New Zealand Road Code Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What must you do before opening your car door after parking on a roadside?

Turn on your interior light
Sound your horn
Flash your hazard lights
Check for approaching traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Check for approaching traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians

You must check mirrors and look behind for approaching traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians before opening your door to avoid causing a collision.

Question 2: What is the meaning of a broken yellow line painted near the edge of the road?

Loading and unloading of goods is permitted.
No stopping or parking is allowed at any time. (Correct answer)
Parking is reserved for residents only.
You may only stop for a maximum of 5 minutes.

Correct answer: No stopping or parking is allowed at any time.

A broken yellow line along the kerb indicates that no stopping, waiting, or parking is permitted at any time, as it would cause an obstruction or be dangerous to other road users.

Question 3: When entering a roundabout in New Zealand, which direction must you travel?

The direction indicated by signs
Counterclockwise
Clockwise (Correct answer)
Either direction depending on your exit

Correct answer: Clockwise

In New Zealand, you drive on the left side of the road, so you must travel clockwise around roundabouts.

Question 4: In New Zealand, how close to a fire hydrant are you prohibited from parking?

Within 3 metres
Within 2 metres
Within 1 metre
Within 500mm (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Within 500mm

You must not park within 500mm of a fire hydrant in New Zealand.

Question 5: What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign with a black cross indicate when approaching an intersection?

Hospital nearby
Railway crossing ahead
Crossroads intersection ahead (Correct answer)
No stopping zone

Correct answer: Crossroads intersection ahead

A yellow diamond sign with a black cross warns you that a crossroads intersection is ahead and you should be prepared to give way.

Question 6: You want to park on a road with a speed limit of 100 km/h. What must you do?

You must not park on the road at all (Correct answer)
Use hazard lights while parked
Park only on the left side
Park at least 50m from an intersection

Correct answer: You must not park on the road at all

Parking on a road with a speed limit over 70 km/h is not permitted in New Zealand.

Question 7: When can you park on the right hand side of the road?

At any time if you leave your park lights on
If there are marked bays
If you are delivering packages
Only on a one-way street (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Only on a one-way street

The side of the road you are on is based on which direction you are facing in relation to which lane you are in. You must never park on the right so that you are facing traffic.

Question 8: While driving in strong crosswinds on a New Zealand exposed highway, which vehicles are most at risk of being pushed out of their lane?

High-sided vehicles such as trucks, campervans, and caravans (Correct answer)
Vehicles with roof racks loaded with luggage
Low, heavy sedans
Front-wheel-drive hatchbacks

Correct answer: High-sided vehicles such as trucks, campervans, and caravans

High-sided vehicles present a large surface area for wind to act upon. The greater the surface area relative to the vehicle's weight, the more susceptible it is to being pushed sideways by strong gusts. Trucks, campervans, and caravans are therefore most vulnerable.

Question 9: A pedestrian is crossing the road at a zebra crossing ahead of you. What must you do?

Sound your horn and proceed
Only stop if they are already on your side of the road
Give way to the pedestrian (Correct answer)
Flash your lights and continue if clear

Correct answer: Give way to the pedestrian

Drivers must give way to any pedestrian on or about to cross at a marked zebra crossing.

Question 10: In New Zealand, what does a sign showing a snowflake symbol on a mountain road indicate?

A ski resort is nearby
Refrigerated transport vehicles have priority
The road is closed for the winter season
The road may be affected by ice or snow and chains may be required (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The road may be affected by ice or snow and chains may be required

A snowflake warning sign alerts drivers that the road ahead may have ice or snow, and snow chains may be needed.

Question 11: You are driving along a road and notice a broken yellow line on your side of the white centre line. What does this marking signify?

You are in a designated 'no parking' area.
It is safe to start overtaking another vehicle.
The road is narrowing ahead.
A no-passing zone is about to begin. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A no-passing zone is about to begin.

A broken yellow line on your side of the centre line serves as an advance warning that a solid yellow no-passing line is about to start. You should not begin an overtaking manoeuvre when you see these lines.

Question 12: What is the driver's responsibility regarding mobile phone use while driving?

You may use a handheld phone on open roads only
You must not use a handheld phone while driving (Correct answer)
You may use a handheld phone at speeds under 30 km/h
You may text only when stopped at traffic lights

Correct answer: You must not use a handheld phone while driving

It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving in New Zealand, including texting or calling.

Question 13: Can you park in a mobility parking space without a mobility parking permit?

Yes, but only briefly to drop someone off
No, it is illegal and you may be fined (Correct answer)
Yes, outside business hours
Yes, if the space is empty

Correct answer: No, it is illegal and you may be fined

Parking in a mobility space without a valid permit displayed is illegal and carries a significant fine.

Question 14: Does the driver of the blue car have to give way?

Yes
No (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No

Both cars have a green light, but the turning car (the red car), must give way to the car travelling straight through (the blue car).

Question 15: What does a broken yellow line painted along the kerb indicate in New Zealand?

No stopping at any time
No parking but you may stop briefly to drop off passengers (Correct answer)
Parking allowed for residents only
Loading zone for commercial vehicles

Correct answer: No parking but you may stop briefly to drop off passengers

A broken yellow line means no parking, but you may stop briefly to pick up or drop off passengers or goods.

Question 16: You are at a T-intersection, on the road that ends (the bottom of the 'T'). A car is approaching from your right on the continuing road. What must you do?

Proceed, as you have the right of way.
Give way to the car on your right. (Correct answer)
Proceed if you are turning left.
Give way only if the other car is indicating.

Correct answer: Give way to the car on your right.

At a T-intersection, all traffic on the terminating road (the bottom of the 'T') must give way to all traffic on the continuing road (the top of the 'T').

Question 17: When driving in heavy rain with reduced visibility, how should you adjust your following distance?

Triple it to 6 seconds minimum
Reduce it so you can see the tail-lights of the car ahead
Double it to at least 4 seconds (Correct answer)
Keep the standard 2-second gap

Correct answer: Double it to at least 4 seconds

In heavy rain you should increase your following distance to at least 4 seconds to allow for reduced braking performance and visibility.

Question 18: In a 50 km/h zone, at what reading would a driver aged 22 be at the legal blood alcohol limit?

20mg per 100ml
100mg per 100ml
80mg per 100ml
50mg per 100ml (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 50mg per 100ml

The blood alcohol limit for drivers aged 20 and over is exactly 50mg per 100ml.

Question 19: Which of the following best describes the meaning of a yellow, diamond-shaped sign?

It indicates a temporary change in road conditions due to roadworks.
It provides information, such as the distance to the next town.
It gives an order that must be legally obeyed, such as a speed limit.
It provides a warning of a potential hazard or a change in road layout ahead. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It provides a warning of a potential hazard or a change in road layout ahead.

In New Zealand, permanent warning signs are typically yellow and diamond-shaped. They are used to warn drivers of potential dangers, such as curves, intersections, or slippery surfaces, so they can adjust their driving accordingly.

Question 20: What must you do before opening your car door on a road?

Wait until there is no traffic anywhere
Open it quickly to minimize time in the road
Honk your horn to warn others
Check for passing traffic and cyclists (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Check for passing traffic and cyclists

You must check for approaching traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians before opening your door to avoid causing a collision.

Question 21: You are driving and approach a roundabout (traffic circle) in New Zealand. What is the general rule for entering?

You must give way to all vehicles already circulating in the roundabout (Correct answer)
The vehicle on your right entering at the same time must give way to you
You may enter immediately if you are turning left without giving way to anyone
Vehicles entering the roundabout have right of way over those already in it

Correct answer: You must give way to all vehicles already circulating in the roundabout

At a roundabout in New Zealand, you must give way to all vehicles already travelling within the roundabout. You may only enter when there is a safe gap in the circulating traffic, regardless of which exit you intend to take.

Question 22: You are dropping off a passenger and will return to the car within 2 minutes. Are you parked or stopped?

Stopped, because you stay with the vehicle (Correct answer)
Parked, because you leave the vehicle
Stopped only if on a yellow line
Parked, because the engine is running

Correct answer: Stopped, because you stay with the vehicle

You are stopped (not parked) as long as you remain in or immediately beside the vehicle and move promptly.

Question 23: A speed limit sign shows '80' in a red circle. You then enter a town and see a '50' sign. Which limit applies inside the town?

50 km/h — the new sign overrides the previous limit (Correct answer)
60 km/h — urban default is always 60
You choose based on which feels safer
80 km/h — the last numerical sign you passed

Correct answer: 50 km/h — the new sign overrides the previous limit

Each new speed limit sign overrides the previous one from the point you pass it.

Question 24: In New Zealand, how far from an intersection must you park if there are no signs or markings indicating otherwise?

6 metres (Correct answer)
4 metres
10 metres
8 metres

Correct answer: 6 metres

You must park at least 6 metres from an intersection unless signs say otherwise.

Question 25: You are approaching an intersection in the left-hand lane of a multi-lane road. Road markings show your lane is for turning left OR going straight. Which of the following is correct?

You must turn left, as the straight arrow is for guidance only.
You must stay in this lane to go straight and must not change lanes within the intersection. (Correct answer)
You should move to the right-hand lane if you want to go straight.
You can turn right from this lane if you signal your intention early.

Correct answer: You must stay in this lane to go straight and must not change lanes within the intersection.

When approaching a multi-lane intersection, you must choose the correct lane for your intended direction and follow the arrows painted on the road. You must not change lanes once you have entered the intersection.

Question 26: A driver under 20 years old in New Zealand must have a breath alcohol level of no more than:

400 mcg/L
Zero (0 mcg/L) (Correct answer)
150 mcg/L
250 mcg/L

Correct answer: Zero (0 mcg/L)

New Zealand has a zero alcohol limit for drivers under 20, meaning any detectable breath alcohol is an offense.

Question 27: You are driving in the mountains on a frosty morning in New Zealand. Which road surfaces are most likely to be icy first?

Straight stretches of motorway
Sealed rural roads in direct sunlight
Tunnels and underpasses
Bridges and overpasses (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Bridges and overpasses

Bridges and overpasses freeze before other surfaces because cold air circulates both above and below the deck, removing heat from both sides. Other road surfaces retain ground heat longer, making them slower to freeze.

Question 28: A yellow diamond-shaped sign with an arrow is posted before an intersection. What does this indicate about giving way?

The road is closed ahead
You must give way to all traffic
Speed limit is changing
You are on a priority road and have right of way (Correct answer)

Correct answer: You are on a priority road and have right of way

A yellow diamond sign indicates you are traveling on a priority road and other traffic must give way to you at the intersection.

Question 29: You park on an uphill slope with no kerb. Which way should you turn your front wheels?

It doesn't matter on an uphill slope
To the right, away from the road edge (Correct answer)
To the left, towards the road edge
Straight ahead

Correct answer: To the right, away from the road edge

On a hill without a kerb, turn wheels away from the road edge so the car rolls away from traffic if the brakes fail.

Question 30: A police officer at a checkpoint asks every passing driver for a compulsory breath test. Can they do this lawfully?

Only between midnight and 5am
Only if the driver has been in an accident
Yes — police can require a breath test from any driver at any time (Correct answer)
No — police need a specific reason to suspect alcohol

Correct answer: Yes — police can require a breath test from any driver at any time

New Zealand police have the authority to stop and breath-test any driver at any time without needing a specific reason.

Question 31: What should you do if oncoming high-beam headlights are blinding you at night?

Look toward the left edge of the road and slow down (Correct answer)
Switch to your own high beams to equalise the light
Brake sharply and stop
Flash your lights repeatedly to warn the other driver

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.

Question 32: You are turning right at an uncontrolled intersection and a vehicle coming from the opposite direction is going straight through. Who must give way?

Both vehicles must stop and negotiate
Whoever arrives first has right of way
You must give way to the vehicle going straight (Correct answer)
The vehicle going straight must give way to you

Correct answer: You must give way to the vehicle going straight

At uncontrolled intersections in New Zealand, a vehicle turning right must give way to oncoming vehicles going straight through.

Question 33: You are driving in the city and see a sign for a 'Loading Zone' with 'P5' on it. What does this mean for a private car?

You can park for 5 hours if you are loading or unloading goods.
You can stop to pick up or drop off passengers or goods, but must not leave the vehicle unattended for more than 5 minutes. (Correct answer)
Only goods vehicles can use this zone; private cars are not permitted.
You can park there for up to 5 minutes for any reason.

Correct answer: You can stop to pick up or drop off passengers or goods, but must not leave the vehicle unattended for more than 5 minutes.

A general loading zone sign ('P' followed by a number) allows any vehicle to stop for the purpose of loading or unloading goods or passengers for the time specified (in this case, 5 minutes), but the vehicle cannot be left unattended.

Question 34: 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?

The length of two cars.
A two-second gap. (Correct answer)
A four-second gap.
A one-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 35: When driving downhill on a steep New Zealand road in icy conditions, what is the most effective way to maintain control?

Ride the brakes continuously to keep speed low
Coast in neutral to avoid wheel lock-up
Use a lower gear to let engine braking assist and apply brakes gently as needed (Correct answer)
Apply the handbrake intermittently to slow down

Correct answer: Use a lower gear to let engine braking assist and apply brakes gently as needed

Using a lower gear provides engine braking which helps control speed without relying solely on the brakes, reducing the risk of wheel lock-up on ice.

Question 36: What should you do if you feel drowsy while driving?

Open the window and keep driving
Turn up the radio and continue
Pull over and rest before continuing (Correct answer)
Drive faster to reach your destination sooner

Correct answer: Pull over and rest before continuing

If you feel drowsy, the safest action is to pull over in a safe place and rest before continuing your journey.

Question 37: What does a broken yellow line painted along the edge of a road in New Zealand indicate?

No parking but stopping to pick up or drop off passengers is allowed (Correct answer)
Parking is allowed for up to 5 minutes
No stopping at any time
Reserved parking for residents

Correct answer: No parking but stopping to pick up or drop off passengers is allowed

A broken yellow line means no parking, but you may stop briefly to pick up or drop off passengers.

Question 38: You are driving at night on an open road. Why might you need to drive slower than the 100 km/h limit?

Reflective road markings increase your speed perception
Your headlights may not illuminate far enough for you to stop within the lit distance (Correct answer)
The limit drops to 80 km/h automatically after dark
Night driving is always faster due to less traffic

Correct answer: Your headlights may not illuminate far enough for you to stop within the lit distance

At night your stopping distance can exceed your headlight range, so you should reduce speed to match the distance you can see.

Question 39: Which of the following is the best way to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front?

Use the two-second rule under normal conditions (Correct answer)
Stay one car length behind per 10 km/h of speed
Follow at a distance that matches surrounding traffic
Keep 20 metres between vehicles at all times

Correct answer: Use the two-second rule under normal conditions

The two-second rule — let at least two seconds pass between the car ahead passing a fixed point and your car reaching it — is the standard recommended in New Zealand.

Question 40: You reach an intersection where the traffic lights are not working. How should you treat it?

As a normal intersection with no rules
As a one-way street
As a stop intersection where all vehicles must stop
As a give way intersection (Correct answer)

Correct answer: As a give way intersection

When traffic signals are not working, treat the intersection as an uncontrolled intersection and apply the give-way rules.

Question 41: A fire engine with flashing lights and sirens approaches an intersection where you have a green light. What must you do?

Continue through the intersection since you have the green light
Speed up to clear the intersection quickly
Pull over safely and give way to the emergency vehicle (Correct answer)
Stop immediately in your lane

Correct answer: Pull over safely and give way to the emergency vehicle

You must always give way to emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens, regardless of traffic signals.

Question 42: In New Zealand, how far from a railway level crossing must you avoid parking?

10 metres
20 metres
15 metres
5 metres (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5 metres

You must not park within 5 metres of a railway level crossing in New Zealand.

Question 43: On a one-way street in New Zealand, on which side(s) of the road are you permitted to park?

Right side only
Either side (Correct answer)
Left side only
Neither side — one-way streets prohibit all parking

Correct answer: Either side

On a one-way street you may park on either the left or right side of the road, provided no parking restrictions apply. Because traffic only flows one direction, parking on the right does not put you facing oncoming vehicles.

Question 44: What do diagonal yellow lines painted on the road at an intersection mean in New Zealand?

Parking allowed for 5 minutes
No stopping zone (Correct answer)
Slow down zone
Bus lane only

Correct answer: No stopping zone

Diagonal yellow lines at intersections indicate a no stopping zone where vehicles must not stop.

New Zealand Road Code Test

The New Zealand Road Code Test covers road rules and safety required for a driver's licence.

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60 min

Time Limit

80%

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