Driving in Ireland do and don't tips

Asmooh

Anyone can give me tips that I can read through on the boat? I am already learning myself that left from me should not be a lot of road left and other people that are going the other way are driving right from me

That left should go first instead of right

But I have notice that there are traffic lights that point up and the ones that are completely the same colour. I can understand that those are only if you not going left or right, is This correct? But what if there is only a single road and it's green but I need to go left?

Other tips? I'm already nervous and there are 4 days left...

biko

OP, your location is Leixlip...

Do you have a full licence in another EU country and have never driven in Ireland before?

Tails142

Have a gander at the 'Rules of the Road'

https://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi05ISjn4TKAhXELQ8KHVvAAQ4QFggeMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rsa.ie%2FDocuments%2FLearner%2520Drivers%2FRules_of_the_road.pdf&usg=AFQjCNEY6HgZ-1HXpyXGwwoxHWBgMt-ZAA&sig2=UDso5ZnVZ9zQ4pqYO0cnCw&bvm=bv.110151844,d.ZWU

Mint Sauce

biko wrote: »

OP, your location is Leixlip...

Do you have a full licence in another EU country and have never driven in Ireland before?

Noticed that my self. Have you not driven here before OP? Your coming over on the boat on the boat, is that from Britain or the Continent?

Squidgy Black

He's from the Netherlands.

Always give way to traffic on the right is the rule you're thinking of.

JackHeuston

biko wrote: »

OP, your location is Leixlip...

Do you have a full licence in another EU country and have never driven in Ireland before?

Could have decided to bring the car to Ireland after living in it for a while. I had one back home too that I was used to drive every day, registered to myself, would have been a waste to leave it there.

Anyway OP, I don't understand what you mean here:

But I have notice that there are traffic lights that point up and the ones that are completely the same colour.

If you have full green light, you can go straight or turn left. You can turn right but only after yielding to the traffic coming in front of you.

If the light has an arrow, you can go only in that direction, without worrying about having to yield to other cars coming from other directions.

Del2005

Asmooh wrote: »

Anyone can give me tips that I can read through on the boat? I am already learning myself that left from me should not be a lot of road left and other people that are going the other way are driving right from me

That left should go first instead of right

But I have notice that there are traffic lights that point up and the ones that are completely the same colour. I can understand that those are only if you not going left or right, is This correct? But what if there is only a single road and it's green but I need to go left?

Other tips? I'm already nervous and there are 4 days left...

Be especially careful when starting in quite locations to drive on the left. I've done the opposite at least once each time when driving on the right, one was after 2 months of driving on the right just got up one morning and wasn't thinking and started driving on the wrong side.

As already posted read the rules of the road and try the theory test to see how you understand it. There is very little active enforcement of most of the laws though and I don't think anyone knows how to use roundabouts correctly, which isn't helped by there being no consistency on their layout and markings.

http://www.ism.ie/advice/theory-test/mock-theory-test

Then just drive you'll get used to driving on the wrong side fairly quickly.

Always use the back seat in taxis as they get annoyed when you try to get into the drivers seat.

Lia_lia

This might also help: Traffic lights.

SeamusG97

Mint Sauce wrote: »

Noticed that my self. Have you not driven here before OP? Your coming over on the boat on the boat, is that from Britain or the Continent?

Maybe OP is sailing from Leixlip to some other part of Ireland given all the recent rain....:D

colm_mcm

Keep left
Pass right

I think there is a mock theory test you can do online, might throw up stuff that you haven't come across.

Asmooh

biko wrote: »

OP, your location is Leixlip...

Do you have a full licence in another EU country and have never driven in Ireland before?

Correct and my car is lhd I did the theory test a few times and I passed most of the times, some questions were just stupid.. Example when you can use the horn and when not.


Anyway I have my license for almost 10 years but this will be the first time I drive at the left side.


Taking the boat from the continent, I'm living here for almost a year now and it was time to bring the car over since it's useless to leave it there and I tried to find the same car here in the same conditions and the same leather interior and that seemed to be impossible

colm_c

Paying tolls, overtaking and multi-storey carparks will be fun in a LHD car here.

And the most important question is, what car are you bringing over?

pcardin

Asmooh wrote: »

Anyone can give me tips that I can read through on the boat? I am already learning myself that left from me should not be a lot of road left and other people that are going the other way are driving right from me

That left should go first instead of right

But I have notice that there are traffic lights that point up and the ones that are completely the same colour. I can understand that those are only if you not going left or right, is This correct? But what if there is only a single road and it's green but I need to go left?

Other tips? I'm already nervous and there are 4 days left...

Ok, for you to drive comfortably in Ireland and to help you to blend into local traffic and not to stand out, you have to follow some very important rules that are very different in continental countries.

1. Drive on the left (probably you already know this)

2. Don't use any lights or indicators in any other time than night time. If you do it will be a dead give away that you're non-local.

3. If you get on a motorway - ONLY drive in MIDDLE lane. Preferably no faster than 80km/h. If anyone overtakes you, flash them.

4. When getting on a motorway, slow down to a near stop before you join the driving lane.

5. When approaching junction and you see traffic lights from yellow to red go faster. If you happen to cross traffic lights while red, it's fine. First five cars are allowed.

6. If you are exiting your housing estate to drive on main road it it advisable to stick half of your car out right on the driving lane of the main road. That way you will see better if there's any approaching traffic. Cars approaching may stop but only because they're morons.

7. Roundabouts. Remember there are no rules whatsoever except that you drive counterclockwise. You may take the very left lane to leave roundabout in 3rd or 4th exit. It's cool. Don't mind those morons flashing you and beeping at you.

8. Car parks. If you enter a nearly empty car park, always look for a lonely cars parked far away from other cars. Park beside them. That way they will not feel so lonely anymore.

9. In case of rain or snow (unlikely) reduce your speed from whatever you're driving to 30 km/h, even if you're on motorway.

Probably there are some more rules that I forgot. But if you stick to these at least you should be grand.

shrapnel222

pcardin wrote: »

Ok, for you to drive comfortably in Ireland and to help you to blend into local traffic and not to stand out, you have to follow some very important rules that are very different in continental countries.

1. Drive on the left (probably you already know this)

2. Don't use any lights or indicators in any other time than night time. If you do it will be a dead give away that you're non-local.

3. If you get on a motorway - ONLY drive in MIDDLE lane. Preferably no faster than 80km/h. If anyone overtakes you, flash them.

4. When getting on a motorway, slow down to a near stop before you join the driving lane.

5. When approaching junction and you see traffic lights from yellow to red go faster. If you happen to cross traffic lights while red, it's fine. First five cars are allowed.

6. If you are exiting your housing estate to drive on main road it it advisable to stick half of your car out right on the driving lane of the main road. That way you will see better if there's any approaching traffic. Cars approaching may stop but only because they're morons.

7. Roundabouts. Remember there are no rules whatsoever except that you drive counterclockwise. You may take the very left lane to leave roundabout in 3rd or 4th exit. It's cool. Don't mind those morons flashing you and beeping at you.

8. Car parks. If you enter a nearly empty car park, always look for a lonely cars parked far away from other cars. Park beside them. That way they will not feel so lonely anymore.

9. In case of rain or snow (unlikely) reduce your speed from whatever you're driving to 30 km/h, even if you're on motorway.

Probably there are some more rules that I forgot. But if you stick to these at least you should be grand.

10. Have your fog lights on permanently regardless of day or night, fog or not.

11. if driving at or around the speed limit on the motorway, stay in the right hand lane at all times.

12. when turning off a main road, always use the universal: maneuver, signal, mirror technique.

13. if there is a bike lane, always have 2 wheels in it.

Red Kev

If you can find a Padre Pio sticker on the boat then you should invest in one of these. Place it in the rear window.

It entitles you to drive as you wish, where and when you like. It also allows you to park on footpaths, on bends and in disabled parking spots. You may also be take up as many parking bays as you wish. No laws are applicable to you if you feel that they shouldn't apply to you.

Optional extras include St Christopher medals, rosary beads and Knock Shrine Supporters Association stickers and badges.

Wear grey and practice pursing your lips and giving a dirty, withering look to anyone who overtakes you and looks like they are having a coronary. Remember the speed limit is a limit, not a target (or something like that).

If anybody questions you're driving with the Padre Pio sticker there is a helpline 1850 715 815, a guy called Joe will answer it. Just tell him you're a tourist/forced emigrant on holidays and he'll sort it out for you.

colm_mcm

Padre pio only works in the front window. Ie; facing the direction of travel. Rookie mistake.

http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Padre-Pio-Protect-Us
For the back window you need a "travelling to flavin" or "axe tax" sticker.

Mint Sauce

shrapnel222 wrote: »

10. Have your fog lights on permanently regardless of day or night, fog or not.

11. if driving at or around the speed limit on the motorway, stay in the right hand lane at all times.

12. when turning off a main road, always use the universal: maneuver, signal, mirror technique.

13. if there is a bike lane, always have 2 wheels in it.

14. If you own a micra or a yaris, drive at a constant 60-70, regardless of the speed limit, whilst hugging the steering wheel.

pcardin

colm_mcm wrote: »

Padre pio only works in the front window. Ie; facing the direction of travel. Rookie mistake.

http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Padre-Pio-Protect-Us
For the back window you need a "travelling to flavin" or "axe tax" sticker.

If you have kids then for back window there is a mandatory BABY ON BOARD sign, the bigger the better, preferably leaving as very little visibility true back window as possible. This entitles you to perform all the same activities as Padre Pio sticker + single people will be jealous.

Squidgy Black

pcardin wrote: »

If you have kids then for back window there is a mandatory BABY ON BOARD sign, the bigger the better, preferably leaving as very little visibility true back window as possible. This entitles you to perform all the same activities as Padre Pio sticker + single people will be jealous.

If you can find a "little angels on board" sticker, that's even twice as effective.

colm_mcm

"Powdered by fairydust" if it's an mx5

xband

The rules are very very similar to Britian with some minor tweaks to signage.

The single most important thing to bear in mind is that Ireland doesn't use any change of priorities signage other than Yeild.

The main road always has priority. You shouldn't ever assume that you've priority entering from a side road / small street.

Traffic lights with a full red circle mean stop in all directions. You may turn only if there's a green or orange flashing arrow light. Otherwise going trough a red is illegal.

Signage is mostly fairly self explanatory.

MarkAnthony

Traffic light facing a junction are because we go up as close to the lights as possible so can't see the light to our left or right. DO NOT turn left or right and stop at the red light as it's for the junction opposite. It's difficult to explain but keep an eye out when you first get here and you'll see what I mean.

bear1

colm_c wrote: »

Paying tolls, overtaking and multi-storey carparks will be fun in a LHD car here.

And the most important question is, what car are you bringing over?

Just buy the easypass and no tolls to worry about, car parks slightly more tricky but will take maybe 10s more to get the ticket
OP remember you will need to change the lights on your car to conform to our side of the road. If I'm right you will also need to change the rear fog light also.
Also, flash the living **** out of anyone that dares overtake you. That's a must.

con___manx1

Always check your mirrors for motorcyclists when changing lanes on the motorway. They could easily be in your blind spot . put d indicator on in advance to give a motorcylist time. A lot of drivers indicate straight away swerve across into the other lane without even a though for them. If the motocyclist is in you blind spot u change lanes with a seconds notice you could easily kill them.

Del2005

pcardin wrote: »

If you have kids then for back window there is a mandatory BABY ON BOARD sign, the bigger the better, preferably leaving as very little visibility true back window as possible. This entitles you to perform all the same activities as Padre Pio sticker + single people will be jealous.

The new one is to list the kids name across the back window.

Del2005

bear1 wrote: »

Just buy the easypass and no tolls to worry about, car parks slightly more tricky but will take maybe 10s more to get the ticket
OP remember you will need to change the lights on your car to conform to our side of the road. If I'm right you will also need to change the rear fog light also.
Also, flash the living **** out of anyone that dares overtake you. That's a must.

Don't some of the toll tag companies allow use in car parks?

Don't rely on using road signs to get anywhere. You'll have a big fancy sign saying x is 20km away yet there will be a T junction 200m after with no signs.

Squidgy Black

Del2005 wrote: »

Don't rely on using road signs to get anywhere. You'll have a big fancy sign saying x is 20km away yet there will be a T junction 200m after with no signs.

Or else you'll come across a pole with 3 signs pointed ahead for 3 different places and that's all you'll see for the next 10km, with no further directions.

pcardin

_Tyrrell_ wrote: »

Or else you'll come across a pole with 3 signs pointed ahead for 3 different places and that's all you'll see for the next 10km, with no further directions.

True. And don't believe any road signs on west coast. You can drive for example to Cliffs of Moher and you'll see a sign telling "10km" after driving that same road for 20km you will see another sign "Cliffs of Moher - 10km". :eek:

bear1

Oh OP one more I forgot, if you ever decide to park on a narrow country road don't bother with looking for a safe place like some soulless bastard. Instead park it blindly on a bend and have half the car sticking out.
tis gas craic seeing the look on the other driver when he sees your car.
Ah yes and remember, always always always speed up if you aren't happy being overtaken. It's the only way to survive out there.

K.Flyer

pcardin wrote: »

Ok, for you to drive comfortably in Ireland and to help you to blend into local traffic and not to stand out, you have to follow some very important rules that are very different in continental countries.

1. Drive on the left (probably you already know this)

2. Don't use any lights or indicators in any other time than night time. If you do it will be a dead give away that you're non-local.

3. If you get on a motorway - ONLY drive in MIDDLE lane. Preferably no faster than 80km/h. If anyone overtakes you, flash them.

4. When getting on a motorway, slow down to a near stop before you join the driving lane.

5. When approaching junction and you see traffic lights from yellow to red go faster. If you happen to cross traffic lights while red, it's fine. First five cars are allowed.

6. If you are exiting your housing estate to drive on main road it it advisable to stick half of your car out right on the driving lane of the main road. That way you will see better if there's any approaching traffic. Cars approaching may stop but only because they're morons.

7. Roundabouts. Remember there are no rules whatsoever except that you drive counterclockwise. You may take the very left lane to leave roundabout in 3rd or 4th exit. It's cool. Don't mind those morons flashing you and beeping at you.

8. Car parks. If you enter a nearly empty car park, always look for a lonely cars parked far away from other cars. Park beside them. That way they will not feel so lonely anymore.

9. In case of rain or snow (unlikely) reduce your speed from whatever you're driving to 30 km/h, even if you're on motorway.

Probably there are some more rules that I forgot. But if you stick to these at least you should be grand.

shrapnel222 wrote: »

10. Have your fog lights on permanently regardless of day or night, fog or not.

11. if driving at or around the speed limit on the motorway, stay in the right hand lane at all times.

12. when turning off a main road, always use the universal: maneuver, signal, mirror technique.

13. if there is a bike lane, always have 2 wheels in it.

Mint Sauce wrote: »

14. If you own a micra or a yaris, drive at a constant 60-70, regardless of the speed limit, whilst hugging the steering wheel.

15.
When you are driving around town and are unable to find a parking space. Just pull up as close as you can to where you want to be, double parking if you need to, and just stick on your hazzard warning lights, you'll be grand!

con___manx1

bear1 wrote: »

Oh OP one more I forgot, if you ever decide to park on a narrow country road don't bother with looking for a safe place like some soulless bastard. Instead park it blindly on a bend and have half the car sticking out.
tis gas craic seeing the look on the other driver when he sees your car.
Ah yes and remember, always always always speed up if you aren't happy being overtaken. It's the only way to survive out there.

You must be a terrific driver that's great advice good man.

bear1

con___manx1 wrote: »

You must be a terrific driver that's great advice good man.

So of all the things people posted you decided to select this one and take it seriously.
Good man.

YbFocus

bear1 wrote: »

So of all the things people posted you decided to select this one and take it seriously.
Good man.

I fell apart at the good man bit :pac:

bear1

YbFocus wrote: »

I fell apart at the good man bit :pac:

Careful now, he may actually think you fell apart :pac:

pcardin

bear1 wrote: »

Careful now, he may actually think you fell apart :pac:

:pac:

Asmooh

colm_c wrote: »

Paying tolls, overtaking and multi-storey carparks will be fun in a LHD car here.

And the most important question is, what car are you bringing over?

1992 mx5 1.6 116hp