New Zealand Car Driving Test NZ Car Driving Intersection 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are waiting to turn right at an intersection and an oncoming vehicle is also turning right. Which path should you both take to complete your turns safely?
- Pass offside to offside (right side to right side), turning behind each other (Correct answer)
- Pass nearside to nearside (left side to left side), turning in front of each other
- The vehicle on the wider road goes first, then the other follows
- Both vehicles stop and the one with the higher speed limit road goes first
Correct answer: Pass offside to offside (right side to right side), turning behind each other
In New Zealand, when two vehicles are both turning right at an intersection, the safest method is to pass offside to offside — each vehicle keeps to the right of the other and turns behind it. This improves visibility and reduces the risk of collision.
Question 2: You are driving on a road and approach an intersection where a vehicle on your right is waiting to enter from a side road. There are no signs or signals. Who must give way?
- You must give way to the vehicle on your right
- The vehicle on the side road must give way to you (Correct answer)
- Both vehicles must stop and the smaller vehicle gives way
- The vehicle travelling at higher speed has right of way
Correct answer: The vehicle on the side road must give way to you
At an uncontrolled intersection, a vehicle entering from a side road must give way to vehicles already travelling on the through road. The driver on the side road is required to wait until it is safe to enter.
Question 3: What does a flashing orange light at an intersection indicate?
- You must stop and wait for a green light before proceeding
- You may proceed but must give way to pedestrians and other vehicles (Correct answer)
- You have the same rights as a green light — proceed without slowing
- The intersection is closed and you must find an alternative route
Correct answer: You may proceed but must give way to pedestrians and other vehicles
A flashing orange (amber) signal means you may proceed through the intersection, but you must give way to any pedestrians crossing and to other vehicles that may be in or entering the intersection. It signals caution, not a full stop requirement.
Question 4: You are turning right at an intersection controlled by traffic lights. The light turns green. What must you do before completing your turn?
- Proceed immediately — a green light gives you full right of way to turn right
- Give way to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians crossing the road you are entering (Correct answer)
- Flash your headlights to warn oncoming traffic before turning
- Wait until the intersection is completely clear of all vehicles including those on side roads
Correct answer: Give way to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians crossing the road you are entering
A green traffic light allows you to proceed, but when turning right you must still give way to oncoming traffic travelling straight and to pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into. The green light does not override the give way rule for right turns.
Question 5: You are at an intersection and want to go straight ahead. A vehicle to your left wants to turn right across your path. Who must give way?
- You must give way because the other vehicle is turning right
- The vehicle turning right must give way to you going straight ahead (Correct answer)
- Both vehicles must stop and the one on the left gives way
- The vehicle on the narrower road must give way regardless of direction
Correct answer: The vehicle turning right must give way to you going straight ahead
A vehicle turning right must give way to oncoming or crossing vehicles going straight ahead. The turning vehicle is required to wait until the path is clear before completing its right turn.
Question 6: You are driving and approach a roundabout (traffic circle) in New Zealand. What is the general rule for entering?
- Vehicles entering the roundabout have right of way over those already in it
- You must give way to all vehicles already circulating in the roundabout (Correct answer)
- The vehicle on your right entering at the same time must give way to you
- You may enter immediately if you are turning left without giving way to anyone
Correct answer: You must give way to all vehicles already circulating in the roundabout
At a roundabout in New Zealand, you must give way to all vehicles already travelling within the roundabout. You may only enter when there is a safe gap in the circulating traffic, regardless of which exit you intend to take.
You are waiting to turn right at an intersection and an oncoming vehicle is also turning right.
Which path should you both take to complete your turns safely?