New Zealand Car Driving Road Signs and Markings Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When driving, you see a solid yellow line on your side of the centre line. What does this marking indicate?
- You may cross the line to overtake if the road ahead is clear.
- You must not cross the line, except to turn into or out of a driveway or property. (Correct answer)
- It is a warning that a passing lane is about to start.
- You may park on this side of the road during off-peak hours.
Correct answer: You must not cross the line, except to turn into or out of a driveway or property.
A solid yellow line on your side of the centre line indicates that it is unsafe to cross. You must not cross it to overtake but you are permitted to cross it to enter or exit a driveway or side road if it is safe to do so.
Question 2: You are driving in a lane that has a white diamond painted on the road surface. What does this marking warn you of?
- A railway crossing is ahead.
- The lane is reserved for buses and taxis only.
- A pedestrian crossing is ahead. (Correct answer)
- The speed limit is about to change.
Correct answer: A pedestrian crossing is ahead.
A white diamond painted on the road surface is a standard marking in New Zealand to give drivers an advance warning that they are approaching a pedestrian crossing.
Question 3: What is the primary and legal use of a flush median (an area in the middle of the road with white diagonal lines)?
- As a lane to overtake slower-moving traffic.
- To park your vehicle for a short period of time.
- To wait in before turning right or after turning right to join the traffic flow. (Correct answer)
- As an extra lane for traffic during periods of heavy congestion.
Correct answer: To wait in before turning right or after turning right to join the traffic flow.
Flush medians are designed as a safe place for vehicles to wait before or after making a right turn, allowing through-traffic to continue without being obstructed. It is illegal to use them for overtaking or parking.
Question 4: You approach an intersection and see a Compulsory Stop sign. At what point must you bring your vehicle to a complete stop?
- Only if you see other vehicles approaching the intersection.
- At the point where you can see vehicles coming from all directions, which may be at, before, or slightly after the yellow line. (Correct answer)
- Exactly with your front wheels on the painted yellow line.
- About one car length before the yellow line to show you are stopping.
Correct answer: At the point where you can see vehicles coming from all directions, which may be at, before, or slightly after the yellow line.
The law requires you to stop your vehicle at a position where you can see if the way is clear. While there is a yellow line, the crucial part of the rule is ensuring you have a clear view of all approaching traffic before proceeding safely.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the meaning of a yellow, diamond-shaped sign?
- It gives an order that must be legally obeyed, such as a speed limit.
- It provides information, such as the distance to the next town.
- It indicates a temporary change in road conditions due to roadworks.
- It provides a warning of a potential hazard or a change in road layout ahead. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: It provides a warning of a potential hazard or a change in road layout ahead.
In New Zealand, permanent warning signs are typically yellow and diamond-shaped. They are used to warn drivers of potential dangers, such as curves, intersections, or slippery surfaces, so they can adjust their driving accordingly.
Question 6: You are driving in a lane designated as a 'T2' transit lane. What does this mean?
- You can only use this lane if you are driving a truck with two or more axles.
- The lane is reserved for vehicles with at least two occupants. (Correct answer)
- You must be turning at the second intersection to use this lane.
- The lane is a toll road and the fee is $2.
Correct answer: The lane is reserved for vehicles with at least two occupants.
A 'T2' transit lane sign indicates that the lane is restricted to vehicles carrying at least two people (the driver and at least one passenger). These lanes are designed to encourage carpooling and reduce congestion.
