Practice test
Practice Test 7
40 questions, just like the real test. Attempt them, then check the answer key below — or take the timed, auto-scored version in Theory Test Ireland.
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Download on theApp Store1. What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for a fully licensed car driver in Ireland?
- A. 80mg per 100ml of blood
- B. 50mg per 100ml of blood
- C. 20mg per 100ml of blood
- D. 35mg per 100ml of blood
2. What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for a learner driver in Ireland?
- A. 50mg per 100ml of blood
- B. 35mg per 100ml of blood
- C. 20mg per 100ml of blood
- D. 0mg per 100ml of blood
3. What is the safest advice regarding alcohol and driving?
- A. You may drink up to the legal limit and drive safely
- B. Never drink any alcohol before driving
- C. One standard drink is always safe before driving
- D. Eating a large meal makes any amount of alcohol safe
4. A newly qualified (novice) driver holds a full licence for the first two years. What BAC limit applies to them?
- A. 50mg per 100ml of blood
- B. 80mg per 100ml of blood
- C. 20mg per 100ml of blood
- D. No limit applies
5. Which of the following drivers is subject to a BAC limit of 20mg per 100ml of blood?
- A. A driver who has held a full licence for 5 years
- B. A professional bus driver
- C. A driver aged over 65
- D. A driver who passed their test 3 years ago
6. How does alcohol primarily affect a driver's ability?
- A. It improves concentration at low doses
- B. It impairs judgement, slows reaction time and reduces coordination
- C. It only affects vision, not reaction time
- D. Its effects are only felt after 3 or more drinks
7. What effect does drinking coffee or eating food have on your blood alcohol concentration?
- A. It quickly reduces your BAC to a safe driving level
- B. It has no effect on how fast alcohol leaves your body; only time reduces BAC
- C. It halves your BAC within thirty minutes
- D. It speeds up elimination only if you also drink water
8. Driving under the influence of drugs (including some prescription medicines) is:
- A. Legal if the drug was prescribed by a doctor
- B. Illegal if it impairs your ability to drive safely
- C. Only illegal for illegal drugs
- D. Legal provided you feel able to drive
9. You have been prescribed medication by your doctor. What should you do before driving?
- A. Drive normally — prescribed medicines cannot impair driving
- B. Check with your doctor or pharmacist whether the medicine affects your ability to drive
- C. Only avoid driving if the medicine makes you feel drowsy after the first dose
- D. Reduce your speed by 20km/h as a precaution
10. What is the legal position on driving while impaired by illegal drugs in Ireland?
- A. It is allowed if the driver feels capable of driving
- B. It is a criminal offence, and Gardaí can conduct roadside drug tests
- C. It is only an offence if the driver causes a collision
- D. It is permitted on private roads but not public roads
11. Is it legal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving in Ireland?
- A. Yes, if calls are brief
- B. Yes, if the vehicle is stationary in traffic
- C. No, it is illegal and carries penalty points
- D. Yes, but only on motorways
12. You are stopped at a red traffic light with the engine running. Is it legal to send a text message on a hand-held phone?
- A. Yes, because the vehicle is stationary
- B. Yes, provided the message is very short
- C. No, it is illegal whenever you are in charge of the vehicle with the engine running
- D. Yes, but only if traffic is not moving
13. What is the primary reason hand-held mobile phone use while driving is so dangerous?
- A. It can damage the phone
- B. It significantly diverts attention, slowing reaction time
- C. It drains the car battery
- D. It only affects new drivers
14. Who is responsible for ensuring that passengers under 17 years old are wearing seat belts in a car?
- A. Each passenger is responsible for their own belt
- B. The driver of the vehicle
- C. The parent or guardian of the child only
- D. There is no legal requirement for under-17s
15. Where is wearing a seat belt mandatory in a car in Ireland?
- A. Only in the front seats
- B. Only in the rear seats
- C. In all seats, both front and rear, where one is fitted
- D. Only at speeds above 50 km/h
16. A child weighing 40kg and measuring 155cm tall is travelling in your car. Do they need a child restraint?
- A. Yes, all children must use a child restraint regardless of size
- B. No, they exceed both the 36kg and 150cm thresholds so a standard seat belt is sufficient
- C. Only if they are under 12 years old
- D. Yes, but only in the rear seats
17. Children under what height must use an appropriate child restraint when travelling in a car?
- A. 130cm
- B. 140cm
- C. 150cm
- D. 160cm
18. Where should a rear-facing child seat NEVER be placed?
- A. In the rear of the vehicle
- B. In the front passenger seat when the airbag is active
- C. Behind the driver's seat
- D. Secured with a seat belt
19. Under what condition may a rear-facing infant seat be used on the front passenger seat?
- A. At any time, as the front seat is always safe
- B. Only if the front passenger airbag has been deactivated
- C. Only if the child is older than two years
- D. Only on journeys shorter than five kilometres
20. What weight limit applies to the child restraint requirement in Ireland?
- A. 25kg
- B. 30kg
- C. 36kg
- D. 40kg
21. How does driver fatigue affect road safety?
- A. It has no measurable effect at normal speeds
- B. It impairs reaction time and judgement, similar to alcohol
- C. It only affects elderly drivers
- D. It only affects drivers who work night shifts
22. What is the recommended action if you feel drowsy while driving on a long journey?
- A. Turn up the radio and open a window
- B. Continue driving — tiredness passes naturally
- C. Pull off the road safely, rest and take a break before continuing
- D. Drink an energy drink and drive faster to arrive sooner
23. Is opening a car window a reliable way to prevent falling asleep at the wheel?
- A. Yes, fresh air keeps a tired driver fully alert
- B. No, it gives only temporary relief; the only reliable remedy is to stop and rest
- C. Yes, provided the radio is also turned up loud
- D. Yes, as long as the journey is on a motorway
24. On a long motorway journey, what is the best strategy to avoid fatigue?
- A. Drive through the night when there is less traffic
- B. Take regular rest breaks and avoid driving when you would normally be asleep
- C. Consume large amounts of caffeine to stay alert
- D. Keep the heater on high to stay awake
25. At how many penalty points does a fully licensed driver face disqualification in Ireland?
- A. 6 points
- B. 7 points
- C. 10 points
- D. 12 points
26. At how many penalty points does a learner or novice driver face disqualification in Ireland?
- A. 12 points
- B. 9 points
- C. 7 points
- D. 5 points
27. Where are penalty points recorded?
- A. On the vehicle's registration document
- B. On your driving licence record, accumulating over a three-year period
- C. With your motor insurer only
- D. On a temporary notice that is cleared after one month
28. A novice driver already has 5 penalty points on their licence. How many more points will result in disqualification?
- A. 7 more points
- B. 2 more points
- C. 3 more points
- D. 12 more points
29. Which of the following offences can result in penalty points being added to a driver's licence?
- A. Speeding
- B. Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving
- C. Failing to wear a seat belt
- D. All of the above
30. A fully licensed driver accumulates 12 penalty points. What happens next?
- A. They receive a warning letter only
- B. They are automatically disqualified from driving
- C. Their licence is suspended for one week
- D. They must retake their theory test
31. Can a Garda stop your vehicle at any time to check documents?
- A. Only if the Garda witnessed you committing an offence
- B. Yes, Gardaí have the power to stop any vehicle
- C. Only at official checkpoints
- D. Only between midnight and 6am
32. Can a Garda carry out a breath test at a mandatory checkpoint even if the driver shows no signs of alcohol consumption?
- A. No, there must be reasonable suspicion first
- B. Yes, breath tests can be carried out at checkpoints without requiring reasonable suspicion
- C. Only if the driver has prior drink driving convictions
- D. Only between 10pm and 4am
33. What is the consequence of refusing to provide a breath sample when lawfully required by a Garda?
- A. There is no penalty if you have not been drinking
- B. It is a criminal offence that may result in disqualification
- C. You simply receive a warning and may drive on
- D. You are fined only if you later test positive
34. What documents must a driver be able to produce when asked by a Garda?
- A. Driving licence, insurance certificate, and NCT certificate (if applicable)
- B. Passport and utility bill only
- C. Driving licence only
- D. NCT cert and insurance only
35. What is the minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in Ireland?
- A. 1.0 mm
- B. 1.6 mm
- C. 2.0 mm
- D. 3.0 mm
36. Under-inflated tyres are dangerous mainly because they:
- A. Increase fuel economy
- B. Cause increased tyre wear on the outer edges and reduce steering response
- C. Make the ride harder and increase braking distance
- D. Raise the centre of gravity of the vehicle
37. When should you check your tyre pressures?
- A. Only when a warning light comes on
- B. When the tyres are hot after a long drive
- C. When the tyres are cold, before a long journey
- D. Once a year during the NCT
38. Is it legal to fit tyres of different size or construction type on the same axle?
- A. Yes, as long as both tyres are in good condition
- B. No; mixing different sizes or construction types on the same axle is illegal and dangerous
- C. Yes, provided both have at least 1.6mm of tread
- D. Yes, but only on the rear axle
39. Over-inflated tyres mainly cause:
- A. Excessive wear on the outer tread edges
- B. Excessive wear in the centre of the tread and a harsher ride
- C. Better fuel economy with no drawbacks
- D. Improved cornering and shorter braking distances
40. A tyre with a visible cut or bulge in the sidewall:
- A. Is safe to use at low speeds only
- B. Should be repaired with a patch before use
- C. Must not be used and should be replaced immediately
- D. Can be driven on until the NCT is due
Answer key
- 1. 50mg per 100ml of blood — The legal BAC limit for a fully licensed driver in Ireland is 50mg per 100ml of blood. Exceeding this limit is a criminal offence.
- 2. 20mg per 100ml of blood — Learner drivers, novice drivers, and professional drivers are subject to a lower BAC limit of 20mg per 100ml of blood.
- 3. Never drink any alcohol before driving — Even small amounts of alcohol impair judgement, reaction time and coordination. The safest approach is never to drink any alcohol before driving.
- 4. 20mg per 100ml of blood — Novice drivers (within their first two years of holding a full licence) face the same 20mg/100ml limit as learner drivers and professional drivers.
- 5. A professional bus driver — Professional drivers (including bus and truck drivers) are subject to the lower 20mg/100ml limit, alongside learner and novice drivers.
- 6. It impairs judgement, slows reaction time and reduces coordination — Alcohol impairs judgement, slows reactions and reduces coordination even at low levels, making driving dangerous.
- 7. It has no effect on how fast alcohol leaves your body; only time reduces BAC — Only time reduces blood alcohol concentration. Coffee, food, water or exercise do not speed up the elimination of alcohol from the body.
- 8. Illegal if it impairs your ability to drive safely — Driving under the influence of any substance — including prescription medication — that impairs your driving is illegal. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist.
- 9. Check with your doctor or pharmacist whether the medicine affects your ability to drive — Some prescription medicines can impair concentration, reaction time or vision. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before driving while on medication.
- 10. It is a criminal offence, and Gardaí can conduct roadside drug tests — Driving under the influence of illegal drugs is a criminal offence in Ireland. Gardaí can conduct roadside drug tests.
- 11. No, it is illegal and carries penalty points — Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is illegal in Ireland and carries penalty points on your licence.
- 12. No, it is illegal whenever you are in charge of the vehicle with the engine running — Using a hand-held phone while you are in charge of a vehicle with the engine running is illegal, even when stationary at traffic lights.
- 13. It significantly diverts attention, slowing reaction time — Handling a phone diverts both mental and physical attention from driving, dramatically increasing stopping distances and reaction times.
- 14. The driver of the vehicle — The driver is legally responsible for ensuring that all passengers under 17 years of age are wearing a seat belt or using an appropriate child restraint.
- 15. In all seats, both front and rear, where one is fitted — Irish law requires every occupant of a car to wear a seat belt where one is fitted, in both front and rear seats.
- 16. No, they exceed both the 36kg and 150cm thresholds so a standard seat belt is sufficient — Children who exceed both 150cm in height and 36kg in weight may use a standard adult seat belt without a child restraint.
- 17. 150cm — Children under 150cm in height (or under 36kg in weight) must use an appropriate child restraint when travelling in a car.
- 18. In the front passenger seat when the airbag is active — A rear-facing child seat must never be placed on a front passenger seat with an active airbag because the airbag could cause fatal injury to the child in a collision.
- 19. Only if the front passenger airbag has been deactivated — A rear-facing child seat may be used on the front passenger seat only if the airbag has been deactivated. An active airbag could cause fatal injury to the child in a collision.
- 20. 36kg — Children under 36kg (or under 150cm tall) must use an appropriate child restraint system when travelling in a car.
- 21. It impairs reaction time and judgement, similar to alcohol — Fatigue significantly impairs reaction time, concentration and decision-making to a level comparable to alcohol impairment, making it extremely dangerous.
- 22. Pull off the road safely, rest and take a break before continuing — The only effective remedy for driver fatigue is rest. You should pull over safely, take a break or short sleep before continuing your journey.
- 23. No, it gives only temporary relief; the only reliable remedy is to stop and rest — Opening a window gives only temporary relief. The only reliable solution to driver fatigue is stopping and resting properly.
- 24. Take regular rest breaks and avoid driving when you would normally be asleep — Regular rest breaks and avoiding driving during your natural sleep hours are the most effective measures against fatigue-related accidents.
- 25. 12 points — A fully licensed driver who accumulates 12 penalty points within a 3-year period is automatically disqualified from driving.
- 26. 7 points — Learner and novice drivers face disqualification at only 7 penalty points — a lower threshold than the 12 points that applies to fully licensed drivers.
- 27. On your driving licence record, accumulating over a three-year period — Penalty points are applied to and remain on your driving licence record, accumulating over a three-year period.
- 28. 2 more points — Novice drivers are disqualified at 7 penalty points. With 5 already recorded, just 2 more will trigger disqualification.
- 29. All of the above — Speeding, mobile phone use while driving, and failure to wear a seat belt are all offences that carry penalty points in Ireland.
- 30. They are automatically disqualified from driving — Reaching 12 penalty points triggers automatic disqualification from driving. The driver must surrender their licence.
- 31. Yes, Gardaí have the power to stop any vehicle — Gardaí have the legal power to stop any vehicle at any time and request the driver to produce relevant documents.
- 32. Yes, breath tests can be carried out at checkpoints without requiring reasonable suspicion — At mandatory alcohol checkpoints (MACs) Gardaí can require any driver to take a breath test, regardless of whether they appear impaired.
- 33. It is a criminal offence that may result in disqualification — Refusing to provide a breath, blood or urine sample when lawfully required is a criminal offence and may result in disqualification.
- 34. Driving licence, insurance certificate, and NCT certificate (if applicable) — A Garda can require you to produce your driving licence, evidence of motor insurance, and a valid NCT certificate if the vehicle is subject to testing.
- 35. 1.6 mm — The law requires a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre's width and around the entire circumference.
- 36. Cause increased tyre wear on the outer edges and reduce steering response — Under-inflation causes the tyre sidewalls to flex excessively, wearing the outer edges faster and generating heat that can lead to a blowout.
- 37. When the tyres are cold, before a long journey — Tyre pressure should be checked when the tyres are cold because driving heats the air inside, giving a falsely high reading.
- 38. No; mixing different sizes or construction types on the same axle is illegal and dangerous — Mixing tyre sizes or construction types (radial/cross-ply) on the same axle is illegal and dangerous because it creates uneven handling.
- 39. Excessive wear in the centre of the tread and a harsher ride — Over-inflation makes the centre of the tread bulge and carry most of the load, wearing it unevenly and reducing the tyre's ability to absorb road shocks.
- 40. Must not be used and should be replaced immediately — A bulge or cut in a tyre sidewall indicates structural damage that could cause a sudden blowout; the tyre must be replaced.