Standing and exits in Ireland is one of the rules the driver theory test asks about: the car test sets 40 questions in 45 minutes and 35 correct answers pass. This lesson gives the rule, an example from the road and questions tagged to it. Source: Citizens Information, page edited 6 May 2026, checked on 15 September 2026.
By the Irish Mock Test teamFacts checked 15 September 2026How we check facts
An extra exit where accommodation exceeds 35 and the two exits are close together
Where accommodation exceeds 35 passengers and the two exits are close together along the vehicle, the vehicle needs an additional exit, placed so it is never too far from one of the others.
A bus is built and approved for a certain number of passengers, and the law on standing, exits and equipment follows that number. The construction regulations for a large public service vehicle say how many exits a vehicle needs, how they must be marked and opened, how many passengers may be carried, and what happens at peak times. Learn the shape of the rule and the figures follow.
The rules
Two exits on different sides, and an emergency exit on the upper deck
A single deck vehicle, and the lower deck of a double deck one, must have at least two exits on different sides, one of which may be restricted to emergency use. An emergency exit is required on the upper deck of a double deck vehicle.
An extra exit where accommodation exceeds 35 and the two exits are close together
Where accommodation exceeds 35 passengers and the two exits are close together along the vehicle, the vehicle needs an additional exit, placed so it is never too far from one of the others.
Entrances on the left and a door that opens by one operation from either side
Every entrance of an omnibus must be on the left side. Every entrance and exit door must be capable of being opened from inside and outside by one operation of the locking mechanism, and if a power door system fails the door must still open manually from both sides.
Emergency exits: marked, outward opening, accessible and never powered
The means of operation must be clearly indicated, the exit clearly marked inside and outside, the doors must open outwards, the exit must be easily accessible to passengers, and no power operation may be fitted to it.
Access from every seat to two exits, no seat on a door, a grab handle at every entrance and exit
There must be unobstructed access from every seat to at least two exits, or to one where only one is required. No seat may be fitted to a door. A grab handle must be fitted at each entrance or exit other than an emergency exit.
The passenger accommodation limit, with children counted at two thirds
A vehicle must not carry more passengers than its passenger accommodation provides for. Where three or more children under 15 are carried, their number is reduced by one third for the count, so three children count as two.
Extra standing passengers at peak times, within limits
At peak times or where refusing would cause undue hardship, a single deck omnibus may carry more passengers than its accommodation provides for, but never on the upper deck, never where accommodation is for under 15 persons, and only up to the lesser of 8 or one quarter of its accommodation. The article also forbids the extra passengers above a stated speed.
Exits and gangways clear, and standing passengers are not an obstruction
While passengers are carried, every entrance, exit and gangway must be kept clear of obstruction. The article states that standing passengers are not deemed an obstruction for this rule.
Fire extinguishing apparatus and a first aid receptacle
Every large public service vehicle must carry suitable fire extinguishing apparatus where it is immediately available. Other than an omnibus on a short scheduled route, it must also carry apparatus able to raise a wheel off the ground and a first aid receptacle holding the listed dressings and appliances.
The accommodation marking and the operator's name on the outside
The passenger accommodation must be clearly marked inside the lower deck and outside on the rear or left side, and the operator's name and address must be inscribed on the outside on the left side in a conspicuous position.
Passengers on any deck must be able to signal the driver
On a vehicle with accommodation for more than 14 persons, efficient means must be provided so passengers on any deck can signal the driver when necessary.
Steps have non-slip treads, and deck stairs have closed risers
Non-slip treads must be fitted to the outer edge of any rear platform and every step of every doorway, and on a double deck vehicle every step between the decks must have non-slip treads and closed risers.
3 questions on the rules above before you read on.
1 of 3
Question 1
You collect a new bus at the depot for an airport transfer service. What does the construction rule require of each passenger seat?
AA padded head rest on every seat
BAdequate dimensions, a closed or continuous back rest and firmly fixed supportsCorrect answer
CAn arm rest on every seat along the gangway
DA seat belt on every seat, whatever the route
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: B
Each seat must be of adequate dimensions with a closed or continuous back rest of adequate size and firmly fixed supports. A head rest, an arm rest or a belt is not what this rule requires.
What does the rule say about a door and clear access to an entrance or exit?
AA door may obstruct access while the bus is standing at a stop for passengers
BNo door may obstruct clear access to an entrance or exitCorrect answer
COnly the rear door must be kept clear
DAccess may be blocked while passengers are boarding
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: B
No door may obstruct clear access to an entrance or exit. The rule applies at all times, so a stop at a bus stop or the movement of boarding passengers does not create an exception.
You are at a bus station checking a double deck bus before an airport transfer. What must every step between the decks have?
ANon-slip treads and closed risersCorrect answer
BA hand rail on one side of the staircase
CA warning sign beside the staircase
DAn emergency light above the step
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: A
Every step between the decks of a double deck vehicle must have non-slip treads and closed risers. Closed risers stop a shoe or an item catching on the open face of the step, and a hand rail, a sign or a light is not what the rule requires of the steps themselves.
Read the accommodation figure marked in the vehicle. That is the starting limit on passengers.
Apply the children rule if a school group boards. Three or more children under 15 count at two thirds, so three children count as two.
Decide whether the peak time rule applies. It lets a single deck omnibus carry extra passengers, but only up to the lesser of 8 or one quarter of the accommodation, and never on an upper deck or where the accommodation is for under 15 persons.
Clear the gangways and the doorways. Bags and buggies must come out of the way, and standing passengers are not treated as an obstruction.
Check the exits and equipment are in order. Emergency exits marked and reachable, no power operation, the grab handle at each entrance, the extinguisher where it can be reached at once, and the first aid receptacle in place.
Where learners go wrong
Treating standing passengers as an obstruction offence. The article says in terms that they are not.
Thinking two exits are always needed. The rule requires two on a single deck vehicle, but an older vehicle with accommodation for not more than 14 persons and one entrance and exit behind the rear wheels is the listed exception.
Believing an emergency exit may be power operated because the driver can open it from the cab. Power operation is forbidden for an emergency exit.
Carrying children on a peak time service without the two thirds count, then carrying too few.
Letting a buggy block a gangway "because the passenger has nowhere else to put it". The gangway duty is on the person using the vehicle.
Confusing the accommodation marking with the operator's name and address. The accommodation figure is marked inside and outside; the operator's name and address go on the outside.
Quoting an old imperial height figure in the 1963 instrument as the current bus height limit. The 2008 construction regulations set the general maximum overall height at 4.65 metres, and height is not the point of this lesson.
Choose an answer, then open the explanation to see the rule behind it.
1 of 17
Question 1
What must every large public service vehicle carry for use in a fire?
AA fire extinguisher in a locked locker at the rear
BA fire blanket in the luggage area
CA bucket of sand beside the driver
DSuitable and efficient fire extinguishing apparatus in a position where it is immediately availableCorrect answer
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: D
Every large public service vehicle must carry suitable and efficient fire extinguishing apparatus in a position where it is immediately available. Apparatus locked away, stored in the luggage area or kept as loose sand is not what the rule requires.
At a peak time a single deck omnibus may carry extra passengers. What is the greatest number of extra passengers allowed?
AThe lesser of 12 passengers or one half of its accommodation
BThe lesser of 8 or one quarter of its accommodationCorrect answer
CEight passengers in all cases
DOne quarter of its accommodation in all cases
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: B
At a peak time a single deck omnibus may carry extra passengers up to the lesser of 8 or one quarter of its accommodation. The smaller of the two limits applies, so neither part of the rule can be read on its own and a fixed figure of eight is wrong.
A single deck bus has accommodation for more than 35 passengers and its two exits are close together. What does the construction rule require?
AA wider entrance door
BA second driver on board
CNothing extra, because two exits are already provided
DAn additional exitCorrect answer
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: D
An additional exit is required where the accommodation exceeds 35 passengers and the two exits are close together. Widening a door or carrying a second driver does not meet that requirement, and the two exits already provided are not enough on their own.
You inspect a school bus before a school run. Where must non-slip treads be fitted?
AOn the driver's step only
BOn the outer edge of any rear platform and of every step of every doorwayCorrect answer
COn the top step of each doorway only
DOn the floor inside the doors
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: B
Non-slip treads must be fitted to the outer edge of any rear platform and of every step of every doorway. A tread on the driver's step, on the top step only or on the floor inside the doors does not meet the rule, which follows every step a passenger uses.
You carry standing passengers on your bus. Does that breach the rule that entrances, exits and gangways must be kept clear?
AYes, standing passengers always obstruct the gangway
BYes, unless the journey is a short one
CNo, standing passengers are not treated as an obstruction for this ruleCorrect answer
DNo, but only while the bus is stationary
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: C
Every entrance, exit and gangway must be kept clear of obstruction while passengers are carried, and standing passengers are not treated as an obstruction for that rule. Bags, buggies and loose items are the kind of thing the rule is aimed at, and the position does not change while the bus is moving.
You are on a coach tour and a passenger asks about fresh air with the windows kept closed. What does the ventilation rule require on the bus?
AVentilation may depend on the windows being open while the bus is moving
BVentilation is required only in the summer months
CAdequate ventilation must be possible without opening windowsCorrect answer
DVentilation depends on the driver's choice
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: C
Adequate ventilation must be possible without opening the windows, so the air can be kept fresh when the windows must stay closed. The season of the year and the driver's preference do not change that requirement.
A bus is not at a peak time and it is carrying no young children. What is the limit on the number of passengers it may carry?
AThe number of seats fitted to the vehicle
BThe number must not exceed the number for which passenger accommodation is providedCorrect answer
CThe number set by the driver for that journey
DOne hundred passengers on any bus
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: B
The number of passengers carried must not exceed the number for which passenger accommodation is provided. That figure is the accommodation the vehicle is designed and marked for, so it can be greater than the number of seats when standing is provided. A driver, a timetable or a fixed figure does not set the limit.
A seat on a bus is placed so that a passenger could be thrown through an exit. What must protect that seat?
AA warning sign beside the seat
BA padded cover on the seat back
CA seat belt fitted to the seat
DAn effective screen or guardCorrect answer
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: D
Where a seat is placed so that a passenger could be thrown through an exit, down a stairway or through an entrance, an effective screen or guard must protect it. A sign, a padded cover or a belt does not shield the seat from that risk.
What must a double deck bus have on its upper deck?
AA second staircase
BAn emergency exitCorrect answer
CA separate driver's position
DA passenger lift
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: B
An emergency exit must be provided on the upper deck of a double deck vehicle. The lower deck already carries the two exits required of a single deck vehicle. A second staircase, a driver's position or a lift is not what the rule requires there.
An omnibus runs on a scheduled route that falls within the exception in the equipment rule. What does the exception concern?
AThe fire extinguishing apparatus
BThe passenger seat belts
CThe wheel raising apparatus and the first aid receptacleCorrect answer
DThe emergency exits
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: C
Every large public service vehicle must carry fire extinguishing apparatus. The exception for an omnibus on a scheduled short route applies only to the apparatus able to raise a wheel clear of the ground and the first aid receptacle holding the listed dressings and appliances. It does not reach the fire extinguishing apparatus, the seat belts or the emergency exits.
You look at a coach parked at a bus station. Where must the name and address of the operator be shown?
AOn the glass of the back window
BInside the vehicle near the driver
CClearly inscribed on the outside on the left side in a conspicuous positionCorrect answer
DOn the front number plate bracket
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: C
The name and address of the operator must be clearly inscribed on the outside of the vehicle on the left side in a conspicuous position. The back window, the interior near the driver and the front number plate bracket are not the place the rule names.
You take delivery of a new bus at the depot for a rural route. How must the passenger accommodation be marked?
AClearly marked inside the lower deck and outside on the rear or the left sideCorrect answer
BOn the outside of the vehicle only
CAbove every passenger seat on the lower deck
DOn the driver's door beside the operator name
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: A
The passenger accommodation of the vehicle, and of each deck, must be clearly marked inside the lower deck and outside on the rear or the left side. An outside marking alone, a marking above each seat or a mark on the driver's door does not satisfy the rule.
Extra passengers carried at a peak time may never be carried in which situation?
AOn the upper deck of a double deck vehicleCorrect answer
BOn the lower deck of a double deck vehicle
COn a rural route with a light load
DOn a journey shorter than 50 kilometres
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: A
Extra passengers at a peak time may never be carried on the upper deck, never where the accommodation is for fewer than 15 persons, and never while the omnibus is exceeding the speed the rule names. The lower deck, the type of route and the length of the journey are not the limits the rule uses.
You check the emergency exits on a school bus before a school run. What must be clearly indicated for each of them?
AThe means of operating itCorrect answer
BThe seat number nearest to it
CThe name of the operator
DThe route number of the service
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: A
The means of operation of every emergency exit must be clearly indicated, so that a passenger can see how to open it. The nearest seat number, the operator's name and the route number are not that marking.
You are checking a coach with folding doors at the depot. Why must those doors have fastenings?
ATo lock the bus at night
BTo hold the emergency exit sign in place above the door at all times
CTo keep the luggage area secure
DTo stop the door closing with the movement of the vehicleCorrect answer
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: D
Fastenings are required on sliding and folding doors so that they do not close with the movement of the vehicle. Locking the bus at night, holding a sign in place and keeping luggage secure are not the purpose of that rule.
What must the design of a bus provide for the driver?
AA separate rest area behind the driver's seat
BA second seat for a relief driver
CA rear view camera covering the upper deck
DAdequate room, with the controls easy to reach and quick to operateCorrect answer
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: D
The vehicle must be designed so that the driver has adequate room and can easily reach and quickly operate the controls. Where interior lighting would interfere with the driver's view, means must also be provided to stop that interference.
Three or more children under 15 are carried on a bus. How are they counted towards the accommodation limit?
AThey count as one half of that number
BThey count as one quarter of that number
CThey count as two thirds of that numberCorrect answer
DThey do not count at all
Show the answerHide the answer
Correct answer: C
Three or more children under 15 count as two thirds of that number towards the accommodation limit. Counting them in full, halving them, quartering them or ignoring them would not match the rule for a group of children.