New Zealand Car Driving Test New Zealand Car Driving Speed Limits and Following 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the default speed limit in a New Zealand urban area when no other speed limit signs are posted?
- 30 km/h
- 40 km/h
- 50 km/h (Correct answer)
- 60 km/h
Correct answer: 50 km/h
The default urban speed limit in New Zealand is 50 km/h. This applies on any road within a built-up area unless a different limit is clearly signed.
Question 2: What is the minimum following distance recommended in good, dry conditions on New Zealand roads?
- 1 second
- 2 seconds (Correct answer)
- 3 seconds
- 4 seconds
Correct answer: 2 seconds
New Zealand's 2-second rule sets the minimum gap between your vehicle and the one ahead in dry conditions. You pick a fixed point and ensure at least 2 seconds elapse before you reach it after the vehicle ahead passes it.
Question 3: What is the maximum legal speed on a New Zealand open road when no speed limit signs are present?
- 80 km/h
- 90 km/h
- 100 km/h (Correct answer)
- 110 km/h
Correct answer: 100 km/h
New Zealand's default open road speed limit is 100 km/h. This applies on any road outside a built-up area that is not otherwise signed with a different limit.
Question 4: You are overtaking a school bus that has stopped and its door is open on a New Zealand road. What is the maximum speed you must not exceed?
- 10 km/h
- 20 km/h (Correct answer)
- 30 km/h
- 40 km/h
Correct answer: 20 km/h
Under New Zealand law, when passing a stopped school bus with its door open — indicating children may be boarding or alighting — you must slow to no more than 20 km/h to protect pedestrians.
Question 5: What is the posted speed limit within a shared zone in New Zealand, where pedestrians and vehicles use the same space?
- 5 km/h
- 10 km/h (Correct answer)
- 15 km/h
- 20 km/h
Correct answer: 10 km/h
Shared zones in New Zealand have a maximum speed limit of 10 km/h. Vehicles must give way to pedestrians in these areas, and the very low speed reflects the mixed-use nature of the space.
Question 6: When following a heavy truck on a New Zealand open road in fine conditions, what is the recommended minimum following distance?
- 2 seconds
- 3 seconds
- 4 seconds (Correct answer)
- 6 seconds
Correct answer: 4 seconds
New Zealand driving guidance recommends at least a 4-second following distance behind heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses on the open road. Their longer stopping distance and reduced visibility of hazards ahead means a larger gap is essential.
New Zealand Car Driving Test New Zealand Car Driving Speed Limits and Following 1
What is the default speed limit in a New Zealand urban area when no other speed limit signs are posted?