NZ Learner Licence Theory Test NZ Road Code Rules 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In New Zealand, on which side of the road must you drive?
- The left side (Correct answer)
- The right side
- Either side when safe
- The centre of the road
Correct answer: The left side
In New Zealand, all vehicles must drive on the left-hand side of the road. This is a fundamental rule of the New Zealand Road Code and failure to comply is a serious offence.
Question 2: When must you use your headlights in New Zealand?
- From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and when visibility is poor (Correct answer)
- Only at night between midnight and 5am
- Only when it is completely dark
- Whenever you are on a rural road
Correct answer: From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and when visibility is poor
NZ Road Code requires headlights to be used from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. They must also be used whenever visibility is reduced to less than 100 metres due to weather conditions such as rain, fog, or mist.
Question 3: What is the minimum following distance recommended in the NZ Road Code on an open road?
- A 2-second gap behind the vehicle in front (Correct answer)
- A 1-car-length gap per 10 km/h of speed
- A 50-metre gap at all times
- A 3-second gap behind the vehicle in front
Correct answer: A 2-second gap behind the vehicle in front
The NZ Road Code recommends a minimum 2-second following distance behind the vehicle in front on open roads. In wet or poor conditions, this should be increased to at least 4 seconds to account for longer stopping distances.
Question 4: When approaching a pedestrian crossing with people waiting, what must a NZ driver do?
- Give way to pedestrians who are on or about to cross (Correct answer)
- Sound the horn to warn pedestrians
- Proceed if there is space to pass safely
- Flash headlights to signal pedestrians to wait
Correct answer: Give way to pedestrians who are on or about to cross
Under NZ road rules, when approaching a pedestrian crossing, you must give way to any pedestrian who is on the crossing or is clearly about to use it. Failing to give way to pedestrians is a serious offence.
Question 5: What does the NZ Road Code say about using a mobile phone while driving?
- It is illegal to hold or use a hand-held mobile phone while driving (Correct answer)
- You may use a phone if stopped at traffic lights
- Phone use is allowed if only for navigation
- Phones may be used in hands-free mode only when on rural roads
Correct answer: It is illegal to hold or use a hand-held mobile phone while driving
It is illegal in New Zealand to hold or use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. This applies even when stopped at traffic lights. Only hands-free devices properly mounted in the vehicle are permitted.
Question 6: Under NZ Road Code rules, what must you do when an emergency vehicle with flashing lights approaches from behind?
- Move to the left and stop if necessary to let it pass (Correct answer)
- Speed up to clear the road quickly
- Continue at normal speed and let the vehicle overtake
- Flash your hazard lights and pull into the next side street
Correct answer: Move to the left and stop if necessary to let it pass
When an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights or sounding a siren approaches, you must move left and stop if necessary to let it pass. Do not block its path or obstruct its progress.
NZ Learner Licence Theory Test NZ Road Code Rules 1
In New Zealand, on which side of the road must you drive?