NZ Learner Licence Theory Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: 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)
Buses must stay in this lane at all times
All vehicles must use this lane
A bus stop is ahead in that 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 2: In NZ, what should you do if your vehicle starts to skid on a wet road?

Take your hands off the steering wheel and let the car correct itself
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

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

100 km/h (Correct answer)
120 km/h
110 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 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 4: What is the reduced speed limit displayed near schools during school hours in New Zealand?

60 km/h
50 km/h
40 km/h (Correct answer)
30 km/h

Correct answer: 40 km/h

When school zone signs are displayed during school hours and school days, you must reduce your speed to 40 km/h.

Question 5: In NZ, what endorsements can be added to a driver licence?

No endorsements exist — the licence class covers everything
Only a taxi endorsement is available
Endorsements are only available for Class 5 licence holders
Passenger (P), Vehicle (V), Infrastructure (I), Dangerous Goods (D), Roller (R), Tracks (T), and Wheels (W) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Passenger (P), Vehicle (V), Infrastructure (I), Dangerous Goods (D), Roller (R), Tracks (T), and Wheels (W)

NZ driver licences can have endorsements added for specific activities: P (passenger service — taxis, buses), V (vehicle recovery), I (driving instructor), D (dangerous goods), R (roller), T (tracks), and W (wheels).

Question 6: A driver wants to go straight through a roundabout in NZ. Which lane should they use?

Either lane, but they must indicate right on entry
Either lane, but the left lane is preferred unless road markings indicate otherwise (Correct answer)
Only the left lane always
Only the right lane for straight-through traffic

Correct answer: Either lane, but the left lane is preferred unless road markings indicate otherwise

For straight-through movements at a roundabout in NZ, either lane can be used, but the left lane is generally preferred if no road markings direct otherwise. You should not indicate right on entry unless you are going right.

Question 7: What should a NZ driver do if they are caught in a severe storm with flying debris and are unable to continue?

Pull off the road to a safe location, turn on hazard lights, and stay in the vehicle away from trees (Correct answer)
Continue driving slowly with hazard lights on
Drive to the nearest underpass or bridge for shelter
Stop on the side of the road and stand outside the vehicle to assess conditions

Correct answer: Pull off the road to a safe location, turn on hazard lights, and stay in the vehicle away from trees

In a severe storm, pull off the road as safely as possible, turn on hazard lights, and remain in your vehicle (which offers structural protection). Avoid stopping near trees or power lines. Underpasses can have wind tunnel effects and are not safer.

Question 8: You are driving on a motorway and see a vehicle wanting to merge from an on-ramp. What does NZ law say?

Only heavy vehicles must give way to merging traffic
The merging vehicle must give way to motorway traffic, but motorway drivers should facilitate safe merging where possible (Correct answer)
Motorway traffic must always give way to merging vehicles
Merging vehicles always have equal priority with motorway traffic

Correct answer: The merging vehicle must give way to motorway traffic, but motorway drivers should facilitate safe merging where possible

On NZ motorways, vehicles entering via an on-ramp must give way to existing motorway traffic. However, good practice is for motorway drivers to move to an outer lane if safe to do so to help merging vehicles join smoothly.

Question 9: What should you do when an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and/or siren approaches in NZ?

Speed up to get out of the way
Continue driving but change to the left lane
Stop immediately wherever you are, including in the middle of an intersection
Pull over to the left as soon as it is safe and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed (Correct answer)

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.

Question 10: What is the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers aged 20 and over in New Zealand?

80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood
50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (Correct answer)
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 11: In NZ, when you see a 'Give Way' sign at an intersection, what must you do?

Stop completely, then proceed when clear
Slow down and be ready to stop, giving way to all traffic that has right of way before proceeding (Correct answer)
Flash your headlights to indicate you are giving way
Speed up to merge quickly with traffic

Correct answer: Slow down and be ready to stop, giving way to all traffic that has right of way before proceeding

At a Give Way sign in NZ, you must slow down, be prepared to stop, and give way to all traffic that has the right of way (including pedestrians) before entering the intersection. You don't need to stop completely if the way is clear.

Question 12: What does a red circular sign with a white horizontal bar mean in New Zealand?

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

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 13: What is the legal blood alcohol limit for a NZ learner licence holder under 20?

Zero — no alcohol is permitted at all (Correct answer)
30 mg per 100 ml of blood
50 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 14: What is vehicle registration (rego) in NZ and why is it important?

Registration only applies to commercial vehicles
A compulsory registration and licensing fee that also includes ACC levy for motor vehicle injuries — driving without it is an offence (Correct answer)
A voluntary scheme for vehicle tracking
A discount programme for fuel costs

Correct answer: A compulsory registration and licensing fee that also includes ACC levy for motor vehicle injuries — driving without it is an offence

Vehicle registration (rego) in NZ is a compulsory payment that licences your vehicle for road use and includes a levy for ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) covering motor vehicle injury claims. Driving without current registration is an offence.

Question 15: Can a driver in NZ be charged with drug-impaired driving even if they have not consumed alcohol?

Only if illegal drugs are found in the vehicle
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 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 16: What does a double solid yellow centre line mean for drivers on both sides?

The road is undergoing maintenance
Only the driver on the left may overtake
Neither driver may cross to overtake (Correct answer)
Both drivers may overtake when safe

Correct answer: Neither driver may cross to overtake

Double solid yellow centre lines mean that neither driver on either side of the line may cross it to overtake. This marking is used on roads where overtaking is considered too dangerous in both directions.

Question 17: You are turning left out of a side road onto a main road in NZ. Who must you give way to?

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

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 18: What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid on a wet NZ road?

Steer against the direction of the skid and brake firmly
Accelerate to regain tyre grip
Take your hands off the wheel to allow the car to self-correct
Steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go and ease off the accelerator (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go and ease off the accelerator

If your vehicle skids on a wet road, ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. Do not brake suddenly or oversteer, as this worsens the skid.

Question 19: What is the default urban speed limit in New Zealand?

50 km/h (Correct answer)
40 km/h
60 km/h
70 km/h

Correct answer: 50 km/h

The default speed limit in urban areas (towns and cities) in New Zealand is 50 km/h unless otherwise signed. This applies when you enter a built-up area and no other speed limit sign is posted.

Question 20: How much clear space must you leave when passing a cyclist where the speed limit is 60 km/h or less?

1 metre (Correct answer)
2 metres
0.5 metres
1.5 metres

Correct answer: 1 metre

NZ law requires at least 1 metre of clear space between your vehicle and a cyclist when the speed limit is 60 km/h or less.

Question 21: In a multi-lane roundabout in NZ, you are in the right lane circulating. You want to exit. What must you do?

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

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 22: In NZ, when exiting a roundabout, when should you signal?

Signal left only after you have passed the midpoint of the roundabout
Signal left as you pass the exit before the one you want to take (Correct answer)
Signal right on entry to indicate you are circulating
No signalling is required at roundabouts

Correct answer: Signal left as you pass the exit before the one you want to take

When exiting a roundabout in NZ, you should signal left as you pass the exit immediately before the one you intend to take. This alerts other drivers and pedestrians that you are about to leave the roundabout.

Question 23: When should you switch to low beam headlights when approaching an oncoming vehicle at night in NZ?

When the oncoming vehicle is within approximately 200 metres (Correct answer)
When you can first see the oncoming headlights
Only when the driver flashes their headlights at you
Only on motorways and dual carriageways

Correct answer: When the oncoming vehicle is within approximately 200 metres

In NZ, you should dip to low beam headlights when an oncoming vehicle is within approximately 200 metres. High beam headlights can blind oncoming drivers, increasing crash risk. Also dip when following another vehicle.

Question 24: Can a driver in NZ be convicted of drink driving if they are below the legal alcohol limit but their driving is impaired?

Only if a doctor certifies they are impaired
No — if below the limit, no drink-drive offence can be charged
Only if they cause a crash
Yes — impairment-based charges can apply even below the legal limit (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes — impairment-based charges can apply even below the legal limit

In NZ, a driver can be charged with driving while impaired even if their blood or breath alcohol reading is below the legal limit. Impairment is assessed based on driving behaviour and field sobriety tests.

Question 25: In NZ, how do you renew a driver licence that has expired?

Send an email to NZTA with your licence number
Visit an NZTA driver licensing agent, pass an eyesight check, pay the renewal fee, and take a new photo (Correct answer)
You must retake both the theory and practical tests
Licences renew automatically by post

Correct answer: Visit an NZTA driver licensing agent, pass an eyesight check, pay the renewal fee, and take a new photo

To renew a NZ driver licence, visit an NZTA driver licensing agent in person. You need to pass an eyesight screening, pay the renewal fee, and have a new photo taken. If the licence has been expired for more than 5 years, you may need to resit tests.

Question 26: In NZ, what does a broken yellow line painted on the road edge mean?

You may park for up to 5 minutes
A bus lane that cars may use outside peak hours
No stopping at any time — you must not stop, stand, or park on that side of the road (Correct answer)
A cycle lane that is shared with vehicles

Correct answer: No stopping at any time — you must not stop, stand, or park on that side of the road

A broken yellow line painted on the road edge (kerb) in NZ means no stopping at any time. You must not stop, stand, or park your vehicle on that side of the road where the broken yellow line is marked.

Question 27: 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 150 micrograms per litre
More than 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath (Correct answer)
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 28: 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 only need to be on between midnight and 5 AM
Headlights are optional during the day
Headlights are only required on motorways at night

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 29: A pedestrian is crossing a road at an uncontrolled (unmarked) crossing when you want to turn. What does NZ law require?

Only pedestrians at marked crossings have right of way
The pedestrian must wait for vehicles to pass before crossing
You must give way to the pedestrian who is crossing (Correct answer)
You may proceed if the pedestrian is not in your direct path

Correct answer: You must give way to the pedestrian who is crossing

Under NZ road rules, when turning at any intersection, you must give way to pedestrians who are crossing the road you are turning into, even at an uncontrolled crossing. Pedestrian safety takes priority.

Question 30: In NZ, when are you allowed to pass another vehicle on the left?

When the vehicle ahead is turning right, or in slow-moving multi-lane traffic where your lane is moving faster (Correct answer)
Whenever the left side of the road is clear
Never — passing on the left is always illegal in NZ
Only on motorways with three or more lanes

Correct answer: When the vehicle ahead is turning right, or in slow-moving multi-lane traffic where your lane is moving faster

In NZ, you may pass on the left when the vehicle ahead is signalling and turning right (and it is safe), or in multi-lane traffic where vehicles in your lane are travelling faster than those in the lane to your right.

Question 31: 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
Move left and wait on the far side of the intersection
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)

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 32: When should you use hazard lights on a NZ road while your vehicle is stationary?

During heavy rain to increase your vehicle's visibility
While waiting in a traffic queue
Any time you park on a road
When your vehicle is broken down or is a danger to other road users (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When your vehicle is broken down or is a danger to other road users

Hazard lights should only be used in NZ when your stationary vehicle is causing or is in danger of causing a hazard. Using them unnecessarily — such as while parked normally or in traffic queues — can confuse other drivers.

Question 33: At a T-intersection in NZ, you are on the through road and a vehicle on the side road has a STOP sign. Who has priority?

Priority alternates based on time of day
You must slow down as the STOP sign driver has equal rights once stopped
You on the through road have priority — the side road driver must stop and give way (Correct answer)
The side road driver has priority if they arrived first

Correct answer: You on the through road have priority — the side road driver must stop and give way

At a T-intersection where the side road has a STOP sign, the driver on the side road must come to a complete stop and give way to all traffic on the through road. The through road driver has clear priority.

Question 34: When two vehicles meet at a give way sign and both want to turn right into the same road, what do NZ rules say?

The vehicle that arrived at the give way sign first may turn first
Both must give way to all traffic on the main road; they then negotiate the turn between themselves (Correct answer)
The vehicle on the right has priority to turn first
Both drivers must wait for a police officer to direct them

Correct answer: Both must give way to all traffic on the main road; they then negotiate the turn between themselves

Both drivers at give way signs must first give way to all traffic on the main road. Once safe to proceed, they should pass in front of each other (right-hand turn before meeting) or negotiate cautiously between themselves.

Question 35: A pedestrian is using a white cane at the roadside. What does this most likely indicate?

They are waiting for a bus
They require vehicle assistance
They are blind or have very low vision (Correct answer)
They are a road construction worker

Correct answer: They are blind or have very low vision

A white cane signals that a person is blind or has very low vision, requiring extra care and patience from drivers.

Question 36: In NZ, when two vehicles are turning right into the same road from opposite directions, who gives way?

They should pass behind each other (right side to right side) unless road markings indicate otherwise (Correct answer)
Both must stop and wait for a gap
The vehicle on the wider road has right of way
The larger vehicle has right of way

Correct answer: They should pass behind each other (right side to right side) unless road markings indicate otherwise

In NZ, when two vehicles approaching from opposite directions are both turning right, they should generally pass behind each other (right side to right side). However, road markings or intersection layout may direct otherwise.

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
Flag questions for review before submitting
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
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

nzta.govt.nz — Eligibility, retake fee, score release, score validity, test delivery, exam format, passing score, retake policy · verified Oct 2026