NZ Learner Licence Theory Test Hazard Awareness 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In NZ, what is the danger of sun strike and how should you manage it?
- Bright sun in your eyes can temporarily blind you — slow down, use your visor, and pull over if you cannot see clearly (Correct answer)
- Sun strike only occurs at midday
- Sun strike is dangerous only on the motorway
- Wearing dark glasses completely eliminates the risk
Correct answer: Bright sun in your eyes can temporarily blind you — slow down, use your visor, and pull over if you cannot see clearly
Sun strike (sun glare) occurs when the sun is low on the horizon, typically in the early morning and late afternoon. It can temporarily blind you. Use your sun visor, keep your windscreen clean, slow down, and if necessary pull over until you can see safely.
Question 2: What are the particular hazards of driving on gravel roads in New Zealand?
- Reduced traction, longer stopping distances, flying stones, dust reducing visibility, and corrugations that affect steering (Correct answer)
- Gravel roads are always well-maintained and present no special hazards
- The only hazard is dust in the air
- Gravel roads are safer because traffic speeds are lower
Correct answer: Reduced traction, longer stopping distances, flying stones, dust reducing visibility, and corrugations that affect steering
NZ gravel roads present multiple hazards: reduced tyre grip, longer stopping distances, loose stones that can be thrown by passing vehicles (damaging windscreens), dust clouds reducing visibility, and corrugations that reduce steering and braking control.
Question 3: In NZ, what should you do if an animal is on the road ahead?
- Slow down, prepare to stop, and do not sound your horn as it may startle the animal into unpredictable movement (Correct answer)
- Speed up to pass before the animal moves
- Sound your horn continuously to frighten the animal off the road
- Flash your headlights rapidly to scare the animal away
Correct answer: Slow down, prepare to stop, and do not sound your horn as it may startle the animal into unpredictable movement
When encountering an animal on a NZ road, slow down and prepare to stop. Do not sound your horn, as this may frighten the animal into unpredictable behaviour, potentially into your path. Be patient and wait for it to move.
Question 4: What hazard awareness should NZ drivers have around schools and playgrounds?
- Children are unpredictable and may run onto the road without looking — slow to the posted school zone limit and be prepared to stop at any time (Correct answer)
- School zones are only dangerous when school buses are present
- Children near schools are always supervised and will not enter the road
- School zones are only relevant on weekdays between 8 AM and 9 AM
Correct answer: Children are unpredictable and may run onto the road without looking — slow to the posted school zone limit and be prepared to stop at any time
Children near schools and playgrounds are unpredictable and may run onto the road without warning. NZ drivers must slow to the posted school zone speed (40 km/h when signs are active) and be prepared to stop at any time.
Question 5: In NZ, what is the danger of driving through a tunnel?
- Eyes need time to adjust from bright light to dark, reduced visibility, limited escape routes, and amplified noise can mask hazards (Correct answer)
- Tunnels are always well-lit and present no special hazards
- The only hazard is the speed limit change at tunnel entries
- Tunnels are dangerous only in earthquakes
Correct answer: Eyes need time to adjust from bright light to dark, reduced visibility, limited escape routes, and amplified noise can mask hazards
When entering a NZ tunnel, your eyes need time to adjust from bright light to darker conditions, visibility is reduced, there are limited escape routes in an emergency, and road noise is amplified, which can mask important sounds.
Question 6: What is the 'SIPDE' process used in NZ hazard awareness training?
- Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute — a systematic approach to identifying and responding to driving hazards (Correct answer)
- Stop, Inspect, Park, Depart, Evaluate — a parking procedure
- Signal, Indicate, Position, Drive, Exit — a roundabout procedure
- Seatbelt, Ignition, Park brake, Drive mode, Engine — a starting procedure
Correct answer: Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute — a systematic approach to identifying and responding to driving hazards
SIPDE stands for Scan (look around), Identify (spot hazards), Predict (what could happen), Decide (what to do), Execute (carry out your decision). It is a systematic hazard awareness process taught in NZ driver education.
NZ Learner Licence Theory Test Hazard Awareness 2
In NZ, what is the danger of sun strike and how should you manage it?