Legal Matters/Rules of the Road

Question 1

How should an L plate be composed?

Answer 1

A red L on a white background.

Question 2

Which vehicle is exempt from speed limits when being used in an emergency?

Answer 2

Gardai, Fire Brigade, Ambulance

Question 3

Where should L plates be displayed on cars?

Answer 3

Both front and rear

Question 4

What is the maximum gross weight of a vehicle that may be driven by the holder of a category B driving license?

Answer 4

3,500 kgs

Question 5

When should children be allowed to drive a tractor?

Answer 5

Children should never be allowed to drive a tractor.

Question 6

What is the maximum permissible speed for cars and motorcycles on motorways?

Answer 6

120 km/h

Question 7

Unless otherwise indicated, what is the maximum permissible speed for cars or motorcycles on national roads?

Answer 7

100 km/h

Question 8

Unless otherwise indicated what is the maximum permissible speed of a car towing a caravan on national roads?

Answer 8

80 km/h

Question 9

Unless otherwise indicated, what is the maximum permissible speed of a car towing a caravan on a motorway?

Answer 9

80 km/h

Question 10

Unless otherwise indicated, what is the maximum permissible speed of a car towing a trailer on a motorway?

Answer 10

80 km/h

Question 11

Unless otherwise indicated, what is the maximum permissible speed of a car towing on a motorway?

Answer 11

80 km/h

Question 12

Where is a driver allowed to park?

Answer 12

Where the driver is not blocking other road users their view of traffic signals or the road ahead.

Explanation: It is an offence to park at the side of a road that has a single or double continuous white line along its centre. Parking on such a road could create an obstruction and may cause inconvenience or danger to other road users.

Question 13

What distance before a zebra crossing is parking prohibited?

Answer 13

15 metres

Question 14

Within what distance of a road junction is parking prohibited?

Answer 14

5 metres

Question 15

Is a driver permitted to park at an entrance to a property?

Answer 15

Yes with the property owner’s consent

Question 16

When is parking permitted on a footpath?

Answer 16

It is never permitted to park on a footpath

Question 17

When is double parking permitted?

Answer 17

It is never permitted

Question 18

When is parking permitted at a taxi rank?

Answer 18

Parking at a taxi rank is prohibited unless driving a taxi

Question 19

When is parking permitted at a sharp bend?

Answer 19

Parking is never permitted at a sharp bend

Question 20

When is parking permitted on the brow of a hill?

Answer 20

Parking is never permitted on the brow of a hill

Question 21

What is the purpose of traffic calming measures?

Answer 21

To slow down traffic in the vincinity

Question 22

When may a trailer be towed on a public road without a rear number plate?

Answer 22

Never, a number plate must always be displayed.

Question 23

What traffic may use a cycle lane accompanied by a continuous white line?

Answer 23

Cyclists and motorised wheelchairs

Question 24

Apart from cyclists and motorised wheelchairs, what other road users may use an unoccupied cycle lane accompanied by a broken white line?

Answer 24

All drivers may make temporary use

Question 25

When must drivers stop at an automated railway level crossing with barriers and red flashing lights?

Answer 25

Stop safely when the amber light shows, or when red lights start to flash

Question 26

At a railway level crossing with unattended gates, what should a car driver do?

Answer 26

Open both gates before proceeding to cross Explanation: At a level crossing with unattended gates a driver must stop, look for trains and listen for the sound of a horn or approaching trains. If it is safe, open both gates, complete the crossing and then close both gates.

Question 27

What do flashing amber arrows indicate at a junction?

Answer 27

When safe, drivers should proceed in the direction indicated

Question 28

When do temporary speed limits apply at roadworks?

Answer 28

For the duration of the roadworks

Question 29

When wanting to stop temporarily in a congested area where should the driver park?

Answer 29

Park in a safe, legal and convenient place

Question 30

What is a clearway?

Answer 30

An area where stopping and parking is not permitted during certain times

Question 31

What restriction applies to a driver's full licence if they have passed their test on a vehicle with automatic transmission?

Answer 31

They may not drive vehicles with manual transmission.

Question 32

What roads are learner permit holder allowed to drive on?

Answer 32

All roads except motorways.

Question 33

Which roads are learner permit holders NOT allowed to drive on?

Answer 33

They may not drive on motorways.

Question 34

Is it permitted to use a vehicle in a public place without a current tax disc displayed?

Answer 34

No, all motor vehicles must display a current tax disc

Question 35

If a driver wishes to drive a vehicle but the tax disc is expired, what should they do?

Answer 35

They should tax it immediately. Explanation: A motor vehicle must be taxed and must display the up-to-date tax disc before it may be taken on the road.

Question 36

If a driver wishes to drive another vehicle which is not currently taxed, would they be allowed to transfer the current tax disc from their own vehicle onto it?

Answer 36

Under no circumstances should a tax disc be transferred to another vehicle

Question 37

When a vehicle is being driven by a person who is not the owner, who is responsible for ensuring that the vehicle is taxed and that a current tax disc is displayed?

Answer 37

The driver and/or the owner of the vehicle are responsible.

Question 38

When must a current tax disc be displayed on a new vehicle on a public road?

Answer 38

At all times when the vehicle is on a public road.

Question 39

Who is entitled to see a driver's vehicle registration document?

Answer 39

A Garda may ask you to produce the vehicles registration document at a named Garda station Explanation: A Garda may demand to see your driving licence at any time, and you should always carry this with you when driving. A Garda may also examine your insurance disc, tax disc and NCT disc (if applicable). A Garda may ask you to produce other documents (including the vehicles registration document) at a named Garda station within 10 days.

Question 40

If a vehicle is being driven by someone who is not the owner but has the owner's consent, who should ensure that the driver is properly insured?

Answer 40

The driver and the vehicle owner.

Question 41

Is a driver still insured to drive their vehicle after their insurance policy has expired?

Answer 41

The driver is not insured after the expiry of the policy.

Question 42

If a driver wishes to drive another privately owned vehicle but they are uncertain if they are insured to drive that vehicle, what should they do?

Answer 42

A driver should contact their own insurer to confirm whether or not their insurance policy covers the driving of other vehicles.

Question 43

When a driver wishes to drive a vehicle and they are not sure if they are covered by insurance, what should they do?

Answer 43

They should not drive until their insurance company confirms that they are insured.

Question 44

What is the minimum insurance cover a driver needs to drive on a public road?

Answer 44

Third party.

Question 45

If a driver passes their test using a vehicle with automatic transmission, which vehicles are they licensed to drive?

Answer 45

Only automatic vehicles in the licence category.

Question 46

Where can drivers locate the maximum authorised mass (MAM) of their vehicle?

Answer 46

On a metal plate on the vehicle. Explanation: The plate displaying the maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of a vehicle is normally located under the bonnet or in the passenger compartment. If you are not sure where it is located on your vehicle, check the drivers handbook supplied with the vehicle.

Question 47

What colour traffic light comes on after the green?

Answer 47

Amber only.

Question 48

What colour traffic light comes on after a non-flashing amber light?

Answer 48

Red only.

Question 49

What do flashing amber lights at a pelican crossing mean?

Answer 49

Stop and give way to pedestrians - proceed if the way is clear.

Question 50

What road users must comply with traffic lights (including pedestrian lights)?

Answer 50

All road users.

Question 51

Who can use a signed cycle track accompanied by a continuous white line on the left hand side?

Answer 51

Cyclists and users of motorised wheelchairs.

Question 52

What lights indicate a zebra crossing?

Answer 52

Flashing amber beacons.

Question 53

What do temporary traffic lights at road works mean?

Answer 53

A driver must comply with the lights at all times.

Question 54

When must the holder of a learner permit display L plates on their car?

Answer 54

At all times when driving.

Question 55

How would a driver calculate the maximum overall permitted weight of their vehicle?

Answer 55

By adding the unladen weight of the vehicle to the load permitted to be carried.

Question 56

What is the maximum authorised mass (MAM) of a car that may be driven by the holder of a category B driving licence?

Answer 56

3,500 kgs

Question 57

What is the maximum number of passengers that may be carried in a vehicle driven by the holder of a Category B driving licence?

Answer 57

8 passengers.

Question 58

When can the holder of a Category W learner permit carry a passenger?

Answer 58

Only when the passenger also holds a Category W driving licence and the vehicle is designed to carry a passenger.

Question 59

Is a driver allowed to use rebated (green) diesel fuel in a car on a public road?

Answer 59

Green diesel may never be used in a car

Question 60

When must a tractor or works vehicle be fitted with a rear-view mirror?

Answer 60

A rear view mirror must always be fitted

Question 61

When traffic lights are green, when should a driver not proceed?

Answer 61

When it would be unsafe to do so

Question 62

What does the broken yellow line road marking mean?

Answer 62

Passing is permitted in either direction

Question 63

What should a driver do when approaching traffic lights that change from green to amber?

Answer 63

Stop unless it is unsafe to do so

Question 64

What should a driver do at an amber traffic light?