Cheat sheet

Technical and Vehicle Safety

Vehicle checks, tyres, brakes, lights, loading, breakdowns, and roadworthiness requirements in Ireland.

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

Tyres and minimum tread depth in Ireland

◆ The minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in Ireland is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters.
◆ Under-inflated tyres wear quickly, increase fuel use and can overheat.
◆ Over-inflated tyres reduce grip and give a harsher, less stable ride.
◆ Check tyre pressures when the tyres are cold, including the spare.
◆ Worn or damaged tyres greatly increase stopping distances and the risk of a blowout.

◆ You must use lights from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is poor.
◆ Use dipped headlights in towns, in fog, rain and when meeting oncoming traffic.
◆ Full (main) beam helps on unlit roads but must be dipped for oncoming traffic and when following.
◆ Hazard warning lights are for warning others of a breakdown or obstruction -- not for parking illegally.
◆ Faulty or dirty lights reduce how well you can see and be seen.

◆ Brake progressively: brake firmly and early, then ease off as you slow.
◆ Anti-lock brakes (ABS) prevent the wheels from locking, helping you steer while braking hard.
◆ With ABS in an emergency, apply firm continuous pressure -- do not pump the pedal.
◆ ABS does not shorten stopping distances on loose or slippery surfaces.
◆ A spongy pedal, pulling to one side, or warning lights mean your brakes need checking.

◆ Get the vehicle off the road if you can, switch on hazard warning lights and warn other traffic.
◆ On a motorway, pull onto the hard shoulder, leave by the left-hand door and stand behind the barrier.
◆ Do not stand between your vehicle and oncoming traffic while you wait for help.
◆ Use a warning triangle on ordinary roads, but never on a motorway hard shoulder.
◆ Carry a high-visibility vest and put it on before getting out near moving traffic.

◆ Secure your load so it cannot move, fall or be blown off while you are driving.
◆ Never exceed the vehicle's maximum authorised weight or its load limits.
◆ An unbalanced or excessive load affects steering, braking and stability.
◆ When towing, reduce your speed, allow more room to stop and take bends more gently.
◆ Lower speed limits apply to vehicles towing trailers, so check the limit for your combination.

◆ Red warning lights usually mean a serious fault -- stop as soon as it is safe and investigate.
◆ A red oil-pressure light means you may be losing engine oil pressure; stop and switch off the engine.
◆ A red brake warning light can mean low brake fluid or a handbrake left on -- do not ignore it.
◆ Amber or orange lights are warnings to have something checked soon, such as the engine management light.
◆ Green and blue lights are informational, for example showing that lights or indicators are in use.