Cheat sheet

Safe and Responsible Driving

Driving attitudes, fatigue, mobile phone use, seatbelts, child restraints, and defensive driving techniques.

The facts to remember, in one place. Drill them with mock exams and spaced repetition in Theory Test Ireland.

Drink driving limits in Ireland

◆ Standard licence holders: 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.
◆ Learner permit holders and novice drivers: 20 mg per 100 ml of blood.
◆ Professional drivers (bus, truck): 20 mg per 100 ml of blood.
◆ Exceeding the limit can result in penalty points, fines, disqualification, or prosecution.
◆ The safest approach before driving is to not drink alcohol at all.

◆ All drivers and passengers must wear a seatbelt where one is fitted.
◆ Children under 150 cm in height or under 36 kg must use a suitable child restraint.
◆ A rear-facing child seat must never be used in a front seat protected by an active airbag.
◆ The driver is responsible for ensuring passengers under 17 are properly restrained.
◆ Penalty points and a fine apply for failing to wear or provide a seatbelt.

◆ It is illegal to hold a mobile phone while driving in Ireland.
◆ The offence carries a fixed charge and penalty points on your licence.
◆ This includes texting, scrolling or holding the phone while stopped in traffic.
◆ Even hands-free use is a major distraction and is best avoided.
◆ Pull over safely and stop the engine if you must make or take a call.

◆ Fatigue slows your reactions and impairs judgement much like alcohol does.
◆ Tiredness peaks in the early hours of the morning and in the early afternoon.
◆ Warning signs include yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting and missing road signs.
◆ If you feel sleepy, stop in a safe place, take a short break and rest.
◆ Opening a window or the radio does not cure fatigue -- only proper rest does.

◆ Stop, switch on hazard lights and make the scene safe before doing anything else.
◆ Call the emergency services on 112 or 999 if anyone is injured.
◆ Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger.
◆ You must stop and exchange details, and report the collision to the Gardaí if required.
◆ Warn approaching traffic and switch off engines to reduce the risk of fire.

◆ Drive smoothly: avoid harsh acceleration and heavy braking to save fuel.
◆ Change up to a higher gear early and keep engine revs low.
◆ Remove unnecessary weight and roof racks, which increase fuel consumption.
◆ Check tyre pressures regularly, as under-inflated tyres use more fuel.
◆ Switch off the engine if you expect to be stationary for more than a short while.

◆ Leave at least 1 metre when passing a cyclist at speeds up to 50 km/h, and 1.5 metres above that.
◆ Do not drive, park or stop in a cycle lane reserved for cyclists.
◆ Check for cyclists in your blind spot and mirrors before turning left or opening a door.
◆ Give cyclists room to avoid drains, potholes and parked cars -- they may not ride in a straight line.
◆ Be patient and wait for a safe gap rather than squeezing past where there is not enough room.