Ireland Motorcycle Theory Test Practice 2026: Practice test 3

Practice test 3 of 5 for the Ireland Motorcycle Theory Test Practice: 30 more questions with answers and explanations.

Motorcycle
Ireland
140 questions
Checked October 10, 2026

Question 1 of 30
Which items should you check before every ride?
- Only the fuel gauge
- Only the mirrors
- Only the horn
- Lights, indicators, brake light, horn and tyres
Show answer
Answer: D. Lights, indicators, brake light, horn and tyres
A quick check of lights, brakes, tyres and the horn can stop a crash or breakdown.
Question 2 of 30
During your checks, you twist the throttle and let go. What should happen?
- It should stay open
- The engine should stop
- The horn should sound
- It should snap back closed by itself
Show answer
Answer: D. It should snap back closed by itself
A throttle that does not close by itself is dangerous. Have it fixed before you ride.
Question 3 of 30
In the diagram, what happens when the rider pushes the right grip forward?
- The rear brake comes on
- The motorcycle leans left and turns left
- The motorcycle leans right and turns right
- The motorcycle slows down
Show answer
Answer: C. The motorcycle leans right and turns right
At speed, pressing the right grip forward makes the motorcycle lean and turn right. This is called countersteering.
Question 4 of 30
In a normal bend like the one in the diagram, how should you lean?
- With the motorcycle, at the same angle
- Forward onto the tank
- Stay upright while the motorcycle leans
- Against the motorcycle
Show answer
Answer: A. With the motorcycle, at the same angle
In a normal bend, rider and motorcycle lean together.
Question 5 of 30
Marker 1 in the diagram shows the rider’s head. What should your head do in a bend?
- Stay level, with your eyes on the horizon
- Turn to the mirrors
- Look down at the front wheel
- Tilt with the bike
Show answer
Answer: A. Stay level, with your eyes on the horizon
A level head and eyes on the horizon help your balance and judgement.
Question 6 of 30
On a dry road, which brake gives most of the stopping power?
- The rear brake
- Both give the same
- The engine stop switch
- The front brake
Show answer
Answer: D. The front brake
Weight moves forward when you brake, so the front brake does most of the work. Use both brakes in normal riding.
Question 7 of 30
When is the safest time to brake firmly?
- While changing lanes
- When the motorcycle is upright and going straight
- While leaning over
- In the middle of a bend
Show answer
Answer: B. When the motorcycle is upright and going straight
Your tyres have the most grip for braking when the bike is upright and travelling straight.
Question 8 of 30
When should you reduce your speed for a bend?
- There is no need to slow down
- At the exit
- Before the bend, while upright
- In the middle of the bend
Show answer
Answer: C. Before the bend, while upright
Slow down before the bend so you can keep a steady throttle through it.
Question 9 of 30
Where should you look when riding through a bend?
- At the front wheel
- At your mirrors
- At the white line beside you
- Through the bend to where you want to go
Show answer
Answer: D. Through the bend to where you want to go
The bike tends to go where you look. Look through the bend to your exit.
Question 10 of 30
What usually causes a motorcycle to skid?
- Using the indicators
- Riding in daylight
- The rider braking, accelerating or steering too harshly
- Wearing gloves
Show answer
Answer: C. The rider braking, accelerating or steering too harshly
Most skids happen when the controls are used too harshly. Be smooth, especially on wet or loose surfaces.
Question 11 of 30
Before you turn or change lanes, what final check covers your blind spot?
- A check of the fuel gauge
- A look at the speedometer
- A quick look over your shoulder
- A glance at your front wheel
Show answer
Answer: C. A quick look over your shoulder
Mirrors do not show everything. A final look over your shoulder checks the blind spot before you move.
Question 12 of 30
Why is riding with the clutch pulled in (coasting) dangerous?
- It is only dangerous uphill
- It uses too much fuel
- It makes the engine too loud
- You lose engine braking and some control
Show answer
Answer: D. You lose engine braking and some control
Coasting removes engine braking, so speed can build up quickly, especially downhill.
Question 13 of 30
Why do many crashes between cars and motorcycles happen at junctions?
- Riders always have right of way
- Drivers pulling out fail to see the rider
- Motorcycles cannot stop at junctions
- Junctions have no signs
Show answer
Answer: B. Drivers pulling out fail to see the rider
Motorcycles are small and easy to miss. Assume a waiting driver has not seen you, slow down and be ready to stop.
Question 14 of 30
A car is waiting to pull out of a side road ahead. What should you do?
- Speed up to pass quickly
- Move closer to the side road
- Slow down, cover your brakes and be ready to stop
- Sound your horn and keep going
Show answer
Answer: C. Slow down, cover your brakes and be ready to stop
Covering your brakes means your fingers and foot are ready, so you react faster if the driver pulls out.
Question 15 of 30
In good conditions, what is the minimum gap you should leave behind the vehicle in front?
- Half a second
- One second
- Ten seconds
- Two seconds
Show answer
Answer: D. Two seconds
Use the two-second rule in good conditions, and leave more in bad weather.
Question 16 of 30
How should your following distance change on a wet road?
- Double it
- Ride closer to see the vehicle’s lights
- Halve it
- Keep it the same
Show answer
Answer: A. Double it
Stopping distances are much longer in the wet, so at least double your gap.
Question 17 of 30
When is a road often most slippery in rain?
- Only when it is freezing
- After a day of heavy rain
- Only on motorways
- Just after the rain starts
Show answer
Answer: D. Just after the rain starts
At first, rain mixes with oil and dirt on the road surface, making it very slippery.
Question 18 of 30
Which surfaces are especially slippery for a motorcyclist when wet?
- Painted road markings, manhole covers and metal plates
- Dry tarmac
- Rough concrete
- Grass verges in summer
Show answer
Answer: A. Painted road markings, manhole covers and metal plates
Paint and metal give much less grip when wet. Cross them upright and avoid braking on them.
Question 19 of 30
You need to cross tram tracks. How should you do it?
- At as close to a right angle as you safely can
- While braking hard
- At a shallow angle
- Along the rails
Show answer
Answer: A. At as close to a right angle as you safely can
Crossing rails at a shallow angle can trap your front wheel. Cross them as straight on as you can.
Question 20 of 30
On a windy day, where might you expect sudden gusts?
- On exposed roads, bridges and when passing large vehicles
- Only at night
- Only in tunnels
- Only in towns
Show answer
Answer: A. On exposed roads, bridges and when passing large vehicles
Strong gusts can push a motorcycle off course. Slow down and be ready for them in exposed places.
Question 21 of 30
You are riding past a line of parked cars. What should you watch for?
- Nothing, as parked cars cannot move
- Doors opening and people stepping out
- Cars reversing on the motorway
- Trains
Show answer
Answer: B. Doors opening and people stepping out
Leave room for a door opening and watch for pedestrians and cars pulling out.
Question 22 of 30
At a roundabout in Ireland, which traffic do you normally yield to?
- Traffic behind you
- Traffic already on the roundabout, coming from your right
- No one
- Traffic coming from your left
Show answer
Answer: B. Traffic already on the roundabout, coming from your right
At a roundabout, yield to traffic coming from your right, unless signs or road markings tell you otherwise.
Question 23 of 30
On which side of the road should you normally ride in Ireland?
- The right
- Whichever side is clearer
- The middle
- The left
Show answer
Answer: D. The left
In Ireland, traffic keeps to the left.
Question 24 of 30
Why should you ride with your headlight on in daylight?
- It improves your fuel use
- It is only for decoration
- It is needed to start the engine
- It helps other road users see you
Show answer
Answer: D. It helps other road users see you
Motorcycles are easy to miss. A dipped headlight helps you stand out.
Question 25 of 30
What should the pillion passenger in the diagram hold on to (marker 3)?
- The rider’s shoulders
- Nothing
- The handlebars
- The rider’s waist or the passenger grab handles
Show answer
Answer: D. The rider’s waist or the passenger grab handles
Holding the rider’s waist or the grab handles keeps the passenger secure without pulling the rider off balance.
Question 26 of 30
Marker 4 in the diagram shows where the passenger’s feet go. When should they be on the footrests?
- Only on bends
- At all times, even when the bike is stopped
- Only when the rider asks
- Only above 50 km/h
Show answer
Answer: B. At all times, even when the bike is stopped
The passenger’s feet stay on the footrests. The rider supports the bike when it stops.
Question 27 of 30
Once you have a full licence and carry a passenger, how will the motorcycle handle?
- It will stop more quickly
- It will turn more sharply
- There will be no difference
- It will take longer to speed up, slow down and turn
Show answer
Answer: D. It will take longer to speed up, slow down and turn
The extra weight affects braking, acceleration and steering. Leave more space and brake earlier.
Question 28 of 30
How should a pillion passenger move in bends?
- Lean the other way
- Put a foot down
- Lean with the rider
- Sit stiffly upright
Show answer
Answer: C. Lean with the rider
A passenger who leans with the rider makes the bike easier to control.
Question 29 of 30
Why can a long motorcycle journey be very tiring?
- You cannot stop for breaks
- Motorcycles have no seats
- Motorcycles are always slow
- Wind, noise and cold wear you down
Show answer
Answer: D. Wind, noise and cold wear you down
Wind, noise and weather all make riding tiring. Plan regular breaks.
Question 30 of 30
May you use a hand-held mobile phone while riding?
- Yes, on quiet roads
- Yes, at traffic lights
- No, it is an offence
- Yes, if you ride slowly
Show answer
Answer: C. No, it is an offence
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving or riding is an offence.

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