Ireland DTT Car flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Rule of the road

In Ireland you drive on the left. Overtake on the right unless the vehicle ahead is turning right or waiting to do so.

Default built-up speed limit

Fifty km/h applies in built-up areas unless signs show otherwise. A Special Speed Limit of 30 km/h may apply in designated areas.

Motorway default speed limit

One hundred and twenty km/h applies to motorways in dry conditions. Learner drivers are prohibited from driving on motorways entirely.

Learner permit conditions

Display L plates front and rear, be accompanied by a fully licensed driver of at least two years, and stay off motorways.

Box junction rule

Enter yellow cross-hatching only when your exit is clear. The exception is a right turn blocked solely by oncoming traffic.

Flashing amber light

At traffic lights, flashing amber means proceed only if the way is clear and yield to pedestrians already crossing.

Roundabout priority

Yield to traffic already circulating, which approaches from your right. Signal right for later exits and left when leaving.

Overall stopping distance

Reaction distance plus braking distance. Roughly 23 m at 50 km/h and 70 m at 100 km/h in dry conditions.

Sign shape meanings

Red-bordered circles prohibit or restrict. Blue circles give mandatory instructions. Red-bordered triangles warn. Rectangles give information.

Stop sign shape

The STOP sign is the only octagonal sign. It requires a complete stop at the stop line before proceeding when safe.

Yield sign shape

The YIELD or GIVE WAY sign is an inverted triangle. Slow down and yield to traffic; a full stop is needed only if required.

Continuous white centre line

You must not cross a continuous white centre line. Where it pairs with a broken line, only traffic on the broken-line side may cross.

Double yellow lines

Double yellow lines along the kerb mean parking is prohibited at all times, regardless of day or duration.

Single yellow lines

Single yellow lines prohibit parking during the times shown on the nearby plate. Outside those times parking is normally permitted.

School zig-zag markings

Yellow zig-zag lines outside schools prohibit parking and overtaking within the marked area, protecting children crossing.

Motorway sign colour

Motorway signs are blue with white lettering. National roads use green, regional and local roads use white with black text.

Priority road sign

A yellow diamond with a white border indicates a priority road. A cancellation sign shows the same diamond crossed by a black band.

Minimum tyre tread depth

Tyres need at least 1.6 mm tread across the central three-quarters and around the full circumference, plus correct pressure.

NCT test intervals

Cars over four years need an NCT, then every two years until ten years old, and annually after that.

Rear fog light rule

Rear fog lights may be used only when visibility falls below 50 metres. Misuse dazzles following drivers and is an offence.

Load projection marking

A load projecting more than one metre behind the vehicle must be marked. At night a red reflector or light is required.

Child restraint requirement

Children under 12 or under 150 cm must use an appropriate child seat or booster, with very limited legal exceptions.

Checking tyre pressure

Check pressures when tyres are cold, using the manufacturer's figures. Include the spare and recheck after significant temperature changes.

Legal minimum insurance

Third party insurance is the statutory minimum in Ireland. Driving uninsured carries heavy penalties including vehicle seizure.

Experienced driver alcohol limit

Fifty mg per 100 ml of blood, equivalent to 22 micrograms per 100 ml of breath, applies to drivers outside the novice categories.

Novice driver alcohol limit

Learners and drivers within their first two years face a lower limit of 20 mg per 100 ml blood, or 9 micrograms breath.

Penalty point disqualification

Twelve points within three years brings disqualification. Learners and novice drivers are disqualified at seven points.

Four-second rule

In dry conditions stay at least four seconds behind the vehicle ahead. Double the gap in wet weather and further in ice.

Fatigue remedy

Only stopping, caffeine, and a short nap restore alertness. Fresh air, loud music, and open windows do not counter fatigue.

Pedestrian crossing duty

Yield to pedestrians on or stepping onto a crossing. Never overtake a vehicle stopped at a pedestrian crossing.

Driving in fog

Use dipped headlights and front fog lights, slow down, and increase the gap. Full beam reflects off fog and reduces visibility.

Eco-driving techniques

Smooth acceleration, early upward gear changes, steady momentum, and correct tyre pressure all cut fuel use and emissions.