Ireland Driver Theory Test Practice 2026: Practice test 2

1. Question 1 of 25

   Can you take driving lessons without a valid learner permit?

   • AYes, for the first three lessons
   • BYes, if the instructor agrees
   • CNo, you need a valid learner permit first
   • DYes, once you pass the theory test
   Show answer

   Answer: C. No, you need a valid learner permit first

   You cannot take driving lessons on public roads without a valid learner permit.

2. Question 2 of 25

   Before a learner drives a car on the road, which of these must be in order?

   • AOnly the accompanying driver’s licence, which must be carried in the car
   • BIt must be roadworthy, insured, taxed, NCT-tested if due, and show L plates
   • COnly the L plates; insurance is not needed for a learner on a short trip
   • DOnly the insurance, as long as the accompanying driver is named on it
   Show answer

   Answer: B. It must be roadworthy, insured, taxed, NCT-tested if due, and show L plates

   A learner’s car must meet all the usual roadworthiness, insurance, motor tax and NCT rules, as well as showing L plates.

3. Question 3 of 25

   For how long must a novice driver display N plates?

   • ASix months after getting their first full licence
   • BOne year after getting their first full licence
   • CTwo years after getting their first full licence
   • DUntil they are 25
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Two years after getting their first full licence

   You must display N plates for two years after you receive your first driving licence.

4. Question 4 of 25

   How many times does the two-year novice period apply to a driver?

   • AOnce for each vehicle category
   • BEvery time they renew their licence
   • CEvery ten years
   • DOnly once
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Only once

   The novice period applies only once, after you get your first full licence.

5. Question 5 of 25

   What is the blood alcohol limit for a novice driver?

   • A50 mg per 100 ml of blood
   • B80 mg per 100 ml of blood
   • C20 mg per 100 ml of blood
   • D0 mg per 100 ml of blood
   Show answer

   Answer: C. 20 mg per 100 ml of blood

   Novice drivers have the lower limit of 20 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.

6. Question 6 of 25

   What is the general speed limit on motorways in Ireland?

   • A100 km/h
   • B110 km/h
   • C130 km/h
   • D120 km/h
   Show answer

   Answer: D. 120 km/h

   The default limit on motorways is 120 km/h unless signs show a lower limit.

7. Question 7 of 25

   Unless signs show a different limit, what is the speed limit on a national primary road such as a dual carriageway?

   • A100 km/h
   • B90 km/h
   • C120 km/h
   • D80 km/h
   Show answer

   Answer: A. 100 km/h

   National roads, including dual carriageways, have a default limit of 100 km/h.

8. Question 8 of 25

   What is the default speed limit on regional roads?

   • A60 km/h
   • B80 km/h
   • C50 km/h
   • D100 km/h
   Show answer

   Answer: B. 80 km/h

   Regional roads have a default limit of 80 km/h unless signs show otherwise.

9. Question 9 of 25

   Since 7 February 2025, what is the default speed limit on rural local roads?

   • A60 km/h
   • B40 km/h
   • C50 km/h
   • D80 km/h
   Show answer

   Answer: A. 60 km/h

   On 7 February 2025 the default limit on rural local roads was cut from 80 km/h to 60 km/h.

10. Question 10 of 25

    Unless signs show a special limit, what is the speed limit in a built-up area such as a town?

    • A60 km/h
    • B50 km/h
    • C80 km/h
    • D40 km/h
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 50 km/h

    The default limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h. Many urban roads have a lower special limit, such as 30 km/h.

11. Question 11 of 25

    On a rural local road you see a white circular sign crossed by black diagonal lines, with no number. What does it mean?

    • ADrive at 60 km/h or less, or slower if needed
    • BThe 30 km/h zone has ended and 50 km/h applies
    • CThere is no speed limit on this road
    • DThe 100 km/h national limit applies
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Drive at 60 km/h or less, or slower if needed

    Since 7 February 2025 the rural speed limit sign means you must drive at 60 km/h or below.

12. Question 12 of 25

    Who sets special speed limits, such as 30 km/h zones, in local areas?

    • AAn Garda Síochána
    • BLocal authorities, through bye-laws
    • CThe National Car Testing Service
    • DEach driver, based on conditions
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Local authorities, through bye-laws

    Special speed limits are set by local authorities using bye-laws.

13. Question 13 of 25

    What is the maximum speed for a vehicle towing a trailer or caravan, even on a motorway?

    • A120 km/h
    • B100 km/h
    • C60 km/h
    • D80 km/h
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 80 km/h

    Vehicles towing a trailer, caravan or horsebox have a maximum speed of 80 km/h on all roads.

14. Question 14 of 25

    What is the maximum speed in motorway toll lanes?

    • A20 km/h
    • B50 km/h
    • C80 km/h
    • D30 km/h
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 50 km/h

    The maximum speed in all toll lanes is 50 km/h.

15. Question 15 of 25

    What does a posted speed limit tell you?

    • AThe speed you must always drive at
    • BThe minimum speed allowed
    • CThe maximum legal speed, not always a safe speed
    • DA suggested speed you may go over when overtaking
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The maximum legal speed, not always a safe speed

    A limit is the most you may legally drive. You must slow down further when conditions, such as heavy rain, make it unsafe.

16. Question 16 of 25

    You are overtaking on a road with an 80 km/h limit. May you go over 80 km/h to finish the move?

    • AYes, if the road ahead is clear and straight
    • BNo, you must keep to the limit even when overtaking
    • CYes, for up to ten seconds to finish safely
    • DYes, but only by up to 10 km/h over the posted limit
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No, you must keep to the limit even when overtaking

    The Rules of the Road say you must not break the speed limit, even when overtaking.

17. Question 17 of 25

    According to the RSA, about how many pedestrians in 10 are killed when hit by a vehicle at 60 km/h?

    • A9 in 10
    • B5 in 10
    • C3 in 10
    • D1 in 10
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 5 in 10

    About 5 in 10 pedestrians are killed at 60 km/h, compared with about 3 in 10 at 50 km/h and 9 in 10 at 80 km/h.

18. Question 18 of 25

    If you pay a fixed charge for speeding within 28 days, what is the penalty?

    • A€80 and 1 penalty point
    • B€160 and 3 penalty points
    • C€60 and no penalty points
    • D€300 and 6 penalty points
    Show answer

    Answer: B. €160 and 3 penalty points

    A speeding fixed charge is €160 and 3 penalty points if paid within 28 days. It goes up if you pay late.

19. Question 19 of 25

    What should you do when an electronic variable speed limit sign, such as on the M50, shows a lower limit?

    • AObey it only at night, when traffic is lighter
    • BObey the limit shown, because it is the legal limit
    • CIgnore it, because electronic signs are only advice
    • DObey it only if you are driving a truck or bus
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Obey the limit shown, because it is the legal limit

    Variable speed limits are set electronically and the limit shown is the legal limit at that time.

20. Question 20 of 25

    What is the blood alcohol limit for a fully licensed, experienced car driver in Ireland?

    • A35 mg per 100 ml of blood
    • B20 mg per 100 ml of blood
    • C50 mg per 100 ml of blood
    • D80 mg per 100 ml of blood
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 50 mg per 100 ml of blood

    Experienced drivers must stay under 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.

21. Question 21 of 25

    What is the blood alcohol limit for a learner driver?

    • A80 mg per 100 ml of blood
    • B50 mg per 100 ml of blood
    • C35 mg per 100 ml of blood
    • D20 mg per 100 ml of blood
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 20 mg per 100 ml of blood

    Learner drivers are “specified drivers” and have the lower limit of 20 mg per 100 ml of blood.

22. Question 22 of 25

    Which drivers must keep to the lower 20 mg alcohol limit?

    • AOnly drivers over 70 years of age
    • BLearner, novice and professional drivers
    • COnly drivers of large electric or hybrid cars
    • DOnly motorcyclists and moped riders
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Learner, novice and professional drivers

    The lower limit applies to learners, drivers in their first two years, professional drivers (such as bus, truck and taxi drivers) and unlicensed drivers.

23. Question 23 of 25

    What is the breath alcohol limit for an experienced driver?

    • A22 microgrammes per 100 ml of breath
    • B9 microgrammes per 100 ml of breath
    • C50 microgrammes per 100 ml of breath
    • D35 microgrammes per 100 ml of breath
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 22 microgrammes per 100 ml of breath

    For experienced drivers the breath limit is 22 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 ml of breath.

24. Question 24 of 25

    What is the breath alcohol limit for learner, novice and professional drivers?

    • A35 microgrammes per 100 ml of breath
    • B22 microgrammes per 100 ml of breath
    • C9 microgrammes per 100 ml of breath
    • D50 microgrammes per 100 ml of breath
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 9 microgrammes per 100 ml of breath

    Specified drivers have a breath limit of 9 microgrammes per 100 ml of breath.

25. Question 25 of 25

    An experienced driver is found with 60 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood and gets a fixed penalty notice. What is the penalty?

    • AAn €80 fine and 3 penalty points, with no ban
    • BA €400 fine and 6 penalty points on your licence
    • CA warning only, because it is a first offence
    • DA €200 fine and a 3-month disqualification
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A €200 fine and a 3-month disqualification

    For an experienced driver between 50 and 80 mg, the fixed penalty is €200 and three months off the road.

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The real test: 35 of 40