Ireland Motorcycle Theory Test flashcards
Ireland Motorcycle Theory Test · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Motorway speed limit
- The default speed limit on Irish motorways is 120 km/h. Learner permit holders and motorcycles under 50 cc are not permitted on motorways.
- Built-up area speed limit
- In Ireland the default speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h, unless a lower special speed limit is shown on a speed limit sign.
- National road speed limit
- The default limit on national roads is 100 km/h; on regional and local roads it is 80 km/h, unless signs show a different limit.
- Roundabout priority rule
- Traffic circulates clockwise on Irish roundabouts. You must give way to vehicles already on the roundabout that are approaching from your right.
- Flashing amber at crossings
- At a pedestrian crossing a flashing amber light means you must yield to pedestrians on the crossing, but may continue once it is clear.
- Amber traffic light
- An amber light means you must stop, unless you are so close to the line that stopping suddenly could cause a collision.
- Overtaking on the left
- Passing on the left is permitted only when traffic is queuing in lanes, when the vehicle ahead is turning right, or when a Garda directs you.
- Learner rider restrictions
- A learner permit holder must display L plates front and rear, may not carry a pillion passenger, and may not ride on a motorway.
- Alcohol limit for learner riders
- Learner and novice riders must stay below 20 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood; for all other riders the limit is 50 mg.
- Warning sign shape
- Warning signs are triangles with a red border and a black symbol on a white background, used to warn of a hazard ahead.
- Prohibitory sign shape
- Signs that forbid an action, such as a speed limit or no entry, are circles with a red border and a white background.
- Mandatory sign shape
- Blue circular signs give a positive instruction you must obey, for example keep left, or pass this side of the traffic island.
- Stop sign
- A red octagonal sign marked STOP. You must come to a complete stop at the stop line and give way before moving off.
- Yield sign
- An inverted triangle with a red border means give way: slow down, be prepared to stop, and let traffic on the major road pass.
- Continuous white centre line
- You must not cross or straddle a continuous white centre line, except to pass a stationary obstruction or to enter premises where it is safe.
- Yellow box junction
- Do not enter a yellow box junction unless your exit is clear; when turning right you may wait in it if only oncoming traffic blocks you.
- Double yellow lines
- Two yellow lines along the edge of the road mean parking is prohibited at all times; a single yellow line restricts parking at the times shown on signs.
- Two-second rule
- In dry weather stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front; increase the gap to four seconds or more on wet roads.
- Front brake stopping power
- The front brake delivers most of a motorcycle's stopping power, about 70 per cent, so use both brakes and squeeze the front progressively.
- Countersteering
- At speed, pushing the right handlebar forward makes the motorcycle lean and turn right, while pushing the left bar turns it left.
- Cornering sequence
- Brake and set your speed before the bend, keep a steady throttle and lean through it, then accelerate gently as the road opens out.
- Diesel and painted lines
- Diesel spill, wet painted markings and metal manhole covers give very little grip, so cross them upright with minimal braking and lean.
- Crosswind gusts
- Expect sudden gusts on exposed bridges, at gaps in hedges and when passing or leaving the shelter of large vehicles; allow extra space.
- Carrying a pillion
- Only a rider holding a full licence may carry a passenger; increase rear tyre pressure and preload, and allow a longer braking distance.
- Filtering hazards
- When passing queuing traffic, watch for opening car doors, pedestrians emerging between vehicles and cars changing lane without signalling.
- Motorcycle tyre tread depth
- The legal minimum tread depth for a motorcycle tyre is 1 mm; also check for cuts, bulges and sidewall cracks before each ride.
- Drive chain slack
- Check chain tension against the manufacturer's figure, typically about 20 to 30 mm of slack, and lubricate the chain more often in wet weather.
- Helmet approval mark
- A helmet legal for road use carries an approved standard mark such as ECE 22.05 or 22.06, and should be replaced after any impact.
- NCT exemption for motorcycles
- Motorcycles are exempt from the National Car Test in Ireland, so the rider is personally responsible for keeping the machine roadworthy.
- Minimum insurance cover
- The legal minimum is third-party insurance, which covers injury and damage you cause to others but not repairs to your own machine.
- Initial Basic Training
- A learner motorcyclist in Ireland must complete Initial Basic Training with an approved instructor before riding on a public road.
- Pre-ride checks
- Before setting off, check tyre pressures and condition, brakes, lights, indicators, chain, oil and fuel levels, mirrors and controls.