New Zealand Motorbike Driving Test New Zealand Motorbike Driving Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When should a motorcyclist in New Zealand use their headlight?
- Only at night or in tunnels
- Only in rain or fog
- At all times, day and night (Correct answer)
- Only when visibility is below 100 metres
Correct answer: At all times, day and night
New Zealand law requires motorcyclists to ride with their headlight on at all times to improve visibility to other road users.
Question 2: At an unmarked intersection where two vehicles arrive simultaneously, who has right of way in New Zealand?
- The larger vehicle always has priority
- The vehicle on the right has priority (Correct answer)
- The vehicle travelling faster has priority
- The vehicle that arrived first has priority
Correct answer: The vehicle on the right has priority
At an unmarked intersection, you must give way to any vehicle approaching from your right.
Question 3: In New Zealand, a motorcyclist approaching a yellow (amber) traffic light should:
- Accelerate to clear the intersection before it turns red
- Stop before the line if it is safe to do so (Correct answer)
- Sound the horn and proceed with caution
- Always proceed — amber is a warning for the next light only
Correct answer: Stop before the line if it is safe to do so
A yellow light means stop if it is safe; you should only continue if stopping would be dangerous.
Question 4: Which of the following protective gear, besides a helmet, is strongly recommended for New Zealand motorcyclists under the AMS guidelines?
- A high-visibility vest only
- Gloves, jacket, boots, and trousers with impact protection (Correct answer)
- A seatbelt harness attachment
- A full-face shield made of glass
Correct answer: Gloves, jacket, boots, and trousers with impact protection
AMS guidelines strongly recommend gloves, protective jacket, ankle-covering boots, and reinforced trousers to reduce injury risk.
Question 5: What does a flashing red traffic light mean for a motorcyclist in New Zealand?
- Treat as a stop sign — stop and go only when safe (Correct answer)
- Slow down and proceed with caution
- Stop and wait for a green light
- The light is faulty — stop and call for assistance
Correct answer: Treat as a stop sign — stop and go only when safe
A flashing red light must be treated like a stop sign; stop completely and proceed only when it is safe.
Question 6: Under New Zealand road rules, motorcyclists are permitted to use the bus lane:
- At all times without restriction
- Only when the bus lane is signposted to allow motorcycles (Correct answer)
- Never — bus lanes are strictly for buses
- Only during off-peak hours
Correct answer: Only when the bus lane is signposted to allow motorcycles
Motorcyclists may use bus lanes only where signage explicitly permits motorcycles to do so.
Question 7: What is the safest approach when overtaking a vehicle on a New Zealand road on a motorcycle?
- Overtake quickly on the left (inside) to avoid oncoming traffic
- Signal, check mirrors and blind spots, accelerate firmly, and complete the pass swiftly (Correct answer)
- Follow closely behind the vehicle first to reduce wind resistance
- Flash headlights to warn the vehicle ahead before passing
Correct answer: Signal, check mirrors and blind spots, accelerate firmly, and complete the pass swiftly
Safe overtaking requires signalling, checking all mirrors and blind spots, then completing the pass quickly to minimise exposure time.
When should a motorcyclist in New Zealand use their headlight?