Multiple Chevrons (Three) - Left

Three-chevron warning signs mark extremely sharp bends on rural roads throughout Ireland.

Common on mountain passes like the Healy Pass and Conor Pass in Kerry, coastal roads in Donegal and West Cork, and throughout Connemara where roads follow natural terrain contours.

These severe bends often approach 90-degree turns or hairpin configurations.

The three-chevron marking indicates the sharpest category of bend warning, requiring maximum caution and significant speed reduction.

An extremely sharp left-hand bend is ahead, possibly approaching a hairpin turn.

Reduce speed to 40 km/h or lower before entering the bend.

Select second or even first gear for very tight bends.

The three chevrons indicate this is among the sharpest bends you will encounter.

Stay strictly on your side of the road—cutting corners on these severe bends puts you directly in the path of oncoming traffic.

Apply brakes before the bend, not during it.

Maintain steady speed through the bend and accelerate only once straightening.

Excessive speed on severe bends constitutes careless driving: 2 penalty points and fines to €2,000.

If speed causes loss of control, crossing into the opposing lane, or collision, dangerous driving charges apply: 5 penalty points, fines to €5,000, imprisonment, and disqualification.

Many serious and fatal collisions occur on severe bends when drivers enter at inappropriate speeds.

Courts recognize three-chevron signs as clear warnings of extreme hazards and impose severe penalties when drivers ignore them.

Severe bend negotiation demonstrates your fundamental driving competency.

Examiners observe whether you recognize three-chevron signs early, reduce speed well before the bend (not during it), select appropriate gears, maintain strict lane position without corner-cutting, and demonstrate smooth steering throughout.

Approaching too fast results in Grade 2 faults.

Needing to brake mid-corner, crossing the center line, or causing the vehicle to veer results in immediate Grade 3 failure.

Theory questions test understanding that the number of chevrons indicates bend severity and that three chevrons require the greatest speed reduction.