Free New Zealand Car Driving Test Road Signs and Markings Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When driving at night, you see a blue reflector (cat's eye) on the road. What does this indicate?
- The left edge of the road.
- A fire hydrant is nearby. (Correct answer)
- An upcoming passing lane.
- The centre line of the road.
Correct answer: A fire hydrant is nearby.
Blue reflectors (or cat's eyes) are used in New Zealand to mark the location of a fire hydrant, making them easier for emergency services to find, especially at night.
Question 2: You are approaching an intersection and see a STOP sign. Where must you legally stop your vehicle?
- Exactly 3 metres before the yellow line.
- Only if there is other traffic approaching.
- At a position where you can see if the way is clear. (Correct answer)
- With your front wheels on the painted yellow line.
Correct answer: At a position where you can see if the way is clear.
The law requires you to stop at a position where you can safely check for traffic from all other directions before proceeding. This may be at, before, or slightly after the yellow stop line, depending on visibility.
Question 3: Which of the following is a legal use of a flush median (the painted area in the middle of the road with white diagonal lines)?
- Overtaking a slow-moving vehicle that is travelling straight ahead.
- Parking for a short period to drop off a passenger.
- Waiting for a safe gap in traffic before completing a right turn. (Correct answer)
- As a regular driving lane during heavy traffic.
Correct answer: Waiting for a safe gap in traffic before completing a right turn.
Flush medians are specifically designed as a safe place for vehicles to wait before or after making a right-hand turn, allowing through-traffic to continue flowing. They must not be used for overtaking (with few exceptions), parking, or as a normal traffic lane.
Question 4: You are driving along a road and notice a broken yellow line on your side of the white centre line. What does this marking signify?
- It is safe to start overtaking another vehicle.
- A no-passing zone is about to begin. (Correct answer)
- You are in a designated 'no parking' area.
- The road is narrowing ahead.
Correct answer: A no-passing zone is about to begin.
A broken yellow line on your side of the centre line serves as an advance warning that a solid yellow no-passing line is about to start. You should not begin an overtaking manoeuvre when you see these lines.
Question 5: While driving, you enter an area marked with a 'Shared Zone' sign. What is the primary rule you must follow in this zone?
- You must give way to all vehicles turning right.
- The speed limit is 30 km/h unless otherwise posted.
- You must give way to any pedestrians in the zone. (Correct answer)
- Parking is permitted anywhere for up to 10 minutes.
Correct answer: You must give way to any pedestrians in the zone.
In a Shared Zone, the normal road user hierarchy is changed, and drivers must give way to pedestrians at all times. The typical speed limit is very low, often 10 km/h, to ensure pedestrian safety.
Question 6: What is the meaning of a broken yellow line painted near the edge of the road?
- Parking is reserved for residents only.
- You may only stop for a maximum of 5 minutes.
- Loading and unloading of goods is permitted.
- No stopping or parking is allowed at any time. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: No stopping or parking is allowed at any time.
A broken yellow line along the kerb indicates that no stopping, waiting, or parking is permitted at any time, as it would cause an obstruction or be dangerous to other road users.
When driving at night, you see a blue reflector (cat's eye) on the road.
What does this indicate?