NZ Learner Licence Theory Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the correct action when your vehicle breaks down on a NZ motorway?

Place warning triangles in the lane behind the vehicle
Move the vehicle as far left as possible, turn on hazard lights, and stay behind the barrier if possible (Correct answer)
Walk along the motorway to the nearest exit to call for help
Stop in the left lane and wait for help

Correct answer: Move the vehicle as far left as possible, turn on hazard lights, and stay behind the barrier if possible

If your vehicle breaks down on a motorway, you should move as far left as possible onto the shoulder, activate your hazard lights, and if safe, exit the vehicle and stand behind the barrier or crash barrier away from traffic.

Question 2: What is a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) in New Zealand?

A certificate showing the vehicle has been serviced at an approved garage
A document proving the vehicle has insurance
A warranty from the vehicle manufacturer
A periodic safety inspection certificate confirming a vehicle meets minimum safety standards for road use (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A periodic safety inspection certificate confirming a vehicle meets minimum safety standards for road use

A Warrant of Fitness (WoF) is a periodic safety inspection required for all light vehicles in NZ. It confirms the vehicle meets minimum safety standards covering tyres, brakes, lights, steering, structure, and other safety items.

Question 3: In NZ, what is the legal requirement for child restraints in vehicles?

Children up to 7 years must use an approved child restraint appropriate for their size and weight (Correct answer)
Any type of seatbelt is acceptable for children of all ages
Only children under 2 years need a child restraint
Child restraints are only recommended, not legally required

Correct answer: Children up to 7 years must use an approved child restraint appropriate for their size and weight

In NZ, children up to 7 years old must be secured in an approved child restraint appropriate for their size and weight. The restraint must be properly fitted and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Question 4: When driving past a bus stop where a bus has pulled in and stopped, you should:

Move into the oncoming lane to pass the bus
Maintain your speed — bus stops are not hazard zones
Slow down and watch for pedestrians who may step out from behind the bus (Correct answer)
Sound the horn to alert any pedestrians near the stop

Correct answer: Slow down and watch for pedestrians who may step out from behind the bus

Passengers may step out from behind a stopped bus unexpectedly to cross the road, so you must slow down and watch carefully.

Question 5: How should you position your vehicle when waiting to turn right at a busy intersection in NZ?

Wait at the stop line until you can complete the turn without stopping
Stop before the line and wait for the next green cycle
Move forward into the intersection and wait in the centre until there is a safe gap (Correct answer)
Move left and wait on the far side of the intersection

Correct answer: Move forward into the intersection and wait in the centre until there is a safe gap

When turning right at a busy intersection with traffic lights in NZ, you should move forward into the intersection when safe and wait in the centre. When a safe gap appears, or the light turns red for oncoming traffic, complete your turn.

Question 6: How long must you hold a restricted licence before applying for a full licence in NZ?

At least 18 months, or 12 months if you complete an approved advanced driving course (Correct answer)
At least 3 months
At least 6 months
At least 24 months with no reduction possible

Correct answer: At least 18 months, or 12 months if you complete an approved advanced driving course

You must hold a restricted licence for at least 18 months before applying for a full licence, or 12 months if you complete an approved advanced driving course. You must then pass a full licence practical driving test.

Question 7: You are exiting a driveway onto a NZ road. Who must you give way to?

All vehicles and pedestrians on the road you are entering, in both directions (Correct answer)
Only vehicles approaching from your left on a give way road
Only vehicles approaching from your right
You have equal right of way as you are joining slowly

Correct answer: All vehicles and pedestrians on the road you are entering, in both directions

When exiting a driveway, you are joining the road and must give way to all traffic on the road — from both directions — including cyclists and pedestrians. You must not obstruct or endanger any road user.

Question 8: In NZ, why are rural roads statistically more dangerous than urban roads?

Rural roads have more traffic than urban roads
Police do not patrol rural roads in NZ
Higher speeds, less predictable hazards (stock, gravel, narrow roads), longer emergency response times, and fewer safety features (Correct answer)
Rural roads are always unsealed

Correct answer: Higher speeds, less predictable hazards (stock, gravel, narrow roads), longer emergency response times, and fewer safety features

NZ rural roads are more dangerous due to higher travel speeds, unpredictable hazards (livestock, gravel surfaces, narrow bridges, sharp curves), longer distances to medical help, and fewer road safety features compared to urban roads.

Question 9: At a roundabout in NZ, can you change lanes while circulating?

Yes, but you must give way to vehicles in the lane you are moving into (Correct answer)
Yes — vehicles inside a roundabout always have priority when changing lanes
No — lane changes in roundabouts are always prohibited
Only if you have already indicated for more than 3 seconds

Correct answer: Yes, but you must give way to vehicles in the lane you are moving into

You may change lanes within a roundabout in NZ, but you must give way to vehicles already in the lane you wish to enter. Signal your intention and only change lanes when it is safe to do so.

Question 10: What precautions should NZ drivers take when driving through an area of dense smoke from a fire?

Drive in the centre of the road to stay away from the roadside fire
Slow down significantly, turn on headlights, and consider stopping in a safe place if visibility is critically low (Correct answer)
Turn on high beam to improve visibility through the smoke
Speed up to exit the smoke zone as quickly as possible

Correct answer: Slow down significantly, turn on headlights, and consider stopping in a safe place if visibility is critically low

Smoke from fires can dramatically and suddenly reduce visibility. Slow down, use low beam headlights, and if visibility falls to a dangerous level, pull off the road safely and wait for conditions to improve. Never drive blind.

Question 11: What does a red circular sign with a white horizontal bar mean in New Zealand?

No entry — you must not drive past this sign (Correct answer)
One-way street ahead
Road closed for maintenance
Speed limit ends here

Correct answer: No entry — you must not drive past this sign

A red circle with a white horizontal bar is the 'no entry' sign in NZ. It means you must not drive past the sign as you would be driving the wrong way, typically into oncoming traffic.

Question 12: What is the main danger of driving too close to the vehicle ahead on NZ roads?

You will use more fuel due to air turbulence
Your engine will overheat from the exhaust of the vehicle ahead
Insufficient stopping distance if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly (Correct answer)
The vehicle ahead cannot see you in their mirrors

Correct answer: Insufficient stopping distance if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly

Following too closely (tailgating) means you won't have enough distance to stop safely if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly. At 100 km/h, it takes about 70 metres to stop on a dry road.

Question 13: What does a red and white triangular 'Stop' sign require in New Zealand?

Come to a complete stop, check it is safe, then proceed when there is a safe gap (Correct answer)
Stop only if there is traffic visible at the intersection
Flash your headlights and proceed through slowly
Slow down and give way to traffic from the right only

Correct answer: Come to a complete stop, check it is safe, then proceed when there is a safe gap

A Stop sign in NZ requires you to come to a complete stop at the stop line (or before the intersection if no line), check all directions for traffic and pedestrians, and only proceed when it is safe to do so.

Question 14: In NZ, what does a white arrow on the road surface indicating a turning lane mean?

You must travel in the direction of the arrow — it shows the mandatory direction for that lane (Correct answer)
It is a suggestion for the quickest route
The lane is closing ahead and you should merge
The arrow shows the direction of nearest parking

Correct answer: You must travel in the direction of the arrow — it shows the mandatory direction for that lane

White arrows on the road surface in NZ indicate mandatory directions for that lane. If you are in a lane marked with a left-turn arrow, you must turn left. Move to the correct lane before reaching the intersection.

Question 15: 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 (Correct answer)
A bus stop is ahead in that lane
Buses must stay in this lane at all times
All vehicles must use this lane

Correct answer: Only buses and sometimes other permitted vehicles may use that lane during stated hours

A bus lane sign indicates that the lane is reserved for buses and sometimes other permitted vehicles (like cyclists or taxis) during the times stated on the sign. Private vehicles must not use this lane during restricted hours.

Question 16: In NZ, what are the conditions of a learner licence?

Must display L plates, drive with a supervisor who has held a full licence for 2+ years, and must not drive between 10 PM and 5 AM unless supervised (Correct answer)
Must drive with a fully licensed driver but no time restrictions apply
May drive alone at any time of day
Must only drive on local roads, not motorways

Correct answer: Must display L plates, drive with a supervisor who has held a full licence for 2+ years, and must not drive between 10 PM and 5 AM unless supervised

NZ learner licence holders must display L plates, always be accompanied by a supervisor who has held a full NZ licence for at least 2 years, and must not drive between 10 PM and 5 AM unless their supervisor is beside them.

Question 17: What is the minimum breath alcohol level at which a NZ driver over 20 years old commits an infringement?

More than 400 micrograms per litre
More than 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath (Correct answer)
More than 150 micrograms per litre
More than 500 micrograms per litre

Correct answer: More than 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath

The breath alcohol limit for drivers aged 20 and over in NZ is 250 micrograms per litre of breath. Exceeding this is an offence. This corresponds to the blood limit of 50mg per 100ml of blood.

Question 18: You are turning left out of a side road onto a main road in NZ. Who must you give way to?

No one if you are turning left
Only large vehicles such as trucks and buses
Only vehicles coming from your right
All vehicles on the main road, including cyclists and pedestrians crossing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All vehicles on the main road, including cyclists and pedestrians crossing

When turning left from a side road onto a main road, you must give way to all traffic already on the main road, including cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians who are crossing the road you are entering.

Question 19: What is the posted speed limit near most NZ road works where workers are present?

50 km/h
30 km/h or as posted on the temporary signs (Correct answer)
80 km/h on open roads
The existing speed limit remains in force

Correct answer: 30 km/h or as posted on the temporary signs

In NZ road works zones where workers are present, temporary speed limits are posted, often as low as 30 km/h. These must be observed at all times while the signs are in place, even if no workers are immediately visible.

Question 20: What is the open road speed limit in New Zealand?

100 km/h (Correct answer)
110 km/h
80 km/h
120 km/h

Correct answer: 100 km/h

The default open road speed limit in New Zealand is 100 km/h. This applies on roads outside urban areas where no other speed limit sign is displayed. The open road sign is a white circle with a black diagonal line.

Question 21: You are driving at night and see a pedestrian on the road wearing dark clothing. What should you do?

Flash your high beams and continue at normal speed
Switch to low beams and continue at the same speed
Slow down significantly and be prepared to stop (Correct answer)
Sound the horn to alert them and maintain speed

Correct answer: Slow down significantly and be prepared to stop

Pedestrians in dark clothing are hard to see at night — you must slow down immediately and be ready to stop.

Question 22: What does a white rectangular sign with black diagonal lines (like a railway crossing warning) mean?

A no-entry zone
End of special speed zone
Road works ahead
A level crossing is ahead (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A level crossing is ahead

A sign with diagonal black and white stripes (also called a level crossing sign) warns drivers that a railway level crossing is ahead. Drivers must be prepared to stop for trains.

Question 23: What does a 'SLOW' pavement marking on the road indicate?

You are approaching a hazard and should reduce speed (Correct answer)
You must come to a complete stop
The speed limit is reduced to 30 km/h
A school zone begins ahead

Correct answer: You are approaching a hazard and should reduce speed

A 'SLOW' pavement marking painted on the road surface warns drivers that they are approaching a hazard, such as an intersection, pedestrian crossing, or tight bend, and should reduce their speed accordingly.

Question 24: What is the speed limit for all vehicles passing a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights on a NZ road?

You must stop completely before passing
50 km/h
20 km/h — you must slow to 20 km/h when passing (Correct answer)
The existing speed limit applies as long as you are cautious

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 25: How often is a WoF required for a vehicle first registered in NZ on or after 1 January 2000?

Every 6 months regardless of age
Annually (every 12 months) until the vehicle is 12 years old, then every 6 months (Correct answer)
Every 2 years for all vehicles
Only once when the vehicle is first registered

Correct answer: Annually (every 12 months) until the vehicle is 12 years old, then every 6 months

For vehicles first registered on or after 1 January 2000, a WoF is required every 12 months for the first 12 years. After the vehicle reaches 12 years of age, the WoF becomes required every 6 months.

Question 26: What is the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers under 20 years old in New Zealand?

50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood
25 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood
Zero — no alcohol at all is permitted for drivers under 20 (Correct answer)
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 27: What should you do if you encounter a flooded road in NZ and are unsure of the depth?

Follow the vehicle in front if they crossed safely
Drive through slowly at walking pace
Do not attempt to cross — turn around and find an alternative route (Correct answer)
Drive through quickly to minimise time in the water

Correct answer: Do not attempt to cross — turn around and find an alternative route

If you are unsure of flood water depth in NZ, do not attempt to cross. Even shallow-looking water can be faster and deeper than it appears, and can sweep a vehicle off the road. Turn around and find an alternative route.

Question 28: At a T-intersection in NZ with no signs, who has the right of way?

Neither — both must stop
Traffic on the continuing road (through road) has right of way over traffic on the terminating road (Correct answer)
Traffic on the terminating road has right of way
The vehicle that arrives first has right of way

Correct answer: Traffic on the continuing road (through road) has right of way over traffic on the terminating road

At a T-intersection with no signs, traffic on the continuing (through) road has the right of way. Vehicles on the terminating road must give way to all traffic on the through road before entering.

Question 29: Which lane should you be in before turning right at a multi-lane intersection in NZ?

The lane with the shortest queue
The right-hand lane closest to the centre line (Correct answer)
The left-hand lane
Either lane if it is safe

Correct answer: The right-hand lane closest to the centre line

Before turning right at a multi-lane intersection in NZ, you must be in the right-hand lane closest to the centre line. Move into this lane well before the intersection, not at the last moment.

Question 30: In a multi-lane roundabout in NZ, you are in the right lane circulating. You want to exit. What must you do?

Signal right and move across traffic to exit
Exit directly from the right lane as you have priority
Wait until you have gone around the roundabout again to position in the left lane
Signal left, check your mirror and blind spot, then move to the left lane when safe before exiting (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Signal left, check your mirror and blind spot, then move to the left lane when safe before exiting

When you need to exit a multi-lane roundabout from the right lane in NZ, you must signal left, check your mirrors and blind spots, and safely merge into the left lane before taking your exit. Never cut across lanes without checking.

Question 31: What is a Class 6 licence in New Zealand?

A licence for operating heavy machinery
A commercial bus driver's licence
A motorcycle licence with its own learner, restricted, and full stages (Correct answer)
A special licence for emergency vehicles

Correct answer: A motorcycle licence with its own learner, restricted, and full stages

A Class 6 licence in NZ is specifically for riding motorcycles and mopeds. Like the Class 1 car licence, it has three stages: learner (6L), restricted (6R), and full (6F), each with its own conditions and tests.

Question 32: 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 (Correct answer)
Yes — the indicator means the driver will turn and clear your path
Only if the approaching vehicle slows down noticeably
Yes — you are turning right so you have priority

Correct answer: No — wait until the vehicle has actually turned before proceeding

You should never proceed based on another driver's indicator signal alone. The driver may cancel the signal or may not have turned it off from a previous turn. Always wait until the vehicle has actually turned before you move.

Question 33: In NZ, what does a flashing green traffic light mean?

Proceed with extra caution — pedestrians have the right of way
Speed up to clear the intersection
New Zealand does not use flashing green lights — this signal is not in use (Correct answer)
You may proceed — traffic from all directions is stopped

Correct answer: New Zealand does not use flashing green lights — this signal is not in use

Flashing green traffic lights are not used in New Zealand. If you see a flashing green light, it likely indicates a signal malfunction and you should treat it like a flashing amber — proceed with caution as if at an uncontrolled intersection.

Question 34: What does a 'NO STOPPING' yellow line marked at the edge of the road mean?

No parking during business hours
You must not stop your vehicle in that area at any time (Correct answer)
No stopping for heavy vehicles only
You may stop briefly to drop off passengers

Correct answer: You must not stop your vehicle in that area at any time

A yellow 'NO STOPPING' line at the road edge means you must not stop your vehicle at any time in that area, even briefly. This is more restrictive than a no-parking zone.

Question 35: At a roundabout in NZ, when is it appropriate to use the right lane to take the first exit (turning left)?

Only if the left lane is blocked
It is acceptable if you intend to indicate left on entry
On large roundabouts with heavy traffic
It is not appropriate — use the left lane to take the first exit (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It is not appropriate — use the left lane to take the first exit

When taking the first exit (turning left) at a roundabout, you should always approach and use the left lane. Using the right lane to exit left cuts across other traffic and is both dangerous and against NZ road rules.

Question 36: What is the purpose of the vehicle's coolant system and what happens if the coolant level is too low?

Low coolant levels have no effect on engine performance
Coolant is only needed in winter to prevent freezing
The coolant system prevents engine overheating — low coolant can cause the engine to overheat, leading to serious engine damage (Correct answer)
Coolant is the same as windscreen washer fluid

Correct answer: The coolant system prevents engine overheating — low coolant can cause the engine to overheat, leading to serious engine damage

The coolant system circulates coolant through the engine to prevent overheating. If the coolant level is too low, the engine can overheat, potentially causing warped heads, blown gaskets, or complete engine failure. Check coolant regularly.

NZ Learner Licence Theory Test

The New Zealand Learner Licence Theory Test is a 35-question multiple-choice computer-based test administered by NZTA Waka Kotahi. It assesses knowledge of the NZ Road Code, traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices required to obtain a Class 1 learner licence.

Questions

30 min

Time Limit

91%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
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No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
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