NZ Learner Licence Theory Test Speed Limits & Alcohol/Drug Laws 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the default open road speed limit in New Zealand?
- 100 km/h (Correct answer)
- 110 km/h
- 90 km/h
- 80 km/h
Correct answer: 100 km/h
The default open road speed limit in New Zealand is 100 km/h. This applies on all roads outside urban areas unless a different speed limit is posted. New roads with high safety ratings may allow 110 km/h where signed.
Question 2: What is the default urban speed limit in New Zealand?
- 50 km/h (Correct answer)
- 60 km/h
- 40 km/h
- 30 km/h
Correct answer: 50 km/h
The default urban speed limit in New Zealand is 50 km/h. This applies in built-up areas unless a lower speed limit is posted. Some residential and school areas have limits as low as 10 or 30 km/h.
Question 3: What is the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers aged 20 and over in New Zealand?
- 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (Correct answer)
- 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood
- 30 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood
- Zero — no alcohol permitted
Correct answer: 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood
For drivers aged 20 and over in New Zealand, the blood alcohol limit is 50mg per 100ml of blood. Driving with a blood alcohol level above this is an offence. There is also a breath alcohol limit of 250 micrograms per litre of breath.
Question 4: What is the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers under 20 years old in New Zealand?
- Zero — no alcohol at all is permitted for drivers under 20 (Correct answer)
- 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood
- 25 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood
- The same as drivers over 20
Correct answer: Zero — no alcohol at all is permitted for drivers under 20
In New Zealand, drivers under 20 years old must have zero blood alcohol. They are not permitted to drive with any detectable level of alcohol in their system. This zero-limit applies regardless of the type of alcohol consumed.
Question 5: What is the speed limit in a school zone in New Zealand when children are present?
- 40 km/h when the school speed zone signs are active (Correct answer)
- 30 km/h at all times near schools
- 50 km/h — the standard urban limit applies
- 20 km/h only during school crossing hours
Correct answer: 40 km/h when the school speed zone signs are active
School zones in New Zealand have a 40 km/h speed limit that applies when the school speed zone signs are illuminated or active (typically school start and end times). Outside these times, the normal urban limit applies.
Question 6: What penalty applies to a driver caught driving with a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit in NZ?
- Mandatory disqualification from driving and possible imprisonment (Correct answer)
- An infringement notice and fine only
- A demerit point addition only
- Attendance at a drink-driving education course
Correct answer: Mandatory disqualification from driving and possible imprisonment
Driving with a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit (over 100mg/100ml) is a serious criminal offence in NZ. Penalties include mandatory disqualification, significant fines, and possible imprisonment for repeat or aggravated offences.
NZ Learner Licence Theory Test Speed Limits & Alcohol/Drug Laws 1
What is the default open road speed limit in New Zealand?