Free Irish Driving Theory Practice Test 2026

1. A driver has been driving regularly in daylight and must now undertake a journey at night. What should the driver do?

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Drive at a higher speed than during the day to minimise the chances of falling asleep.

Drive at a higher speed than during the day as traffic is lighter at night.

Drive at a slower speed than in the day as visibility is reduced at night.

Drive at the same speed as during the day as there is no extra danger.

2. A driver notices that the wiper blades are worn. What should they do?

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Wipe the windscreen with newspaper.

Have the blades replaced as soon as possible.

Roll down the window and drive slowly.

Use the windscreen washer system while it is raining.

3. Are there any occasions when a learner driver can drive unaccompanied?

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Yes, when driving to the test centre before the driving test.

Yes, when meeting an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).

No, learner drivers must be accompanied at all times by a qualified driver.

Yes, after completing a driving test.

4. At traffic lights a driver should take particular care for which road users coming up on the left side (nearside)?

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Motorcyclists.

Trucks.

Cars.

5. At what point is a vehicle load more likely to shift?

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When reversing.

When braking gently.

When cornering.

When overtaking.

6. Before exiting the vehicle on a busy road, what should the driver ensure?

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That the gear lever is in neutral.

That the wheels are positioned straight ahead.

Before opening the door the driver should check it is safe to do so.

That the passengers open their door first.

7. Can a driver break a red light or break the speed limit to allow an emergency service vehicle to pass?

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Yes, a driver may break the speed limit to allow an emergency service vehicle to pass.

No, a driver should never break a red light or speed up to allow an emergency service vehicle to pass.

No, except where the junction or road is clear, then a driver can break a red light or speed up to allow an emergency service vehicle to pass.

Yes, a driver may legally break a red light to allow an emergency service vehicle to pass.

8. If a driver notices that structural parts of their vehicle’s body have been affected by rust, what should they do?

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Have paint sprayed over it of the same colour.

Have it repaired by a competent repair shop.

Have it sandpapered and keep the affected area dry.

Treat the area with grease and paint over it.

9. If driving from A to B, what do these road markings mean?

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A driver may not cross the lines to overtake.

A driver may cross the lines to overtake.

Oncoming traffic may not cross the lines to overtake.

Only motorcyclists may cross the lines to overtake.

10. In general, where two lanes are provided on the approach to a roundabout, which lane should a driver select when they intend taking an exit to the right (past the 12 o’clock position) of the roundabout?

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By straddling both lanes.

Either lane.

The left-hand lane.

The right-hand lane.

11. What action should a driver take when they meet a vehicle with flashing blue lights?

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Switch on the vehicle hazard warning lights.

Flash the headlights and drive up onto the footpath on the left.

Flash the headlights and come to an immediate stop.

Move to the left, reduce speed and stop if necessary.

12. What can be affected by driving on under-inflated tyres?

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Oil pressure.

The exhaust system.

Fuel consumption.

The coolant system.

13. What do these signs together mean?

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Parking not allowed during times shown.

Access for buses and taxis only during times shown.

Pedestrianised street ahead - traffic not allowed except during times shown.

Clearway ahead - no stopping or parking during times shown.

14. What does this hand signal mean?

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The cyclist intends to stop.

The cyclist intends to turn right.

The cyclist intends to turn left.

15. What does this road marking indicate?

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No entry.

Speed control ramp.

Pelican crossing.

Zebra crossing.

16. What does this sign mean when displayed on the approach to a toll plaza?

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Electronic toll collection.

Coin basket in this lane.

Ticket dispenser in this lane.

Cashier in this lane.

17. What does this sign mean when displayed on the approach to a toll plaza?

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Electronic toll out of order in this lane.

Electronic toll not accepted in this lane.

Payment in euros only in this lane.

Electronic toll accepted in any lane.

18. What does this sign mean?

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Slippery road ahead.

Road narrows from right.

Steep hill ahead.

Series of bends ahead.

19. What does this sign mean?

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School ahead.

Pedestrian crossing ahead.

Lane reserved for pedestrians.

Beware of pedestrians at night.

20. What does this sign mean?

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Buses may block the driver’s view of cyclists.

With-flow bus lane on the left.

Contra-flow bus lane ahead.

With-flow bus lane on the right.

21. What is the danger associated with applying the handbrake (parking brake) when the vehicle is moving?

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The engine will stall once the handbrake is applied at speed.

There is no danger - the vehicle will not skid as the handbrake can be released quickly.

The ABS could disconnect and cause the vehicle to skid.

The wheels could lock and cause the vehicle to skid.

22. What is the fine for a learner driver who drives unaccompanied?

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€160

€120

€140

23. What is the penalty for a driver who refuses to give breath, blood or urine samples as evidence for a second offence to An Gárda Síochána?

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Automatic disqualification for 12 months.

Automatic disqualification for 3 months.

Automatic disqualification for 4 years.

Automatic disqualification for 6 years.

24. What may the hard shoulder of a motorway be used for?

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Exiting the motorway.

Stopping to use a mobile phone.

Joining the motorway.

Stopping in an emergency.

25. What procedure should a driver follow when intending to overtake an e-scooter travelling in the same direction up ahead?

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Signal, check mirrors, move out and overtake when safe to do so.

Check mirrors, signal and move out if it is safe to do so.

Signal, move out and check mirrors for following traffic.

26. What should a driver do if dazzled by lights at night reflecting in their interior mirror?

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Switch on the rear fog lights.

Switch on hazard lights.

Temporarily adjust the angle of the mirror.

Adjust the mirror to reflect the light back towards the following driver.

27. What should a driver do if their vehicle is forced to stop in a tunnel due to a breakdown or a crash?

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Wait in the vehicle for help to arrive.

Beckon other traffic to overtake.

Call for help from an emergency station.

28. What should a driver do on a narrow road when another vehicle is coming in the opposite direction?

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Maintain position and expect the other vehicle to move over.

Reduce speed and allow reasonable clearance between their vehicle and the oncoming one before proceeding.

Position your vehicle along the middle of the road to encourage the other driver to pull in.

Maintain road position and speed. Then flash the vehicle’s lights to alert the other driver to your presence.

29. What should the driver do if there are children playing at the edge of the roadway?

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Accelerate and move to the right-hand side of the road to avoid the children.

Give a warning signal and drive past at the same speed.

Reduce speed, drive cautiously and remain ready to brake.

30. When dealing with crash victims, remember A B C. What does A stand for?

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Airway.

Arms.

Accident.

Assist.

31. When do temporary speed limits apply at roadworks?

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During business hours only.

Only when road workers are on site.

Only when there is oncoming traffic.

For the duration of the roadworks.

32. When driving at night and blinded by the lights of an oncoming vehicle, what should a driver do?

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Look towards the verge and slow down and stop if necessary.

Drive well to the left and maintain normal speed.

Repeatedly flash the headlights to warn the offending driver.

Reduce speed and switch on the full headlights.

33. When driving on a road that has a potholed surface and there is a cyclist ahead, what should a driver do?

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Allow extra clearance in case the cyclist swerves to avoid a pothole.

Expect the cyclist to keep to the left and maintain speed.

Maintain course and sound the horn to alert the cyclist of their approach.

Change to a lower gear and overtake quickly.

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

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

Not later than 1 month after registration.

Only when driving on motorways.

Not later than 10 days after registration.

35. When preparing to stop, a driver notices the vehicle behind is towing a trailer. What should the driver do?

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Use the handbrake to slow down and stop.

Stop quickly keeping a close eye on the rear-view mirror.

Speed up temporarily to put distance between their vehicle and the vehicle behind.

Indicate in good time and pull in gradually to allow the vehicle behind extra stopping distance.

36. When should a driver use fog lights on their vehicle?

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Use fog lights to improve visibility during light rain.

Switch on fog lights as a warning to pedestrians.

Use fog lights only in dense fog and falling snow.

Use fog lights on a badly lit country road.

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

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When oncoming traffic is waiting to turn left.

When traffic is stopped waiting to turn from the road on the right.

When it would be unsafe to do so.

When traffic is stopped waiting to turn from the road on the left.

38. Which of the following is a driver required to keep in good condition?

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Seatbelts.

Radio.

Paintwork.

Upholstery.

39. Why should the valve be replaced when having a tubeless tyre fitted?

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To ensure the tyre will remain inflated.

To ensure the wheel remains aligned.

To ensure the wheel nuts remain tight.

To ensure the wheel remains balanced.

40. With regard to vehicle speed, what should a driver do when driving at night?

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Maintain normal vehicle speed and drive with full headlights.

Drive at a higher speed than during the day to reduce the chances of falling asleep.

Drive at a speed that enables the driver to stop within the distance ahead that they can see to be clear.

Increase vehicle speed as traffic is lighter at night.

Free Irish Driver Theory Practice Test