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QuizTraffic rulesNew Zealand

Test your knowledge with our multiple-choice quiz. Learn from each answer and improve your understanding of the traffic rules and road signs of New Zealand.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
New Zealand
True/false 17 New Zealand 28 Car controls 109 Dashboard lights 40 Priority rules 9 Pedestrians 19 Cyclists 20 Show all 595
What should you do before refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle?

201. What should you do before refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle?

Keep the engine idling if the vehicle is outside.
Switch on the hazard lights while refuelling.
✓ Switch off the engine before starting to refuel.
Leave the engine running to protect the battery.

Switch off the engine before refuelling. Fuel vapours are flammable, so avoid ignition sources and follow the safety instructions at the filling station. If fuel is spilled, do not start the vehicle until the situation has been made safe.

Vehicle at a pump before refuelling
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should a motorcyclist do before entering a bend?

202. What should a motorcyclist do before entering a bend?

✓ Reduce speed before the bend and look through it.
Brake hard after beginning to lean.
Accelerate before checking how sharp the bend is.
Move close to the centre of the road.

Adjust your speed before entering the bend so you can steer smoothly and remain within a safe position. Look through the bend towards where you want to travel and be prepared for hazards that may be hidden from view.

Motorcyclist approaching a bend
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if fog becomes so thick that you cannot see safely?

203. What should you do if fog becomes so thick that you cannot see safely?

Follow the vehicle ahead closely for guidance.
Use main beam and keep driving.
Stop immediately in the traffic lane.
✓ Slow down and stop in a safe location away from traffic if necessary.

If visibility becomes dangerously poor, find a safe place to stop rather than continuing without being able to see clearly.

Dense fog obscuring the road ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the main risk when following a vehicle with limited rear visibility?

204. What is the main risk when following a vehicle with limited rear visibility?

The driver cannot use the side mirrors.
The vehicle has priority when changing lanes.
The driver can see you better if you follow closely.
✓ The driver may not see you clearly.

Vans, trucks, and vehicles with blocked rear windows may have limited visibility. Keep extra distance and avoid sitting in blind spots.

Vehicle with limited rearward visibility
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you take regular breaks during a long journey?

205. Why should you take regular breaks during a long journey?

✓ To help prevent fatigue and maintain concentration.
To make the journey feel shorter.
To improve fuel quality.
To allow the engine to cool down.

Regular breaks during a long journey help reduce fatigue and maintain concentration. Do not wait until you are struggling to stay awake before stopping to rest.

Driver resting during a long journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a child runs onto the road ahead?

206. What should you do if a child runs onto the road ahead?

Swerve immediately into the opposite lane.
✓ Brake firmly and be prepared to stop.
Sound your horn and continue driving.
Flash your lights instead of slowing down.

Children can act unpredictably. Brake firmly, stay alert, and be prepared for more children to follow.

Child entering the road ahead of a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the safest way to cross the road with a child?

207. What is the safest way to cross the road with a child?

Ask them to decide when it is safe to cross.
Cross separately so everyone has more space.
Let them run once the first lane is clear.
✓ Hold their hand and keep them close.

Children can be unpredictable near traffic. Keep them close and guide them safely across the road.

Adult holding a child's hand while crossing the road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching a stop sign?

208. What should you do when approaching a stop sign?

Proceed if the vehicle ahead has already stopped.
Slow down and stop only if traffic is approaching.
✓ Come to a complete stop before proceeding.
Stop only after entering the junction.

A stop sign requires you to come to a complete stop at the required position. Check carefully for other road users and proceed only when it is safe.

Vehicle approaching a stop sign
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before opening your car door near traffic?

209. What should you do before opening your car door near traffic?

✓ Check for cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles.
Signal before opening the door without checking behind.
Check only for vehicles, not cyclists or pedestrians.
Check only the mirror before opening the door.

Before opening a car door, check carefully for cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles to avoid causing a collision.

Checking for passing road users before opening a car door
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid resting your foot on the clutch pedal while driving?

210. Why should you avoid resting your foot on the clutch pedal while driving?

It can increase tyre pressure.
✓ It can cause unnecessary clutch wear.
It can apply the parking brake.
It can lock the steering.

Resting your foot on the clutch pedal can apply slight pressure to the clutch mechanism and cause unnecessary wear. Keep your left foot off the clutch when it is not needed.

Foot position near the clutch pedal
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if oncoming headlights dazzle you at night?

211. What should you do if oncoming headlights dazzle you at night?

Turn on your interior lights to reduce the glare.
Look briefly at the headlights to judge their position.
Move closer to the centre of the road for a clearer view.
✓ Slow down and look toward the edge of your lane.

Bright headlights can reduce your vision. Avoid staring at them, slow down if needed, and use the road edge or lane markings to guide you safely.

Oncoming headlights dazzling a driver at night
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you keep a safe following distance?

212. Why should you keep a safe following distance?

To make your vehicle easier to see ahead.
To reduce wear on the brakes.
To keep traffic moving at a steady speed.
✓ To have enough time to stop.

A safe following distance gives you enough time to react if the vehicle in front slows down or stops suddenly.

Gap between a vehicle and the traffic ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you expect if the engine suddenly stalls while the vehicle is moving?

213. What should you expect if the engine suddenly stalls while the vehicle is moving?

✓ Steering and braking may require more effort, so move to a safe place.
Power assistance will continue working normally.
The steering will become lighter as the vehicle slows.
The steering and brakes will stop working completely.

Power assistance may be reduced when the engine stops. Keep control, use the hazard lights if needed, and steer toward a safe stopping area.

Driver responding to an engine stall while moving
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You must stop at a red traffic light.

214. You must stop at a red traffic light.

False.
✓ True.

A red traffic light means you must stop and wait until it is allowed to proceed.

Vehicle stopped at a red traffic light
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

215. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Brake-pad wear warning.
Anti-lock braking system warning.
Low tyre pressure.
✓ Brake-system warning.

This symbol indicates a possible brake-system fault. If it remains illuminated after the parking brake is released, stop safely and have the braking system checked.

Brake-system warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Where should you change a wheel after a puncture?

216. Where should you change a wheel after a puncture?

On a slight slope if the parking brake is applied.
On soft ground if the jack appears stable.
As close to moving traffic as possible to keep off the verge.
✓ On firm, level ground well away from moving traffic.

The vehicle must be stable and protected from traffic. Apply the parking brake and follow the manufacturer's wheel-changing instructions.

Wheel change on firm ground away from traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before crossing behind a bus or large vehicle?

217. What should you do before crossing behind a bus or large vehicle?

Listen for traffic and cross if you hear none.
Stay close behind the vehicle while crossing.
Cross if the nearest traffic lane appears clear.
✓ Wait until you have a clear view of the road.

Large vehicles can block your view and hide you from drivers. Wait until you can clearly see the road before crossing.

Pedestrian preparing to cross behind a bus
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is it important to use bicycle lights at night?

218. Why is it important to use bicycle lights at night?

They give cyclists priority over other traffic.
They make reflective clothing unnecessary.
✓ They help you see and help others notice you.
They make the bicycle easier to control.

Front and rear lights improve visibility and make it easier for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to detect you.

Bicycle lights used when riding at night
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You should check your mirrors before changing lanes.

219. You should check your mirrors before changing lanes.

✓ True.
False.

Checking your mirrors helps you see surrounding traffic before moving into another lane.

Driver checking a mirror before changing lanes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

220. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Charging-system warning.
✓ Immobiliser or anti-theft system.
Engine-management warning.
Power-steering warning.

This symbol relates to the vehicle's immobiliser or anti-theft system. If it remains illuminated or flashes unexpectedly, the vehicle may not recognise the key or there may be a fault in the security system.

Immobiliser indicator symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you keep a dog on a leash near traffic?

221. Why should you keep a dog on a leash near traffic?

To give the dog priority when crossing the road.
To make approaching vehicles drive more slowly.
✓ To prevent it from suddenly running into the road.
To allow the dog to walk closer to moving traffic.

Dogs can react unpredictably to vehicles, people, noises, or other animals. Keeping a dog under close control on a leash near traffic reduces the risk of it suddenly entering the road and endangering itself or other road users.

Pedestrian keeping a dog on a leash near traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which selector position prevents drive being transmitted to the wheels?

222. Which selector position prevents drive being transmitted to the wheels?

✓ N (Neutral).
P (Park).
R (Reverse).
D (Drive).

Select N (Neutral) when drive should not be transmitted to the wheels. Unlike Park, Neutral does not lock the transmission to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

Automatic gear selector with P, R, N and D positions
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why must luggage or other objects not obstruct the driver's view?

223. Why must luggage or other objects not obstruct the driver's view?

✓ They can hide hazards and reduce the driver's ability to see safely.
They can reduce the brightness of the headlights.
They can increase tyre pressure.
They can increase the vehicle's braking distance.

The driver must have a clear view of the road and surroundings. Luggage, decorations, or other objects that obstruct the windscreen, windows, or mirrors can hide pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, signs, or other hazards.

Luggage obstructing the driver's view
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of the clutch pedal in a manual vehicle?

224. What is the purpose of the clutch pedal in a manual vehicle?

✓ To disconnect the engine from the transmission.
To apply the parking brake.
To increase the engine speed.
To slow the vehicle using the brakes.

Pressing the clutch pedal temporarily disconnects the engine from the transmission, allowing the driver to change gear or stop without stalling the engine.

Clutch pedal in a manual vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

225. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Sidelights.
Dipped headlights.
Main beam.
✓ Direction indicators.

This symbol indicates that a direction indicator is operating. The flashing indicator shows the direction in which the driver intends to turn or change position on the road.

Direction-indicator symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if fuel spills while you are refuelling?

226. What should you do if fuel spills while you are refuelling?

Ignore the spill if only a small amount escaped.
Start the engine and move the vehicle immediately.
✓ Stop refuelling, avoid ignition sources, and alert station staff.
Wash the spill away with water and continue refuelling.

If fuel is spilled, stop refuelling immediately and keep flames, sparks, and other ignition sources away. Do not start the vehicle until the situation is safe. Alert filling-station staff and follow their instructions for dealing with the spill.

Fuel spilled during refuelling
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

227. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Engine-temperature warning.
Charging-system warning.
✓ Low engine oil level.
Low oil pressure.

This symbol indicates that the engine oil level is low. Check the oil level according to the manufacturer's instructions and add the correct oil if necessary.

Low oil-level warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a motorcyclist brake in an emergency?

228. How should a motorcyclist brake in an emergency?

✓ Apply both brakes firmly and progressively.
Release both brakes before stopping.
Steer sharply while braking hard.
Use only the rear brake.

During emergency braking, use both brakes firmly and progressively while keeping the motorcycle as upright and stable as practical. Avoid sudden steering. If ABS is fitted, maintain firm braking pressure and allow the system to work.

Motorcyclist making an emergency stop
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can bridges and overpasses become icy before nearby roads?

229. Why can bridges and overpasses become icy before nearby roads?

Their barriers trap cold air on the road surface.
Road salt is less effective on bridges.
Bridges are always at a higher altitude.
✓ Cold air circulates above and below them.

Bridges lose heat from both their upper and lower surfaces, so they can freeze before roads built directly on the ground.

Icy surface on an exposed bridge
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

230. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Engine-management warning.
Dipped headlights.
✓ Exterior-light failure.
Charging-system warning.

This symbol indicates a possible failure of an exterior vehicle light, such as a headlight, tail light, brake light or indicator. Check the vehicle's exterior lights and replace or repair any faulty light.

Exterior-light failure warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is aquaplaning?

231. What is aquaplaning?

When wet brakes become too hot to work properly.
When steering becomes heavier on a dry road.
When low tyre pressure causes a tyre to burst.
✓ When tyres ride on a layer of water and lose contact with the road.

Aquaplaning occurs when water builds up between the tyres and the road, causing a loss of grip and control. The risk increases at higher speeds.

Water separating a tyre from the road surface
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you remove dark sunglasses before entering a tunnel?

232. Why should you remove dark sunglasses before entering a tunnel?

To make the vehicle headlights work more effectively.
To prevent the automatic lights from switching on.
✓ Your eyes need to adjust to the lower light level.
To prevent the lenses from reflecting tunnel lights.

Dark sunglasses reduce the amount of light reaching your eyes and can make hazards inside a tunnel harder to see.

Driver removing sunglasses before entering a tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when construction vehicles enter or leave the road?

233. What should you do when construction vehicles enter or leave the road?

✓ Slow down and be prepared for them to move across your path.
Assume it will stop before entering your lane.
Accelerate before the vehicle reaches the road.
Drive closely behind it until there is room to pass.

Construction vehicles may move slowly, have limited visibility, or carry loose material. Give them time and space to manoeuvre.

Construction vehicle entering or leaving a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a friend who has been drinking wants to drive?

234. What should you do if a friend who has been drinking wants to drive?

✓ Encourage them not to drive and arrange safe transport.
Follow them home in another vehicle.
Give them coffee and wait a short while.
Let them drive slowly on quiet roads.

Preventing an impaired person from driving can protect them, their passengers, and other road users. Arrange a sober driver, taxi, public transport, or accommodation.

Friends discussing safe transport after drinking
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when temporary traffic lights show red?

235. What should you do when temporary traffic lights show red?

Continue if the road ahead appears clear.
Only permanent traffic lights are valid.
✓ Stop before the signal or temporary stop line.
Follow the vehicle ahead through the signal.

Temporary traffic signals must be obeyed like permanent signals. Stop and wait until you are permitted to continue.

Red signal on temporary roadworks traffic lights
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do about a chip in the windscreen?

236. What should you do about a chip in the windscreen?

Cover the chip so it cannot spread.
Ignore it if it is outside your direct view.
Clean the glass and continue driving normally.
✓ Have it assessed and repaired promptly.

A chip can obstruct your view, weaken the glass, and develop into a larger crack. Have it checked and repaired promptly.

Stone chip in a vehicle's windscreen
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before driving if snow or ice covers your vehicle?

237. What should you do before driving if snow or ice covers your vehicle?

Leave snow on the roof if it is firmly packed.
✓ Clear the windows, mirrors, lights, roof, and number plates.
Clear only the areas needed for your immediate view.
Clear only the windows and mirrors.

You need a clear view in every direction. Snow or ice left on the roof can also fall or blow onto other road users.

Clearing snow and ice from a vehicle before driving
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control button operate?

238. What does this vehicle-control button operate?

The automatic start-stop system.
✓ The engine or drive system.
The hazard warning lights.
The parking brake.

The engine start/stop button is used to start or switch off the vehicle's engine or electric drive system. Starting the vehicle normally also requires the brake or clutch pedal to be pressed.

Engine start/stop button in a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Who generally has priority at an uncontrolled intersection in New Zealand?

239. Who generally has priority at an uncontrolled intersection in New Zealand?

The largest vehicle.
The vehicle travelling fastest.
Traffic approaching from the left.
✓ Traffic approaching from the right.

At an uncontrolled intersection in New Zealand, you generally give way to traffic approaching from the right.

Vehicles approaching an uncontrolled junction from different directions
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

240. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Automatic headlights.
Front fog lights.
Main beam.
✓ Headlight level adjustment.

This control adjusts the vertical aim of the headlights. It can be used to lower the beam when the vehicle is heavily loaded, helping to avoid dazzling other road users.

Control for adjusting the headlight beam height
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you avoid if your vehicle starts to skid?

241. What should you avoid if your vehicle starts to skid?

✓ Sudden braking, acceleration, or sharp steering.
Stay calm and maintain control.
Look where you want the vehicle to go.
Allow the tyres time to regain grip.

Sudden braking, acceleration, or steering can make a skid worse. Stay calm and use smooth controls while the tyres regain grip.

Vehicle beginning to skid
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does AUTO on a windscreen-wiper control normally do?

242. What does AUTO on a windscreen-wiper control normally do?

✓ Operates the wipers automatically when rain is detected.
Operates only the rear wiper.
Runs the wipers continuously at maximum speed.
Sprays washer fluid automatically.

When AUTO is selected, a rain sensor can operate the windscreen wipers automatically and adjust their operation according to the amount of moisture detected on the windscreen.

AUTO setting on the windscreen-wiper control
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which selector position is used when parking the vehicle?

243. Which selector position is used when parking the vehicle?

D (Drive).
N (Neutral).
R (Reverse).
✓ P (Park).

Select P (Park) when parking an automatic vehicle. Park locks the transmission, but the parking brake should also be applied to secure the vehicle.

Automatic gear selector with P, R, N and D positions
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave extra space behind a vehicle carrying animals?

244. Why should you leave extra space behind a vehicle carrying animals?

Because they must always travel in the centre of the road.
Because these vehicles always have priority.
✓ Because it may move slowly or stop unexpectedly.
Because they cannot use their horn.

Vehicles transporting animals may accelerate slowly, take bends carefully, or brake gently to protect their load.

Vehicle following an animal transporter
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before driving with a load?

245. What should you do before driving with a load?

✓ Make sure it is properly secured and cannot move or fall.
Place heavy items on top of lighter items.
Check the load only after you have started driving.
Secure only the heaviest items.

An unsecured load can shift, affect vehicle control, or fall into the road. Check that everything is safely restrained before moving.

Checking a vehicle's load before setting off
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should the driver's floor mat be properly secured?

246. Why should the driver's floor mat be properly secured?

✓ It could slide forwards and interfere with the pedals.
It could make the steering wheel harder to turn.
It could cause the tyres to lose pressure.
It could prevent the seat belt from locking.

A loose or incorrectly fitted floor mat can move into the pedal area and interfere with the accelerator, brake, or clutch. Make sure the driver's floor mat is correctly fitted, secured, and does not obstruct any pedal.

Driver's floor mat near the pedals
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the best place to cross the road?

247. What is the best place to cross the road?

Between parked vehicles if traffic appears quiet.
Near a bend if approaching traffic seems slow.
✓ At a designated crossing.
At the shortest point, even if visibility is limited.

Use a designated crossing whenever possible. It is usually the safest place to cross the road.

Designated crossing for pedestrians
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

248. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Brake-system warning.
Electronic stability control.
✓ Power-steering warning.
Charging-system warning.

This symbol indicates a possible fault with the power-steering system. Steering assistance may be reduced or unavailable, making the steering wheel harder to turn.

Power-steering warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
It is safer to drive faster than the speed limit when overtaking.

249. It is safer to drive faster than the speed limit when overtaking.

✓ False.
True.

You must still drive safely and obey traffic laws. Speeding increases risk and is not automatically justified by overtaking.

Vehicle overtaking another road user
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

250. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Low engine oil.
✓ Low engine coolant level.
Low tyre pressure.
Engine overheating.

This symbol indicates that the engine coolant level is low. Check the coolant level when the engine is cool and refill it with the correct coolant if necessary.

Low coolant-level warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA