclists and motorcyclists are easy to miss, so check your mirrors and look again into blind spots.

    “The best way to take care near cyclists and motorcyclists is to use your mirrors…”

13. Why should you give a cyclist plenty of room when they are starting off?

    1. They tend to wobble until they build up speed
    2. They must ride in the centre of the lane
    3. They are not allowed to signal while moving off
    4. Their brakes work poorly at low speed
    Show the answer

    A: They tend to wobble until they build up speed. Cyclists are often unsteady until they get going, so leave extra space.

    “…when they are starting off. Cyclists tend to wobble until they build up…”

14. When overtaking a cyclist or motorcyclist, what should you never do?

    1. Overtake on a straight road
    2. Cut in front of them
    3. Pass in a lower gear
    4. Overtake them in daylight
    Show the answer

    B: Cut in front of them. Cutting in after passing leaves a rider no room. Give them plenty of space instead.

    “Never cut in front of cyclists or motorcyclists when overtaking them. Give them…”

15. You are approaching a junction where you will turn left. A cyclist is just ahead of you. What should you do?

    1. Overtake quickly so you can turn first
    2. Sound your horn and then turn
    3. Stay behind, as they may go straight ahead
    4. Pass them and signal left as you do
    Show the answer

    C: Stay behind, as they may go straight ahead. If you pass and then turn left, you may cut across a cyclist who is going straight on.

    “Do not overtake a cyclist as you approach a junction if you are turning left. The…”

16. You are about to turn left. Where should you look out for cyclists?

    1. Only ahead of you
    2. Only on your right
    3. Only in your rear-view mirror
    4. Coming up on your left
    Show the answer

    D: Coming up on your left. Cyclists close to the kerb or in a cycle track can come up on your left as you turn.

    “…of you or coming up on your left (especially if there is a cycle track on the left).”

17. You are turning right through a gap in a queue of oncoming traffic. Which hazard should you watch for?

    1. A cyclist in a lane at the far side
    2. A driver behind who wants to pass you
    3. A pedestrian waiting on the footpath on your side
    4. A lorry waiting in the side road
    Show the answer

    A: A cyclist in a lane at the far side. A cyclist may be travelling in a cycle or bus lane on the far side, hidden by the queue.

    “…might be travelling in a cycle or bus lane running in the opposite direction at…”

18. You are about to open the driver's door of your parked car. What should you check for?

    1. Pedestrians on the footpath to your left
    2. Cyclists or motorcyclists coming up on your right
    3. Traffic waiting at the lights ahead
    4. Whether your hazard lights are on
    Show the answer

    B: Cyclists or motorcyclists coming up on your right. Use your mirrors to spot cyclists and motorcyclists coming up beside you and give them room to pass.

    “…vehicle, use your mirrors to check for cyclists and motorcyclists coming up on…”

19. You are approaching a flock of sheep on the road. What should you do?

    1. Sound your horn to clear them
    2. Keep your speed and pass wide
    3. Slow down and be ready to stop
    4. Flash your lights so they move
    Show the answer

    C: Slow down and be ready to stop. Animals can move without warning, so slow down and be prepared to stop.

    “Always slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching or overtaking…”

20. Cattle are on the road in front of you. Why should you avoid using your horn?

    1. It is only for emergencies at night
    2. The farmer may report you
    3. It is banned outside built-up areas
    4. It might frighten them
    Show the answer

    D: It might frighten them. A horn can scare animals and make them behave unpredictably.

    “…you must obey it. Avoid using your horn if animals are in front of you, as it…”

21. A farmer in charge of cattle signals you to stop. What must you do?

    1. Stop, as you must obey the signal
    2. Slow down but keep moving
    3. Drive on if the road looks clear
    4. Stop only if a Garda is present
    Show the answer

    A: Stop, as you must obey the signal. A signal to slow down or stop from a person in charge of animals must be obeyed.

    “…animals. If a person in charge of animals gives a signal to slow down or stop…”

22. How should you pass a horse and rider?

    1. Quickly, to spend less time beside them
    2. Slowly, giving them plenty of width
    3. Close to the verge, with a short beep
    4. At normal speed with dipped lights
    Show the answer

    B: Slowly, giving them plenty of width. Pass slowly and wide so you do not startle the horse.

    “…pass by slowly, driving wide of the horse and rider…”

23. Why should you not use your horn or flash your lights near a horse?

    1. It is an offence on rural roads
    2. The rider may think you want them to stop
    3. It might startle the horse
    4. The horse may move into the middle of the road
    Show the answer

    C: It might startle the horse. Noise or bright light can startle or blind a horse, and the rider may lose control.

    “…don't use your horn or lights in a way that might startle or blind a horse.”

24. You are towing a trailer and need to pass a horse and rider. What should you do?

    1. Pass as quickly as you can
    2. Sound your horn as you pass
    3. Pass close to keep the trailer straight
    4. Take special care when passing
    Show the answer

    D: Take special care when passing. A trailer or roof load makes your vehicle wider and noisier, so take extra care when passing horses.

    “…if you are carrying a roof load or towing a trailer, take special care when…”

25. You hear a siren and see an ambulance with flashing lights behind you. What should you do?

    1. Take care and give way when it is safe
    2. Stop immediately, even in the middle of a junction
    3. Speed up to stay ahead of it
    4. Mount the footpath to let it pass
    Show the answer

    A: Take care and give way when it is safe. Make way for emergency vehicles, but only when you can do so safely.

    “…a siren or flashing lights, you should exercise caution, and give way if it is safe to…”

26. At night, on which side must a horse-drawn vehicle carry its lamp?

    1. The left-hand side
    2. The right-hand side
    3. The centre of the rear
    4. On the horse's harness
    Show the answer

    B: The right-hand side. The lamp goes on the right, showing white to the front and red to the back, so traffic can see the vehicle's width.

    “…must also carry on the right-hand side of the vehicle a lamp showing a white light…”

27. On a road with no footpath, where should pedestrians walk?

    1. On the left, in the same direction as traffic
    2. In the centre of the lane
    3. On the right, facing oncoming traffic
    4. On whichever side has a verge
    Show the answer

    C: On the right, facing oncoming traffic. Without a footpath, pedestrians must keep to the right so they face oncoming traffic. Expect them on your side of the road.

    “If there is no footpath, you must walk as near as possible to the right-…”

28. What must drivers not do within the zig-zag markings at a zebra crossing?

    1. Use their horn
    2. Change down a gear
    3. Use their indicators
    4. Overtake or park
    Show the answer

    D: Overtake or park. Zig-zag markings on either side of a zebra crossing mean no overtaking and no parking.

    “Drivers must not overtake or park within areas covered by zig-zag markings on…”

    Read the guide

29. You drive onto a raised, cobbled courtesy crossing. How should you drive?

    1. Very slowly, watching for pedestrians
    2. At the limit, as there are no lights
    3. Quickly, to clear the area
    4. Stop and wave pedestrians across
    Show the answer

    A: Very slowly, watching for pedestrians. Courtesy crossings are shared areas, so drive very slowly and expect pedestrians.

    “…by driving very slowly, aware of the potential dangers of pedestrians using the area.”

30. You pass a bus stopped at a bus stop. What should you watch for?

    1. Bus lane cameras
    2. Pedestrians walking to and from the bus
    3. The bus driver giving hand signals to you
    4. Cyclists riding on the footpath
    Show the answer

    B: Pedestrians walking to and from the bus. Passengers may walk out around the bus, so watch for people going to and from it.

    “…disabilities and children. Watch for pedestrians walking to and from buses.”

31. A cyclist ahead moves from the left of the lane to the centre as they near a junction. Why might they do this?

    1. They are about to stop
    2. They want you to overtake
    3. To get a better view of the junction
    4. They are wrongly blocking you from overtaking
    Show the answer

    C: To get a better view of the junction. Cyclists may take the centre of the lane to see the road and junctions ahead better.

    “…get the best view of the road and junctions ahead.”

32. Can cyclists ride two abreast?

    1. Never, it is always illegal
    2. Only on cycle tracks
    3. Only on roads with a limit of 50 km/h or less
    4. Sometimes, if it does not obstruct others
    Show the answer

    D: Sometimes, if it does not obstruct others. Riding two abreast can be safe at times, but cyclists must not ride in a way that obstructs other road users.

    “Sometimes it may be safe to cycle two abreast, but you must not cycle in a…”

33. A cycle track is bordered by a continuous white line. Can you park in it?

    1. No, never
    2. Yes, for up to 30 minutes
    3. Yes, while loading
    4. Yes, outside rush hour
    Show the answer

    A: No, never. A track with a continuous white line is mandatory, and no driver may park in it.

    “No driver may park a vehicle in a mandatory cycle track.”

34. A cycle track has a broken white line on its right side. When may you drive in it?

    1. Never
    2. Temporarily, if no cyclist is on it
    3. Only at night
    4. Only to pass traffic on the left
    Show the answer

    B: Temporarily, if no cyclist is on it. Other drivers may use a broken-line track for a short time when no cyclist or rider is on it.

    “…may make temporary use of this type of track if there is no cyclist or rider on it.”

35. You need to unload and there is no other parking. How long may you park in a non-mandatory cycle track?

    1. 10 minutes
    2. 20 minutes
    3. 30 minutes
    4. 60 minutes
    Show the answer

    C: 30 minutes. You may stop there for up to 30 minutes, only to load or unload and only if there is nowhere else.

    “A driver may park in a non-mandatory cycle track for up to 30 minutes, but only…”

36. A cycle track sign has no information plate showing times. When does the track operate?

    1. Only during rush hours
    2. Only on weekdays
    3. Only in daylight
    4. All the time
    Show the answer

    D: All the time. With no information plate, the cycle track is in force at all times and you cannot park in it.

    “If there is no information plate, it means the cycle track operates all the time…”

37. What is the maximum speed for an e-scooter on a public road?

    1. 20 km/h
    2. 25 km/h
    3. 30 km/h
    4. 45 km/h
    Show the answer

    A: 20 km/h. E-scooters are limited to 20 km/h, or less where the road has a lower limit.

    “You must drive an electric scooter at a maximum speed of 20 km/h on all public…”

38. Which powered personal transporter may legally be used on Irish public roads?

    1. An electric skateboard
    2. A compliant e-scooter
    3. A hoverboard
    4. An electric unicycle
    Show the answer

    B: A compliant e-scooter. E-scooters that meet the legal criteria are the only powered personal transporters allowed on public roads.

    “…hoverboards and unicycles are not legal and must not be used on public roads.”

39. Why can drivers fail to see an approaching motorcyclist?

    1. Motorcycles must use dipped lights
    2. Motorcycles make far less noise than most cars do
    3. Drivers look for larger objects, not narrow ones
    4. Motorcyclists are not allowed in bus lanes
    Show the answer

    C: Drivers look for larger objects, not narrow ones. Drivers often scan for large vehicles and miss the narrow shape of a motorcycle.

    “…and be aware that others may be looking at larger objects and not the narrow…”

40. How can you tell that a motorcyclist ahead holds a learner permit?

    1. A small L plate fixed to the rear of the bike
    2. An N plate on the rear mudguard
    3. A green L sticker on the helmet
    4. An L on a yellow fluorescent tabard
    Show the answer

    D: An L on a yellow fluorescent tabard. Learner motorcyclists wear an L on a yellow fluorescent tabard so others know to give extra care.

    “As a motorcyclist on a learner permit you must display an 'L' on a yellow…”