NZ Learner Licence Theory Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: In NZ, when two vehicles are turning right into the same road from opposite directions, who gives way?

The vehicle on the wider road has right of way
Both must stop and wait for a gap
They should pass behind each other (right side to right side) unless road markings indicate otherwise (Correct answer)
The larger vehicle has right of way

Correct answer: They should pass behind each other (right side to right side) unless road markings indicate otherwise

In NZ, when two vehicles approaching from opposite directions are both turning right, they should generally pass behind each other (right side to right side). However, road markings or intersection layout may direct otherwise.

Question 2: What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign indicate in New Zealand?

A warning of a hazard or change in road conditions ahead (Correct answer)
A tourist information point ahead
A speed advisory for the next section of road
A mandatory direction you must follow

Correct answer: A warning of a hazard or change in road conditions ahead

Yellow diamond-shaped signs in NZ are warning signs that alert drivers to upcoming hazards or changes in road conditions, such as curves, hills, intersections, or road works ahead.

Question 3: What must you do when a pedestrian is waiting at a zebra crossing?

Speed up to pass before they step on
Stop and give way to the pedestrian (Correct answer)
Flash your lights and proceed
Sound your horn to warn them

Correct answer: Stop and give way to the pedestrian

You must stop and give way to any pedestrian waiting at or on a zebra crossing.

Question 4: In NZ, what should you do if an animal is on the road ahead?

Slow down, prepare to stop, and do not sound your horn as it may startle the animal into unpredictable movement (Correct answer)
Speed up to pass before the animal moves
Flash your headlights rapidly to scare the animal away
Sound your horn continuously to frighten the animal off the road

Correct answer: Slow down, prepare to stop, and do not sound your horn as it may startle the animal into unpredictable movement

When encountering an animal on a NZ road, slow down and prepare to stop. Do not sound your horn, as this may frighten the animal into unpredictable behaviour, potentially into your path. Be patient and wait for it to move.

Question 5: What does a green arrow at a NZ traffic light mean?

You should prepare to stop
The light is about to change to red
You may proceed in the direction of the arrow — oncoming traffic is held by a red light (Correct answer)
You may proceed in any direction

Correct answer: You may proceed in the direction of the arrow — oncoming traffic is held by a red light

A green arrow at a NZ traffic light means you may proceed only in the direction shown by the arrow. Oncoming traffic has a red light, so you have a protected turn and do not need to give way to oncoming traffic.

Question 6: Under NZ Road Code, at what age must all passengers in a vehicle wear a seatbelt or approved child restraint?

Only the driver and front seat passenger are required to wear seatbelts
All passengers of all ages must be restrained (Correct answer)
Only passengers aged 8 and over must wear seatbelts
Children under 5 must be restrained; older passengers may choose

Correct answer: All passengers of all ages must be restrained

In New Zealand, all vehicle occupants — regardless of age — must wear a seatbelt or be secured in an approved child restraint. The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers under 15 are properly restrained.

Question 7: Even when traffic lights are green, when must you still give way to pedestrians?

Only when no other vehicles are present
Never — vehicles always have priority at green lights
Only when the pedestrian has a green walk signal
When you are turning and a pedestrian is crossing your path (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When you are turning and a pedestrian is crossing your path

When turning at traffic lights, you must still give way to pedestrians legally crossing the road you are turning into.

Question 8: Can a driver in NZ be charged with drug-impaired driving even if they have not consumed alcohol?

No — drug testing only applies to commercial vehicle drivers
Yes — driving while impaired by any drug, including prescription or recreational drugs, is an offence (Correct answer)
Only if illegal drugs are found in the vehicle
Only if the driver causes a crash

Correct answer: Yes — driving while impaired by any drug, including prescription or recreational drugs, is an offence

In New Zealand, it is an offence to drive while impaired by any drug, including cannabis, methamphetamine, or even some prescription medications. Police may conduct roadside impairment tests and oral fluid tests.

Question 9: What is the reduced speed limit displayed near schools during school hours in New Zealand?

40 km/h (Correct answer)
50 km/h
60 km/h
30 km/h

Correct answer: 40 km/h

When school zone signs are displayed during school hours and school days, you must reduce your speed to 40 km/h.

Question 10: At a roundabout in NZ, when is it appropriate to use the right lane to take the first exit (turning left)?

It is not appropriate — use the left lane to take the first exit (Correct answer)
On large roundabouts with heavy traffic
It is acceptable if you intend to indicate left on entry
Only if the left lane is blocked

Correct answer: It is not appropriate — use the left lane to take the first exit

When taking the first exit (turning left) at a roundabout, you should always approach and use the left lane. Using the right lane to exit left cuts across other traffic and is both dangerous and against NZ road rules.

Question 11: What do chevron boards (yellow arrows on black background) placed on a curve indicate?

A sharp intersection is ahead
The direction the road bends and that you should slow down (Correct answer)
A detour route ahead
A one-way road begins

Correct answer: The direction the road bends and that you should slow down

Chevron boards with yellow arrows on a black background are placed on curves to indicate the direction the road bends. They alert drivers to slow down and follow the direction of the arrows safely around the curve.

Question 12: What is vehicle registration (rego) in NZ and why is it important?

A compulsory registration and licensing fee that also includes ACC levy for motor vehicle injuries — driving without it is an offence (Correct answer)
A voluntary scheme for vehicle tracking
Registration only applies to commercial vehicles
A discount programme for fuel costs

Correct answer: A compulsory registration and licensing fee that also includes ACC levy for motor vehicle injuries — driving without it is an offence

Vehicle registration (rego) in NZ is a compulsory payment that licences your vehicle for road use and includes a levy for ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) covering motor vehicle injury claims. Driving without current registration is an offence.

Question 13: Can a driver in NZ be convicted of drink driving if they are below the legal alcohol limit but their driving is impaired?

Only if a doctor certifies they are impaired
Yes — impairment-based charges can apply even below the legal limit (Correct answer)
Only if they cause a crash
No — if below the limit, no drink-drive offence can be charged

Correct answer: Yes — impairment-based charges can apply even below the legal limit

In NZ, a driver can be charged with driving while impaired even if their blood or breath alcohol reading is below the legal limit. Impairment is assessed based on driving behaviour and field sobriety tests.

Question 14: In NZ, what lights must be working on your vehicle for it to be legal to drive at night?

Headlights (dipped and full), tail lights, brake lights, number plate light, and indicators (Correct answer)
Only headlights and brake lights
Headlights only — other lights are optional
All lights including fog lights must work at all times

Correct answer: Headlights (dipped and full), tail lights, brake lights, number plate light, and indicators

For legal night driving in NZ, your vehicle must have working headlights (both dipped and full beam), tail lights, brake lights, a number plate light, and indicators. All must be checked regularly.

Question 15: What happens to your NZ licence if you are caught driving while disqualified?

You receive a warning and your disqualification period resets
You can be imprisoned for up to 2 years, your vehicle may be impounded or confiscated, and further disqualification periods apply (Correct answer)
Your vehicle insurance premium increases but no other penalty applies
A fine of $200 only

Correct answer: You can be imprisoned for up to 2 years, your vehicle may be impounded or confiscated, and further disqualification periods apply

Driving while disqualified is a serious criminal offence in NZ. Penalties include imprisonment for up to 2 years, vehicle impounding or confiscation, fines, and further licence disqualification periods.

Question 16: What penalty applies to a driver caught driving with a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit in NZ?

Mandatory disqualification from driving and possible imprisonment (Correct answer)
A demerit point addition only
An infringement notice and fine only
Attendance at a drink-driving education course

Correct answer: Mandatory disqualification from driving and possible imprisonment

Driving with a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit (over 100mg/100ml) is a serious criminal offence in NZ. Penalties include mandatory disqualification, significant fines, and possible imprisonment for repeat or aggravated offences.

Question 17: What is the posted speed limit near most NZ road works where workers are present?

30 km/h or as posted on the temporary signs (Correct answer)
80 km/h on open roads
The existing speed limit remains in force
50 km/h

Correct answer: 30 km/h or as posted on the temporary signs

In NZ road works zones where workers are present, temporary speed limits are posted, often as low as 30 km/h. These must be observed at all times while the signs are in place, even if no workers are immediately visible.

Question 18: Under NZ Road Code, what must you do when you see a 'GIVE WAY TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC' sign while crossing a bridge?

Proceed quickly to clear the bridge for oncoming traffic
Only give way if the oncoming vehicle is a heavy truck
Wait at the sign and give way to any oncoming vehicles on the bridge (Correct answer)
Sound the horn and proceed slowly

Correct answer: Wait at the sign and give way to any oncoming vehicles on the bridge

A 'GIVE WAY TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC' sign at a narrow bridge means you must wait and give way to any vehicle already on the bridge or approaching from the other side before you proceed across.

Question 19: What does a STOP sign require drivers to do in New Zealand?

Give way to traffic from the right only
Slow down and proceed when safe
Stop only if other vehicles are present
Come to a complete stop and give way to all traffic before proceeding (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Come to a complete stop and give way to all traffic before proceeding

A STOP sign requires you to come to a complete stop at the marked line. You must then give way to all traffic on the road you are entering, and only proceed when it is completely safe to do so.

Question 20: What is aquaplaning, and how should a NZ driver respond if it occurs?

Aquaplaning is the same as a tyre blowout — swerve to the left
Aquaplaning is when tyres lose contact with the road on a wet surface — ease off the accelerator gently and steer straight (Correct answer)
Aquaplaning occurs at low speeds — brake hard to regain grip
Aquaplaning is skidding on ice — apply brakes immediately

Correct answer: Aquaplaning is when tyres lose contact with the road on a wet surface — ease off the accelerator gently and steer straight

Aquaplaning occurs when a film of water builds up between your tyres and the road surface, causing loss of steering and braking. If it happens, ease off the accelerator smoothly, do not brake suddenly, and steer straight until grip is regained.

Question 21: What is the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers under 20 years old in New Zealand?

25 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood
50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood
Zero — no alcohol at all is permitted for drivers under 20 (Correct answer)
The same as drivers over 20

Correct answer: Zero — no alcohol at all is permitted for drivers under 20

In New Zealand, drivers under 20 years old must have zero blood alcohol. They are not permitted to drive with any detectable level of alcohol in their system. This zero-limit applies regardless of the type of alcohol consumed.

Question 22: What is the two-second rule in NZ driving, and when should it be increased?

Maintain at least a 2-second following distance behind the vehicle ahead; increase to 4 seconds in rain, fog, or poor conditions (Correct answer)
Wait 2 seconds at every intersection before proceeding
Drive at least 2 seconds faster than the posted speed limit
Check mirrors every 2 seconds while driving

Correct answer: Maintain at least a 2-second following distance behind the vehicle ahead; increase to 4 seconds in rain, fog, or poor conditions

The two-second rule means maintaining a following distance of at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle ahead in good conditions. In rain, fog, poor visibility, or on gravel roads, this should be doubled to at least 4 seconds.

Question 23: What must you do at an intersection where traffic lights are not working in NZ?

Give way to vehicles on your right only
Treat it as an uncontrolled intersection and apply standard give way rules (Correct answer)
Proceed cautiously without stopping
Always stop and wait for the lights to resume

Correct answer: Treat it as an uncontrolled intersection and apply standard give way rules

When traffic lights are not functioning in NZ, the intersection must be treated as an uncontrolled intersection. Apply the standard give way rules: give way to traffic on your right at the same time, and to traffic on the through road at a T-intersection.

Question 24: What does NZ Road Code say about blocking an intersection?

Blocking is only prohibited at intersections with yellow box markings
Never enter an intersection unless you can clear it without stopping (Correct answer)
Blocking is permitted during peak-hour traffic
You may enter and wait if the traffic light is green

Correct answer: Never enter an intersection unless you can clear it without stopping

The NZ Road Code prohibits entering any intersection unless you can clear it without having to stop inside it. Blocking intersections causes gridlock and is an offence, not just a courtesy issue.

Question 25: When is it legal to enter a yellow box junction in NZ?

Only when your exit is clear and you can clear the box without stopping (Correct answer)
Only if you are turning right and waiting for oncoming traffic
Whenever the traffic light is green
Whenever the vehicle in front has entered the box

Correct answer: Only when your exit is clear and you can clear the box without stopping

You may only enter a yellow box junction in NZ when your exit road is clear and you can drive through the junction without stopping. Entering and blocking the box is an offence. An exception exists for right-turns waiting for oncoming traffic.

Question 26: In NZ, what are the rules for wearing seatbelts?

Only front-seat passengers need to wear seatbelts
All occupants must wear seatbelts — the driver is responsible for ensuring passengers under 15 are correctly restrained (Correct answer)
Adult passengers in the back seat do not need to wear seatbelts
Seatbelts are only required on motorways

Correct answer: All occupants must wear seatbelts — the driver is responsible for ensuring passengers under 15 are correctly restrained

NZ law requires all vehicle occupants to wear seatbelts. The driver is legally responsible for ensuring all passengers under 15 are properly restrained (in an appropriate child restraint or seatbelt for their size).

Question 27: When driving past a bus stop where a bus has pulled in and stopped, you should:

Move into the oncoming lane to pass the bus
Maintain your speed — bus stops are not hazard zones
Sound the horn to alert any pedestrians near the stop
Slow down and watch for pedestrians who may step out from behind the bus (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Slow down and watch for pedestrians who may step out from behind the bus

Passengers may step out from behind a stopped bus unexpectedly to cross the road, so you must slow down and watch carefully.

Question 28: When two vehicles meet at a give way sign and both want to turn right into the same road, what do NZ rules say?

Both must give way to all traffic on the main road; they then negotiate the turn between themselves (Correct answer)
Both drivers must wait for a police officer to direct them
The vehicle on the right has priority to turn first
The vehicle that arrived at the give way sign first may turn first

Correct answer: Both must give way to all traffic on the main road; they then negotiate the turn between themselves

Both drivers at give way signs must first give way to all traffic on the main road. Once safe to proceed, they should pass in front of each other (right-hand turn before meeting) or negotiate cautiously between themselves.

Question 29: If you are dazzled by the headlights of an oncoming vehicle at night on a NZ road, what should you do?

Flash your high beams to signal the other driver to dip their lights
Close your eyes briefly and rely on the road markings
Speed up to quickly pass the oncoming vehicle
Slow down, look toward the left edge of the road, and do not look directly at the headlights (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Slow down, look toward the left edge of the road, and do not look directly at the headlights

When dazzled by oncoming headlights, look toward the left edge of the road (not directly at the lights) to maintain your road position. Slow down and be prepared to stop. Flashing high beams could worsen the situation by blinding the other driver.

Question 30: In NZ, what are the conditions of a learner licence?

Must drive with a fully licensed driver but no time restrictions apply
Must display L plates, drive with a supervisor who has held a full licence for 2+ years, and must not drive between 10 PM and 5 AM unless supervised (Correct answer)
Must only drive on local roads, not motorways
May drive alone at any time of day

Correct answer: Must display L plates, drive with a supervisor who has held a full licence for 2+ years, and must not drive between 10 PM and 5 AM unless supervised

NZ learner licence holders must display L plates, always be accompanied by a supervisor who has held a full NZ licence for at least 2 years, and must not drive between 10 PM and 5 AM unless their supervisor is beside them.

Question 31: You are turning left out of a side road onto a main road in NZ. Who must you give way to?

Only large vehicles such as trucks and buses
All vehicles on the main road, including cyclists and pedestrians crossing (Correct answer)
Only vehicles coming from your right
No one if you are turning left

Correct answer: All vehicles on the main road, including cyclists and pedestrians crossing

When turning left from a side road onto a main road, you must give way to all traffic already on the main road, including cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians who are crossing the road you are entering.

Question 32: In NZ, what does a white arrow on the road surface indicating a turning lane mean?

The lane is closing ahead and you should merge
You must travel in the direction of the arrow — it shows the mandatory direction for that lane (Correct answer)
The arrow shows the direction of nearest parking
It is a suggestion for the quickest route

Correct answer: You must travel in the direction of the arrow — it shows the mandatory direction for that lane

White arrows on the road surface in NZ indicate mandatory directions for that lane. If you are in a lane marked with a left-turn arrow, you must turn left. Move to the correct lane before reaching the intersection.

Question 33: At an intersection controlled by a traffic officer in NZ, whose instructions take priority?

Road markings take priority over the officer
Drivers must follow both the officer and the signals simultaneously
Traffic signals take priority over the officer
The traffic officer's instructions override all traffic signals and signs (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The traffic officer's instructions override all traffic signals and signs

The instructions of a traffic officer (police or authorised traffic controller) override all traffic signals and signs. You must follow the officer's directions even if they contradict a traffic light or sign.

Question 34: What does the NZ Road Code recommend regarding rest stops on a journey of more than 4 hours?

Take a 30-minute break every 4 hours
Stop for at least a 15-minute break every 2 hours of driving (Correct answer)
Plan a full meal stop every 4 hours
Stops are at the driver's discretion based on how they feel

Correct answer: Stop for at least a 15-minute break every 2 hours of driving

NZ Road Code recommends taking a proper break of at least 15 minutes every 2 hours of driving. This helps prevent driver fatigue, which is a significant contributing factor in serious road crashes in New Zealand.

Question 35: What should you do if you encounter a horse and rider on the road?

Pass quickly to minimise disturbance time
Overtake on the left side only
Sound the horn to alert the rider of your approach
Slow down, give plenty of space, and avoid sudden noises (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Slow down, give plenty of space, and avoid sudden noises

Horses can be easily frightened — you must slow down, pass wide and quietly, and follow any hand signals from the rider.

Question 36: You are driving on a narrow rural road and meet an oncoming vehicle. Who gives way?

The vehicle going uphill always gives way
The vehicle going downhill always gives way
The lighter vehicle must always give way to the heavier one
The driver for whom it is safer and easier to give way should do so (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The driver for whom it is safer and easier to give way should do so

On a narrow rural road with no formal give way controls, common sense and courtesy apply. The driver for whom it is easiest and safest to pull aside should do so. In practice, the downhill driver often gives way as they have better control, but no fixed rule applies.

NZ Learner Licence Theory Test

The New Zealand Learner Licence Theory Test is a 35-question multiple-choice computer-based test administered by NZTA Waka Kotahi. It assesses knowledge of the NZ Road Code, traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices required to obtain a Class 1 learner licence.

Questions

30 min

Time Limit

91%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

nzta.govt.nz — Eligibility, retake fee, score release, score validity, test delivery, exam format, passing score, retake policy · verified Oct 2026