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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.

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
Who should always wear a seat belt?

351. Who should always wear a seat belt?

Only people in the front seats.
Only children and young passengers.
✓ Everyone in the vehicle.
Only the driver.

Seat belts greatly reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash and should be worn by everyone in the vehicle.

Vehicle occupants wearing seat belts
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid remaining beside a large vehicle on a motorway?

352. Why should you avoid remaining beside a large vehicle on a motorway?

✓ You may remain in its blind spot and have less room to escape.
Their tyres may reduce the motorway speed limit.
Driving beside them improves your view of the road ahead.
Large vehicles always travel more slowly than cars.

Large vehicles have significant blind spots. Avoid travelling alongside them longer than necessary.

Vehicle alongside a large vehicle on a motorway
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What shape are most warning signs in New Zealand?

353. What shape are most warning signs in New Zealand?

✓ Diamond.
Rectangle.
Triangle.
Circle.

Most warning signs in New Zealand are diamond-shaped.

Road warning signs and their shapes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your brakes feel less effective after driving through water?

354. What should you do if your brakes feel less effective after driving through water?

Increase speed to warm the brakes.
Ignore it if the vehicle still stops.
✓ Drive carefully and test them gently when safe.
Brake hard several times to dry them quickly.

Water can reduce braking performance. After driving through water, check the brakes gently when it is safe to do so.

Checking braking response after driving through water
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid sounding the horn near horses?

355. Why should you avoid sounding the horn near horses?

The rider may think you are signalling them to stop.
Using the horn gives the horse rider priority.
✓ The noise may frighten them.
The horn may make the horse move faster.

Horses can be startled by sudden or loud noises and may move unpredictably. Slow down, give them plenty of space, and avoid using the horn unless necessary.

Vehicle approaching a horse and rider
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when roadworks are ahead?

356. What should you do when roadworks are ahead?

Follow the vehicle ahead closely through the work zone.
✓ Slow down and follow the temporary signs.
Use your horn to warn road workers that you are approaching.
Maintain normal speed if your lane remains open.

Roadworks can create narrow lanes, workers near traffic, uneven surfaces, and temporary rules. Slow down and follow the signs.

Roadworks and temporary traffic signs ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with the ignition key once the engine starts?

357. What should you do with the ignition key once the engine starts?

Keep holding it in the START position.
✓ Release it so it returns from START to ON.
Turn it immediately to ACC.
Remove it from the ignition.

Once the engine starts, release the ignition key so it returns from START to the ON position. Holding the key in START unnecessarily can keep the starter motor engaged.

Releasing the ignition key after the engine starts
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching an uncontrolled junction?

358. What should you do when approaching an uncontrolled junction?

Rely on the priority rule without reducing your speed.
✓ Slow down, look carefully in all directions, and proceed only when safe.
Continue at normal speed unless another vehicle is visible.
Check only the direction from which traffic usually has priority.

At an uncontrolled junction, priority may not be obvious. Reduce speed, check carefully, and only enter when you are sure it is safe.

Vehicle approaching an uncontrolled junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the clutch biting point?

359. What is the clutch biting point?

The point where the parking brake releases.
The point where the clutch pedal is fully pressed.
The point where the engine switches off.
✓ The point where the clutch begins to transmit power to the wheels.

The clutch biting point is reached as the clutch pedal is released and the clutch begins to transmit power from the engine to the transmission. Controlling this point helps the driver move off smoothly.

Clutch-pedal control when moving off
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Speed limits only apply when there is heavy traffic.

360. Speed limits only apply when there is heavy traffic.

✓ False.
True.

Speed limits apply at all times unless a different limit is clearly indicated.

Speed-limit sign beside a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the brakes fade during a long descent?

361. What should you do if the brakes fade during a long descent?

✓ Select a lower gear and stop safely to allow the brakes to cool.
Keep pressing the brakes continuously all the way downhill.
Shift into neutral and let the vehicle roll freely.
Accelerate between bends to reduce brake use.

Continuous braking can cause overheating and reduced braking performance. A lower gear provides engine braking and reduces demand on the brakes.

Vehicle descending a hill with overheating brakes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle breaks down on a busy road?

362. What should you do if your vehicle breaks down on a busy road?

Sound the horn continuously to warn other drivers.
Stay close to the vehicle so other drivers can see you.
Remain in the traffic lane even if you can move to safety.
✓ Move to a safe place, use hazard lights, and stay clear of traffic.

If your vehicle breaks down, make it visible and get yourself away from moving traffic. Safety comes before repairing the vehicle.

Broken-down vehicle beside a busy road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you see loose gravel on the road?

363. What should you do if you see loose gravel on the road?

Steer around loose patches whenever possible.
✓ Slow down and avoid sudden steering or braking.
Maintain your speed and avoid using the brakes.
Follow the vehicle ahead closely in its tyre tracks.

Loose gravel reduces grip and can make the vehicle skid. Slow down and use smooth steering and braking.

Vehicle on a loose gravel road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you use headlights in poor visibility?

364. Why should you use headlights in poor visibility?

To keep the windscreen clear.
✓ To see better and be seen by others.
To prevent the tyres from slipping.
To reduce fuel consumption.

Headlights help you see the road and make your vehicle more visible to other road users in fog, rain, darkness, or poor weather.

Vehicle using headlights in reduced visibility
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

365. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Window lock.
Central door locking.
Electric window control.
Mirror adjustment.

This control activates the window lock, which normally prevents passengers from operating their electric windows while leaving control with the driver.

Lock switch for passenger window controls
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with the parking brake when parking on a slope?

366. What should you do with the parking brake when parking on a slope?

✓ Apply it firmly.
Use it only if the engine is running.
Leave it partly applied.
Release it completely.

When parking on a slope, apply the parking brake firmly to help prevent the vehicle from rolling. Selecting an appropriate gear or Park provides additional security.

Using the parking brake when parking on a slope
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if another vehicle is signalling to turn?

367. What should you do if another vehicle is signalling to turn?

✓ Do not rely on the signal alone, proceed only when it is safe.
Pull out because the vehicle will turn.
Assume the driver has seen you.
Enter the road before the vehicle reaches you.

An indicator shows an intention, but it does not guarantee that the driver will turn. The signal may have been left on accidentally or the driver's intentions may change. Observe the vehicle's speed and position and proceed only when you are sure it is safe.

Another vehicle signalling to turn
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid parking a petrol or diesel vehicle on dry grass?

368. Why should you avoid parking a petrol or diesel vehicle on dry grass?

The tyres could lose pressure more quickly.
The engine could become difficult to restart.
✓ Hot exhaust components could ignite the vegetation.
The grass could prevent the parking brake from holding.

Parts of the exhaust system, especially the catalytic converter, can become very hot while driving. Parking over dry grass, leaves, or other combustible vegetation can create a fire risk. Park on a suitable non-flammable surface whenever possible.

Vehicle exhaust close to dry grass
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the button on a seat-belt buckle used for?

369. What is the button on a seat-belt buckle used for?

To adjust the belt height.
To lock the seat in position.
To tighten the shoulder belt.
✓ To release the seat belt.

Pressing the button on the seat-belt buckle releases the latch so the belt can be unfastened. Keep the seat belt fastened whenever required while the vehicle is moving.

Release button on a seat-belt buckle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What colour is normally used for the centre line separating opposing traffic in New Zealand?

370. What colour is normally used for the centre line separating opposing traffic in New Zealand?

✓ White.
Yellow.

Roads in New Zealand normally use a white centre line to separate traffic travelling in opposite directions.

Centre-line markings separating opposing traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

371. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Exterior mirror adjustment.
Mirror folding.
Electric window control.
Central door locking.

This control adjusts the vehicle's exterior mirrors. The driver normally selects the left or right mirror and then moves the control to change its angle.

Control for adjusting the exterior mirrors
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Can coffee, energy drinks, fresh air, or loud music replace proper rest when you are tired?

372. Can coffee, energy drinks, fresh air, or loud music replace proper rest when you are tired?

✓ No, they may only increase alertness temporarily.
Yes, if the journey is less than one hour.
Yes, if you use several of them together.
Yes, but only during daylight.

Coffee, energy drinks, fresh air, or loud music may make you feel more alert for a short time, but they do not remove fatigue. If you are too tired to drive safely, stop somewhere safe and get proper rest.

Stimulant drinks and driver tiredness
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your motorcycle helmet visor starts to fog?

373. What should you do if your motorcycle helmet visor starts to fog?

Close all helmet vents completely.
Wipe the inside of the visor while riding.
Look around the side of the visor instead.
✓ Reduce speed and clear the visor safely.

A fogged visor can seriously reduce your view of the road. Reduce speed and use the helmet's ventilation, demisting or anti-fog features where available. If you cannot restore a clear view safely, stop in a safe place before continuing.

Misted visor on a motorcycle helmet
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave extra space when passing cyclists in strong winds?

374. Why should you leave extra space when passing cyclists in strong winds?

✓ They may be blown sideways unexpectedly.
Strong wind makes bicycle brakes less effective.
Cyclists must stop when a vehicle passes them.
Wind increases the pressure in bicycle tyres.

Strong gusts can affect cyclists' balance and direction. Extra passing space reduces the risk of a collision.

Vehicle passing a cyclist in windy conditions
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when driving in strong wind?

375. What should you do when driving in strong wind?

✓ Hold the steering wheel firmly and reduce speed if needed.
Increase speed so the vehicle is less affected by gusts.
Drive close behind large vehicles for protection from the wind.
Open the windows to improve aerodynamics.

Strong wind can affect vehicle control, especially near open areas, bridges, large vehicles, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

Driver controlling a vehicle in strong wind
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

376. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Rear fog lights.
Brake warning.
Emergency braking.
✓ Hazard warning lights.

This symbol indicates the hazard warning lights. When activated, all direction indicators flash simultaneously to warn other road users of a hazard or unusual situation.

Hazard warning light symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when meeting another vehicle on a narrow mountain road?

377. What should you do when meeting another vehicle on a narrow mountain road?

✓ Slow down and use a safe passing place if necessary.
Maintain speed and pass as closely as possible.
Drive onto the roadside without checking the surface.
Move toward the centre so the other driver gives way.

Narrow mountain roads may not provide enough space for two vehicles. Reduce speed and cooperate to pass safely.

Vehicles meeting on a narrow mountain road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which gear is normally used when moving off from a standstill?

378. Which gear is normally used when moving off from a standstill?

2nd gear.
Neutral.
✓ 1st gear.
Reverse.

1st gear is normally used when moving off from a standstill because it provides the greatest pulling power at low speed.

Manual gear lever and gear-selection pattern
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you obey traffic signs?

379. Why should you obey traffic signs?

To make sure you always have priority.
✓ To improve safety for everyone.
To let you drive at the maximum permitted speed.
To avoid checking for other road users.

Traffic signs help organise traffic and improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Traffic signs using Vienna-style designs
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

380. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Oil-pressure warning.
Charging-system warning.
✓ Engine-management warning.
Diesel particulate filter warning.

This symbol indicates a fault detected by the engine-management or emissions-control system. If it remains illuminated while driving, the vehicle should be checked according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Engine-management warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a pedestrian is crossing slowly?

381. What should you do if a pedestrian is crossing slowly?

Drive around them if there is enough room.
Pass as soon as they have cleared your part of the road.
✓ Wait patiently and let them finish crossing.
Sound your horn to encourage them to cross faster.

Some pedestrians may need more time to cross. Stay patient, keep a safe distance, and do not pressure them.

Pedestrian crossing the road slowly
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should a child use a suitable child restraint?

382. Why should a child use a suitable child restraint?

To allow the child to sit closer to the window.
✓ To reduce the risk of serious injury in a collision.
To make it easier for the child to sleep.
To make the seat belt more comfortable.

A suitable child restraint is designed to protect a child according to their size and development. It helps position and restrain the child correctly, reducing the risk of serious injury in a collision or sudden stop.

Child secured in a suitable car seat
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching stationary or slow-moving traffic on a motorway?

383. What should you do when approaching stationary or slow-moving traffic on a motorway?

Change lanes immediately to avoid slowing down.
Maintain speed until you are close to the queue.
✓ Reduce speed early and be prepared to stop.
Follow the vehicle ahead closely to keep traffic moving.

Motorway queues can appear suddenly. Early braking gives following traffic more time to react.

Slow-moving traffic ahead on a motorway
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

384. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Engine-management warning.
Charging-system warning.
✓ Service or maintenance required.
Power-steering warning.

This symbol indicates that the vehicle requires servicing or maintenance. The exact meaning and required maintenance can vary between vehicles, so check the vehicle information display or owner's manual.

Service reminder symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if another vehicle is tailgating you?

385. What should you do if another vehicle is tailgating you?

✓ Stay calm and increase your safety margin ahead.
Tap the brakes to make them increase their distance.
Reduce the gap ahead so they cannot move into it.
Speed up to create more space behind you.

If someone follows too closely, avoid sudden actions. Keeping more space in front gives you more time to brake gently if needed. If it is safe, allow the tailgating vehicle to pass.

Following vehicle visible close behind
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle breaks down inside a road tunnel?

386. What should you do if your vehicle breaks down inside a road tunnel?

Reverse toward the tunnel entrance if traffic is light.
Leave the vehicle and walk along the road to find help.
Make a U-turn and drive toward the nearest exit.
✓ Move aside if possible, use hazard lights, and call for assistance.

If possible, stop in an emergency bay or another safe place and use the hazard lights. Contact tunnel control using an emergency telephone or other available assistance system, and follow the tunnel signs and instructions.

Broken-down vehicle inside a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Where should passengers get in or out of a vehicle when possible?

387. Where should passengers get in or out of a vehicle when possible?

✓ On the side away from moving traffic.
On the side closest to approaching traffic.
From the rear door nearest the centre of the road.
Through whichever door opens first.

Passengers should get in or out on the side away from moving traffic whenever possible. This is particularly important for children, who may not recognise approaching traffic or other road users. Before opening any door, check that it is safe.

Passenger leaving a vehicle on the side away from traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before starting a manual vehicle?

388. What should you check before starting a manual vehicle?

That first gear is selected and the accelerator is pressed.
✓ That the gearbox is in neutral and the clutch is pressed.
That reverse gear is selected.
That the parking brake is released.

Before starting a manual vehicle, make sure the gearbox is in neutral and press the clutch pedal. This helps prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly when the engine starts.

Clutch and gear checks before starting a manual vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you leave a broken-down vehicle when traffic is passing nearby?

389. How should you leave a broken-down vehicle when traffic is passing nearby?

✓ Use the door furthest from moving traffic when it is safe to do so.
Get out immediately without checking for traffic.
Leave through the door nearest moving traffic.
Walk around the vehicle on the traffic side.

Leaving through the side away from traffic reduces the risk of being struck by a passing vehicle.

Leaving a broken-down vehicle away from passing traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you check for motorcyclists before changing lanes?

390. Why should you check for motorcyclists before changing lanes?

✓ Motorcycles can be harder to see and may be in your blind spot.
Motorcycles always travel faster than other traffic.
Motorcyclists are required to stay beside the kerb.
Motorcycles need more road space than cars.

Motorcyclists are smaller and can be hidden in blind spots. Check mirrors, signal, and look carefully before changing lanes.

Motorcycle near a vehicle preparing to change lanes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

391. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Airbag system warning.
Charging-system warning.
Power-steering warning.
Seat-belt reminder.

This symbol indicates a possible fault in the airbag or supplementary restraint system. If it remains illuminated while driving, the system should be checked because one or more airbags or seat-belt pretensioners may not operate correctly in a collision.

Airbag-system warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should cyclists avoid riding in a large vehicle's blind spot?

392. Why should cyclists avoid riding in a large vehicle's blind spot?

Cyclists must always stay behind large vehicles.
Blind spots matter only when a vehicle is reversing.
✓ The driver may not be able to see them.
Large vehicles always have priority when turning.

Buses and trucks have large areas where the driver cannot see cyclists, especially beside the vehicle and near turns.

Cyclist in a large vehicle's blind spot
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Who normally has priority at roundabouts in New Zealand?

393. Who normally has priority at roundabouts in New Zealand?

Traffic entering the roundabout.
✓ Traffic already on the roundabout.

In New Zealand, traffic entering a roundabout normally gives way to traffic already circulating.

Vehicles approaching and circulating on a roundabout
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid unnecessary lane changes in roadworks?

394. Why should you avoid unnecessary lane changes in roadworks?

✓ Narrow lanes and changing layouts increase the risk of collision.
Temporary lanes are designed for frequent lane changes.
Lane changes are safer when traffic is moving slowly.
Changing lanes helps traffic move faster through roadworks.

Frequent lane changes create additional risk where space is limited and drivers are already adapting to temporary layouts.

Vehicles travelling through restricted roadworks lanes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should the seat-belt height be adjusted correctly?

395. Why should the seat-belt height be adjusted correctly?

✓ To position the shoulder belt correctly across the body.
To make the belt easier to unfasten.
To prevent the seat from moving.
To increase the length of the lap belt.

The seat-belt height adjustment helps position the shoulder belt correctly across the chest and shoulder. It should not run across the neck or under the arm.

Height adjustment for the shoulder section of a seat belt
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

396. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Front windscreen demister.
Rear window demister.
Air recirculation.
✓ Windscreen washer.

This symbol indicates the windscreen washer. Operating the control sprays washer fluid onto the windscreen and normally activates the wipers to help clean the glass.

Windscreen-washer control and spray symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you see smoke or fire inside a tunnel?

397. What should you do if you see smoke or fire inside a tunnel?

Stay inside the vehicle and wait for the smoke to clear.
Reverse toward the entrance without checking behind.
Stop near the fire so you can assess the situation.
✓ Follow tunnel instructions and leave the tunnel if it is safe to do so.

If it is safe to drive out of the tunnel, do so. If you cannot continue safely, stop, switch off the engine, leave the vehicle, and use the marked emergency exits or refuge routes. Follow tunnel-control instructions.

Smoke inside a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the general speed limit for cars on ordinary roads outside built-up areas in New Zealand?

398. What is the general speed limit for cars on ordinary roads outside built-up areas in New Zealand?

80 km/h.
70 km/h.
✓ 100 km/h.
Other speed limit.

In New Zealand, the general speed limit for cars on ordinary roads outside built-up areas is 100 km/h, unless signs indicate otherwise.

Speed limits for cars outside built-up areas
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you press the clutch pedal fully when changing gear?

399. Why should you press the clutch pedal fully when changing gear?

✓ To disengage the engine fully from the transmission.
To apply the brakes.
To increase engine speed.
To lock the gear lever in position.

Pressing the clutch pedal fully disengages the engine from the transmission, allowing the gear to be changed smoothly and reducing unnecessary wear on the gearbox and clutch.

Clutch pedal pressed fully for a gear change
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

400. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Dipped headlights.
✓ Front fog lights.
Sidelights.
Rear fog lights.

This symbol indicates that the front fog lights are switched on. Front fog lights are designed to improve illumination close to the road in conditions of severely reduced visibility. Rules governing their use vary by country.

Front fog-light symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA