New Zealand Car Driving Test Driver Responsibility and Safety 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are driving in heavy rain. What adjustment to following distance is recommended?
- Keep the same two-second gap as in dry conditions
- Double your following distance to at least four seconds (Correct answer)
- Follow more closely so you can react to the vehicle ahead
- Increase to a three-second gap only
Correct answer: Double your following distance to at least four seconds
In wet conditions, braking distances increase significantly, so you should at least double your following distance.
Question 2: What is the maximum speed limit in a school zone when the school zone signs and lights are active in New Zealand?
- 20 km/h (Correct answer)
- 40 km/h
- 30 km/h
- 50 km/h
Correct answer: 20 km/h
The school zone speed limit is 20 km/h when signs and flashing lights indicate the zone is active.
Question 3: What does a driver's duty of care mean when driving near a school?
- Drive at the posted speed limit regardless of conditions
- Actively watch for children who may behave unpredictably (Correct answer)
- Sound the horn before approaching the school gate
- Only slow down if children are visible on the road
Correct answer: Actively watch for children who may behave unpredictably
Near schools, drivers must be highly vigilant for children who may dart onto the road unexpectedly.
Question 4: Under New Zealand law, when must you report a crash to Police?
- Only if the total damage exceeds $5,000
- Only if someone is seriously injured or killed
- When any person is injured or any driver fails to stop and exchange details (Correct answer)
- Only when requested by the other driver
Correct answer: When any person is injured or any driver fails to stop and exchange details
You must report a crash to Police if anyone is injured or if another driver fails to stop and provide details.
Question 5: What is the purpose of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) in a vehicle?
- To shorten stopping distance on all surfaces
- To prevent wheels from locking so the driver retains steering control (Correct answer)
- To automatically apply brakes in an emergency
- To reduce brake pad wear during normal driving
Correct answer: To prevent wheels from locking so the driver retains steering control
ABS prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to steer around obstacles while braking.
Question 6: A driver with a restricted licence in New Zealand may carry passengers:
- Only with a supervisor present
- Only immediate family members at any time
- Only one passenger unless a supervisor is present (Correct answer)
- No passengers at any time
Correct answer: Only one passenger unless a supervisor is present
Restricted licence holders may carry one passenger unless a supervisor is in the front passenger seat.
Question 7: What is the safest position for a driver's hands on the steering wheel?
- 12 o'clock with one hand
- 10 and 2 o'clock (or 9 and 3 o'clock) (Correct answer)
- One hand at 6 o'clock for relaxed control
- Both hands at the bottom of the wheel
Correct answer: 10 and 2 o'clock (or 9 and 3 o'clock)
The 9 and 3 o'clock (or 10 and 2) hand position provides balanced control and quick response to hazards.
New Zealand Car Driving Test Driver Responsibility and Safety 5
You are driving in heavy rain.
What adjustment to following distance is recommended?