Alcohol and drugs theory test questions
Driving after drinking or taking drugs is one of the most serious things a driver can get wrong, because it slows reactions, blurs judgement and weakens control long before a person feels affected, and the Irish driving theory test treats it seriously. The test checks that you understand there are strict legal limits, that a much lower limit applies to learner and novice drivers, and that roadside testing for both alcohol and drugs is used. It also covers the penalties and the morning after risk, when alcohol from the night before can still put you over the limit. The safest approach, and the one the answers reward, is not to drink at all before driving. The questions below are taken from our question bank and show the full set of answer options, mark the correct answer and explain the reasoning. They cover the limits, testing and penalties. Read the explanations, then practise safe and responsible driving in a full session.
Related reading: Alcohol, drugs and driving.
1. What is the maximum penalty on conviction for drug driving?
- A€3,000 fine and 12 months driving disqualification.
- B€5,000 fine and 6 months driving disqualification.
- €5,000 fine and 6 months in prison.Correct
- D€3,000 fine and 12 months in prison.
Drivers should be aware of the severe penalties if they chose to drive having taken drugs and are detected. Drug driving is extremely dangerous due to the effect drugs have on the brain.
2. What are the drink driving penalties for a professional driver holding a full car licence and found to have a blood alcohol concentrate (BAC) of 20 mg to 80 mg per 100 millilitres of blood?
- A€100 fine and 6 months driving disqualification.
- BThere are no penalties below 50 mg (BAC).
- €200 fine and 3 months driving disqualification.Correct
- DThe penalties only apply over 80 mg (BAC).
Alcohol is a major factor in crashes that lead to death and injury. Research proves that even small amounts of alcohol affect your judgement and ability to drive. It is illegal to drive with alcohol levels above the legal limits.
3. Do the limits for drink and drug driving differ if detected in the morning?
- ANo, unless tested after 10:00 am.
- BYes, they are lower in the mornings.
- CYes, they are higher in the evening.
- No, they are the same at all times.Correct
The limits for drink and drug driving do not change depending on the time of the day drivers are checked. Drink and drugs remain in the body for a period of time. A driver should think carefully before driving a vehicle the morning after taking drink or drugs, and be aware that they could still be well over the limit.
4. Can An Gárda Síochána conduct roadside testing for drugs and alcohol in the mornings?
- AThey can check for drugs only.
- Yes, they can check at any time.Correct
- CThey can check for alcohol only.
- DNo, they can’t check until after midday.
It is against the law to drive a car, motor bike, truck, bus, pedal bike or an animal-drawn vehicle while ‘under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having control of the vehicle’. Intoxicants include alcohol and drugs, whether taken separately or together. The word ‘drugs’ here includes legal prescribed and Over-The-Counter (OTC) medicines.
5. What are the drink driving penalties for a learner driver with a blood alcohol concentrate (BAC) of 20 mg to 80 mg per 100 millilitres of blood?
- A€200 fine and 5 penalty points.
- B€200 fine and 6 months driving disqualification.
- C€200 fine and 3 penalty points.
- €200 fine and 3 months driving disqualification.Correct
Alcohol is a major factor in crashes that lead to death and injury. Research proves that even small amounts of alcohol affect your judgement and ability to drive. It is illegal to drive with alcohol levels above the legal limits.
6. What effect does alcohol have on driver behaviour?
- AIt can reduce a driver’s confidence.
- BIt can increase perception and awareness.
- It slows down a driver’s reactions.Correct
- DIt does not affect driver behaviour or ability.
Alcohol is a major factor in collisions that can lead to death and injury. Even small amounts of alcohol affect your judgement and ability to drive.
7. Along with an impairment test, what may a Garda request if they suspect a driver of driving under the influence of drugs?
- AA breath sample.
- BA driver’s licence.
- CAn insurance certificate.
- A saliva sample.Correct
If a driver is stopped at a roadside check, they should be aware that, along with the impairment test, Gardaí can also request a saliva sample if they suspect the driver is driving under the influence of drugs.
8. What is the impact of drugs on driving?
- AThey make you a better driver.
- They impair your judgment and reactions.Correct
- CThey improve focus.
- DThey have no effect.
Drugs can seriously affect your driving ability and safety.
9. Why is it dangerous to drive under the influence of alcohol?
- AYou’ll get thirsty.
- It impairs judgment and slows reactions.Correct
- CYou drive faster.
- DYou’ll have better focus.
Alcohol affects coordination, reaction time, and decision-making.
10. What is the maximum disqualification period imposed in court when the learner driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level in excess of 80 mg?
- Six years.Correct
- BFour years.
- COne year.
- DTwo years.
Where a learner driver has failed to pay a fixed penalty notice they will be summonsed to court where a judge can apply a disqualification period of between 1-6 years.