NZ Learner Licence Theory Test Safe Driving Practices — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the two-second rule in NZ driving, and when should it be increased?
- Maintain at least a 2-second following distance behind the vehicle ahead; increase to 4 seconds in rain, fog, or poor conditions (Correct answer)
- Drive at least 2 seconds faster than the posted speed limit
- Wait 2 seconds at every intersection before proceeding
- Check mirrors every 2 seconds while driving
Correct answer: Maintain at least a 2-second following distance behind the vehicle ahead; increase to 4 seconds in rain, fog, or poor conditions
The two-second rule means maintaining a following distance of at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle ahead in good conditions. In rain, fog, poor visibility, or on gravel roads, this should be doubled to at least 4 seconds.
Question 2: Under NZ law, what are the rules for using mobile phones while driving?
- It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving — you must use hands-free or pull over safely (Correct answer)
- You can use a mobile phone only at speeds under 50 km/h
- Mobile phone use is allowed if you are at a red light
- Only texting is banned — calling is permitted while driving
Correct answer: It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving — you must use hands-free or pull over safely
In NZ, it is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving, including calling, texting, browsing, or using apps. You must use a hands-free system or pull over and stop safely before using your phone.
Question 3: What is the legal blood alcohol limit for a NZ learner licence holder under 20?
- Zero — no alcohol is permitted at all (Correct answer)
- 50 mg per 100 ml of blood
- 30 mg per 100 ml of blood
- 80 mg per 100 ml of blood
Correct answer: Zero — no alcohol is permitted at all
For NZ drivers under 20, the blood alcohol limit is zero. This means no alcohol at all. For drivers aged 20 and over, the limit is 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.
Question 4: In NZ, what should you do if your vehicle starts to skid on a wet road?
- Ease off the accelerator, avoid braking hard, and steer gently in the direction you want to go (Correct answer)
- Brake hard immediately and turn the steering wheel sharply
- Accelerate to power through the skid
- Take your hands off the steering wheel and let the car correct itself
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator, avoid braking hard, and steer gently in the direction you want to go
If your vehicle skids on a wet road in NZ, ease off the accelerator, avoid braking sharply (which worsens the skid), and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. This helps regain traction.
Question 5: When driving in NZ, what is the rule for using headlights?
- Headlights must be on from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and at any time when visibility is poor (Correct answer)
- Headlights are only required on motorways at night
- Headlights are optional during the day
- Headlights only need to be on between midnight and 5 AM
Correct answer: Headlights must be on from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and at any time when visibility is poor
In NZ, you must use headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. You should also use them at any time when visibility is reduced (fog, rain, smoke) or when you cannot clearly see a person or vehicle 100 metres away.
Question 6: What should you do when an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and/or siren approaches in NZ?
- Pull over to the left as soon as it is safe and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed (Correct answer)
- Speed up to get out of the way
- Stop immediately wherever you are, including in the middle of an intersection
- Continue driving but change to the left lane
Correct answer: Pull over to the left as soon as it is safe and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed
When an emergency vehicle with flashing lights or siren approaches, you must pull over to the left side of the road as soon as it is safe and stop. Wait until the emergency vehicle has passed before continuing. Do not stop in an unsafe location.
NZ Learner Licence Theory Test Safe Driving Practices
What is the two-second rule in NZ driving, and when should it be increased?