Mixed Deck — All NZ Learner Licence Theory Test Topics Flashcards

In NZ, when must you give way to a bus pulling out from a bus stop?

Answer: When the bus is signalling to pull out and the speed limit is 70 km/h or less

In NZ, you must give way to a bus that is signalling to pull out from a bus stop on a road with a speed limit of 70 km/h or less. This rule helps buses maintain their schedules on urban routes.

What does the NZ Road Code recommend regarding rest stops on a journey of more than 4 hours?

Answer: Stop for at least a 15-minute break every 2 hours of driving

NZ Road Code recommends taking a proper break of at least 15 minutes every 2 hours of driving. This helps prevent driver fatigue, which is a significant contributing factor in serious road crashes in New Zealand.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

What are the particular hazards of driving on gravel roads in New Zealand?

Answer: Reduced traction, longer stopping distances, flying stones, dust reducing visibility, and corrugations that affect steering

NZ gravel roads present multiple hazards: reduced tyre grip, longer stopping distances, loose stones that can be thrown by passing vehicles (damaging windscreens), dust clouds reducing visibility, and corrugations that reduce steering and braking control.

What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign indicate in New Zealand?

Answer: A warning of a hazard or change in road conditions ahead

Yellow diamond-shaped signs in NZ are warning signs that alert drivers to upcoming hazards or changes in road conditions, such as curves, hills, intersections, or road works ahead.

What do chevron boards (yellow arrows on black background) placed on a curve indicate?

Answer: The direction the road bends and that you should slow down

Chevron boards with yellow arrows on a black background are placed on curves to indicate the direction the road bends. They alert drivers to slow down and follow the direction of the arrows safely around the curve.

In NZ, what lights must be working on your vehicle for it to be legal to drive at night?

Answer: Headlights (dipped and full), tail lights, brake lights, number plate light, and indicators

For legal night driving in NZ, your vehicle must have working headlights (both dipped and full beam), tail lights, brake lights, a number plate light, and indicators. All must be checked regularly.

What is the NZ rule regarding driving through a flooded road?

Answer: Do not drive through if you cannot see the road surface or the water is above the centre of your wheels — turn around if in doubt

In NZ, you should not drive through floodwater if you cannot see the road surface or if the water is deeper than the centre of your wheels. Turn around and find an alternative route. Driving through floodwater risks stalling, aquaplaning, or being swept away.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

What does a STOP sign require drivers to do in New Zealand?

Answer: Come to a complete stop and give way to all traffic before proceeding

A STOP sign requires you to come to a complete stop at the marked line. You must then give way to all traffic on the road you are entering, and only proceed when it is completely safe to do so.

What extra following distance should you maintain when driving in heavy rain in NZ?

Answer: At least double the normal following distance — 4 seconds instead of 2

In heavy rain, NZ Road Code recommends at least doubling the following distance to a minimum of 4 seconds. Wet roads significantly increase stopping distances, so more space is essential for safety.

What is the danger of driving in the blind spots of trucks and large vehicles in NZ?

Answer: The truck driver cannot see you, increasing the risk of being sideswiped or crushed during lane changes or turns

Large trucks and vehicles have significant blind spots on all sides — especially the left side, directly behind, and directly in front. If you cannot see the truck's mirrors, the driver cannot see you. Avoid lingering in these zones.

In NZ, what is the rule about carrying loads on a vehicle?

Answer: Loads must be secured so they cannot fall from the vehicle or be a danger to other road users

All loads in NZ must be properly secured so they do not shift, fall, or become a hazard to other road users. Overhanging loads must be marked with a flag or light. Unsecured loads are an offence.

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

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.

In NZ, what should you do if you notice your vehicle pulling to one side while braking?

Answer: Have the brakes inspected immediately as this indicates uneven braking which is a safety hazard

If your vehicle pulls to one side during braking, it indicates uneven braking caused by a fault in the braking system (worn pads, stuck caliper, or fluid leak). This is a serious safety hazard that needs immediate inspection and repair.