New Zealand Car Driving Test Speed and Alcohol Limits 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A learner licence holder who is 19 years old has a small amount of alcohol before driving. Is this legal in New Zealand?
- Yes, if their blood alcohol is under 50mg per 100ml
- Yes, if they feel unaffected
- No, they must have zero alcohol (Correct answer)
- Yes, if an adult supervisor approves
Correct answer: No, they must have zero alcohol
All drivers under 20, including learner licence holders, must have zero alcohol when driving.
Question 2: You are driving on a motorway in New Zealand with no posted speed limit signs. What is the maximum legal speed?
- 80 km/h
- 90 km/h
- 100 km/h (Correct answer)
- 110 km/h
Correct answer: 100 km/h
The default maximum speed limit on New Zealand motorways is 100 km/h.
Question 3: A police officer asks you to take a breath test. You refuse. What can happen?
- Nothing, refusal is your legal right
- You receive a warning only
- Refusal is an offence with penalties similar to failing the test (Correct answer)
- You must only provide a blood test instead
Correct answer: Refusal is an offence with penalties similar to failing the test
Refusing to take a breath or blood test is an offence in New Zealand and carries serious penalties.
Question 4: In a 50 km/h zone, at what reading would a driver aged 22 be at the legal blood alcohol limit?
- 20mg per 100ml
- 50mg per 100ml (Correct answer)
- 80mg per 100ml
- 100mg per 100ml
Correct answer: 50mg per 100ml
The blood alcohol limit for drivers aged 20 and over is exactly 50mg per 100ml.
Question 5: What does a solid white speed limit sign (e.g. showing '80') mean when you pass it on the road?
- You must not exceed 80 km/h from that point (Correct answer)
- You are advised to travel at 80 km/h
- You must slow to 80 km/h immediately before the sign
- The limit changes 500 metres ahead
Correct answer: You must not exceed 80 km/h from that point
A speed limit sign takes effect from the point where you pass it and applies until a new limit is signed.
Question 6: How does alcohol primarily affect your ability to drive safely?
- It improves confidence but slows reaction time
- It sharpens vision but reduces coordination
- It impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination (Correct answer)
- It only affects drivers who are over 50 years old
Correct answer: It impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination
Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and reduces coordination, all of which increase crash risk.
Question 7: What is the speed limit in a variable speed zone when the electronic sign displays '60'?
- The advisory speed is 60 km/h but it is not enforced
- The maximum legal speed is 60 km/h (Correct answer)
- You should travel at least 60 km/h
- The previous posted limit still applies
Correct answer: The maximum legal speed is 60 km/h
When an electronic variable speed sign displays a number, that is the enforceable legal maximum speed.
New Zealand Car Driving Test Speed and Alcohol Limits 3
A learner licence holder who is 19 years old has a small amount of alcohol before driving.
Is this legal in New Zealand?