New Zealand Car Driving Test Vehicle Lights and Signals 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When must you turn on your vehicle's headlights in New Zealand?
- From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise (Correct answer)
- Only when it is completely dark outside
- From 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise
- Whenever you feel visibility is low
Correct answer: From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise
New Zealand law requires headlights to be on from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
Question 2: How close to an oncoming vehicle must you be before you are required to dip your high-beam headlights?
- Within 100 metres
- Within 200 metres (Correct answer)
- Within 300 metres
- Within 500 metres
Correct answer: Within 200 metres
You must dip your high beams to low beams when within 200 metres of an oncoming vehicle to avoid blinding the other driver.
Question 3: When following another vehicle at night, at what distance must you switch from high beam to low beam headlights?
- Within 50 metres
- Within 100 metres
- Within 200 metres (Correct answer)
- Within 400 metres
Correct answer: Within 200 metres
You must dip to low beams when following another vehicle within 200 metres, as high beams can blind the driver ahead via their mirrors.
Question 4: How many seconds in advance should you signal before making a turn in New Zealand?
- At least 1 second
- At least 2 seconds
- At least 3 seconds (Correct answer)
- At least 5 seconds
Correct answer: At least 3 seconds
The New Zealand Road Code requires you to signal for at least 3 seconds before turning so other road users have adequate warning.
Question 5: When should you use your hazard lights while driving?
- Whenever you are driving slowly in traffic
- When you are double-parked briefly
- To warn other drivers of a hazard or emergency situation (Correct answer)
- When you are reversing into a parking space
Correct answer: To warn other drivers of a hazard or emergency situation
Hazard lights should be used to warn other road users of a hazard ahead or when your vehicle is stationary in a dangerous position.
Question 6: During the day, in which weather condition are you required by law to use your headlights in New Zealand?
- When it is cloudy
- When visibility is significantly reduced by rain, fog, or snow (Correct answer)
- Only during heavy rain
- Headlights are never required during daytime hours
Correct answer: When visibility is significantly reduced by rain, fog, or snow
You must use headlights during the day when adverse weather such as rain, fog, or snow significantly reduces visibility.
Question 7: What should you do if oncoming high-beam headlights are blinding you at night?
- Flash your lights repeatedly to warn the other driver
- Look toward the left edge of the road and slow down (Correct answer)
- Brake sharply and stop
- Switch to your own high beams to equalise the light
Correct answer: Look toward the left edge of the road and slow down
You should look toward the left edge of the road to avoid being blinded, and slow down until your vision is restored.
New Zealand Car Driving Test Vehicle Lights and Signals 1
When must you turn on your vehicle's headlights in New Zealand?