NZ Learner Licence Theory Test Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield NZ Learner Licence Theory Test facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. How should you drive if you encounter black ice on a NZ road? → Drive slowly and smoothly, avoiding sudden steering, braking, or acceleration
2. A vehicle making a U-turn in NZ must give way to: → All other vehicles and pedestrians
3. What is indicated by a white line painted across the road at an intersection with no sign? → A give way line where you must yield to crossing traffic
4. What is the default open road speed limit in New Zealand? → 100 km/h
5. When should you begin signalling for a right turn at an intersection in NZ? → At least 3 seconds before you intend to turn
6. 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
7. At a T-intersection with no signs or markings, who must give way? → The driver on the terminating road must give way to drivers on the continuing road
8. Under NZ rules, who has priority when a vehicle is exiting a motorway and conflicts with a vehicle entering via an on-ramp in the same area? → The vehicle exiting the motorway has priority over the vehicle entering
9. What must you do at an intersection where traffic lights are not working in NZ? → Treat it as an uncontrolled intersection and apply standard give way rules
10. What does a 'BUS LANE' sign combined with a red bus symbol on the road indicate? → Only buses and sometimes other permitted vehicles may use that lane during stated hours
11. What does a GIVE WAY sign require you to do in New Zealand? → Slow down and give way to traffic you would otherwise cross or join
12. When merging from a lane that is ending, who must give way in NZ? → The driver in the ending lane must give way to traffic in the continuing lane
13. 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
14. When must you use your headlights in New Zealand? → From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and when visibility is poor
15. How long must you hold a learner licence before you can apply for a restricted licence in NZ? → At least 6 months
16. 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
17. A cyclist is riding near the edge of the road ahead of you. When may you safely overtake? → Only when you can pass with at least 1 metre of clear space beside them
18. When is it legal to enter a yellow box junction in NZ? → Only when your exit is clear and you can clear the box without stopping
19. 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
20. In NZ, what does a flashing green traffic light mean? → New Zealand does not use flashing green lights — this signal is not in use
21. What is the speed limit for heavy vehicles over 3,500 kg on NZ open roads? → 90 km/h
22. In NZ, if you are turning right from a driveway and a vehicle is approaching from your left with its left indicator flashing, should you go? → No — wait until the vehicle has actually turned before proceeding
23. What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign indicate in New Zealand? → A warning of a hazard or change in road conditions ahead
24. What is the rule in NZ when approaching a green traffic light that has been green for a long time? → Prepare to stop — the light may change to amber soon
25. In NZ, what is the rule when you approach a railway level crossing with flashing red lights? → You must stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and it is safe to cross
26. What does a blue circular sign with a white arrow indicate in New Zealand? → A mandatory direction — you must travel in the direction shown by the arrow
27. What should you do if you encounter a flooded road in NZ and are unsure of the depth? → Do not attempt to cross — turn around and find an alternative route
28. What is the minimum legal tyre tread depth in New Zealand? → 1.5 mm across the full width of the tread that normally contacts the road
29. A pedestrian is crossing a road at an uncontrolled (unmarked) crossing when you want to turn. What does NZ law require? → You must give way to the pedestrian who is crossing
30. What does a double solid yellow centre line mean for drivers on both sides? → Neither driver may cross to overtake