New Zealand Car Driving Test Driver Responsibility and Safety 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are driving and feel very sleepy. What is the safest action?
- Open the window and turn up the radio
- Drive faster to reach your destination sooner
- Pull over in a safe place and rest before continuing (Correct answer)
- Drink a coffee and keep driving
Correct answer: Pull over in a safe place and rest before continuing
The only truly safe response to drowsiness is to stop and rest, as no stimulant reliably prevents microsleep.
Question 2: What should you do if you are being tailgated by another driver?
- Brake suddenly to warn the driver behind
- Speed up to create distance
- Gradually slow down and safely let the vehicle pass (Correct answer)
- Match your speed to the vehicle behind
Correct answer: Gradually slow down and safely let the vehicle pass
Gradually slowing and creating an opportunity for the tailgater to pass is the safest response.
Question 3: In New Zealand, what does a continuous yellow no-passing line in the centre of the road mean?
- You may pass only if the road ahead is clear for 500m
- You must not cross or straddle the line to pass (Correct answer)
- You may pass cyclists and slow vehicles only
- The line is advisory and passing is at your discretion
Correct answer: You must not cross or straddle the line to pass
A continuous yellow centre line means you must not cross or straddle it to overtake.
Question 4: Which of the following is the best way to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front?
- Stay one car length behind per 10 km/h of speed
- Use the two-second rule under normal conditions (Correct answer)
- Keep 20 metres between vehicles at all times
- Follow at a distance that matches surrounding traffic
Correct answer: Use the two-second rule under normal conditions
The two-second rule — let at least two seconds pass between the car ahead passing a fixed point and your car reaching it — is the standard recommended in New Zealand.
Question 5: A child restraint in a vehicle must meet which standard?
- Any restraint purchased from a reputable store
- A New Zealand or equivalent approved safety standard (Correct answer)
- Any restraint that holds the child securely
- Only restraints manufactured after 2010
Correct answer: A New Zealand or equivalent approved safety standard
Child restraints must meet an approved safety standard recognised by New Zealand law.
Question 6: What does a flashing amber traffic light at an intersection mean?
- Stop and wait for a green light
- Give way and proceed with caution (Correct answer)
- Proceed normally — it has the same meaning as green
- The intersection is closed
Correct answer: Give way and proceed with caution
A flashing amber light means you must give way to any pedestrians or vehicles before proceeding.
Question 7: When driving through a flooded road, what is the safest approach?
- Accelerate through quickly so water does not enter the engine
- Test the depth first and drive slowly in low gear (Correct answer)
- Follow another vehicle closely to use their path
- Only drive through if the water is less than 30cm
Correct answer: Test the depth first and drive slowly in low gear
You should test depth cautiously, drive slowly in low gear, and be prepared to reverse if water is deeper than expected.
New Zealand Car Driving Test Driver Responsibility and Safety 3
You are driving and feel very sleepy.
What is the safest action?