NZ Learner Licence Theory Test Night & Adverse Weather Driving 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should you do if you encounter a flooded road in NZ and are unsure of the depth?
- Do not attempt to cross — turn around and find an alternative route (Correct answer)
- Drive through slowly at walking pace
- Follow the vehicle in front if they crossed safely
- Drive through quickly to minimise time in the water
Correct answer: Do not attempt to cross — turn around and find an alternative route
If you are unsure of flood water depth in NZ, do not attempt to cross. Even shallow-looking water can be faster and deeper than it appears, and can sweep a vehicle off the road. Turn around and find an alternative route.
Question 2: What is aquaplaning, and how should a NZ driver respond if it occurs?
- Aquaplaning is when tyres lose contact with the road on a wet surface — ease off the accelerator gently and steer straight (Correct answer)
- Aquaplaning is skidding on ice — apply brakes immediately
- Aquaplaning occurs at low speeds — brake hard to regain grip
- Aquaplaning is the same as a tyre blowout — swerve to the left
Correct answer: Aquaplaning is when tyres lose contact with the road on a wet surface — ease off the accelerator gently and steer straight
Aquaplaning occurs when a film of water builds up between your tyres and the road surface, causing loss of steering and braking. If it happens, ease off the accelerator smoothly, do not brake suddenly, and steer straight until grip is regained.
Question 3: When should you use hazard lights on a NZ road while your vehicle is stationary?
- When your vehicle is broken down or is a danger to other road users (Correct answer)
- Any time you park on a road
- During heavy rain to increase your vehicle's visibility
- While waiting in a traffic queue
Correct answer: When your vehicle is broken down or is a danger to other road users
Hazard lights should only be used in NZ when your stationary vehicle is causing or is in danger of causing a hazard. Using them unnecessarily — such as while parked normally or in traffic queues — can confuse other drivers.
Question 4: How should you drive if you encounter black ice on a NZ road?
- Drive slowly and smoothly, avoiding sudden steering, braking, or acceleration (Correct answer)
- Brake gently but continuously to scrub off speed
- Steer toward the roadside grass for better traction
- Increase speed slightly to improve tyre contact with the surface
Correct answer: Drive slowly and smoothly, avoiding sudden steering, braking, or acceleration
Black ice is invisible and provides almost no traction. If you encounter it, drive as slowly and smoothly as possible, avoid any sudden inputs on the steering, brakes, or accelerator, and allow the vehicle to slow gradually using engine braking.
Question 5: What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid on a wet NZ road?
- Steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go and ease off the accelerator (Correct answer)
- Steer against the direction of the skid and brake firmly
- Accelerate to regain tyre grip
- Take your hands off the wheel to allow the car to self-correct
Correct answer: Steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go and ease off the accelerator
If your vehicle skids on a wet road, ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. Do not brake suddenly or oversteer, as this worsens the skid.
Question 6: What precautions should NZ drivers take when driving through an area of dense smoke from a fire?
- Slow down significantly, turn on headlights, and consider stopping in a safe place if visibility is critically low (Correct answer)
- Speed up to exit the smoke zone as quickly as possible
- Turn on high beam to improve visibility through the smoke
- Drive in the centre of the road to stay away from the roadside fire
Correct answer: Slow down significantly, turn on headlights, and consider stopping in a safe place if visibility is critically low
Smoke from fires can dramatically and suddenly reduce visibility. Slow down, use low beam headlights, and if visibility falls to a dangerous level, pull off the road safely and wait for conditions to improve. Never drive blind.
NZ Learner Licence Theory Test Night & Adverse Weather Driving 2
What should you do if you encounter a flooded road in NZ and are unsure of the depth?