New Zealand Car Driving Speed Limits and Following Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When driving on an open road in a rural area with no visible speed limit signs, what is the default maximum speed for a standard car?
- 80 km/h
- 100 km/h (Correct answer)
- 90 km/h
- 110 km/h
Correct answer: 100 km/h
The default maximum speed limit for a car on the open road in New Zealand is 100 km/h, unless a sign indicates a different speed. You must always drive to the conditions, which may require a slower speed.
Question 2: To maintain a safe following distance in ideal, dry conditions, what is the minimum time gap you should leave between your vehicle and the one ahead?
- A one-second gap.
- The length of two cars.
- A two-second gap. (Correct answer)
- A four-second gap.
Correct answer: A two-second gap.
The 'two-second rule' is the recommended minimum following distance in good conditions. This provides enough time and distance to react and brake safely if the vehicle in front stops suddenly.
Question 3: In which of the following scenarios should you increase your following distance to at least FOUR seconds?
- When driving in a 60 km/h zone.
- When driving on a multi-lane motorway in light traffic.
- When following a large truck or driving in the rain. (Correct answer)
- When another car has just overtaken you.
Correct answer: When following a large truck or driving in the rain.
In adverse conditions, such as rain, or when visibility is reduced by a large vehicle, you must double your following distance to at least four seconds. This is because stopping distances increase on wet roads and your view of the road ahead is limited.
Question 4: You are approaching a school bus that has stopped on the side of the road to let children off. Regardless of which direction you are travelling, what is the maximum speed you are legally allowed to pass the bus?
- 50 km/h
- 40 km/h
- 30 km/h
- 20 km/h (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 20 km/h
For the safety of children, who can be unpredictable, the legal speed limit when passing a stopped school bus from either direction is 20 km/h.
Question 5: While driving, you see a circular sign with a red border and the number '30' in the centre, often seen near road works. What is the correct action to take?
- Slow down to 30 km/h only if you can see workers on the road.
- Treat it as a recommended speed, but continue at your current speed if it feels safe.
- Immediately slow down as 30 km/h is the new legal maximum speed limit. (Correct answer)
- Maintain your speed but be prepared to stop for workers.
Correct answer: Immediately slow down as 30 km/h is the new legal maximum speed limit.
A temporary speed limit sign, like those used at road works, is a compulsory and legally enforceable limit. You must not exceed this speed until you pass a sign indicating the restriction has ended.
Question 6: What is the primary reason for adjusting your speed to the conditions, even if it means driving slower than the posted speed limit?
- To improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
- To avoid holding up traffic behind you.
- To ensure you can stop in the clear distance you can see ahead. (Correct answer)
- To allow faster drivers to overtake you more easily.
Correct answer: To ensure you can stop in the clear distance you can see ahead.
A fundamental rule of safe driving is to always be able to stop your vehicle in the length of clear road you can see. In poor weather, on winding roads, or in heavy traffic, the posted speed limit may be too fast to allow for this.
New Zealand Car Driving Speed Limits and Following Questions and Answers
When driving on an open road in a rural area with no visible speed limit signs, what is the default maximum speed for a standard car?