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Road signs are the standard means of regulating behaviour on the motorways in Ireland to communicate basic rules and regulations through simple graphics that can be understood easily. In most of the parts, these road signs usually appear generic and similar to those found in other places across Europe and beyond, but it is important to mention that road signs in Ireland may have a few unique differences and exceptions. For example, in Ireland, the “Give Way” sign (a red downward-pointing triangle on a white background), will read as “Yield”. In some Irish speaking areas, the same is read as “Geill sli”, printed in Irish Gaeilge.
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Road signs Ireland include regulatory traffic signs (usually red and white), the motorway and mandatory traffic signs indicating traffic (usually white on blue background). There are also the warning signs in yellow and black shaped in a diamond that show an upcoming road hazard such as dangerous corners ahead. There are also the manual control signs at roadworks and the warning signs for roadworks which are usually orange in colour. These road signs, especially the information signs, are particularly handy for a tourist who needs guidance and help highlighting places of interest and directional signs that flags the nearest town or region.
Above all, it must be emphatically stated that these road signs for driving test are of high importance on the Ireland Motorways and any failure to its compliance may attract stiff penalties.
Contents
1. Warning signs are given
2. Junction Signs
3. Advanced Warning Signs of Roads
4. General Warning Signs
5. Tram Signs
6. Warning signs for schools and children
7. Warning signs for road work
8. Informative Signs for work at road
9. Manual Signs for Traffic control at road
10. Regulatory Traffic Signs
11. Mandatory Turns at Junctions
12. Other Manual Work Signs for work at road
13. Traffic Lane Signs
14. Variable Message Signs
15. Advance Information Signs
16. Advance Direction Signs
17. Tourist Information Signs
18. Motorway Signs
Irish Road Signs are generally divided into four different aspects. These are Regulatory road signs, Warning road signs, Information road signs and motorway road signs.
Warning signs are given as
Dangerous corner ahead
Roundabout ahead
Mini-Roundabout ahead
Merging traffic
Two-way traffic
Dangerous bend ahead
Series of dangerous bends ahead
Series of dangerous corners ahead
Restricted headroom
T-junction
Dangerous Corner Ahead
It is a right angled pointer and its pointer shows the driver which side, the road is going to make a sharp turn, It shows a very turn in any direction and no matter how much experienced you are, you need to take care of this sign and give more attention and use horn in this case.
Roundabout Ahead
It is a sign showing three arrows making a circle and pointing towards the next arrow showing that there is a big roundabout near you ahead and you should slow down and concentrate on the path carefully.
Mini-Roundabout Ahead
Ireland has a complex road structure and has roundabouts in most of its road junctions. This consists of three arrows making a circle with a small circle in the centre showing a small roundabout ahead. So you need to slow down and pass through it carefully.
Merging traffic
It is a sign showing that the two roads are going to merge ahead and all the traffic is going to pass through a single lane. The signs have two lanes merging at a point to show the merger of traffic.
Two-way traffic
It consists of two arrows pointing in opposite directions to show that the road has two lanes to let traffic go in both the directions divided by a concrete ridge. Also, each lane is further divided into fast and slow lanes. So, you must drive carefully whether the lane is fast and slow and drive accordingly.
Dangerous Bend Ahead
Sometimes this sign is confused with the dangerous corner but as both of them show the dangerous turn ahead. But the dangerous bend shows the presence of a steep curve whereas the dangerous corner shows the turn at right angles. On this road, you need to slow down and give horn to prevent any mishappening if two vehicles are crossing the turn at the same time.
Series of dangerous bends ahead
This is a snake-like looking sign showing there are multiple bends ahead on the road due to tough topography or rough roads. It is generally placed on the hilly areas and areas that pass through forests and other difficult areas.
Series of dangerous corners ahead
This sign contains an arrow with multiple sharp bends showing that the road ahead is going to take multiple sharp turns one after the other within the single lane only. This is to aware the drivers to slow down and look for the turns as it won’t be visible ahead for the upcoming vehicles.
Restricted Head rooms
It is a sort of restriction on the vehicles passing through this road. It shows the signs of allowing only a particular kind of vehicle to pass through as a vehicle with a limited height and width. If your vehicle does not fit in the specifications as given then you will face restrictions ahead.
T-Junction
It shows that the lane you are travelling in is going to enter the new straight lane or the lane is going to merge into a highway which has more traffic. While entering the wider road, you must take care of the other vehicles passing by as the speed of vehicles travelling on this road generally passes with higher speed.
Junction Signs
It shows the sign of merger of roads into wider long roads and presence of more traffic with vehicles of high speed that requires more care.
Junction signs are :
Crossroads
Side road
T-junction
Y-junction
Staggered crossroads
Advanced Warning Signs of Roads
These driving test road signs insist to take certain actions ahead and warn regarding some condition so that the driver can take extra care while passing through these junctions.
T-junctions of a dual carriageway
Crossroads with dual carriageway
Crossroads
General Warning Signs
The other warning signs are used to give information regarding upcoming hurdles or the movement of other things like animals, cyclists or a sudden change ahead like slippery road or sudden dip which might not get noticed through eyes only so that you can take the necessary precautions and do not fall into some mishappening.
Drive on left
Safe height plate
Low-flying aircrafts
Road divides
Merging/diverging traffic
Dual carriage ends
Traffic crossover ahead
Overhead electric cables
Traffic signals ahead
Pedestrian crossing ahead
Slippery road ahead
Road narrows on both sides
Road narrows from left
Road narrows from right
Tunnel ahead
Cyclists
Start of a passing lane
Lane loss
Start of a climbing lane
Loop road ahead
Sharp dip ahead
Series of bumps ahead
Sharp rise ahead
Wild animals ahead
Sheep
Cattle and farm animals
Accompanied horses and ponies
Crosswinds
Steep descent ahead
Steep ascent ahead
Danger of falling rocks
Unprotected quay, canal or river
Level crossing ahead, guarded by gates or lifting barrier
Level crossing ahead, unguarded by gates or lifting barrier
Level crossing ahead, guarded by gates or lifting barriers
Stop when lights are red
Automatic level crossing ahead
Chevron board (left)
Chevron board (right)
Tram Signs
If there is a track for railway lines or a tram moving ahead then the tram signs are placed to make you aware of the network so that you can slow down, look both sides and when it is safe then only cross it.
Tram lane crossing ahead
Tram lane warning signs for pedestrians (look left)
Tram lane warning signs for pedestrians (look both sides)
Tram lane warning signs for pedestrians (look right)
Slippery for cyclists
Warning signs for schools and children
To restrict the drivers from over speeding and to protect the children, road signs are placed in the way to mark the schools ahead.
School ahead
School children crossing ahead
Children crossing ahead (in residential areas)
Warning signs for road work
If there is construction work on the roads and men are at work to ensure the safety of the workers and the drivers both, road work warning signs are placed to make them use the safe way out of the sight.
Road works ahead
One-lane crossover (out)
One-lane crossover (back)
Move to right (one lane)
Move to left (one lane)
Move to right (two lanes)
Move to left (two lanes)
Obstruction between lanes
End of obstruction between lanes
Start of central reserve or obstruction
End of central reserve or obstruction
Lanes diverge at crossover
Lanes rejoin at crossover
Two-lanes crossover (back)
Two-lanes crossover (out)
Single-lane (for shuttle working)
Two-way traffic
Road narrows from left
Road narrows from right
Road narrows on both sides
Offside lane (of two) closed
Nearside lane (of two) closed
Offside lane (of three) closed
Nearside lane (of three) closed
Two offside lanes (of three) closed
Two nearside lanes (of three) closed. Two alternative styles
Offside lane (of four) closed
Nearside lane (of four) closed
Two offside lanes (of four) closed
Two nearside lanes (of four) closed
Side road on left
Side road on right
Site access on left
Site access on right
Temporary traffic signal ahead
Flagman ahead
Slippery road
Loose chippings
Queues likely
Hump or ramp
Pedestrian cross to right
Overhead electric cables
Pedestrian cross to left
Uneven surface
Detour ahead
Detour to left
Detour to right
Road closed
Diverted traffic left
Diverted traffic
Diverted traffic
Diverted traffic
End of detour
Detour destination
Informative Signs for work at road
To give the information of the nature of work or construction at the roads, the speed limit that they have to maintain, the dimensions of the vehicle that can pass through and other regulatory signs.
Distance
Length
Direction
Direction and distance
Slow
End
Cautionary speed
Type of works
Use hard shoulder
Unfinished road surface
Barrier board
Concealed Entrance
Chevron board
Speed limit ahead
Speed limit ahead
Manual Signs for Traffic control at road
The signs to direct the vehicles on the way to move.
Flagman ahead
Stop
Either form of go can be used
Either form of téigh can be used
Regulatory Traffic Signs
Traffic control signs are used to regulate the vehicles in a specific order. These are primarily for the new drivers entering the area to inform them about the rules which when violated might attract stiff penalties and to make them aware all the time during their journey so that they don’t forget to follow it.
Stop
Yield
School wardens stop sign
Parking prohibited
No left turn
No entry or ‘No straight ahead’
No right turn
Clearway
Max speed limit 30kmh
Max speed limit 50kmh
Max speed limit 60kmh
Max speed limit 80kmh
Max speed limit 100kmh
Max speed limit 120kmh
No ridden or accompanied horses
No bicycles
Maximum gross weight (traffic management)
Maximum vehicle length
Maximum vehicle width
No entry to vehicles
Maximum axle weight
No overtaking for three-axle vehicles
No horse carriages
Height restriction
No overtaking
Taxi rank
No entry for large vehicles (by reference to weight)
No U-turn
End of the restriction zone
Parking permitted
Pedestrianised street
Zonal restriction – parking of large vehicles
Disc parking plate
Mandatory Turns at Junctions
To show the one way turns ahead which are compulsory to take and follow to move ahead on the path.
Turn left ahead
Turn right ahead
Turn left
Turn right
Straight ahead
Keep left
Keep right
Pass either side
Mini roundabout
Other Manual Work Signs for work at road
Stop
Either form of Go
or Téigh can be used
No entry for pedestrians to tramway
No entry to goods vehicles (by reference to number of axles)
Contra flow bus lane
With flow bus lane on right
With flow bus lane on left
Tram lane on left
Tram lane on right
Start of cycle track
End of cycle track
In a tunnel goods vehicles cannot use right-hand lane (by reference to number of axles)
Electronic periodic speed limit sign
Electronic periodic speed limit sign at school
Variable speed limit
Tram only street ireland
Turn back
Tram and access only street
Bus only street
Pedestrians and bicycles only
Separate bicycle and pedestrian lanes
Traffic Lane Signs
To direct the drivers for the possible way ahead and to manage the movement of traffic by allowing a specific lane to move at a time.
Go (Lane open)
Stop (Lane closed)
Move into the right-hand lane
Move into the left-hand lane
Variable Message Signs
To show the information other than the traditional traffic road signs.
Overhead VWS
Mobile VMS displaying text message
Mobile VMS displaying chevrons
VMS chevron formats
Road Signs providing information
These are the rectangular boards providing information for drivers to help them know about the interstate roads, the nature of path, movement of cyclists, pedestrians and other fellow drivers.
Advance Information Signs
To make the drivers aware of the road type, the speed limit on it and to know about the vehicles and the traffic on the road.
Motorway
National road
Regional road
National road
Lane destination sign
Dublin Port Tunnel ahead
Advance Direction Signs
These are to show the national highway instructions, path for nearest stop, upcoming destinations with the distance between them and more.
Motorway direction sign
National road direction signs
Regional road direction sign
Local road direction sign
Town or village sign
Destination distance sign
Slow lane sign
Cul-de-sac
Disabled persons parking bay
Airport symbol
Industrial estate symbol
Ferry symbol
Alternative route for high vehicles
Lay-by ahead sign
Hospital ahead sign
Lay-by sign
Hospital sign
SOS lay-by
Car park with facilities for disabled person
Speed camera
Advance information sign for low clearance
Alternative route for heavy vehicles
Traffic calming sign
Speed limit change ahead
Traffic calming sign
Supplementary plate
Ramps on road
Tourist Information Signs
This is to direct the travelers about the type of road and the vehicles which are allowed to move, the next destination on the road and the upcoming places like the ferry sign, nearest village, industrial region and much more.
Advance sign for facilities in lay-by
Advance sign for lay-by with tourism information
Tourist Information Signs
Advance direction to local services
Sign to approved tourist information points
Signing to approved tourist information
Tourist advance direction sign
Tourist attraction direction sign
Pedestrian sign to a car park
Pedestrian sign to a tourist attraction
Alternative route off the motorway
Motorway Signs
To make the drivers aware of the road type that they are currently driving on the road and about the road type that they are going to enter in the upcoming region.
Motorway ahead
Motorway ahead
Advance direction sign
300m to next exit
200m to next exit
100m to next exit
The motorway ends 1km ahead
Motorway ends 500m ahead
End of motorway
Route confirmatory sign for M7
Advance direction for destination
Entry to motorway
Toll plaza ahead
Toll charges
Toll plaza information sign
Garda only
Authorized vehicles only
Typical 2km next exit sign
Motorway service plaza
Route confirmatory sign with Euro Route marker plate
Typical lane gain sign
Top Class Instructors
Experienced & Reliable
Great lessons! Calm, patient instructor. Very accommodating in finding a suitable time slot for me, and extremely knowledgeable about road rules and full of constructive comments on how to improve. Very pleasant experience, very punctual and professional throughout. I give my 100 % recommendation!!!
By: S Ward
National Driving School
5 / 5 star
Top Class Instructors
Experienced & Reliable
I passed my test today first time and wouldn’t of been able to do it without all the help from Tomas! I did a mix of refresher lessons and pre tests with Tomas and they prepared me so well for my actual test. Always managed to fit me In for lessons no problem. I would highly recommend him to all, he was so calm and reassuring during all lessons and made me feel so at ease. Thanks again!
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National Driving School
5 / 5 star
Top Class Instructors
Experienced & Reliable
I had an amazing experience with the National Driving School, managing to pass my test first time thanks to Sass. I was thankful to be taught by him who was a very patient and helpful instructor during all my lessons. I cannot recommend him enough for anyone looking to pass their test.
By: Josh Lowry
National Driving School
5 / 5 star
Top Class Instructors
Experienced & Reliable
A big thank you to Seweryn for all his help ..I passed my test today first time . Thanks for all the encouragement and knowledge you gave me . So calm and patient with me and gave me the confidence to do it .. would highly recommend doing lessons with him 😀
By: Ciara Jones
National Driving School
5 / 5 star
Top Class Instructors
Experienced & Reliable
I had failed my test twice and was very low on confidence before I met Kevin and asked for his help. The way Kevin identified my flaws and helped me overcome them within a few hours of practise is commendable. He’s definitely the best at what he does. I passed in the very next attempt. Definitely recommend him.. Thanks Kevin !
By: Akshit Lamba
National Driving School
5 / 5 star
Top Class Instructors
Experienced & Reliable
My instructor Tomas was very kind and went into detail with manoeuvres and positioning on my pretest lessons for my test in Mulhuddart. I would highly recommend him as he was calm, very helpful and went out of his way to try fit me in with a time slot when I needed it. I appreciate everything he told me and couldn’t thank him enough as he helped me pass my test on the first attempt.
By: Stephen O’Rourke
National Driving School
5 / 5 star
Top Class Instructors
Experienced & Reliable
I just passed my driving test first time after having three 2 hour lessons and one pre-test with Seweryn from the NDS. Having driven for a few years I had a lot to correct but Seweryn was so helpful in improving my driving. I wouldn’t of been able to do it with out him. I would highly recommend him for anyone starting out driving.
By: Rachel Treacy
National Driving School
5 / 5 star
