Speed limit theory test questions
Speed limits are among the most heavily tested topics on the Irish driving theory test, because speed affects both how likely a collision is and how serious it will be. The test checks that you treat the posted limit as a maximum for good conditions rather than a target, and that you slow down for bends, weather, traffic and places where people are near the road. It also asks about the limits that apply in different situations and about exceptions, such as emergency vehicles. The safe answer is almost always to reduce speed and leave yourself room. 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, so you understand why a particular speed is right rather than memorising it. Work through them here, then practise the wider rules of the road in a full session to lock the ideas in.
Related reading: Speed limits in Ireland.
1. When do temporary speed limits apply at roadworks?
- AOnly when there is oncoming traffic.
- BOnly when road workers are on site.
- CDuring business hours only.
- For the duration of the roadworks.Correct
Temporary speed limits at road works apply for the duration of the works. When road works are completed, normal speed limits apply.
2. 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.
3. Generally what lighting must a car, tractor or works vehicle have when driving?
- AHeadlights, brake lights and indicators only.
- BHeadlights, number plate and rear reflectors only.
- Headlights, front and rear side lights, rear number plate light, red rear reflectors, brake lights and indicators.Correct
- DHeadlights and a reversing light.
In general all cars, tractors and works vehicles are required by law to have headlights, front and rear side lights, rear number plate light, rear reflectors, brake lights and indicators. There are some exceptions to this, such as electric cars with a maximum speed of 38 km/h.
4. Can a driver break a red light or break the speed limit to allow an emergency service vehicle to pass?
- No, a driver should never break a red light or speed up to allow an emergency service vehicle to pass.Correct
- BYes, a driver may legally break a red light to allow an emergency service vehicle to pass.
- CNo, except where the junction or road is clear, then a driver can break a red light or speed up to allow an emergency service vehicle to pass.
- DYes, a driver may break the speed limit to allow an emergency service vehicle to pass.
A driver needs to know what to do when they see an emergency vehicle. A driver must react quickly, safely and carefully to allow emergency service vehicles to pass. It is important to be alert and attentive at all times.
5. Subject to the speed limit, what is the ‘safest’ speed to drive at?
- AA driver should always try to drive at the speed of other road users, regardless of the speed limit.
- The speed that will enable the driver to stop the vehicle within the distance ahead that they can see to be clear.Correct
- CThe speed of the slowest vehicle on the road.
- DA driver should always try to drive at the speed limit for the road that they are on.
You should always drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance that you can see to be clear ahead. If you don’t think you could safely bring the vehicle to a stop within the range of what you can see, then you’re driving too fast – slow down.
6. What is the recommended minimum stopping distance for a car travelling at 50 km/h on a dry road?
- A5 metres.
- B55 metres.
- 25 metres.Correct
- D15 metres.
The total minimum stopping distance of a vehicle depends on four things: Perception time, reaction time, the vehicle’s speed and the vehicle’s braking capability. The recommend minimum stopping distance of a car driving at 50 km/h under dry conditions is 25 metres.
7. If it is safe to overtake a cyclist in speed zones over 50 km/h, what is the recommended minimum passing distance?
- AAllow a minimum of 1 metre.
- BAllow a maximum of 1.5 metres.
- Allow a minimum of 1.5 metres.Correct
- DAllow a maximum of 1.75 metres.
A driver should drive their vehicle far enough to the left to allow traffic to safely pass or overtake on the right, but not so far to the left that you are driving on a cycle lane or blocking or endangering cyclists or pedestrians. Where a driver wishes to overtake a cyclist and it is safe to do so, they should, if it is possible, give the recommended clearance depending on the speed limit area they are in.
8. When overtaking another vehicle, is it legal to momentarily exceed the speed limit to complete the manoeuvre?
- AYes, but only on a motorway.
- BYes, if the manoeuvre can be completed quickly.
- No, exceeding the speed limit is never allowed.Correct
- DYes, if following a slow-moving vehicle.
Drivers must not exceed the speed limit at any time, including during overtaking.
9. What is the recommended minimum stopping distance for a car travelling at 50 km/h on a wet road?
- A16 metres.
- B56 metres.
- C76 metres.
- 36 metres.Correct
The total minimum stopping distance of a vehicle depends on four things: Perception time, reaction time, the vehicle’s speed and the vehicle’s braking capability. The recommend minimum stopping distance of a car driving at 50 km/h under wet conditions is 36 metres.
10. What is the recommended minimum stopping distance for a car travelling at 100 km/h on a dry road?
- A90 metres.
- 70 metres.Correct
- C30 metres.
- D120 metres.
The total minimum stopping distance of a vehicle depends on four things: Perception time, reaction time, the vehicle’s speed and the vehicle’s braking capability. The recommend minimum stopping distance of a car driving at 100 km/h under dry conditions is 70 metres.