New Zealand Car Driving Test Overtaking and Road Sharing Rules 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In wet or slippery conditions, New Zealand guidelines recommend you increase your following distance to at least:
- 2 seconds
- 3 seconds
- 4 seconds (Correct answer)
- 6 seconds
Correct answer: 4 seconds
In wet or slippery conditions you should at least double the standard two-second gap, making it four seconds or more.
Question 2: What is the following distance you should keep behind a heavy vehicle (truck or bus) in New Zealand?
- 1 second
- 2 seconds
- 4 seconds (Correct answer)
- The same as any other vehicle
Correct answer: 4 seconds
You should keep at least a four-second gap behind large vehicles because they take longer to stop and can block your forward view.
Question 3: Tailgating (following too closely) is dangerous primarily because:
- It uses more fuel
- You reduce your reaction time and stopping distance (Correct answer)
- It is illegal only on motorways
- It causes your brakes to overheat
Correct answer: You reduce your reaction time and stopping distance
Following too closely leaves insufficient time and distance to react and stop if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly.
Question 4: When following a motorcycle in New Zealand, you should:
- Follow the same two-second rule as for any vehicle
- Apply a larger gap because motorcycles can stop faster (Correct answer)
- Stay closer since motorcycles are smaller
- Only maintain one second gap on motorways
Correct answer: Apply a larger gap because motorcycles can stop faster
You should maintain a larger following distance behind motorcycles because they can brake more quickly than cars and are more vulnerable road users.
Question 5: You are driving at 100 km/h on an open New Zealand road. Approximately how far do you travel in two seconds?
- Around 28 metres
- Around 55 metres (Correct answer)
- Around 100 metres
- Around 15 metres
Correct answer: Around 55 metres
At 100 km/h a vehicle covers roughly 27–28 metres per second, so two seconds equates to approximately 55 metres.
Question 6: What should you do if you feel someone is tailgating you?
- Brake sharply to warn them
- Speed up to create a gap
- Gradually slow down and allow them to pass, or pull over safely (Correct answer)
- Sound your horn repeatedly
Correct answer: Gradually slow down and allow them to pass, or pull over safely
The safest response to a tailgater is to slow down gradually or pull over to let them pass, reducing the risk of a rear collision.
New Zealand Car Driving Test Overtaking and Road Sharing Rules 2
In wet or slippery conditions, New Zealand guidelines recommend you increase your following distance to at least: