Learner licence – revision sheet
Printed 2026-09-30 from RoadReady NZ (independent; not an official NZTA document). Always check the official Road Code and NZTA website – rules can change.
1. Introduction to New Zealand driving
Driving in New Zealand: the basics
- Drive on the left.
- The Road Code explains the law in plain language.
- Carry your licence. Check the car has a current WoF and registration.
2. Understanding your learner licence
The graduated licence journey
- Learner → restricted → full.
- Each stage has conditions and minimum times.
- Some rules change on 25 January 2027 – check the Licence Guide for today's rules.
3. Road signs and their meanings
Sign shapes and colours
- Red circle = rule you must obey.
- Yellow diamond = warning.
- Orange = roadworks; temporary limits are legal limits.
- Advisory speeds are recommended, not legal limits.
4. Traffic lights and road markings
Traffic lights and arrows
- Red = stop. Amber = stop if safe. Green = go if clear.
- Red arrow = not that way.
- Give way to pedestrians when turning at lights.
Road markings
- Solid yellow on your side = no passing.
- Broken yellow at the edge = no stopping.
- Flush median: turning only, no more than 50 m.
- White diamond = pedestrian crossing ahead.
5. Give-way rules
The give-way rules
- Turning gives way to not turning.
- Right-turn gives way to opposite left-turn.
- Bottom of the T gives way to top of the T.
- Otherwise give way to your right.
STOP and GIVE WAY signs
- STOP = full stop at the limit line, then give way.
- GIVE WAY = slow, stop if needed, give way.
- Both roads signed the same? Use the turning rules.
6. Intersections
Turning at intersections
- Signal for at least 3 seconds.
- Left turns: keep left. Right turns: near the centre line.
- Don't enter an intersection you can't clear.
7. Roundabouts
Using roundabouts
- Give way to vehicles from your right.
- Always signal left when leaving.
- Follow lane arrows on multi-lane roundabouts.
8. Speed limits and safe following distances
Speed limits
- A limit is a maximum, not a target.
- Obey signed limits, including variable school limits.
- Slow down for conditions.
The two-second and four-second rules
- 2 seconds in good conditions.
- 4 seconds in wet, icy or poor visibility.
9. Parking and stopping
Parking rules
- Park on the left, facing the flow of traffic.
- No parking on broken yellow lines, footpaths, within 6 m of intersections or before crossings.
- On hills: handbrake + turn wheels.
10. Pedestrians and cyclists
Pedestrian crossings
- Give way to pedestrians on zebra crossings.
- Stop for school patrol STOP signs.
- Give way to people on the footpath at driveways.
Sharing the road with cyclists
- Give cyclists at least 1.5 m when passing (Road Code advice).
- Give way to cyclists when crossing a cycle lane.
- Check your left side before turning left.
11. Sharing the road
Buses, trucks and other road users
- Give way to buses pulling out where the limit is 70 km/h or less.
- Stay out of truck blind spots.
- Look twice for motorcycles; pass animals slowly and wide.
12. School zones and buses
School buses and school zones
- 20 km/h past a stopped school bus – both directions.
- Obey school zone limits and watch for children.
13. Emergency vehicles
Making way for emergency vehicles
- Give way to vehicles with flashing red/blue lights or sirens.
- Move left and stop when it's safe.
- Keep intersections clear.
14. Railway crossings
Railway level crossings
- Flashing lights or bells = stop and wait.
- STOP sign = stop, look both ways.
- Only cross if you can clear the tracks.
15. Hazard awareness
Seeing hazards early
- Scan far ahead, to the sides and behind.
- Predict what might happen.
- Slow down and make space early.
16. Alcohol, drugs, fatigue and distraction
Alcohol and drug limits
- Under 20: zero alcohol.
- 20+: 250 mcg/L breath, 50 mg/100 mL blood.
- Don't drive impaired by drugs or medicines.
Fatigue and distraction
- No handheld phone use while driving – even when stopped in traffic.
- Stop and rest if you feel tired.
- Take breaks on long trips.
17. Vehicle safety and responsibilities
Seatbelts and child restraints
- Seatbelts for everyone.
- Driver responsible for under-15s.
- Under 7s in an approved child restraint.
Keeping your vehicle safe
- Current WoF and registration.
- Tyres: at least 1.5 mm tread.
- Working lights, clean windows.
18. Learner licence conditions
Your learner licence conditions
- Supervisor in the front seat: full licence held 2+ years.
- L plate on the back.
- Passengers only with supervisor's OK.
19. Preparing for the official theory test
Getting ready for your theory test
- 35 questions; 32 correct to pass.
- Bring ID; expect an eyesight check.
- Ask NZTA in advance about support you may need.
Practice questions (original)
Which side of the road must you drive on in New Zealand?
- The left side
- The right side
- Either side, if the road is clear
When you are driving, what must you do with your driver licence?
- Carry it with you and show it to a police officer if asked
- Leave it at home so you don't lose it
- Only carry it on the open road
On a road with two lanes going your way, which lane should you normally drive in?
- The left lane, unless passing or turning right
- The right lane, because it's faster
- Whichever lane has less traffic
As a learner driver, who must be sitting in the front passenger seat whenever you drive?
- A supervisor who has held a full licence for at least 2 years
- Any adult passenger
- A person with a restricted licence
Where must the L plate be displayed on a car driven by a learner?
- On the back of the vehicle, clearly visible to traffic behind
- On the dashboard
- It is optional
On a learner licence, when may you carry passengers?
- Only if your supervisor agrees
- Never
- Any time, without asking
On a restricted licence, between which hours can you drive alone (without a supervisor)?
- 5am to 10pm
- 6am to midnight
- Any time of day
You have a restricted licence and no supervisor with you. A friend asks for a ride home. What does the law say?
- You can't carry them unless one of the limited exceptions applies
- You can carry one friend
- You can carry them before 10pm
What happens if a driver collects 100 or more demerit points within 2 years?
- Their licence is suspended
- Nothing, the points just add up
- They get a free driving lesson
How many questions are in the car learner licence theory test, and how many must you answer correctly?
- 35 questions; at least 32 correct
- 20 questions; at least 15 correct
- 50 questions; at least 40 correct
Answers
- The left side – Always keep left.
- Carry it with you and show it to a police officer if asked – Always have your licence with you when you drive.
- The left lane, unless passing or turning right – Use the left lane unless you are passing or turning right.
- A supervisor who has held a full licence for at least 2 years – Your supervisor sits next to you and has had a full licence for 2+ years.
- On the back of the vehicle, clearly visible to traffic behind – The L plate goes on the back of the car.
- Only if your supervisor agrees – Passengers only if your supervisor says yes.
- 5am to 10pm – Alone from 5am to 10pm only.
- You can't carry them unless one of the limited exceptions applies – No friends as passengers unless your supervisor is in the car.
- Their licence is suspended – 100 demerit points in 2 years = you lose your licence for a while.
- 35 questions; at least 32 correct – 35 questions. Get 32 right to pass.