Ireland Motorcycle Theory Test key terms

The priority one road user has over another at a junction, crossing or narrow stretch. Priority is something other people give you, so never assume it will be granted - approach ready to yield.

Passing another road user travelling in the same direction. Only overtake with a clear view and enough room to return to your lane, and never where a continuous white line or a sign forbids it.

Riding past slower or stationary traffic, usually between lanes or along the edge of the road. It can be lawful when done carefully, but gaps, opening doors and turning vehicles make it a high-risk manoeuvre.

A circular junction where traffic already circulating normally has priority. Approach slowly enough to read the signs, pick your lane early and give way without having to brake harshly on the entry.

The strip along the edge of a road, usually marked by a continuous yellow line, meant for emergencies and pedestrians. Do not treat it as a running lane; it collects debris, drains and stopped vehicles.

A high-speed road with at least two lanes each way, closed to pedestrians, cyclists and slow vehicles, and barred to learner riders. Riding there demands steady speed, generous gaps and constant mirror checks.

The maximum legal speed for a stretch of road, shown in kilometres per hour on circular signs: generally 50 in built-up areas, 80 on regional roads, 100 on national roads and 120 on motorways.

A marked place where people on foot have priority once they have stepped onto it. Approach ready to stop and never overtake a vehicle that has slowed or halted at a crossing.

A yellow diamond-shaped sign carrying a black symbol that alerts you to a hazard ahead, such as a bend, junction or slippery surface. Slow down and look for the hazard rather than assuming the road is unchanged.

A circular sign, normally with a red border, that imposes a rule or prohibition such as a speed limit, no entry or weight restriction. You must obey it, and ignoring one is an offence.

A rectangular sign, often blue or green, giving directions, distances or useful facilities such as a lay-by, hospital or motorway route. It states no rule but helps you plan the journey ahead.

An octagonal red sign marked STOP where you must bring the machine to a complete halt at the line, check that the way is clear and only then proceed. Rolling slowly through is an offence.

An inverted triangular sign reading Yield or Give way, requiring you to slow down and let traffic on the road you are joining pass before you enter. Stop completely if that is what safety demands.

A solid white line along the centre of the road that you must not cross, apart from avoiding a stationary obstruction or turning right into a premises or side road when it is safe.

A dashed white centre line that may be crossed to overtake or change lane when it is safe, provided you have a clear view and can complete the move without making anyone else alter course.

Two yellow lines painted along the edge of the road beside a kerb, meaning parking is prohibited at all times. Check nearby plates as well, since stopping to set down may also be restricted.

A yellow hatched box painted at a junction that you may only enter when your exit is clear, so you never block cross traffic. The usual exception is a right turn held up by oncoming vehicles.

White hatched markings, often containing chevrons, that mark an area of road you should not enter, such as the approach to a hazard or a central reservation. Treat them as no-go zones.

Signal-controlled junctions using red, amber and green. Amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so, and green does not guarantee a clear path, so check before moving off.

How easy you are for other road users to notice, achieved through bright or reflective clothing, a working headlamp and riding where drivers' eyes and mirrors are likely to find you.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in its mirrors. Every vehicle has one, so avoid lingering alongside other traffic and check your own blind spot before changing position.

A quick glance over your shoulder before turning, changing lane or joining a road, covering the blind spot that mirrors miss. Do it after signalling and before committing to the move.

A technique in which a light push on the handlebar towards the intended direction makes the motorcycle lean and turn. At higher speeds it becomes the natural way to steer the machine.

The tendency to steer towards whatever you are staring at, which is dangerous when your eyes lock onto a hazard. Keep looking at the safe path you want to take, not the obstacle.

The skill of spotting developing dangers early, such as a car edging from a driveway or a patch of wet leaves, so you have time to adjust speed and position smoothly.

A patch of fuel on the road surface, common near filling stations, bus stops and roundabouts, and extremely slippery when wet. Cross it upright and avoid braking or steering sharply on it.

Stopping as quickly as possible in a straight line, applying both brakes firmly and progressively while keeping the machine upright. Practise it so the response is automatic when danger appears.

A guide to following distance: pick a fixed point ahead and check that at least two seconds pass between the vehicle in front and you. Allow more time in rain, darkness or poor visibility.

Riding in a group with machines offset from each other rather than side by side, giving every rider a safety margin and room to swerve. Close up into single file on bends and narrow roads.

A person carried on the seat behind the rider. They must wear a helmet and have proper seat and footrests, and the rider should adjust tyre pressure, suspension and riding style. Learners may not carry one.

A quick inspection before setting off covering tyres, brakes, lights, chain, controls, fluids and mirrors, catching problems while you are still standing safely beside the machine.

The minimum legal tread for a motorcycle tyre in Ireland is 1 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread and around the entire circumference. Check pressures and sidewall condition as well.

The amount of slack in the drive chain, set by the manufacturer and checked by pushing the chain midway between the sprockets. Too tight or too loose wears components and spoils handling.

Compulsory head protection for rider and any pillion, carrying a recognised approval mark such as ECE 22.05 or 22.06. It must fit snugly and be fastened on every trip, however short.

Jacket, trousers, gloves and boots designed for riding, ideally abrasion-resistant and armoured. They cut injury in a fall and also shield you from weather, cold and the fatigue it brings.

Anti-lock braking system, which stops the wheels locking under hard braking by releasing and reapplying pressure many times a second. It assists on slippery surfaces but does not replace sound braking technique.

The licence issued to a learner rider, allowing practice under conditions that include displaying L plates, carrying no passenger, staying off motorways and obeying a lower drink-drive limit.

Initial Basic Training: a compulsory course of practical instruction, delivered in stages, that a learner must complete before riding unaccompanied on public roads in Ireland. It covers machine control, roadcraft and safety.

The minimum cover required by law, paying for injury or damage you cause to other people and their property. It does not pay for repairs to your own motorcycle.

A learner motorcyclist must show a red L on a yellow plate at the rear of the machine and wear a yellow fluorescent tabard with a red L, so other road users know they are still learning.