New Zealand Car Driving Test New Zealand Car Driving Driver Responsibility and Safety 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum distance you must park from an intersection in New Zealand?
- 3 metres
- 6 metres (Correct answer)
- 10 metres
- 15 metres
Correct answer: 6 metres
In New Zealand you must not park within 6 metres of an intersection unless signs or markings indicate otherwise, to keep sightlines clear for all road users.
Question 2: In New Zealand, how long after consuming alcohol can you still be over the legal limit the next morning?
- Alcohol is always gone within 4 hours
- You can still be over the limit many hours later (Correct answer)
- Exactly 6 hours after your last drink
- Only if you consumed spirits, not beer
Correct answer: You can still be over the limit many hours later
Alcohol is processed slowly by the body — roughly one standard drink per hour — so you can still be over the legal limit the morning after a night of drinking and may not even feel impaired.
Question 3: What must a driver do when approaching a school bus that is stationary with its amber lights flashing?
- Proceed normally as the lights are only a warning
- Stop immediately and wait until the lights stop flashing (Correct answer)
- Slow to 20 km/h and pass with care
- Give way only if children are visible on the road
Correct answer: Stop immediately and wait until the lights stop flashing
When a school bus displays flashing amber lights it means children are getting on or off. All drivers must stop and wait until the lights stop flashing before proceeding.
Question 4: Who is legally responsible for ensuring that a passenger under 8 years old is correctly restrained in a vehicle in New Zealand?
- The passenger's parent, regardless of who is driving
- The driver of the vehicle (Correct answer)
- The oldest adult passenger in the vehicle
- New Zealand law does not specify responsibility
Correct answer: The driver of the vehicle
Under New Zealand law, the driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers under 8 years of age are correctly restrained in an approved child restraint appropriate for their age and size.
Question 5: If your vehicle breaks down on a motorway in New Zealand, what is the safest immediate action?
- Stop in the left lane and turn on hazard lights
- Move to the left shoulder as far as possible and turn on hazard lights (Correct answer)
- Call for help from the centre of the road so you are visible
- Walk to the nearest motorway phone regardless of traffic
Correct answer: Move to the left shoulder as far as possible and turn on hazard lights
You should move your vehicle as far left onto the shoulder as possible and activate hazard lights to warn other drivers, keeping yourself and passengers away from live traffic lanes.
Question 6: Under New Zealand law, when are you required to report a crash to the Police?
- Only if the damage exceeds $5,000
- Whenever anyone is injured or if you cannot exchange details with the other party (Correct answer)
- Only if a third party (not involved) witnessed the crash
- Police notification is optional if both drivers agree on fault
Correct answer: Whenever anyone is injured or if you cannot exchange details with the other party
You must report a crash to the Police if anyone is injured or if you are unable to exchange name, address, and vehicle details with every other involved party at the scene.
What is the minimum distance you must park from an intersection in New Zealand?