Ireland Motorcycle Theory Test cheat sheet

Default limits: 120 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on national roads, 80 km/h on regional and local roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas; lower special limits such as 30 km/h apply only where signed.

A steady amber light means stop unless you are so close to the line that stopping could cause a collision; a flashing amber at a pedestrian crossing means yield to pedestrians, then proceed if the crossing is clear.

Irish roundabouts run clockwise: give way to traffic already on the roundabout that is approaching from your right.

Overtake on the right. Passing on the left is allowed only when traffic is queuing in lanes, when the vehicle ahead is signalling to turn right, or when a Garda directs you.

Learner permit holders must display L plates front and rear, may not carry a pillion passenger, and may not ride on a motorway.

Motorways are closed to motorcycles under 50 cc and to all learner riders; keep to the left lane unless overtaking.

Blood alcohol limits: 20 mg per 100 ml for learner and novice riders, 50 mg per 100 ml for all other riders.

Do not overtake a vehicle that has stopped to let pedestrians cross at a pedestrian crossing.

A motorcycle may use a bus lane only where a sign or road marking explicitly permits it.

Shape carries the message: red-bordered triangle = warning, red-bordered circle = prohibition or restriction, blue circle = mandatory instruction, rectangle = information.

A red octagon means stop and requires a complete stop at the line; an inverted red-bordered triangle means yield and give way to traffic on the major road.

Speed limits are shown as a white circle with a red border and black numerals.

Motorway signs are blue with white lettering, national road route signs are green with white lettering, and regional or local signs are white with black lettering.

A broken white centre line may be crossed to overtake when the road ahead is clear; a continuous white line must not be crossed except to clear a stationary obstruction or enter premises where it is safe.

Yellow box junction: enter only if your exit is clear; when turning right you may wait in the box if only oncoming traffic prevents you completing the turn.

Double yellow lines at the kerb mean no parking at any time; a single yellow line restricts parking during the times shown on the accompanying sign.

Chevron or hatched areas bounded by a solid white line must not be entered except in an emergency; a rectangular plate under a warning sign gives the distance to or length of the hazard.

Use both brakes: the front provides roughly 70 per cent of stopping power and should be applied progressively to avoid locking the wheel.

Following distance: at least 2 seconds in dry weather, 4 seconds on wet roads, and further in fog, ice or darkness.

The machine follows your gaze, so staring at a pothole, kerb or oncoming vehicle steers you towards it; look where you want to go.

Cornering: brake and select your speed before the bend, hold a steady throttle through the lean, then accelerate gently as the road opens out.

At walking pace, control speed with the clutch friction zone and light rear brake; avoid grabbing the front brake with the bars turned.

Grip drops sharply on diesel, wet paint, manhole covers, gravel, tram rails and loose chippings: cross them upright with minimal lean and no braking.

Expect sudden gusts on exposed bridges, at gaps in hedges, when overtaking lorries and buses, and when emerging from behind them.

Carrying a pillion requires a full licence; raise rear preload and tyre pressure and allow a longer braking distance.

When filtering past queuing traffic, the main hazards are opening car doors, pedestrians crossing between vehicles and cars changing lane without indicating.

Tyre law: minimum 1 mm tread depth on motorcycle tyres; check pressures when cold and inspect for cuts, bulges and sidewall cracking.

Drive chain: keep slack to the manufacturer's figure, commonly 20 to 30 mm, lubricate more often in wet weather, and replace worn sprockets.

A road-legal helmet carries an approved mark such as ECE 22.05 or 22.06, must be replaced after any impact, and needs an unscratched road-legal visor.

Motorcycles are exempt from the National Car Test in Ireland, so the rider is legally responsible for the machine's roadworthiness.

The legal minimum insurance is third-party cover; motor tax must be current and displayed on the machine.

Learner permit holders need a completed IBT certificate before riding on a public road, must display L plates, and may not carry a passenger or use a motorway.

Pre-ride check covers tyres, brakes, lights and indicators, chain, oil and fuel levels, mirrors, controls and horn.