QuizTraffic rulesNew Zealand

This interesting quiz helps you test your knowledge in a clear and visual way. With easy multiple-choice questions, you can quickly build confidence and learn new facts while keeping it simple, interactive, and fun.


What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

501. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Dipped headlights.
✓ Interior lighting.
Parking lights.
Instrument-panel brightness.

This control operates the vehicle's interior lighting. Depending on the vehicle, the lights can be switched on manually or set to illuminate automatically when a door is opened.

Control for the vehicle's interior lighting
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching a tunnel?

502. What should you do when approaching a tunnel?

Drive closer to the vehicle ahead for guidance.
Stop and wait until the tunnel is clear.
Increase speed to spend less time inside.
✓ Use the correct lights and keep a safe distance.

When entering a tunnel, use the correct lights, keep enough distance, and stay alert for slower traffic.

Vehicle approaching a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a motorcyclist react to grooves or ruts in the road?

503. How should a motorcyclist react to grooves or ruts in the road?

Accelerate sharply to cross them quickly.
Brake hard while riding through them.
✓ Reduce speed and keep a relaxed, steady grip.
Grip the handlebars as tightly as possible.

Longitudinal grooves or ruts can affect a motorcycle's steering and may make the wheels follow the uneven surface. Reduce speed where necessary, keep a relaxed but steady grip and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering corrections.

Motorcyclist approaching grooves in the road surface
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you never leave a petrol or diesel engine running in an enclosed space?

504. Why should you never leave a petrol or diesel engine running in an enclosed space?

The battery can become overcharged.
The tyres can lose pressure more quickly.
✓ Dangerous carbon monoxide can build up.
The engine can lose oil pressure.

Exhaust gases from petrol and diesel engines can contain carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can build up quickly in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space. Never leave the engine running inside a closed garage or similar area.

Running vehicle engine in an enclosed space
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the safest choice if you have consumed alcohol?

505. What is the safest choice if you have consumed alcohol?

Drive only if you do not feel drunk.
Drink coffee before driving.
Eat something and wait a short while.
✓ Do not drive and arrange a sober form of transport.

Alcohol can impair judgement, coordination, vision, and reaction time. A sober driver, taxi, public transport, or an overnight stay is the safer choice.

Alcohol consumption and the decision not to drive
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if visibility is reduced by fog?

506. What should you do if visibility is reduced by fog?

Maintain normal speed if the road markings are visible.
Use hazard lights instead of normal headlights.
✓ Slow down and use the correct lights.
Use main beam to see further through the fog.

Fog makes it harder to see and be seen. Reduce speed, increase following distance, and use the correct lights.

Fog reducing visibility on a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is it dangerous to drive through standing water at speed?

507. Why is it dangerous to drive through standing water at speed?

The steering becomes more responsive.
The brakes become more effective when wet.
The suspension becomes firmer at higher speed.
✓ The tyres may lose contact with the road.

Driving too fast through water can cause aquaplaning, where the tyres lose grip and the driver may lose control.

Vehicle travelling through standing water
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

508. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

A brake-system fault.
An engine-management fault.
✓ A general warning requiring attention.
Electronic stability control.

This is a general or master warning symbol. It indicates that the vehicle has detected a condition requiring attention and is often accompanied by a message or another warning on the instrument display.

General warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should cyclists avoid using a handheld phone?

509. Why should cyclists avoid using a handheld phone?

✓ It reduces your control and attention.
Because phones must be switched off while cycling.
Because phone signals can interfere with traffic lights.
Because phones can interfere with bicycle electronics.

Using a phone can distract you and may prevent you from steering, braking, or reacting properly.

Cyclist using a handheld phone
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you normally do when the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off?

510. What should you normally do when the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off?

✓ Stop refuelling rather than continuing to top up the tank.
Keep filling until fuel reaches the filler opening.
Remove the nozzle and restart the engine immediately.
Shake the vehicle to make room for more fuel.

When the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off, stop refuelling rather than repeatedly topping up the tank. Continuing can cause fuel to spill or overflow and may interfere with the vehicle's fuel-vapour control system.

Fuel nozzle in a vehicle's filler opening
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What colour is a stop sign usually?

511. What colour is a stop sign usually?

Green.
✓ Red.
Blue.
Yellow.

Stop signs are almost always red because red is universally associated with danger and the need to stop immediately.

Red octagonal stop sign
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you realise you have put the wrong fuel in your vehicle?

512. What should you do if you realise you have put the wrong fuel in your vehicle?

✓ Do not start the engine, and seek assistance.
Start the engine and drive slowly to use the fuel.
Add the correct fuel and continue driving.
Rev the engine briefly to mix the fuels.

If you have used the wrong fuel, do not start the engine. Starting it can circulate the incorrect fuel and cause further damage. If possible, avoid switching on the ignition and seek appropriate roadside or workshop assistance.

Fuel nozzle and the risk of misfuelling
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle begins to aquaplane?

513. What should you do if your vehicle begins to aquaplane?

Turn the steering wheel sharply to regain grip.
Accelerate to push through the water.
✓ Ease off the accelerator and keep steering gently.
Brake firmly to force the tyres back onto the road.

Aquaplaning happens when the tyres lose contact with the road surface. Ease off the accelerator, avoid sudden movements, and wait for grip to return.

Vehicle losing tyre contact on a water-covered road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when walking near a driveway?

514. What should you do when walking near a driveway?

✓ Watch for vehicles entering or leaving.
Watch only for vehicles leaving the driveway.
Assume vehicles will stop before crossing your path.
Rely on engine noise to warn you of vehicles.

Vehicles may enter or leave driveways suddenly. Stay alert and check for moving vehicles.

Pedestrian passing a driveway entrance
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you use the clutch and accelerator when moving off?

515. How should you use the clutch and accelerator when moving off?

Press the brake and accelerator together.
Release the clutch suddenly without using the accelerator.
✓ Release the clutch smoothly while applying the accelerator progressively.
Keep the clutch fully pressed while accelerating.

When moving off, release the clutch pedal smoothly through the biting point while applying the accelerator progressively. This helps the vehicle move away smoothly without stalling or excessive engine speed.

Coordinating the clutch and accelerator when moving off
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is black ice?

516. What is black ice?

A dark patch of wet asphalt.
✓ A thin, often transparent layer of ice that can be difficult to see.
Frozen mud covering the road surface.
Ice that forms only during darkness.

Black ice is difficult to detect because the road surface may look merely wet. It can cause a sudden and severe loss of grip.

Thin ice covering a road surface
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when entering a roundabout?

517. What should you do when entering a roundabout?

✓ Slow down, give way when required, and enter only when safe.
Give way only to traffic in the lane nearest to you.
Stop and wait until the roundabout is completely empty.
Enter if another driver appears to be slowing down.

When approaching a roundabout, reduce your speed, observe traffic, follow the signs and local priority rules, and enter only when it is safe.

Vehicle at a roundabout entrance
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if an EV charging cable or connector is damaged?

518. What should you do if an EV charging cable or connector is damaged?

Cover the damaged area and continue charging.
Use it if the vehicle still begins charging.
✓ Do not use it, and report or arrange repair of the damage.
Reduce the charging power and continue using it.

Do not use a damaged charging cable or connector. Damage can create a risk of electric shock, overheating, or fire. Use suitable undamaged charging equipment and report the fault or arrange professional repair or replacement.

Damaged electric-vehicle charging cable or connector
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before leaving a motorway?

519. What should you do before leaving a motorway?

Wait until the exit begins before checking your mirrors.
Cross several lanes at the last moment.
Signal only after entering the exit lane.
✓ Check your mirrors, signal in good time, and enter the exit lane safely.

Plan your exit early, move into the correct lane safely, and reduce speed after entering the exit road where appropriate.

Vehicle preparing to take a motorway exit
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which control activates all direction indicators at the same time?

520. Which control activates all direction indicators at the same time?

✓ The hazard warning light switch.
The rear-window demister.
The headlight switch.
The parking-brake control.

The hazard warning light switch activates all direction indicators at the same time to warn other road users of a hazard or emergency.

Hazard warning light switch and triangle symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the pedestrian light is red?

521. What should you do if the pedestrian light is red?

Cross if nearby vehicles appear to have stopped.
Start crossing if the signal is about to change.
Cross if another pedestrian has already started.
✓ Wait until it turns green.

A red pedestrian signal means you should wait before crossing.

Red pedestrian signal at a crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When should you consider delaying a journey because of severe weather?

522. When should you consider delaying a journey because of severe weather?

Never, if the vehicle is in good condition.
Only when your vehicle has no winter tyres.
Whenever the weather forecast mentions rain.
✓ When conditions make driving unsafe.

Severe weather can create dangerous conditions. Delaying a journey may be the safest choice when risks are too high.

Severe weather making a road journey hazardous
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you follow the manufacturer's service schedule?

523. Why should you follow the manufacturer's service schedule?

It guarantees that no faults will develop between services.
It allows vehicle problems to be ignored until the next service.
It prevents normal wear on important vehicle components.
✓ Regular servicing can identify wear and maintain safety and reliability.

Scheduled servicing helps ensure that brakes, tyres, fluids, filters, steering, suspension, and other important systems are checked and maintained before faults become more serious.

Vehicle maintenance following a servicing schedule
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

524. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Rear window demister.
✓ Air recirculation.
Air conditioning.
Fresh-air ventilation.

This symbol activates air recirculation, which reduces the amount of outside air entering the vehicle and recirculates air already inside the cabin. It can be useful when driving through polluted air or when cooling the interior quickly.

Cabin air-recirculation control and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can mixing alcohol with medicine be dangerous for drivers?

525. Why can mixing alcohol with medicine be dangerous for drivers?

Alcohol leaves the body faster when taking medicine.
Medicine can cancel out the effects of alcohol.
✓ The combination may increase drowsiness or impairment.
The combination is safe if taken with food.

Some prescription and non-prescription medicines can intensify alcohol-related drowsiness, dizziness, poor coordination, or reduced concentration.

Alcohol and medicine as a driving-impairment risk
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be extra careful at night?

526. Why should you be extra careful at night?

Vehicles need more distance to accelerate.
✓ Visibility is reduced.
Road surfaces are usually more slippery.
Road markings become less important.

At night, it is harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, road markings, and hazards. Reduce speed and use the correct lights.

Road traffic in reduced night-time visibility
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which colour combination is commonly used for warning signs in New Zealand?

527. Which colour combination is commonly used for warning signs in New Zealand?

Red border with white background.
Blue border with white background.
✓ Black border with yellow background.
Red border with yellow background.

Most warning signs in New Zealand have a black border with a yellow background.

Colour combinations used for road warning signs
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you notice the location of emergency exits in a tunnel?

528. Why should you notice the location of emergency exits in a tunnel?

✓ You may need to reach one quickly during an emergency.
They show where overtaking is prohibited.
Pedestrians may be crossing near them.
They provide shortcuts to nearby roads.

Knowing where emergency exits and refuge areas are located can save valuable time during a fire, collision, or evacuation.

Emergency exit inside a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you normally hold the steering wheel while driving?

529. How should you normally hold the steering wheel while driving?

With both hands together at the bottom.
With one hand resting on the gear lever.
With one hand at the top of the wheel.
✓ With both hands in a balanced position.

Hold the steering wheel with both hands in a balanced position so that you can steer smoothly and react quickly. A position around nine and three o'clock generally provides good control.

Driver holding the steering wheel with both hands
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which signs may indicate that you are becoming too tired to drive safely?

530. Which signs may indicate that you are becoming too tired to drive safely?

✓ Yawning, heavy eyelids, and difficulty concentrating.
Feeling hungry and slightly thirsty.
Listening to quieter music.
Wanting to adjust the cabin temperature.

Warning signs of driver fatigue can include repeated yawning, heavy eyelids, difficulty concentrating, wandering thoughts, and trouble maintaining a steady road position. These signs mean you should stop and rest before continuing.

Driver showing signs of fatigue
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can headphones or very loud music be dangerous while driving?

531. Why can headphones or very loud music be dangerous while driving?

They can make road signs harder to read.
✓ They can make important warning sounds harder to hear.
They can make the mirrors more difficult to adjust.
They can prevent the horn from working properly.

Headphones or very loud music can reduce your awareness of horns, sirens, warning sounds, and surrounding traffic. Keep the volume at a level that allows you to remain aware of what is happening around the vehicle.

Driver wearing headphones at the wheel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should a designated driver do?

532. What should a designated driver do?

✓ Remain alcohol-free for the entire journey.
Drink only low-alcohol drinks.
Do not carry passengers who have been drinking.
Drink only a small amount with food.

A designated driver should remain sober so they can drive safely and respond properly to traffic conditions.

Alcohol-free designated driver for a journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should loose clothing be avoided when riding a motorcycle?

533. Why should loose clothing be avoided when riding a motorcycle?

It can make the brakes overheat.
It can prevent the engine from cooling properly.
It can reduce the pressure in the tyres.
✓ It can become caught in moving parts or distract the rider.

Loose clothing, straps or scarves can flap in the wind or become caught in moving parts such as the chain or wheel. Motorcycle clothing should fit securely and should not have loose items that could interfere with safe riding.

Motorcyclist wearing loose clothing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave a much larger following distance on an icy road?

534. Why should you leave a much larger following distance on an icy road?

✓ Because stopping distances can be much longer.
To make the headlights work more effectively.
To give the engine more time to warm up.
Because ice increases tyre wear.

Tyres have much less grip on ice, so braking takes longer. Extra distance gives you more time to slow down safely.

Following distance between vehicles on an icy road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you position your vehicle beside a fuel pump?

535. How should you position your vehicle beside a fuel pump?

As close to the pump as possible, even if access is restricted.
With the fuel hose stretched tightly across the vehicle.
✓ With the fuel-filler side close enough for the hose to reach safely.
At an angle so the rear of the vehicle is closest to the pump.

Position the vehicle so the fuel filler is close to the pump and the hose can reach without being stretched tightly across or around the vehicle. Stop within the designated refuelling area and leave enough space to use the pump safely.

Vehicle positioned beside a fuel pump
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before driving away after charging an electric vehicle?

536. What should you do before driving away after charging an electric vehicle?

Leave the cable connected until the vehicle starts moving.
✓ Disconnect the charging cable and secure it properly.
Leave the charging flap open so it can cool.
Drive forward slowly to disconnect the plug.

Before driving away, disconnect the charging cable correctly and return it to the charger or store it securely in the vehicle, as appropriate. Close the charging port and check that the area around the vehicle is clear.

Disconnecting an electric vehicle after charging
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you smell fuel or see fuel leaking from your vehicle?

537. What should you do if you smell fuel or see fuel leaking from your vehicle?

✓ Stop, switch off the engine, avoid flames or sparks, and call for assistance.
Wash the leaking fuel away with water.
Ignore a small leak if the fuel level remains stable.
Restart the engine to check whether the leak continues.

Leaking fuel creates a serious fire risk. Keep people away, do not restart the engine, and arrange professional assistance.

Fuel leaking from a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a cyclist react to a pothole?

538. How should a cyclist react to a pothole?

Keep your speed and pass as close as possible.
✓ Check surroundings, reduce speed, and avoid it smoothly.
Focus only on the pothole and not the traffic around you.
Swerve around it as soon as you notice it.

Sudden swerving can place you in the path of traffic. Check your surroundings and change direction gradually.

Cyclist approaching a pothole
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you wear suitable footwear when driving?

539. Why should you wear suitable footwear when driving?

✓ So you can operate the pedals accurately and safely.
So the vehicle uses less fuel.
So the pedals require less force to operate.
So the clutch cannot wear out.

Suitable footwear helps you operate the accelerator, brake, and clutch accurately. Loose, bulky, or slippery footwear can interfere with pedal control or become caught around the pedals.

Driver's footwear and contact with the pedals
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before using a pedestrian crossing?

540. What should you do before using a pedestrian crossing?

Cross as soon as the nearest vehicle starts slowing down.
Rely on the crossing markings to make every vehicle stop.
✓ Make sure it is safe to cross.
Cross once a driver makes eye contact with you.

Even at a pedestrian crossing, make sure approaching drivers have seen you and are able to stop before you cross.

Pedestrian checking traffic before using a crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Where should you go after safely leaving a disabled vehicle in a tunnel?

541. Where should you go after safely leaving a disabled vehicle in a tunnel?

Wait directly behind the vehicle where drivers can see you.
Walk along the traffic lane toward the tunnel entrance.
Stay close to the vehicle until traffic starts moving.
✓ To a protected emergency area or exit away from traffic.

Move away from live traffic and use a marked emergency exit, refuge area, or protected walkway where available.

Leaving a disabled vehicle for a tunnel emergency area
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you check blind spots before moving off?

542. Why should you check blind spots before moving off?

To check whether the road ahead is clear.
✓ A cyclist, pedestrian, or vehicle may be beside you.
To make sure your mirrors are adjusted correctly.
To judge the speed of traffic approaching from behind.

Mirrors do not show every area around your vehicle. A blind-spot check can reveal cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, or vehicles before you move off.

Driver checking a blind spot before moving off
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if strong winds push your vehicle sideways?

543. What should you do if strong winds push your vehicle sideways?

✓ Keep calm and steer smoothly to maintain your lane.
Release the steering wheel briefly and let the vehicle settle.
Accelerate to make the vehicle more stable.
Brake hard immediately to stop the vehicle moving sideways.

Strong winds can push your vehicle off course, especially at higher speeds. Reduce speed and use smooth steering to stay in control.

Crosswind affecting a vehicle's road position
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the brake pedal feels unusually soft?

544. What should you do if the brake pedal feels unusually soft?

Press the accelerator harder before braking.
Use only the parking brake while driving.
✓ Stop safely and have the braking system inspected.
Reduce the tyre pressure to improve braking.

A soft brake pedal or increased stopping distance may indicate a serious brake fault. Do not continue driving normally until the system has been checked.

Brake-pedal check for a possible braking fault
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the windscreen wipers leave the glass smeared?

545. What should you do if the windscreen wipers leave the glass smeared?

Apply lubricant to the wiper blades.
Ignore it unless the wipers stop moving.
Replace the washer pump instead of the blades.
✓ Clean the windscreen and blades, and replace worn blades.

Worn or dirty wiper blades can seriously reduce visibility in rain. Clean them first and replace them if they remain ineffective or damaged.

Wiper streaks on a vehicle's windscreen
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Can you assume that you are safe to drive the morning after drinking?

546. Can you assume that you are safe to drive the morning after drinking?

✓ No, alcohol may still remain in your body.
Yes, if you only need to drive a short distance.
Yes, if you feel completely sober.
Yes, sleep removes all alcohol from your body.

The body needs time to process alcohol. Sleeping, eating, showering, or drinking coffee does not instantly remove it.

Fitness to drive the morning after drinking
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a gear does not engage easily in a manual vehicle?

547. What should you do if a gear does not engage easily in a manual vehicle?

Release the clutch suddenly.
✓ Avoid forcing the gear lever.
Push the lever harder until the gear engages.
Press the accelerator fully.

If a gear does not engage easily, do not force the gear lever. Make sure the clutch is fully pressed and the vehicle's speed is suitable for the gear before trying again.

Operating a manual gear lever without forcing it
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is a microsleep especially dangerous while driving?

548. Why is a microsleep especially dangerous while driving?

✓ You can lose awareness of the road for several seconds.
It usually makes you drive more slowly.
It normally happens only when the vehicle is stopped.
It only affects your ability to hear.

A microsleep is a brief, involuntary episode of sleep that can last for a few seconds. During that time, you may lose awareness of the road and travel a considerable distance without reacting to hazards.

Driver losing alertness at the wheel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the general speed limit for cars in built-up areas in New Zealand?

549. What is the general speed limit for cars in built-up areas in New Zealand?

40 km/h.
60 km/h.
Other speed limit.
✓ 50 km/h.

The general speed limit for cars in built-up areas in New Zealand is 50 km/h, unless signs indicate otherwise.

Speed limits for cars in built-up areas
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a three-point seat belt normally be worn during pregnancy?

550. How should a three-point seat belt normally be worn during pregnancy?

With the shoulder belt placed behind the back.
Using only the lap section of the seat belt.
Loosely fitted so it does not press against the body.
✓ With the lap belt low across the hips and the shoulder belt across the chest.

During pregnancy, a three-point seat belt should be worn correctly. The lap belt should sit low across the hips, below the abdomen, while the shoulder belt should pass across the chest and to the side of the abdomen. The belt should fit snugly and should not be placed behind the back or under the arm.

Seat-belt positioning during pregnancy
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA