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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
What should you do with a child restraint after a collision?

401. What should you do with a child restraint after a collision?

✓ Follow the manufacturer's instructions about inspection or replacement.
Use it normally after tightening the straps.
Repair damaged parts yourself.
Keep using it if no damage is visible.

A child restraint may be damaged in a collision even when the damage is not obvious. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, as the restraint may need to be inspected or replaced before it is used again.

Child car seat requiring inspection after a collision
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Does the priority-to-the-right rule apply in New Zealand?

402. Does the priority-to-the-right rule apply in New Zealand?

No.
✓ Yes.

In New Zealand, the priority-to-the-right rule generally applies at uncontrolled intersections.

Vehicle approaching a junction from the right
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid changing lanes inside an intersection?

403. Why should you avoid changing lanes inside an intersection?

It can make your route through the junction longer.
✓ It can confuse other road users and increase collision risk.
It can make road markings harder to follow.
It can reduce the effectiveness of your indicators.

Changing lanes inside an intersection can surprise drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. It is safer to choose the correct lane before entering.

Vehicle changing lanes within a junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

404. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Adaptive cruise control.
✓ Forward-collision warning.
Electronic stability control.
Parking assistance.

This symbol relates to the forward-collision warning or automatic emergency braking system. It may warn the driver when the vehicle detects a risk of collision with traffic ahead.

Forward-collision warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you normally do after completing an overtake?

405. What should you normally do after completing an overtake?

Move back immediately in front of the vehicle you passed.
✓ Return to the normal driving lane when it is safe.
Stay beside the vehicle until there is another reason to change lanes.
Remain in the overtaking lane until another vehicle approaches.

After overtaking, return to the normal driving lane when you have passed the other vehicle by a safe distance. Check your mirrors, signal when appropriate, and avoid moving back too soon.

Vehicle returning to its lane after overtaking
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Should motorcyclists wear protective clothing?

406. Should motorcyclists wear protective clothing?

No, protective clothing is only needed in bad weather.
No, it is only useful when riding at high speeds.
✓ Yes, it can reduce injuries from falls and contact with the road.
No, a helmet provides enough protection on its own.

Motorcyclists should wear protective clothing because it can reduce injuries from falls, impacts and sliding on the road. Suitable jackets, trousers, gloves and boots provide additional protection, but they do not replace a securely fitted helmet or safe riding.

Motorcyclist wearing protective riding clothing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a large animal suddenly enters your path?

407. What should you do if a large animal suddenly enters your path?

Accelerate to pass before the animal moves.
✓ Brake firmly while keeping control of the vehicle.
Release the steering wheel and brake hard.
Swerve sharply into another lane.

If a large animal enters the road, brake firmly while keeping the vehicle under control. Avoid sudden swerving, as this can cause you to lose control or collide with other traffic.

Large animal entering a vehicle's path
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid wearing dark clothing at night?

408. Why should you avoid wearing dark clothing at night?

Headlights make clothing colour unimportant.
Dark clothing reflects more light from vehicles.
Clothing colour matters only on unlit roads.
✓ Drivers may have difficulty seeing you.

Dark clothing makes pedestrians harder to see in low-light conditions. Bright or reflective clothing improves visibility.

Pedestrian wearing dark clothing at night
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is important when raising a vehicle with its jack?

409. What is important when raising a vehicle with its jack?

Raise the vehicle before applying the parking brake.
Work underneath if the jack appears stable.
Place the jack on soft ground to prevent floor damage.
✓ Use the correct jacking point and never go underneath a vehicle on a jack.

A jack can slip or fail if it is incorrectly positioned. Secure the vehicle and use additional approved supports before working underneath it.

Vehicle raised at a jacking point for a wheel change
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a disabled vehicle be towed?

410. How should a disabled vehicle be towed?

With nobody controlling the disabled vehicle.
At the highest possible safe speed.
Without checking the steering or brakes.
✓ Use approved towing points and a method permitted by local rules.

Incorrect towing can damage the vehicle or cause loss of control. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and local rules, and use professional recovery when the correct procedure is uncertain.

Disabled vehicle being towed
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if there is no pavement?

411. What should you do if there is no pavement?

Always walk in the same direction as traffic.
Choose the side with the smoothest road surface.
✓ Walk where you can be seen and stay alert.
Walk close to traffic so drivers can see you.

If there is no pavement, stay as far from traffic as possible and remain alert. The exact side of the road depends on local traffic rules.

Pedestrian walking beside a road without a pavement
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid placing objects on or over an airbag cover?

412. Why should you avoid placing objects on or over an airbag cover?

✓ They could interfere with deployment and become dangerous projectiles.
They could make the airbag deploy too slowly.
They could make the dashboard harder to clean.
They could prevent the seat belt from locking.

Do not place or attach objects over an airbag cover or in an airbag's deployment area. They may interfere with the airbag as it inflates and could be thrown towards occupants when the airbag deploys.

Objects placed over a vehicle's airbag cover
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Where should you normally wait after a breakdown on a high-speed road?

413. Where should you normally wait after a breakdown on a high-speed road?

Between the vehicle and the safety barrier.
In front of the vehicle while facing approaching traffic.
Immediately behind the vehicle so you remain visible.
✓ Behind a safety barrier and well away from the vehicle and traffic.

A stationary vehicle can be struck by passing traffic. Waiting behind a barrier provides better protection.

People waiting behind a safety barrier after a breakdown
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave space beside large vehicles when they turn?

414. Why should you leave space beside large vehicles when they turn?

✓ They may need extra room to complete the turn.
They always turn more slowly than cars.
They must stop before making every turn.
They always have priority while turning.

Large vehicles often swing wide when turning and have larger blind spots. Keep clear and do not move into the space beside them.

Large vehicle needing extra space to turn
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid removing the coolant cap while the engine is hot?

415. Why should you avoid removing the coolant cap while the engine is hot?

The thermostat may become damaged.
The cooling fan could stop working.
✓ Pressurised hot coolant may escape and cause serious burns.
Opening it can reduce the engine oil pressure.

A hot cooling system may remain under pressure. Allow the engine to cool and follow the manufacturer's instructions before checking or adding coolant.

Coolant cap and the risk of hot pressurised coolant
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is it important to make yourself visible at night?

416. Why is it important to make yourself visible at night?

To make it safe to walk closer to moving traffic.
To avoid checking for approaching vehicles.
To ensure drivers can always stop in time.
✓ To make drivers see you more easily.

Bright or reflective clothing helps drivers notice pedestrians in low-light conditions.

Pedestrian visibility beside a road at night
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You should keep both hands ready to control the steering.

417. You should keep both hands ready to control the steering.

False.
✓ True.

Keeping proper control of the steering wheel helps you react safely to changes in traffic and road conditions.

Driver keeping both hands on the steering wheel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if another driver does not give way when they should?

418. What should you do if another driver does not give way when they should?

✓ Slow down and avoid a collision.
Maintain your speed because you have priority.
Accelerate so you pass through first.
Use the horn and continue at the same speed.

Even if you have priority, safety comes first. Slow down, stay calm, and avoid creating a dangerous situation.

Conflicting vehicle movements at a junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you use a lower gear when driving downhill?

419. Why should you use a lower gear when driving downhill?

It increases tyre grip on steep roads.
✓ It helps control speed using engine braking.
It makes the steering lighter on descents.
It allows the vehicle to coast more freely.

Engine braking helps prevent the vehicle from gaining too much speed and reduces strain on the brakes.

Lower-gear selection for a downhill road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if EV charging equipment becomes unusually hot or smells burnt?

420. What should you do if EV charging equipment becomes unusually hot or smells burnt?

Continue charging at a lower power setting.
✓ Stop the charging session, keep clear, and report the fault.
Keep charging until the vehicle reaches full charge.
Pour water over the equipment to cool it.

Unusual heat, a burning smell, smoke, sparks, or repeated charging faults can indicate an electrical problem. Stop using the charging equipment if it is safe to do so, keep clear of anything damaged or overheating, and report the fault or seek appropriate assistance.

Faulty electric-vehicle charging equipment
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before making a turn?

421. What should you do before making a turn?

Check only the traffic directly ahead.
✓ Check mirrors, signal, and make sure it is safe.
Turn as soon as the road ahead appears clear.
Rely on other road users to slow down for you.

Before turning, check your mirrors, use your indicator, and make sure the turn can be made safely.

Driver preparing to turn at a junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of cruise control?

422. What is the purpose of cruise control?

✓ To maintain a selected speed without continuous accelerator use.
To keep a fixed distance from the vehicle ahead.
To steer the vehicle automatically.
To prevent the vehicle from exceeding any speed limit.

Cruise control can maintain a selected speed without the driver continuously pressing the accelerator. The driver must remain attentive and ready to brake or take control when necessary.

Vehicle cruise-control buttons and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before entering a roundabout?

423. What should you do before entering a roundabout?

Stop before every roundabout, even when it is clear.
Enter first if you reach the roundabout before other traffic.
✓ Slow down and give way when required.
Enter without giving way if you are going straight ahead.

Before entering a roundabout, reduce your speed, observe traffic, and give way according to the local rules.

Vehicle approaching a roundabout
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can bridges be dangerous in strong winds?

424. Why can bridges be dangerous in strong winds?

Steering works less effectively above water.
Bridge lighting makes it harder to judge speed.
Vehicles automatically accelerate on bridges.
✓ They are often exposed to stronger gusts.

Bridges are often open and exposed, allowing strong winds to affect vehicles more suddenly.

Exposed bridge in strong wind
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you approach slow-moving farm machinery?

425. What should you do if you approach slow-moving farm machinery?

Overtake as soon as the road becomes slightly wider.
Use your horn so the driver moves aside.
✓ Keep a safe distance and overtake only when safe.
Overtake even if the vehicle is signalling to turn.

Farm machinery may be wide, slow, or turn unexpectedly. Keep distance and only overtake when you have a clear view and enough space.

Vehicle approaching slow-moving farm machinery
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with a helmet that has taken a significant impact in a collision?

426. What should you do with a helmet that has taken a significant impact in a collision?

Keep using it if the visor or straps still work.
Use it again after tightening the straps.
Replace only the outer shell if it is scratched.
✓ Stop using it and follow the manufacturer's replacement guidance.

A helmet can be damaged internally by a significant impact even when no damage is visible from the outside. Stop using the helmet and follow the manufacturer's guidance, which will commonly require replacement after a significant impact.

Helmet inspection after a significant impact
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you are unsure who has priority at a junction?

427. What should you do if you are unsure who has priority at a junction?

Rely on eye contact and enter the junction first.
Check only the direction that normally has priority.
✓ Slow down and proceed only when it is safe.
Proceed if the other driver appears to be slowing down.

If priority is unclear, reduce speed, observe carefully, and avoid entering the junction until you are sure it is safe.

Vehicles approaching a junction with uncertain priority
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

428. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Low fuel level.
Low engine oil.
Low washer fluid.
Charging-system warning.

This symbol indicates that the fuel level is low. Refuel soon to reduce the risk of running out of fuel.

Low-fuel warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you have taken drugs that may impair your driving?

429. What should you do if you have taken drugs that may impair your driving?

Drive only on familiar roads.
✓ Do not drive.
Drink coffee before driving.
Drive slowly and avoid motorways.

Drugs can impair judgement, coordination, concentration, and reaction time. Their effects can be unpredictable and may continue after you feel that the main effects have passed. Do not drive while impaired.

Drug impairment and the decision not to drive
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Are motorcycle riders generally required to wear a helmet in New Zealand?

430. Are motorcycle riders generally required to wear a helmet in New Zealand?

No.
✓ Yes.

Motorcycle riders in New Zealand are generally required to wear an approved helmet.

Motorcyclist wearing a protective helmet
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is a larger following distance needed at motorway speeds?

431. Why is a larger following distance needed at motorway speeds?

It prevents the tyres from becoming too warm.
It makes the vehicle easier to steer.
It reduces the effect of crosswinds.
✓ You need more distance to react and stop safely.

At higher speeds, you travel farther during your reaction time and need more distance to brake. A larger gap gives you more time and space to stop safely.

Following distance between vehicles on a motorway
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of the seat-belt retractor?

432. What is the purpose of the seat-belt retractor?

To adjust the seat height.
To tighten the parking brake.
To release the seat belt from the buckle.
✓ To take up slack and lock the belt when necessary.

The seat-belt retractor takes up slack and helps keep the belt properly positioned against the body. It allows normal movement but can lock during sudden braking, rapid belt movement or a collision.

Seat-belt webbing and retracting mechanism
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When should you select R (Reverse) in an automatic vehicle?

433. When should you select R (Reverse) in an automatic vehicle?

Whenever you want to reduce speed.
✓ After the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Before pressing the brake pedal.
While the vehicle is still moving forward slowly.

Select R (Reverse) only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Selecting Reverse while the vehicle is still moving forward can damage the transmission.

Selecting Reverse in a stationary automatic vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the accelerator becomes stuck while you are driving?

434. What should you do if the accelerator becomes stuck while you are driving?

Press the accelerator harder to try to free it.
Apply the parking brake sharply while moving.
Switch off the engine immediately before selecting neutral.
✓ Select neutral, brake firmly, and steer to a safe stopping place.

Selecting neutral disconnects engine power from the wheels. Brake firmly, maintain steering control, and switch off the engine after stopping safely.

Stuck accelerator pedal in a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should luggage be carried on a motorcycle?

435. How should luggage be carried on a motorcycle?

Loosely strapped so it can move with the motorcycle.
Mostly on one side to leave the other side free.
✓ Securely and evenly, without affecting balance or control.
As high as possible so it stays away from the wheels.

Motorcycle luggage should be securely fastened and sensibly distributed. A loose, uneven or badly positioned load can affect balance, steering and braking, or become caught in moving parts.

Luggage carried on a motorcycle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your windscreen becomes covered with mud or spray?

436. What should you do if your windscreen becomes covered with mud or spray?

Use the demister instead of the washers.
Continue driving and wait for the spray to clear.
✓ Slow down and use the washers and wipers to restore clear vision.
Switch off the wipers until the windscreen dries.

Clear visibility is essential. Slow down safely and use your washers and wipers until you can see the road clearly again.

Mud and spray obscuring a vehicle's windscreen
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you notice an unfamiliar fluid underneath your vehicle?

437. What should you do if you notice an unfamiliar fluid underneath your vehicle?

Wait until the vehicle develops another problem.
Assume a small leak is harmless condensation.
Top up the fluid levels and continue driving.
✓ Do not ignore it. Identify the fluid and arrange an inspection if necessary.

Clear water from air conditioning can be normal, but oil, coolant, fuel, transmission fluid, or brake fluid may indicate a fault requiring urgent attention.

Fluid leaking underneath a parked vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before turning across a cycle lane?

438. What should you do before turning across a cycle lane?

✓ Check mirrors and blind spots carefully for cyclists.
Ignore the cycle lane if you are signalling.
Turn quickly before cyclists reach the junction.
Sound your horn and turn immediately.

Cyclists may be beside or behind you when you turn. Check mirrors and blind spots, signal clearly, and turn only when it is safe.

Vehicle preparing to turn across a cycle lane
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why must you take wider turns when towing a trailer?

439. Why must you take wider turns when towing a trailer?

✓ The trailer follows a tighter path than the towing vehicle.
The trailer always follows the same path as the towing vehicle.
Wider turns reduce the trailer's stopping distance.
Wider turns decrease tyre wear.

Trailer wheels cut closer to the inside of a turn. Allow enough clearance from kerbs, signs, pedestrians, and other vehicles.

Towing vehicle and trailer negotiating a turn
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Where should passengers wait after safely leaving a broken-down vehicle?

440. Where should passengers wait after safely leaving a broken-down vehicle?

✓ In a protected place well away from moving traffic.
Stand between the vehicle and the safety barrier.
Wait just behind the vehicle away from the traffic lane.
Wait in the traffic lane until help arrives.

Move passengers, children, and pets away from the carriageway. On high-speed roads, wait behind a safety barrier where possible.

Passengers moving away from a broken-down vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before connecting an electric vehicle to a charger?

441. What should you check before connecting an electric vehicle to a charger?

That the vehicle's headlights are switched on.
That the charger provides its maximum power.
✓ That the connector and charging equipment are suitable for the vehicle.
That the charging cable is as long as possible.

Charging connectors and charging capabilities can vary between vehicles and charging stations. Use compatible charging equipment that is suitable for the vehicle and follow the vehicle and charger manufacturer's instructions.

Matching an electric vehicle's connector to suitable charging equipment
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

442. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Air conditioning.
✓ Cabin temperature adjustment.
Seat heating.
Cabin fan speed.

This control adjusts the temperature of the air supplied to the cabin. Turning it towards the blue side lowers the selected temperature, while turning it towards the red side raises it.

Control for adjusting the cabin temperature
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before changing lanes?

443. What should you do before changing lanes?

Check only the lane directly beside you.
Check the blind spot only after starting to move.
✓ Check your mirrors and blind spot.
Speed up and move over before nearby traffic catches up.

Always check your mirrors, look over your shoulder if necessary, and make sure it is safe before changing lanes.

Driver checking surrounding traffic before changing lanes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When should you select P (Park) in an automatic vehicle?

444. When should you select P (Park) in an automatic vehicle?

✓ After the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Before braking to a stop.
Whenever you want to reduce speed.
While the vehicle is still moving slowly.

Select P (Park) only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Selecting Park while the vehicle is moving can damage the transmission.

Selecting Park after an automatic vehicle stops
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you normally do with the gearbox during a longer stop in a manual vehicle?

445. What should you normally do with the gearbox during a longer stop in a manual vehicle?

Select reverse gear.
Keep the accelerator pressed.
✓ Select neutral and release the clutch.
Keep first gear selected with the clutch pressed.

During a longer stop, selecting neutral and releasing the clutch can reduce unnecessary strain on the clutch release mechanism. Keep the vehicle securely held with the brake or parking brake as appropriate.

Neutral gear selection during a longer stop
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave extra space behind a motorcycle?

446. Why should you leave extra space behind a motorcycle?

✓ Motorcycles can slow down quickly and are more vulnerable.
Motorcyclists cannot see vehicles directly behind them.
Following closely makes it easier to overtake safely.
Motorcycles always travel more slowly than cars.

Motorcyclists are more exposed than car drivers. Extra following distance gives you more time to react safely.

Following distance behind a motorcycle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you normally brake on a motorcycle?

447. How should you normally brake on a motorcycle?

Use only the front brake.
Alternate between the front and rear brakes.
✓ Use both brakes smoothly and progressively.
Use only the rear brake.

During normal braking, use both the front and rear brakes smoothly and progressively. The front brake normally provides much of the braking force, while the rear brake also helps slow and stabilise the motorcycle. Sudden or poorly balanced braking can reduce stability or cause a wheel to lose grip.

Motorcyclist using the front and rear brakes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when an automatic vehicle is stationary in D?

448. What should you do when an automatic vehicle is stationary in D?

✓ Keep the brake pedal pressed.
Release the parking brake.
Press the accelerator lightly.
Select reverse gear.

An automatic vehicle may creep forward when D (Drive) is selected, even without pressing the accelerator. Keep the brake pedal pressed while stationary to prevent unintended movement.

Automatic gear selector in Drive and brake-pedal control
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does the resume function of cruise control normally do?

449. What does the resume function of cruise control normally do?

✓ Returns the vehicle to the previously set cruising speed.
Sets the vehicle's current speed as a new limit.
Applies the brakes automatically.
Switches cruise control off completely.

The resume function normally returns the vehicle to the previously set cruise-control speed after the system has been temporarily disengaged. The driver should use it only when traffic and road conditions are suitable.

RES button for resuming the stored cruising speed
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you avoid if your vehicle loses grip on a wet road?

450. What should you avoid if your vehicle loses grip on a wet road?

Holding the steering wheel firmly.
Easing off the accelerator gradually.
Keeping your movements smooth and controlled.
✓ Sudden braking or sharp steering.

Abrupt inputs can upset the vehicle further. Smooth control gives the tyres a better chance to regain grip.

Vehicle losing grip on a wet road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA