Right of way theory test questions
Right of way is really about who gives way, not who has an absolute right to go, and the Irish driving theory test checks that you understand the difference. No driver has a guaranteed right to proceed; the rules simply set out who should yield so that traffic flows without guesswork. You need to know how to behave at junctions controlled by stop and yield signs, at uncontrolled junctions, at roundabouts and at crossings where pedestrians have priority. Even when the rules put priority with you, the safe driver stays ready to give way to avoid a collision. 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 behind it. They cover yielding at junctions, priority at crossings and how to respond when another road user does not follow the rules. Read them here, then practise the wider rules of the road in a full session.
Related reading: Right of way and junctions.
1. Which vehicle is exempt from speed limits when being used in an emergency?
- Fire Brigade.Correct
- BBreakdown recovery.
- CMountain rescue.
- DDoctor on call.
In the course of their duty Gardaí, Fire Brigade and Ambulance personnel are exempt from some traffic laws including speed limits, as long as they do not put other road users in danger. If you hear or see a Garda or emergency vehicle approaching under emergency conditions, be extra careful and give way, if it is safe to do so.
2. What do flashing amber lights at a pelican crossing mean?
- ADanger ahead. A driver must stop and wait until the light stops flashing.
- Stop and give way to pedestrians - proceed if the way is clear.Correct
- CA driver is entering a special speed limit area.
- DDrivers have right of way.
A flashing amber light at a pelican crossing means you must yield to pedestrians. You may proceed, however, if the crossing is clear.
3. What should a driver do if another vehicle blocks their right of way at a junction?
- ASound the horn and flash the lights to show your frustration.
- BFlash the headlights to express displeasure.
- Be patient and show restraint.Correct
- DPursue the vehicle and express displeasure.
You should always try to show restraint. It is important to understand that the right of way is not an absolute right of way, and you must always proceed with caution and with regard for other road users. It’s safer and more socially responsible.
4. At road junctions, what type of road users are particularly vulnerable?
- ACar drivers.
- BVan drivers.
- Pedestrians.Correct
- DTractor drivers.
Vehicles do not have an automatic right of way at junctions. As a driver you should pay particular attention to vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and be aware that they are entitled to use the road in safety.
5. How does giving a late signal affect other road users?
- AThey are not affected.
- BIt only affects other road users at traffic lights.
- CIt only affects other road users at roundabouts.
- They may not have been given enough time to react.Correct
Giving signals is a way of telling other road users what you intend to do. So, you should signal properly before moving off, turning right or left, changing lanes, overtaking, slowing down or stopping. Signal clearly and in good time, and keep in mind that giving a signal does not give you the right of way. Late signals may confuse other road users.
6. When is the use of the horn prohibited?
- ABetween 11:30 pm and 6:00 am on any road.
- Between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am in a built-up area.Correct
- CBetween 10:00 pm and 6:00 am in a built-up area.
- DAt all times in a built-up area.
Drivers are not permitted to sound the horn in a built-up area between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am unless there is a traffic emergency. Only sound the horn to warn other road users of oncoming danger or if they need to be made aware of your presence for safety reasons. Sounding the horn does not give the driver an automatic right of way. Never sound the horn to provoke a reaction from or to rebuke another motorist.
7. What is the correct procedure when a driver approaches a roundabout?
- AStop at the roundabout regardless of traffic.
- BGive way only to vehicles coming from the left.
- CProceed without stopping as roundabouts are free-flowing.
- Give way to vehicles coming from the right or already circulating.Correct
Drivers must yield to traffic coming from the right or already on the roundabout. This ensures smooth and safe merging onto the roundabout.
8. When negotiating junctions, which road users are particularly vulnerable?
- AVan drivers.
- BMinibus drivers.
- CTractor drivers.
- Motorcyclists.Correct
Drivers should be aware that no vehicle has an automatic right of way at a junction. Drivers must pay particular attention to vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists whose presence on the road may be less visible than other vehicle types due to their smaller size or obstructions.
9. When driving into a narrow gap between oncoming vehicles and vehicles parked on the left. What should a driver do?
- AAlways slow down, stop and wait to be beckoned forward.
- BIndicate and drive on enforcing your priority.
- CSignal to oncoming traffic to stop, and then move to the right and drive as normal.
- Indicate right, stopping if necessary until oncoming traffic has passed by.Correct
When you meet approaching traffic at a narrow gap, you should show consideration and slow down to an appropriate speed so that you and the other vehicles can pass each other safely. If necessary, give way to the other vehicles.
10. Is a driver allowed to sound the horn while driving in a built-up area at night?
- AYes, but only between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am.
- BNo, use of the horn is not permitted in a built-up area between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am.
- CYes, but only for momentary use.
- Yes, but between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am the horn may be sounded only in an emergency.Correct
Drivers are not allowed to use the horn in a built-up area between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am unless there is a traffic emergency. Only use a horn to warn other road users of danger or if needed to make them aware of your vehicle’s presence for safety reasons. Using the horn does not give drivers an automatic right of way. Never use the horn to provoke a reaction from or to rebuke another motorist.