Cheat sheet
Signs, Markings and the Learner System
Road signs, road markings, traffic signals, the learner permit and Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) rules.
The facts to remember, in one place. Drill them with mock exams and spaced repetition in Theory Test Ireland.
Download on theApp StoreIrish road signs explained
- ◆ Warning signs: yellow diamond shape -- alert you to a hazard ahead (e.g. bend, junction, pedestrians).
- ◆ Regulatory/mandatory signs: mostly circular -- tell you what you must or must not do.
- ◆ Information signs: mostly rectangular with blue or green backgrounds.
- ◆ Yield signs: upside-down triangle -- you must give way.
- ◆ Stop signs: red octagon -- you must stop completely before the line.
Learner permit rules in Ireland
- ◆ You must pass the driver theory test before applying for a first learner permit.
- ◆ Learner drivers must display red L plates on both the front and rear of the vehicle.
- ◆ You must be accompanied by a qualified driver who has held a full licence for at least 2 years.
- ◆ Learner permit holders may not drive on motorways.
- ◆ The blood alcohol limit for learner drivers is 20 mg per 100 ml -- lower than the standard 50 mg.
Road markings in Ireland
- ◆ A continuous white centre line means you must not cross or straddle it to overtake.
- ◆ A broken white centre line means you may cross it when it is safe to do so.
- ◆ Double yellow lines at the edge mean no parking at any time.
- ◆ A single yellow line means parking is restricted during the times shown on nearby plates.
- ◆ You must not enter a yellow box junction unless your exit is clear.
Traffic light sequence in Ireland
- ◆ The sequence is green, amber, red, then red and amber together, then green again.
- ◆ Amber means stop unless you are so close that stopping could cause a collision.
- ◆ A red light means stop at the stop line and wait -- never cross it.
- ◆ A green arrow (filter) lets you go only in the direction the arrow points.
- ◆ Even on green, give way to pedestrians and traffic still clearing the junction.
Yellow box junctions and special road markings in Ireland
- ◆ You must not enter a yellow box junction unless your exit is clear, except when turning right and only oncoming traffic stops you.
- ◆ Hatched (chevron) markings separate streams of traffic; do not enter them unless it is safe and necessary.
- ◆ A continuous white line beside a bus or cycle lane means you must not enter it during its hours of operation.
- ◆ Coloured surfaces often mark cycle lanes or bus lanes -- keep out of them when the restriction applies.
- ◆ Lane arrows on the road tell you which lane to use for your intended direction.
Irish driver theory test format and pass mark
- ◆ The car theory test has 40 multiple-choice questions drawn from all five study areas.
- ◆ You have 45 minutes to complete the test on a touchscreen at a test centre.
- ◆ The pass mark is 35 out of 40 correct answers.
- ◆ You must pass the theory test before you can apply for your first learner permit.
- ◆ Questions are based on the official Rules of the Road and the RSA category-B question bank.