The New Zealand Learner Licence Theory Test is a professional certification assessment in New Zealand. Thorough preparation is essential to demonstrate your knowledge and competency in this field.
Our comprehensive collection of free NZ practice questions covers all exam domains and topics. Use these detailed study materials to build confidence and improve your test performance.
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 35 multiple-choice questions[1] | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Passing score | 32 of 35 correct (car/motorcycle); 33 of 35 (heavy vehicle)[1] | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Retake fee | NZ$54.60 per test from the 3rd attempt[2] | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Retake policy | Wait 10 working days after failing twice on the same day[1] | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Validity | Learner licence valid 10 years[2] | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Delivery | Computer-based test booked and taken at a driver licensing agent[1] | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Eligibility | Minimum age 16[2] | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Score release | Same day: 21-day temporary learner licence issued on passing[2] | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi · Oct 26, 2026 |
Important: The NZ examination requires thorough understanding of all core subject areas. Review the official New Zealand exam guidelines and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before scheduling your test date.
Interactive NZ Learner Licence resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
According to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, “The learner licence theory test is a computer-based, 35-question, multi-choice test that assesses your knowledge of road rules and safe driving practices.”[1]
Prepare for the NZ Learner Licence Theory Test exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Question: What does a white rectangular sign with black diagonal lines (like a railway crossing warning) mean?
Answer: A. A level crossing is ahead
Explanation:
The correct answer is that a level crossing is ahead. A sign with diagonal black and white stripes warns that a railway crossing is coming, so you need to be ready to stop for a train.
Road works ahead is wrong because road works have their own warning signs. A no-entry zone is wrong because no-entry is shown by a different sign. End of a special speed zone is wrong because speed zone signs show speed numbers, not diagonal stripes.
Rule to remember: learn signs by their shape, colour and pattern together. When a sign warns of a railway crossing, slow down and check for trains before you reach it.
Question: You are turning left at an intersection. A pedestrian is crossing the road you are turning into from the left. What should you do?
Answer: A. Give way to the pedestrian before completing your turn
Explanation:
The correct answer is to give way to the pedestrian before completing your turn. When you turn into a road, anyone crossing that road has priority over your vehicle.
Proceeding because pedestrians should be on the footpath is wrong. People may legally cross, and you must still give way. Sounding the horn is wrong because it does not give you the right of way. It only adds noise. Completing the turn and expecting the pedestrian to step back is wrong because it puts them at risk and breaks the give way rule.
Rule to remember: a turning vehicle gives way to pedestrians crossing the road it is turning into. Slow down early so you can stop easily.
Question: If you experience a tyre blowout while driving on a NZ highway, what should you do first?
Answer: A. Grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight
Explanation:
The correct answer is to grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator and steer straight. This lets the vehicle slow down gradually while you keep control.
Braking hard is wrong because sudden braking can upset the balance of the vehicle with a damaged tyre and cause a skid. Swerving to the emergency lane immediately is wrong because sharp steering can make you lose control. Accelerating briefly is wrong because extra speed makes the vehicle harder to control.
Rule to remember: in a blowout, avoid sudden inputs. Keep the car straight, slow gradually, then steer to a safe place once you are in control.
Start by reading the official road code material from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, so the practice questions test something you have already seen.
Then take the free NZ practice test as a first check. Note which topics cost you marks, and work on those first.
When you get a question wrong, read the explanation, then find the matching rule in the official material. Repeat each set until your mistakes are rare, and aim to be close to the pass mark of 32 of 35 on the full practice test before you book. Take the paperwork the agent asks for.
Join thousands of candidates who have used our free practice tests to prepare for the New Zealand Learner Licence Theory Test. Start practising today and build the confidence you need to succeed. Practice with the free NZ Learner Licence practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
For more in-depth preparation strategies, read our G1 Test Ontario — covering exam format, scoring, and proven study techniques.
Try these questions from our free NZ Learner Licence practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
What test must you pass to obtain a NZ learner licence?
Answer: A. A computer-based theory test covering the NZ Road Code and an eyesight screening
To obtain a NZ learner licence, you must pass a computer-based theory test of 35 multiple-choice questions (32 correct required to pass) covering the NZ Road Code, plus an eyesight screening check.
In NZ, what lights must be working on your vehicle for it to be legal to drive at night?
Answer: A. Headlights (dipped and full), tail lights, brake lights, number plate light, and indicators
For legal night driving in NZ, your vehicle must have working headlights (both dipped and full beam), tail lights, brake lights, a number plate light, and indicators. All must be checked regularly.
What is the reduced speed limit displayed near schools during school hours in New Zealand?
Answer: B. 40 km/h
When school zone signs are displayed during school hours and school days, you must reduce your speed to 40 km/h.
At an uncontrolled intersection in NZ (no signs, signals, or markings), what is the general give-way rule?
Answer: A. Give way to all vehicles coming from your right
At an uncontrolled intersection in NZ, the general rule is to give way to vehicles approaching from your right. This is the default right-of-way rule when no signs, signals, or road markings indicate otherwise.
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