Questions at Driving Lessons Drogheda
Driving test questions and answers
Getting ready for your test is about more than just driving well. You also need a good understanding of the rules of the road, common road signs, vehicle safety, and everyday driving situations. To help you prepare, we have put together a handy list of questions and answers you can read through in your own time. It is a simple way to build confidence, spot any weak areas, and make sure you are better prepared for the day of your test. If there is anything here you are unsure about, bring it up with your instructor and go over it together.
Driving Test Questions and Answers
Rules of the road questions and answers
When may you overtake on the left?
Only in certain situations, such as when traffic in the lane on your right is moving more slowly, or when the vehicle ahead is turning right and it is safe to pass on the left.
What does a solid white line in the centre of the road mean?
It means you must not cross the line, except in very limited circumstances such as avoiding an obstruction.
What does a broken yellow line mean?
A single broken yellow line at the side of the road means parking is restricted at certain times shown on nearby signs.
What do double broken white lines in the centre of the road mean?
They warn that a continuous white line is coming up ahead.
At a stop sign with no white stop line, where should you stop?
You should stop at the stop sign itself and make sure it is safe before moving off.
Where there is one continuous white line and one broken white line, which one do you obey?
You obey the line nearest to your side of the road.
Who has priority at a roundabout?
Traffic already on the roundabout has priority.
When should you dip your headlights?
Use dipped headlights at night on lit roads, in traffic, and whenever full beams could dazzle another road user.
What should you do if you are dazzled by another vehicle’s lights?
Slow down, keep well left, and avoid looking directly at the lights.
What are the rules about using the horn?
Use it only to warn other road users of danger. It should not be used aggressively or unnecessarily, especially in built-up areas at night.
How close to the kerb should you park?
As close as possible, and generally within about 30 centimetres.
Where should you never overtake?
You should not overtake where visibility is poor, near bends, brows of hills, junctions, pedestrian crossings, solid white lines, or anywhere it would be unsafe.
What is the sequence of traffic lights?
Green, amber, red, and in many cases red and amber together before green.
What does a clearway mean?
Stopping or parking is not allowed during the times shown on the sign, except in limited circumstances such as setting down passengers where permitted.
What are the rules at a box junction?
Do not enter unless your exit is clear, apart from certain right-turn situations.
What is the difference between a pelican crossing and a zebra crossing?
A zebra crossing has black and white road markings and flashing beacons, while a pelican crossing is controlled by traffic lights.
What does an island in the centre of a pedestrian crossing mean?
It divides the crossing into two parts, allowing pedestrians to deal with one direction of traffic at a time.
What do zig-zag lines at a zebra crossing mean?
They warn you that you are approaching a pedestrian crossing and that parking and overtaking are not allowed there.
What is the speed limit on national roads and motorways?
The general speed limit is usually 100 km/h on national roads and 120 km/h on motorways, unless signs show otherwise.
What is the speed limit in built-up areas?
The usual limit is 50 km/h, unless a different limit is posted.
More driving test questions with answers
What is the minimum legal tyre tread depth?
At least 1.6 mm across the full circumference of the tread.
What are the rules on bus lanes?
You must not drive in a bus lane during its hours of operation unless signs allow your vehicle type to use it.
How close to a junction may you park?
You should not park within 5 metres of a junction.
Where should you position for a right turn in a one-way street?
Take up a position on the right-hand side of the road.
What are hatched markings?
They are marked areas of the road designed to separate traffic or protect turning traffic, and you should not enter them unless it is safe and permitted.
What does a yield sign mean?
It means give way to traffic on the major road or to traffic already moving through the junction.
What is a filter light?
It is a green arrow that allows traffic in the direction shown to proceed if the way is clear.
If the lights change to amber as you approach, what should you do?
Stop if it is safe to do so. Only continue if stopping suddenly would be unsafe.
What does a flashing amber light mean?
Proceed with caution and give way to pedestrians or other traffic as required.
What do flashing red traffic lights mean?
Stop completely and do not proceed until it is safe and permitted.
What does a single continuous yellow line at the side of the road mean?
Parking is restricted during certain times shown on nearby signs.
What do double continuous yellow lines mean?
No parking at any time.
Give examples of where you should not park.
Near bends, junctions, pedestrian crossings, bus stops, clearways, taxi ranks, and anywhere you would block traffic or create danger.
How close to a pedestrian crossing must you not park?
You should not park within 15 metres of a zebra or pelican crossing.
How should you cross a dual carriageway with a narrow central median?
Treat each half carefully, making sure you have enough time and space to clear the full crossing safely.
What is the difference between a motorway and a dual carriageway?
A motorway has special rules, higher restrictions, and motorway signs, while a dual carriageway simply has a central divider separating traffic in opposite directions.
Who has priority at an unmarked crossroads of equal importance?
You give way to traffic coming from your right.
What road markings show no entry?
A solid white line across the entrance, often with the words No Entry and the no-entry sign.
What should you watch out for on country roads?
Sharp bends, narrow sections, loose surfaces, animals, farm vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, and hidden entrances.
If you are being overtaken, what must you not do?
Do not speed up. Keep your course and allow the other driver to pass safely.
Where should you never make a U-turn?
At bends, brows of hills, near junctions, where signs prohibit it, or anywhere visibility and safety are poor.
What is tailgating?
Driving too close behind the vehicle in front.
What human factors can affect driving?
Fatigue, stress, alcohol, drugs, illness, poor concentration, and strong emotions can all affect safe driving.
What is coasting and why is it dangerous?
Coasting is travelling with the clutch down or in neutral. It reduces control and can make braking and steering less effective.
Who is responsible for seat belts?
The driver is responsible for ensuring children are properly restrained, and adult passengers are responsible for wearing their own seat belts, though the driver must not allow unsafe use.
On a multi-lane dual carriageway, which lane should you normally use?
Use the left-hand lane unless overtaking or preparing for a right turn.
What is the 2-second rule?
It is the minimum safe gap you should leave behind the vehicle in front in dry conditions. In wet or poor conditions, leave more space.
Vehicle check questions and answers
How do you test if the handbrake is working properly?
Apply it firmly on a slope and make sure the vehicle stays in place. A tester may also expect you to know that it should hold the car without excessive travel.
How do you check if your brakes are working, both stationary and moving?
When stationary, press the brake pedal and make sure it feels firm. While moving slowly, test that the car slows evenly and does not pull to one side.
How do you check if your brake lights are working?
Ask someone to stand behind the car while you press the pedal, or reverse up to a reflective surface and look for the red glow.
How would you know if there is a steering problem?
The steering may feel heavy, loose, slow to respond, or the car may wander or pull to one side.
How do you check that your tyres are roadworthy?
Check tread depth, tyre pressure, and look for cuts, bulges, cracks, or other damage.
How do you check tyre tread depth?
Use a tread depth gauge and make sure it is at least 1.6 mm.
How do you check the engine oil level?
Use the dipstick when the engine is cool and the car is on level ground.
If brake fluid is low, what might be the reason?
It could point to worn brake components or a leak in the braking system.
How would you know if coolant is low?
Check the coolant reservoir level against the minimum and maximum markings when the engine is cold.
How do you make sure the head restraint is set correctly?
Adjust it so the top of the restraint is level with the top of your head and close to the back of it.
What warning lights normally stay on when the ignition is switched on?
The warning lights come on briefly as a system check, but most should go out once the engine starts. If one stays on, it may signal a fault.