Restricted 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. Restricted licence conditions
Your restricted licence conditions
- Solo driving 5am–10pm only.
- No passengers without a supervisor (limited exceptions).
- Breaking conditions can mean a fine and demerit points.
2. Preparing for your practical test
About the restricted practical test
- The test checks safe, independent driving.
- Read the official NZTA test guide.
- Practise in varied conditions and log your practice.
3. Vehicle safety checks
Pre-drive checks
- Walk around the car first.
- Doors, seat, head restraint, mirrors, seatbelt.
- Check warning lights go out.
4. Starting and stopping safely
Moving off and stopping
- Mirrors, signal 3 seconds, head check, then go.
- Give way to all traffic when pulling out.
- Plan stops early and brake smoothly.
5. Observation and mirror checks
Mirrors and blind spots
- Check mirrors every few seconds.
- Head-check before lane changes, merges and pulling out.
6. Correct signalling
Signalling well
- Signal at least 3 seconds.
- Signals don't give right of way.
- Cancel after the manoeuvre.
7. Lane positioning
Lane position and lane changes
- Keep left, centred in your lane.
- Lane change: mirror, signal, head check, gap.
- Give way to traffic in the lane you move into.
- Zip merge where lanes merge equally.
8. Intersections (practical)
Handling intersections in traffic
- Use a consistent approach routine.
- Only take a gap that won't make others brake.
- If in doubt, wait.
9. Roundabouts (practical)
Roundabouts in traffic
- Choose your lane early.
- Give way to vehicles from your right.
- Signal left before your exit.
10. Parking manoeuvres
Parking manoeuvres
- Slow, controlled and observant.
- It's OK to adjust.
- Give way to everyone when leaving a park.
11. Reversing safely
Reversing
- Look behind, not just at the camera.
- Go slowly.
- Don't reverse further than you need to.
12. Speed management
Managing your speed
- Know and obey the limit.
- Brake before curves.
- Advisory speeds are for ideal conditions.
13. Following distances
Keeping a safe gap
- 2 seconds dry, 4 seconds wet.
- If tailgated, increase your gap ahead.
- Stopped: see the tyres of the car in front.
14. Hazard identification
Commentary driving
- Describe hazards aloud.
- Plan your response early.
- Practise first as a passenger.
15. Defensive driving
Driving defensively
- Keep a space cushion.
- Be visible.
- Expect others to make mistakes.
16. Sharing the road (practical)
Sharing the road in practice
- Plan passing early.
- Give trucks room to turn.
- Slow down near people walking.
17. Driving in changing conditions
Adapting to conditions
- Lights on sunset to sunrise and when you can't see 100 m.
- 4-second gap in the wet.
- Slow down for sun strike and gravel.
18. Common practical-test errors
Avoiding common mistakes
- Stop fully at STOP signs.
- Always head-check.
- Signal on time.
- Watch your speed.
19. Test-day preparation
Test day
- Bring your licence.
- Car: WoF, rego, lights, L plate.
- Ask if you don't understand an instruction.
Practice questions (original)
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
A driver is tailgating you. What is the safest thing to do?
- Increase the gap in front of you so you can brake gently
- Brake suddenly to warn them
- Speed up to get away
A car is waiting to pull out of a side road on your left. What is the best response?
- Ease off the accelerator and be ready to brake
- Speed up so you pass before it pulls out
- Ignore it – you have right of way
You want to change into the lane on your right. A car is already in that lane beside you. What must you do?
- Give way to the car in that lane
- Signal and move over – they'll make room
- Speed up and cut in
Two lanes are merging into one and neither is marked as ending. What is the expected way to merge?
- Take turns, like a zip
- The right lane always goes first
- The faster car always goes first
When must your headlights be on?
- From sunset to sunrise, and when you can't clearly see a person or vehicle 100 metres away
- Only after 10pm
- Only on unlit roads
You're pulling out from the kerb. What is the correct order of checks?
- Mirrors, signal, head check over your shoulder, then move when clear
- Signal, then move straight away
- Head check only
When pulling out from a parked position, who must you give way to?
- All traffic
- Only traffic in front of you
- Nobody, if you signal
What is a blind spot?
- An area around your car that your mirrors don't show
- A place on the road without street lights
- A dent in your mirror
Answers
- 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.
- Increase the gap in front of you so you can brake gently – Leave more space in front of you.
- Ease off the accelerator and be ready to brake – Slow down a bit and get ready to brake.
- Give way to the car in that lane – Wait for a gap.
- Take turns, like a zip – Take turns.
- From sunset to sunrise, and when you can't clearly see a person or vehicle 100 metres away – At night, and when you can't see 100 metres.
- Mirrors, signal, head check over your shoulder, then move when clear – Mirrors, signal, look over your shoulder, go.
- All traffic – Everyone.
- An area around your car that your mirrors don't show – A spot your mirrors can't show.