New Zealand Car Driving Test Overtaking and Road Sharing Rules 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In New Zealand, on which side of the road must you overtake another vehicle?
- The left side
- The right side (Correct answer)
- Either side if safe
- Only on motorways
Correct answer: The right side
In New Zealand you must overtake on the right side of the vehicle you are passing.
Question 2: You must NOT overtake when you can see a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction unless you have enough room to:
- Speed up and pass quickly
- Complete the pass and return to your lane safely (Correct answer)
- Flash your lights as a warning
- Sound your horn and proceed
Correct answer: Complete the pass and return to your lane safely
You must only overtake when there is sufficient clear space ahead to complete the manoeuvre and return to your lane safely before meeting oncoming traffic.
Question 3: Which of the following markings on a New Zealand road means you CANNOT overtake?
- A broken yellow centre line
- A solid yellow centre line on your side (Correct answer)
- A white edge line
- Double white edge lines
Correct answer: A solid yellow centre line on your side
A solid yellow centre line on your side of the road prohibits you from crossing it to overtake.
Question 4: When is it legal to overtake on the left in New Zealand?
- Whenever traffic is moving slowly
- When the driver in front signals they are turning right (Correct answer)
- At any time on a dual carriageway
- Only at night
Correct answer: When the driver in front signals they are turning right
You may pass on the left when the vehicle ahead is signalling and positioned to turn right.
Question 5: What is the minimum safe following distance recommended in New Zealand under normal conditions?
- 1-second gap
- 2-second gap (Correct answer)
- 4-second gap
- 10-metre gap
Correct answer: 2-second gap
New Zealand's 'two-second rule' requires at least a two-second following distance under normal, dry conditions.
Question 6: You are being overtaken by another vehicle. What should you do?
- Speed up so the overtaking is safer
- Move to the centre of the road
- Maintain your speed or slow down to help the overtaking driver (Correct answer)
- Sound your horn to warn oncoming traffic
Correct answer: Maintain your speed or slow down to help the overtaking driver
When being overtaken you should maintain or slightly reduce your speed to make it easier and safer for the passing driver.
New Zealand Car Driving Test Overtaking and Road Sharing Rules 1
In New Zealand, on which side of the road must you overtake another vehicle?