NZ Learner Licence Theory Test Night & Adverse Weather Driving 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When should you switch to low beam headlights when approaching an oncoming vehicle at night in NZ?
- When the oncoming vehicle is within approximately 200 metres (Correct answer)
- Only when the driver flashes their headlights at you
- Only on motorways and dual carriageways
- When you can first see the oncoming headlights
Correct answer: When the oncoming vehicle is within approximately 200 metres
In NZ, you should dip to low beam headlights when an oncoming vehicle is within approximately 200 metres. High beam headlights can blind oncoming drivers, increasing crash risk. Also dip when following another vehicle.
Question 2: What extra following distance should you maintain when driving in heavy rain in NZ?
- At least double the normal following distance — 4 seconds instead of 2 (Correct answer)
- The same 2-second rule applies in all conditions
- Add 1 extra car length per 10 km/h of speed
- Triple the normal following distance at all times in rain
Correct answer: At least double the normal following distance — 4 seconds instead of 2
In heavy rain, NZ Road Code recommends at least doubling the following distance to a minimum of 4 seconds. Wet roads significantly increase stopping distances, so more space is essential for safety.
Question 3: Your vehicle's windscreen fogs up while driving in cold wet weather. What is the most effective NZ-recommended action?
- Turn on the demister and air conditioning, and open a window if needed (Correct answer)
- Use wipers on the inside of the windscreen
- Slow down and wipe the screen with a cloth
- Increase heater temperature to maximum to clear the fog
Correct answer: Turn on the demister and air conditioning, and open a window if needed
The most effective way to clear a fogged windscreen is to use the rear and front demister together with air conditioning (which dehumidifies the air) and crack a window if needed. Using heat alone may worsen fogging without A/C.
Question 4: When driving in fog in NZ, what lights should you use?
- Low beam headlights and fog lights if fitted (Correct answer)
- High beam headlights to see further ahead
- Hazard lights while driving to alert other road users
- No lights — they reflect off the fog and reduce visibility
Correct answer: Low beam headlights and fog lights if fitted
In fog, use low beam headlights (never high beam, which reflects off fog and creates glare) and fog lights if your vehicle has them. Never use hazard lights while driving as they mask your direction signals.
Question 5: If you experience a tyre blowout while driving on a NZ highway, what should you do first?
- Grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight (Correct answer)
- Brake hard immediately to stop the vehicle
- Swerve to the emergency lane immediately
- Accelerate briefly to maintain vehicle stability
Correct answer: Grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight
During a tyre blowout, instinct may say to brake hard, but the correct response is to grip the wheel firmly, do not brake suddenly, ease off the accelerator, and allow the vehicle to slow while maintaining a straight course. Gradually steer to safety.
Question 6: When driving at night on a rural NZ road, why is it important to not overdrive your headlights?
- Because you should only drive as fast as you can stop within the distance lit by your headlights (Correct answer)
- Because rural roads have lower speed limits at night
- Because other road users have priority on rural roads at night
- Because high beams are not permitted on rural roads
Correct answer: Because you should only drive as fast as you can stop within the distance lit by your headlights
Overdriving your headlights means travelling faster than your ability to stop within the lit distance. If a hazard appears at the edge of your headlight range, you need sufficient time and distance to stop safely. This principle is key to night driving safety.
NZ Learner Licence Theory Test Night & Adverse Weather Driving 1
When should you switch to low beam headlights when approaching an oncoming vehicle at night in NZ?