New Zealand Car Driving Test Speed and Alcohol Limits 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are approaching a school zone sign. The flashing amber lights are not activated. What speed limit applies?
- 40 km/h at all times near schools
- The normal speed limit for that road applies (Correct answer)
- 60 km/h — the standard school-zone advisory speed
- 30 km/h — the school always has the lowest limit
Correct answer: The normal speed limit for that road applies
The 40 km/h school zone limit only applies when the flashing amber lights are operating, indicating children are present.
Question 2: What is the legal consequence of being convicted of drink driving in New Zealand?
- A written warning on the first offence only
- Fines, possible licence disqualification, and in serious cases imprisonment (Correct answer)
- Loss of demerit points only
- Mandatory attendance at a driving course only
Correct answer: Fines, possible licence disqualification, and in serious cases imprisonment
Drink driving convictions can result in fines, licence disqualification, and imprisonment depending on the severity.
Question 3: On a rural road showing a 100 km/h limit, road conditions are wet and visibility is poor. What should you do?
- Maintain 100 km/h — it is the legal maximum and you must not go slower
- Drive at the legal maximum but turn hazard lights on
- Reduce speed to a level safe for the conditions (Correct answer)
- Increase following distance but keep 100 km/h
Correct answer: Reduce speed to a level safe for the conditions
You must always drive at a speed appropriate for conditions, which may be well below the posted maximum.
Question 4: A police officer at a checkpoint asks every passing driver for a compulsory breath test. Can they do this lawfully?
- No — police need a specific reason to suspect alcohol
- Yes — police can require a breath test from any driver at any time (Correct answer)
- Only if the driver has been in an accident
- Only between midnight and 5am
Correct answer: Yes — police can require a breath test from any driver at any time
New Zealand police have the authority to stop and breath-test any driver at any time without needing a specific reason.
Question 5: What is the blood alcohol limit for a 17-year-old learner driver in New Zealand?
- 50mg per 100ml — the standard adult limit
- 25mg per 100ml — half the adult limit
- Zero — no alcohol is permitted (Correct answer)
- 80mg per 100ml — the old pre-2014 limit
Correct answer: Zero — no alcohol is permitted
Any driver under 20 years of age, including learners, must have zero blood alcohol.
Question 6: A speed limit sign shows '80' in a red circle. You then enter a town and see a '50' sign. Which limit applies inside the town?
- 80 km/h — the last numerical sign you passed
- 50 km/h — the new sign overrides the previous limit (Correct answer)
- 60 km/h — urban default is always 60
- You choose based on which feels safer
Correct answer: 50 km/h — the new sign overrides the previous limit
Each new speed limit sign overrides the previous one from the point you pass it.
Question 7: Drinking coffee or eating food after consuming alcohol will:
- Quickly lower your blood alcohol level
- Help your liver process alcohol faster
- Make you feel more alert but not reduce blood alcohol (Correct answer)
- Reduce alcohol effects for driving purposes
Correct answer: Make you feel more alert but not reduce blood alcohol
Coffee or food may make you feel more alert, but they do not lower your blood alcohol level — only time does.
New Zealand Car Driving Test Speed and Alcohol Limits 5
You are approaching a school zone sign.
The flashing amber lights are not activated.
What speed limit applies?