New Zealand Car Driving Test Speed Limits and Following 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum speed allowed when towing a trailer on an open road in New Zealand?
- 100 km/h
- 90 km/h (Correct answer)
- 80 km/h
- 110 km/h
Correct answer: 90 km/h
Vehicles towing trailers are limited to 90 km/h on open roads in New Zealand.
Question 2: In a shared zone in New Zealand, what is the maximum permitted speed?
- 20 km/h
- 15 km/h
- 10 km/h (Correct answer)
- 30 km/h
Correct answer: 10 km/h
Shared zones have a maximum speed of 10 km/h to protect pedestrians and cyclists sharing the space.
Question 3: How does wet weather affect the recommended following distance in New Zealand?
- No change is needed
- Increase to at least 4 seconds (Correct answer)
- Reduce to 1 second
- Increase to 10 seconds
Correct answer: Increase to at least 4 seconds
In wet conditions you should at least double the 2-second gap to 4 seconds because braking distances increase.
Question 4: A speed limit sign shows '80'. This means you MUST NOT exceed:
- 80 km/h under any circumstance (Correct answer)
- 85 km/h to allow a buffer
- 80 km/h unless overtaking
- 90 km/h on a clear road
Correct answer: 80 km/h under any circumstance
A posted speed limit is a legal maximum; exceeding it for any reason is an offence.
Question 5: On a New Zealand motorway, variable speed limit signs are displayed electronically. Are these legally enforceable?
- No, they are advisory only
- Yes, they have the same force as fixed signs (Correct answer)
- Only during peak hours
- Only in school zones
Correct answer: Yes, they have the same force as fixed signs
Electronic variable speed limit signs on motorways are legally enforceable and must be obeyed the same as fixed signs.
Question 6: What minimum following distance does New Zealand's road code recommend in normal, dry conditions?
- 1 second
- 2 seconds (Correct answer)
- 3 seconds
- 5 seconds
Correct answer: 2 seconds
The NZ Road Code recommends keeping a minimum 2-second gap behind the vehicle ahead in normal conditions.
Question 7: You are travelling at 100 km/h on an open road and see a speed limit sign showing 50 km/h. When must you be at or below 50 km/h?
- Before the sign
- At the sign (Correct answer)
- 100 m past the sign
- At the next intersection
Correct answer: At the sign
You must have reduced your speed to the posted limit by the time you reach the speed limit sign.
What is the maximum speed allowed when towing a trailer on an open road in New Zealand?