Overtaking theory test questions
Overtaking is one of the riskier things you do on the road, because it puts you closer to oncoming traffic and depends on judging speed and distance accurately, so the Irish driving theory test gives it real weight. The test asks not just how to overtake but, more often, when you must not: at bends, the brows of hills, dips, pedestrian crossings and wherever a continuous white line forbids it. It also covers how much room to give vulnerable road users and why you should never break the speed limit to complete a move. A calm, patient approach is what the safe answers reward. The questions below come from our question bank and show every answer option, mark the correct answer and explain why it is right. They cover safe passing, the places overtaking is banned and what to do when another driver overtakes you. Read the explanations, then practise the same ideas in a full session.
Related reading: Overtaking rules.
1. If, when driving along, the driver notices that the engine power is lower than normal, what should they do?
- AReplace the engine oil filter.
- Have the vehicle checked by a competent person.Correct
- CSwitch to a different fuel.
- DAdjust the fuel mixture control mechanism.
If the driver notices that the vehicle seems underpowered when driving, this could present a number of problems, e.g. lack of power when overtaking. The driver should have it checked by a competent person as soon as possible as there may be a number of causes, some of which may deteriorate further.
2. When is it permissible to overtake another vehicle on the nearside (left-hand side)?
- AOnly when there is no cycle lane.
- BWhen there are three lanes available in fast moving traffic.
- When the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right.Correct
- DA driver must never overtake on the left.
You may overtake on the left when the driver in front has moved out and signalled their intent to turn right and you intend to go straight ahead – provided there is enough room to do so safely and your path will not be obstructed by the swing of a large vehicle turning right.
3. What should a driver do when being overtaken by another vehicle?
- ASlow down quickly.
- BIncrease speed.
- CMove to the right.
- Continue at the same pace.Correct
When you are being overtaken by another vehicle, you should continue at the same pace but be alert in case the overtaking vehicle suddenly pulls back in front you.
4. What procedure should a driver follow when intending to overtake a cyclist travelling in the same direction up ahead?
- AIndicate, check the mirror, move out and overtake when safe to do so.
- BIndicate, move out and check the mirror for following traffic.
- CMirror check, and move out to overtake without indicating.
- Mirror check, indicate and move out if it is safe to do so.Correct
The sequence drivers should follow the mirror - signal - manoeuvre routine when overtaking. Drivers should overtake only when it is safe to do so. Give extra space to cyclists when overtaking them, as they may need to move out to avoid a pothole, or they could be blown into your path on windy days.
5. When a driver is driving behind another vehicle that they do not intend to overtake, what should the driver do?
- Keep well back to allow following traffic to overtake.Correct
- BKeep well back and to the centre of the road.
- CSignal to following traffic to overtake both vehicles.
- DDrive close behind it in order to let following traffic overtake both vehicles.
You should always allow sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front. This will enable you to stop safely (within the distance you can see clear). It will also give overtaking vehicles enough room to pull in safely to the left lane after they have passed you.
6. What would happen if a driver cuts in too soon when overtaking another vehicle?
- AThe driver would not need to indicate when moving in.
- BIt will force oncoming vehicles to suddenly slow causing danger.
- CThe safety gap between the vehicles increases.
- It would force the other vehicle to suddenly slow or change direction causing danger.Correct
When overtaking make sure the road ahead is clear so you have enough distance to overtake and get back to your own side of the road without forcing any other road user to adjust speed or direction. When you are well past the vehicle, check the mirrors, signal and gradually return to the original lane, making sure not to cut across the vehicle you have passed.
7. What should a driver do when overtaking parked vehicles in a residential area?
- AKeep close to the parked vehicles allowing maximum room for oncoming traffic.
- BMove as far to the right as possible.
- Allow enough clearance when passing.Correct
- DIncrease speed to overtake the vehicles as quickly as possible.
When you are passing parked vehicles in a residential area, move into a safe overtaking position in good time and leave plenty of clearance between your vehicle and the parked vehicles to increase visibility of small children in the area and in case someone opens their car door in front of you.
8. When a driver is driving in a line of traffic and does not intend to overtake, what should the driver do?
- Stay back and leave a gap for other drivers to overtake.Correct
- BDrive close to the vehicle in front.
- CIndicate left as a signal to following traffic to overtake.
- DBeckon to following traffic to overtake.
You should always allow sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front. This will enable you to stop safely (within the distance you can see clear). It will also give overtaking vehicles enough room to pull in safely to the left lane after they have passed you.
9. When driving on a national road is it permitted to drive on the hard shoulder in order to allow faster-moving traffic to overtake?
- AOnly when driving on a dual carriageway.
- BNo, except when driving on a ‘2-plus-1 road’.
- COnly when a truck or bus wants to overtake.
- Yes, temporarily when the hard shoulder is clear and it is safe to drive there.Correct
On national roads, the hard shoulder is normally for the use of pedestrians and cyclists only. If you want to allow a vehicle behind to overtake, you may pull into the hard shoulder briefly as long as no pedestrians or cyclists are using it and there are no junctions or entrances nearby. In the case of motorways, however, you must not drive on the hard shoulder, except in an emergency.
10. When overtaking a cyclist what should a driver be aware of?
- AThe cyclist is only permitted to use the bus lane.
- BThe cyclist is not wearing a safety helmet.
- The cyclist may suddenly change direction.Correct
- DThe cyclist may only continue straigh.
Cyclists are just as entitled to use the road as other vehicles, and drivers need to pay special attention to them. Cyclists are vulnerable road users and sometimes make sudden movements - for example, to avoid a pothole, some broken glass or other debris on the road. Sufficient clearance should be given when overtaking them to lessen the possible danger.