NZ Learner Licence Theory Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: You are driving on a narrow rural road and meet an oncoming vehicle. Who gives way?

The lighter vehicle must always give way to the heavier one
The vehicle going downhill always gives way
The vehicle going uphill always gives way
The driver for whom it is safer and easier to give way should do so (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The driver for whom it is safer and easier to give way should do so

On a narrow rural road with no formal give way controls, common sense and courtesy apply. The driver for whom it is easiest and safest to pull aside should do so. In practice, the downhill driver often gives way as they have better control, but no fixed rule applies.

Question 2: Your vehicle's windscreen fogs up while driving in cold wet weather. What is the most effective NZ-recommended action?

Increase heater temperature to maximum to clear the fog
Slow down and wipe the screen with a cloth
Use wipers on the inside of the windscreen
Turn on the demister and air conditioning, and open a window if needed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Turn on the demister and air conditioning, and open a window if needed

The most effective way to clear a fogged windscreen is to use the rear and front demister together with air conditioning (which dehumidifies the air) and crack a window if needed. Using heat alone may worsen fogging without A/C.

Question 3: A learner driver in NZ has a blood alcohol reading of 0.01g/100ml. Is this legal?

Only if they are accompanied by a fully licensed supervisor
Yes — 0.01 is below the adult limit of 0.05g/100ml
Yes — learner drivers are subject to the adult limit
No — learner drivers must have zero blood alcohol (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No — learner drivers must have zero blood alcohol

Learner drivers in New Zealand fall under the under-20 zero alcohol rule if they are under 20, or must still comply with a zero limit as part of their licence conditions. Any alcohol is prohibited for learner drivers regardless of age in most circumstances.

Question 4: What is the correct action when your vehicle breaks down on a NZ motorway?

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
Place warning triangles in the lane behind the vehicle
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 5: In NZ, when turning left at an intersection, who must you give way to?

Only cyclists on the road you are leaving
Pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into (Correct answer)
Nobody — left turns always have right of way in NZ
Only vehicles on the road you are turning into

Correct answer: Pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into

When turning left at an intersection in NZ, you must give way to pedestrians who are crossing the road you are turning into, or who are waiting to cross. This applies even if you have a green light.

Question 6: In NZ, when exiting a roundabout, when should you signal?

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

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 7: A vehicle making a U-turn in NZ must give way to:

No one — U-turns have priority as they are a reversal manoeuvre
Vehicles behind them only
All other vehicles and pedestrians (Correct answer)
Only oncoming vehicles

Correct answer: All other vehicles and pedestrians

A vehicle making a U-turn must give way to all other vehicles and pedestrians. U-turns are high-risk manoeuvres and the driver performing one bears full responsibility for doing so safely.

Question 8: How long must you hold a restricted licence before applying for a full licence in NZ?

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

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 9: What is the key danger when driving past parked cars near a school?

Engine overheating from driving slowly
Children running out suddenly from between parked vehicles (Correct answer)
Ice forming on the road surface near the kerb
Losing traction on gravel beside parked cars

Correct answer: Children running out suddenly from between parked vehicles

Children may dart out between parked cars without warning, so you must slow down and watch carefully for any movement near vehicles.

Question 10: What is the default urban speed limit in New Zealand?

60 km/h
50 km/h (Correct answer)
70 km/h
40 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 11: How should you drive if you encounter black ice on a NZ road?

Increase speed slightly to improve tyre contact with the surface
Brake gently but continuously to scrub off speed
Steer toward the roadside grass for better traction
Drive slowly and smoothly, avoiding sudden steering, braking, or acceleration (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Drive slowly and smoothly, avoiding sudden steering, braking, or acceleration

Black ice is invisible and provides almost no traction. If you encounter it, drive as slowly and smoothly as possible, avoid any sudden inputs on the steering, brakes, or accelerator, and allow the vehicle to slow gradually using engine braking.

Question 12: At an intersection controlled by a traffic officer in NZ, whose instructions take priority?

The traffic officer's instructions override all traffic signals and signs (Correct answer)
Road markings take priority over the officer
Drivers must follow both the officer and the signals simultaneously
Traffic signals take priority over the officer

Correct answer: The traffic officer's instructions override all traffic signals and signs

The instructions of a traffic officer (police or authorised traffic controller) override all traffic signals and signs. You must follow the officer's directions even if they contradict a traffic light or sign.

Question 13: In NZ, what are the consequences of driving a vehicle without a current WoF?

An infringement fee of $200, and your vehicle may be ordered off the road until it passes a WoF inspection (Correct answer)
A verbal warning for the first offence only
No consequences if the vehicle appears to be in good condition
Only a fine of $50 and no other consequences

Correct answer: An infringement fee of $200, and your vehicle may be ordered off the road until it passes a WoF inspection

Driving without a current WoF in NZ can result in an infringement fee of $200. Police can also issue a notice ordering the vehicle off the road until it passes a WoF inspection, leaving you unable to drive legally.

Question 14: What is the reduced speed limit displayed near schools during school hours in New Zealand?

40 km/h (Correct answer)
50 km/h
60 km/h
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 15: 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 (Correct answer)
The driver who has been on the road longest has priority
The driver in the continuing lane must let the merging driver in
Both drivers must slow down equally to create a safe merge

Correct answer: The driver in the ending lane must give way to traffic in the continuing lane

In New Zealand, when a lane is ending (marked by broken lines narrowing into one), the driver in the ending lane must give way to traffic already in the continuing lane. This is a common merging scenario on highways.

Question 16: What is the speed limit in a school zone in New Zealand when children are present?

30 km/h at all times near schools
50 km/h — the standard urban limit applies
40 km/h when the school speed zone signs are active (Correct answer)
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 17: What must you do at an intersection where traffic lights are not working in NZ?

Proceed cautiously without stopping
Treat it as an uncontrolled intersection and apply standard give way rules (Correct answer)
Always stop and wait for the lights to resume
Give way to vehicles on your right only

Correct answer: Treat it as an uncontrolled intersection and apply standard give way rules

When traffic lights are not functioning in NZ, the intersection must be treated as an uncontrolled intersection. Apply the standard give way rules: give way to traffic on your right at the same time, and to traffic on the through road at a T-intersection.

Question 18: How should you position your vehicle when waiting to turn right at a busy intersection in NZ?

Move forward into the intersection and wait in the centre until there is a safe gap (Correct answer)
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 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 19: When turning left at an intersection, who must you give way to?

Pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into (Correct answer)
No one if the traffic signal is green
Oncoming vehicles only
Traffic behind you

Correct answer: Pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into

When turning, you must give way to any pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into.

Question 20: What is vehicle registration (rego) in NZ and why is it important?

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

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 21: A person using a wheelchair is crossing at a pedestrian crossing. When may you proceed?

When they are past the centre of the road
After 30 seconds regardless of their position
When they signal with their hand that you may go
Once they have completely cleared the crossing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Once they have completely cleared the crossing

You must wait until any pedestrian, including wheelchair users, has completely cleared the crossing before moving.

Question 22: 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 23: What hazard awareness should NZ drivers have around schools and playgrounds?

School zones are only dangerous when school buses are present
Children near schools are always supervised and will not enter the road
School zones are only relevant on weekdays between 8 AM and 9 AM
Children are unpredictable and may run onto the road without looking — slow to the posted school zone limit and be prepared to stop at any time (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Children are unpredictable and may run onto the road without looking — slow to the posted school zone limit and be prepared to stop at any time

Children near schools and playgrounds are unpredictable and may run onto the road without warning. NZ drivers must slow to the posted school zone speed (40 km/h when signs are active) and be prepared to stop at any time.

Question 24: What does a rectangular orange sign with black text typically indicate in NZ?

A tourist attraction nearby
A speed camera zone
Temporary road works or traffic management ahead (Correct answer)
Night driving restrictions apply

Correct answer: Temporary road works or traffic management ahead

Orange rectangular signs with black text are temporary signs used to indicate road works or traffic management situations. They direct drivers through detours, temporary speed limits, or work zone restrictions.

Question 25: How much clear space must you leave when passing a cyclist where the speed limit is 60 km/h or less?

0.5 metres
1 metre (Correct answer)
1.5 metres
2 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 26: What is the NZ Road Code rule about passing a cyclist?

Cyclists must move off the road to allow vehicles to pass
Pass as close as safely possible to save road space
Always sound the horn before passing a cyclist
Pass with at least 1.5 metres of clearance at speeds up to 60 km/h and 1 metre at lower speeds (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pass with at least 1.5 metres of clearance at speeds up to 60 km/h and 1 metre at lower speeds

NZ road rules require drivers to give cyclists at least 1.5 metres of clearance when passing at speeds above 60 km/h, and at least 1 metre when passing at speeds of 60 km/h or less. This protects vulnerable road users.

Question 27: 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
Only if the driver causes a crash
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

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 28: Under NZ law, what are the rules for using mobile phones while driving?

You can use a mobile phone only at speeds under 50 km/h
Mobile phone use is allowed if you are at a red light
Only texting is banned — calling is permitted while driving
It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving — you must use hands-free or pull over safely (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving — you must use hands-free or pull over safely

In NZ, it is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving, including calling, texting, browsing, or using apps. You must use a hands-free system or pull over and stop safely before using your phone.

Question 29: How should a NZ driver approach a railway level crossing with no signals or boom gates?

Slow down, look both ways for trains, and only cross when the track is clear (Correct answer)
Stop completely and phone the railway operator before crossing
Only cross when another vehicle has crossed safely ahead of you
Proceed at normal speed as trains use horn warnings

Correct answer: Slow down, look both ways for trains, and only cross when the track is clear

At an uncontrolled railway level crossing in NZ, you must slow down, look in both directions for approaching trains, and only cross when the track is completely clear. Never rely on a train to warn you with its horn.

Question 30: What is the default urban speed limit in New Zealand?

30 km/h
50 km/h (Correct answer)
40 km/h
60 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 31: What should you check about your vehicle before a long journey in NZ?

Only the fuel level
Tyre pressure and condition, oil level, coolant level, lights, windscreen wipers and washer fluid, and fuel (Correct answer)
Nothing — the WoF covers all vehicle checks
Only tyre pressure and oil level

Correct answer: Tyre pressure and condition, oil level, coolant level, lights, windscreen wipers and washer fluid, and fuel

Before a long journey in NZ, you should check: tyre pressure and condition (including the spare), engine oil level, coolant level, all lights, windscreen wipers and washer fluid, brake function, and fuel level.

Question 32: A pedestrian is using a white cane at the roadside. What does this most likely indicate?

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

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 33: At a roundabout in New Zealand, which direction must you travel?

Counter-clockwise — give way to vehicles from your left
Straight through the centre if no traffic is present
Clockwise — give way to vehicles already on the roundabout coming from your right (Correct answer)
Either direction depending on your destination

Correct answer: Clockwise — give way to vehicles already on the roundabout coming from your right

In NZ (driving on the left), roundabouts are navigated clockwise. You must give way to all vehicles already on the roundabout, which approach from your right. Always indicate left when leaving the roundabout.

Question 34: What does the ACC motor vehicle levy cover in New Zealand?

Vehicle theft insurance
Roadside breakdown assistance
Damage to your vehicle in an accident
Personal injury cover for anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident in NZ, regardless of fault (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Personal injury cover for anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident in NZ, regardless of fault

The ACC motor vehicle levy, included in vehicle registration, covers personal injury to anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident in NZ — drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists — regardless of who was at fault. It does not cover vehicle damage.

Question 35: In NZ, when you see a 'Give Way' sign at an intersection, what must you do?

Slow down and be ready to stop, giving way to all traffic that has right of way before proceeding (Correct answer)
Stop completely, then proceed when clear
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 36: In NZ, what is the danger of driving through a tunnel?

The only hazard is the speed limit change at tunnel entries
Tunnels are dangerous only in earthquakes
Tunnels are always well-lit and present no special hazards
Eyes need time to adjust from bright light to dark, reduced visibility, limited escape routes, and amplified noise can mask hazards (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Eyes need time to adjust from bright light to dark, reduced visibility, limited escape routes, and amplified noise can mask hazards

When entering a NZ tunnel, your eyes need time to adjust from bright light to darker conditions, visibility is reduced, there are limited escape routes in an emergency, and road noise is amplified, which can mask important sounds.

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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