NZ Learner Licence Theory Test Speed Limits & Alcohol/Drug Laws 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Can a driver in NZ be charged with drug-impaired driving even if they have not consumed alcohol?
- Yes — driving while impaired by any drug, including prescription or recreational drugs, is an offence (Correct answer)
- No — drug testing only applies to commercial vehicle drivers
- Only if illegal drugs are found in the vehicle
- Only if the driver causes a crash
Correct answer: Yes — driving while impaired by any drug, including prescription or recreational drugs, is an offence
In New Zealand, it is an offence to drive while impaired by any drug, including cannabis, methamphetamine, or even some prescription medications. Police may conduct roadside impairment tests and oral fluid tests.
Question 2: What is the speed limit on a shared path or footpath in NZ if a motor vehicle is permitted to use it?
- 10 km/h (Correct answer)
- 20 km/h
- 30 km/h
- Walking pace only
Correct answer: 10 km/h
On shared paths or footpaths where motor vehicles are permitted (such as for access to a property), the speed limit is 10 km/h. Drivers must give way to pedestrians and cyclists at all times on these paths.
Question 3: A NZ road has a posted speed limit of 80 km/h. What is the maximum legal speed for a towing vehicle?
- 90 km/h or the posted limit, whichever is lower
- 80 km/h — the posted limit (Correct answer)
- 70 km/h for all towing vehicles
- 100 km/h — towing does not affect the speed limit
Correct answer: 80 km/h — the posted limit
On a road posted at 80 km/h, all vehicles including those towing must not exceed 80 km/h. Towing vehicles on open roads where the limit is 100 km/h are restricted to 90 km/h, but on lower-posted roads, the posted limit applies.
Question 4: How soon must a NZ driver stop when directed to do so by a police officer?
- As soon as safely possible (Correct answer)
- Within 200 metres of the signal
- Within 500 metres of the signal
- They may continue to the next safe stopping area without penalty
Correct answer: As soon as safely possible
When directed to stop by a police officer in New Zealand, you must stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Failing to stop when directed by police is a serious offence with significant penalties.
Question 5: What is the speed limit for all vehicles passing a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights on a NZ road?
- 20 km/h — you must slow to 20 km/h when passing (Correct answer)
- 50 km/h
- The existing speed limit applies as long as you are cautious
- You must stop completely before passing
Correct answer: 20 km/h — you must slow to 20 km/h when passing
In New Zealand, when passing a stationary emergency vehicle (police, ambulance, fire) with flashing lights, you must slow to 20 km/h. This law protects emergency responders working on or near the road.
Question 6: What does the NZ Road Code say about speeding in adverse weather conditions?
- You must reduce speed below the posted limit to match the conditions (Correct answer)
- The posted speed limit is always the appropriate speed regardless of conditions
- You may exceed the limit if it improves your stability in bad weather
- Speed limits are suspended during severe weather events
Correct answer: You must reduce speed below the posted limit to match the conditions
The posted speed limit is a maximum, not a target. In adverse conditions such as rain, fog, ice, or poor visibility, NZ drivers must reduce their speed below the posted limit to a speed that is safe and appropriate for the conditions.
NZ Learner Licence Theory Test Speed Limits & Alcohol/Drug Laws 2
Can a driver in NZ be charged with drug-impaired driving even if they have not consumed alcohol?