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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 is the button on a manual handbrake lever used for?

551. What is the button on a manual handbrake lever used for?

To unlock the steering.
✓ To release the handbrake mechanism.
To apply the service brakes.
To select reverse gear.

To release a manual handbrake, pull the lever up slightly, press and hold the release button, then lower the lever under control.

Release button on a manual handbrake lever
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when reversing with a trailer?

552. What should you do when reversing with a trailer?

Make large steering corrections as soon as it turns.
Watch only the trailer and ignore surrounding traffic.
Ask a guide to stand directly behind the trailer.
✓ Reverse slowly and make small steering corrections.

Trailers react quickly to steering while reversing. Move slowly, observe carefully, and use a guide only from a safe visible position.

Vehicle reversing with a trailer
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What normally happens to cruise control when you press the brake pedal?

553. What normally happens to cruise control when you press the brake pedal?

The selected speed increases.
✓ Cruise control is cancelled or temporarily disengaged.
The accelerator pedal locks in position.
The parking brake is applied.

Pressing the brake pedal normally cancels or temporarily disengages cruise control, returning speed control to the driver.

Brake-pedal operation to disengage cruise control
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you see fallen rocks on a mountain road?

554. What should you do if you see fallen rocks on a mountain road?

✓ Slow down and avoid them smoothly when safe.
Maintain speed and drive over smaller stones.
Swerve around them immediately without checking traffic.
Stop beside the rocks to inspect the road.

Loose rocks can damage tyres, affect steering, or block part of the road. Reduce speed and avoid sudden movements. If rocks are actively falling, do not enter or stop in the danger area. Keep a safe distance and, if necessary, wait in a safe place until it is safe to continue.

Fallen rocks on a mountain road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can alcohol affect your driving ability?

555. How can alcohol affect your driving ability?

It improves your ability to judge distance.
It improves your vision in poor light.
✓ It can reduce judgement, coordination, and reaction speed.
It has no effect if you drive slowly.

Alcohol affects several abilities needed for safe driving, including concentration, decision-making, coordination, and hazard perception.

Alcohol impairment and driving ability
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you not rely only on a reversing camera?

556. Why should you not rely only on a reversing camera?

It shows every blind spot around the vehicle.
✓ It may not show everything around the vehicle.
It removes the need to look around before reversing.
It makes mirrors unnecessary when reversing.

Reversing cameras can help, but they may have blind spots and limited coverage. Always check your mirrors and surroundings, look around where possible, and reverse slowly.

Reversing-camera display inside a vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should luggage be carried on a bicycle?

557. How should luggage be carried on a bicycle?

As high as possible to keep it away from the wheels.
On one side of the bicycle to leave the other side clear.
On the rear carrier without securing it for a short trip.
✓ Securely, without affecting steering, braking, or balance.

Loose or badly positioned luggage can interfere with control, become caught in the wheels, or hide bicycle lights.

Luggage carried on a bicycle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can higher speed affect fuel or energy consumption?

558. How can higher speed affect fuel or energy consumption?

It has no effect once the vehicle is moving.
✓ It can increase consumption because air resistance rises.
It improves tyre efficiency in every situation.
It always reduces consumption.

As speed increases, aerodynamic resistance generally rises, so the vehicle needs more energy to maintain that speed. Driving smoothly at an appropriate speed can therefore reduce fuel or energy consumption.

Vehicle speed and aerodynamic resistance
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave extra space when passing road workers?

559. Why should you leave extra space when passing road workers?

Road workers are protected by the construction barriers.
To avoid damaging temporary road markings.
✓ They may be working close to moving traffic.
To keep construction dust away from your vehicle.

Workers may be only a short distance from passing vehicles. Reduce speed and leave as much safe space as possible.

Vehicle passing workers close to the road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which pedal is used to slow down or stop the vehicle?

560. Which pedal is used to slow down or stop the vehicle?

✓ The brake pedal.
The footrest.
The accelerator pedal.
The clutch pedal.

The brake pedal is used to reduce the vehicle's speed or bring it to a stop. In a manual vehicle, it is the middle pedal.

Brake pedal in the driver's footwell
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you expect when lanes become narrower in roadworks?

561. What should you expect when lanes become narrower in roadworks?

All vehicles must drive in the centre of the lane.
✓ Less space between your vehicle, barriers, and other traffic.
The speed limit automatically increases.
Large vehicles must stop before entering the narrow section.

Narrow lanes leave less room for error. Keep a steady position, avoid drifting toward barriers or nearby vehicles, and reduce speed if necessary.

Narrow traffic lanes through roadworks
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if steam begins coming from underneath the bonnet?

562. What should you do if steam begins coming from underneath the bonnet?

✓ Stop safely, switch off the engine, and keep clear until it has cooled.
Pour cold water over the engine immediately.
Keep the engine running so the cooling system keeps working.
Open the coolant cap to release the pressure.

Steam can indicate an overheated and pressurised cooling system. Do not remove the coolant cap while the system is hot.

Steam rising from underneath a vehicle's bonnet
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do around a damaged electric or hybrid vehicle?

563. What should you do around a damaged electric or hybrid vehicle?

✓ Keep clear of damaged high-voltage components and call trained assistance.
Inspect damaged cables closely before calling for help.
Disconnect exposed electrical components yourself.
Assume the system is safe once the vehicle is switched off.

Electric and hybrid vehicles can contain dangerous high-voltage systems. Do not touch damaged cables, batteries, or electrical components.

Damaged electric vehicle and high-voltage safety risks
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when a traffic light turns red?

564. What should you do when a traffic light turns red?

Stop only if other traffic is approaching.
Continue if the junction appears clear.
✓ Stop and wait until you may proceed.
Follow the vehicle ahead through the junction.

A red traffic light means you must stop before the stop line, pedestrian crossing, or intersection unless a sign or signal indicates otherwise.

Red traffic light at a junction
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you make sure drivers have seen you before crossing?

565. Why should you make sure drivers have seen you before crossing?

✓ To reduce the risk of stepping into their path.
Eye contact means the driver must stop for you.
Once a driver sees you, no further checks are needed.
A driver who sees you can always stop in time.

Before crossing, make sure approaching drivers have noticed you and that it is safe to proceed. Do not assume that a driver will stop simply because you have seen each other.

Pedestrian checking whether an approaching driver has seen them
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave extra space when following a large vehicle?

566. Why should you leave extra space when following a large vehicle?

To prevent the large vehicle from changing lanes.
To reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle uses.
To make overtaking possible without checking ahead.
✓ To improve your view ahead and give yourself more time to react.

A large vehicle can block your view of traffic, signs, junctions, or hazards ahead. Leaving extra space improves your view and gives you more time to react if traffic slows or a hazard develops.

Large vehicle limiting a following driver's view
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with a manual parking brake before driving away?

567. What should you do with a manual parking brake before driving away?

Apply it only after moving off.
✓ Release it fully.
Pull it up further.
Leave it partly applied.

The manual parking brake should be released fully before driving away. Driving with it partly applied can cause unnecessary brake wear and overheating.

Releasing a manual handbrake before driving away
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should unnecessary engine idling be avoided?

568. Why should unnecessary engine idling be avoided?

It makes the tyres lose pressure.
✓ It uses fuel without moving the vehicle.
It immediately damages the brakes.
It prevents the battery from charging.

An idling combustion engine uses fuel while the vehicle is stationary. Avoid unnecessary idling where it is safe and appropriate to switch the engine off, taking account of the vehicle manufacturer's instructions and local rules.

Stationary vehicle with its engine idling
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can parking too close to a junction affect visibility?

569. How can parking too close to a junction affect visibility?

✓ It can block the view between road users.
It improves visibility by slowing down traffic.
It has no effect if the hazard lights are on.
It affects only the driver of the parked vehicle.

Parking too close to a junction can block visibility. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians may have difficulty seeing each other in time.

Parked vehicle obstructing visibility near a junction
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should cyclists do before turning or changing position on the road?

570. What should cyclists do before turning or changing position on the road?

Signal only when a vehicle is close behind.
Look behind only after starting the turn.
Move first, then signal to traffic behind.
✓ Look behind, signal clearly, and move only when safe.

Checking behind and signalling gives other road users time to understand what you intend to do.

Cyclist preparing to turn or change road position
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should cyclists do when an emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaches?

571. What should cyclists do when an emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaches?

Follow closely behind it once it passes.
Stop immediately, even if you are in the traffic lane.
✓ Stay alert and move to a safe position without obstructing it.
Move aside quickly without checking around you.

Emergency vehicles need a clear route. Move predictably and stop only where doing so is safe.

Cyclist near an approaching emergency vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why must a roof load be securely attached?

572. Why must a roof load be securely attached?

✓ It could shift or fall and create a serious hazard.
To keep the vehicle within its normal height.
Because the roof will hold the load in place while driving.
To stop the roof rack from increasing fuel consumption.

A roof load is exposed to strong airflow and movement. It must be restrained correctly and kept within the permitted limits.

Load secured to a vehicle's roof
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should cyclists do when passing pedestrians on a shared path?

573. What should cyclists do when passing pedestrians on a shared path?

✓ Slow down, give warning, and leave enough space.
Pass quickly before they change direction.
Use your bell and keep the same speed.
Assume they will hear you approaching.

Pedestrians may change direction unexpectedly. A warning and safe passing distance reduce the risk of a collision.

Cyclist passing pedestrians on a shared path
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You should adjust your mirrors before you start driving.

574. You should adjust your mirrors before you start driving.

✓ True.
False.

Properly adjusted mirrors improve visibility and help you monitor traffic around your vehicle.

Driver adjusting a mirror before setting off
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when traffic lights change to amber as you approach?

575. What should you do when traffic lights change to amber as you approach?

✓ Stop if you can do so safely.
Accelerate to pass before the light turns red.
Continue at the same speed if the junction looks clear.
Treat it like a green light until it turns red.

An amber light warns that the signal is changing. Stop if it is safe, but avoid sudden braking that could cause danger behind you.

Vehicle approaching an amber traffic light
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

576. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

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

This control operates the vehicle's electric windows. Pressing or pulling the switch lowers or raises the corresponding window.

Switch for operating an electric window
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you slow down near schools or playgrounds?

577. Why should you slow down near schools or playgrounds?

School zones are closed to normal traffic.
Vehicles must stop whenever children are nearby.
Children are easier to see when you drive slowly.
✓ Children may behave unpredictably.

Children may suddenly cross the road or move unexpectedly, so drivers should slow down and stay alert near schools and playgrounds.

Vehicle approaching a school or playground area
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which distance unit is used on road signs in New Zealand?

578. Which distance unit is used on road signs in New Zealand?

✓ Kilometres.
Miles.

Road distances in New Zealand are normally shown in kilometres.

Distance units used on road signs
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can fog make it difficult to judge the speed of other vehicles?

579. Why can fog make it difficult to judge the speed of other vehicles?

Fog causes vehicles to travel at uneven speeds.
Fog makes road markings appear closer together.
Fog changes the way mirrors show moving vehicles.
✓ Limited visibility makes distances and movement harder to estimate.

Fog reduces visual information, making it harder to judge how far away another vehicle is and how quickly it is approaching.

Other traffic partly obscured by fog
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which road markings should you follow through roadworks?

580. Which road markings should you follow through roadworks?

Use whichever markings give you the shortest route.
Ignore markings and follow only the vehicle ahead.
✓ The temporary markings that show the current traffic route.
Follow the old permanent markings if they are still visible.

Temporary road markings may replace the normal lane layout during roadworks. Follow the markings and signs that currently guide traffic.

Temporary road markings through a roadworks area
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

581. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Front windscreen demister.
✓ Air conditioning.
Fan speed.
Air recirculation.

The A/C symbol controls the vehicle's air-conditioning system. Air conditioning can cool and dehumidify the air inside the vehicle, which can also help clear mist from the windows.

Air-conditioning control with the A/C symbol
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which control is normally used to operate the direction indicators?

582. Which control is normally used to operate the direction indicators?

The windscreen-wiper stalk.
The cruise-control button.
✓ The steering-column indicator stalk.
The hazard-warning button.

The direction indicators are normally operated using a stalk beside the steering wheel. Moving the stalk up or down activates the indicators on the corresponding side of the vehicle.

Steering-column stalk for the direction indicators
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should cyclists ride when travelling in a group?

583. How should cyclists ride when travelling in a group?

Ride side by side even when traffic cannot pass safely.
Keep the same speed even when gaps become unsafe.
✓ Predictably, with safe gaps and clear communication.
Ride as close together as possible to stay as one group.

Safe spacing and communication help group members respond to braking, turns, obstacles, and changing traffic conditions.

Group of cyclists riding along a road
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should a seat belt not be twisted when worn?

584. Why should a seat belt not be twisted when worn?

A flat belt makes the seat easier to adjust.
A twisted belt can cause the buckle to open.
A twisted belt makes the brakes less effective.
✓ A flat belt spreads collision forces more effectively.

A seat belt should lie flat against the body without twists. A twisted belt concentrates force over a smaller area and may provide less effective protection in a collision.

Twisted seat belt across an occupant's body
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if it is unsafe to leave a stranded vehicle?

585. What should you do if it is unsafe to leave a stranded vehicle?

Switch off all lights to preserve the battery.
Try to push the vehicle out of the traffic lane.
Walk along the road to find assistance.
✓ Stay inside, use hazard lights, and call the emergency services.

If leaving the vehicle would put you in greater danger, remain restrained, make the vehicle visible, contact the emergency services, and follow their instructions.

Vehicle stranded among moving traffic
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you reduce speed when approaching roadworks?

586. Why should you reduce speed when approaching roadworks?

To keep construction dust off the windscreen.
To reduce exhaust gases near construction sites.
✓ Road workers, narrow lanes, and unexpected hazards may be present.
To reduce wear on the vehicle suspension.

Roadworks can involve workers, machinery, changing lane layouts, and uneven surfaces. Lower speed gives you more time to react.

Vehicle approaching a roadworks area
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What may happen when you press the accelerator fully in an automatic vehicle?

587. What may happen when you press the accelerator fully in an automatic vehicle?

The parking brake applies automatically.
The engine switches off.
The transmission selects Park.
✓ The transmission may shift to a lower gear for stronger acceleration.

In many automatic vehicles, pressing the accelerator fully can activate kickdown, causing the transmission to select a lower gear and provide stronger acceleration.

Accelerator-pedal operation for automatic kickdown
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

588. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

ABS fault.
✓ Parking brake applied.
Brake pads worn.
Low tyre pressure.

This symbol indicates that the parking brake is applied. It should normally go out when the parking brake is fully released.

Parking-brake indicator symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with the clutch when bringing a manual vehicle to a stop?

589. What should you do with the clutch when bringing a manual vehicle to a stop?

✓ Press it before the engine begins to stall.
Keep it released until after the vehicle stops.
Press it before using the brake pedal.
Pump it repeatedly while braking.

When stopping a manual vehicle, brake normally and press the clutch pedal before the engine speed becomes too low and the engine stalls. Avoid pressing the clutch unnecessarily early, as this reduces engine braking.

Clutch-pedal operation when stopping a manual vehicle
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does it mean to cover the brake pedal?

590. What does it mean to cover the brake pedal?

✓ Position your right foot over the brake, ready to press it.
Press the brake and accelerator together.
Rest your foot lightly on the brake while driving.
Apply the parking brake slightly.

To cover the brake, move your right foot over the brake pedal without pressing it, so you are ready to brake quickly if a hazard develops.

Right foot positioned over the brake pedal
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle develops a serious fault while driving?

591. What should you do if your vehicle develops a serious fault while driving?

Accelerate to see if the fault disappears.
Switch off the engine before slowing down.
Continue driving until the vehicle stops by itself.
✓ Keep control, reduce speed, and move to a safe place if possible.

Your first priority is to keep control of the vehicle. Reduce speed smoothly and move out of the path of traffic where possible, signalling when appropriate. Avoid harsh steering or braking unless necessary.

Vehicle stopped after developing a mechanical fault
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid using an ordinary extension lead to charge an electric vehicle?

592. Why should you avoid using an ordinary extension lead to charge an electric vehicle?

It prevents the vehicle from locking while charging.
✓ It may overheat because it is not designed for continuous high-power charging.
It prevents the charging port from closing afterwards.
It will always charge the vehicle too quickly.

An ordinary household extension lead may not be designed for the sustained electrical load required for EV charging and can overheat. Use suitable approved charging equipment and follow the vehicle and charging-equipment manufacturer's instructions.

Extension lead used for electric-vehicle charging
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

593. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Rear fog lights.
✓ Main beam.
Dipped headlights.
Sidelights.

This symbol indicates that the main beam headlights are switched on. Main beam illuminates the road farther ahead but can dazzle other road users, so it should be changed to dipped headlights when necessary.

Main-beam headlight symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which side is normally used for overtaking in New Zealand?

594. Which side is normally used for overtaking in New Zealand?

Left-hand side.
✓ Right-hand side.

Drivers normally overtake on the right-hand side in New Zealand.

Vehicle overtaking on the right
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your main beam could dazzle another driver?

595. What should you do if your main beam could dazzle another driver?

Reduce speed but leave the main beam on.
✓ Switch to dipped headlights.
Flash the main beam briefly before passing.
Keep the main beam on unless the other driver flashes you.

Main beam can dazzle other road users and reduce their visibility. Switch to dipped headlights whenever your main beam could dazzle another driver.

Headlight glare affecting another road user
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA