About the NZ Learner Licence Theory Test
Before you can drive on NZ roads, you must pass the learner licence theory test set by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. The test checks your knowledge of road rules, road signs, safe driving practices, and licensing conditions before you get behind the wheel.
The theory test covers four areas:
- Road Rules: give way rules, intersections, speed limits, following distances, lane use, overtaking, and parking rules
- Road Signs: warning signs, regulatory signs, speed limit signs, information signs, road markings, and traffic signals
- Safe Driving: stopping distances, hazard awareness, driving in adverse conditions, fatigue, alcohol, and driver distraction
- Licensing: graduated licensing system, learner and restricted licence conditions, supervisor requirements, and demerit points
Important: New Zealand uses a graduated licensing system. A learner licence is not the same as a restricted or full licence. Each stage has specific conditions and restrictions. Know the rules for each stage before your test.
Key NZ Road Rules to Know
- Speed limits: 50 km/h default urban, 100 km/h default open road, 40 km/h school zones (when lights flash)
- Give way: At uncontrolled intersections, give way to vehicles coming from your right and to oncoming vehicles when turning right
- Following distance: Minimum 2 seconds in dry conditions, 4 seconds in wet conditions
- Alcohol: Zero alcohol for learner and restricted licence holders. 0.05 BAC for full licence holders aged 20 and over
- Learner conditions: Must be supervised by a person 20 or older who has held a full licence for 2 or more years. No alcohol. Must display L plates
- Restricted conditions: Can drive alone. No passengers except immediate family, no driving between 10pm and 5am unless accompanied
Waka Kotahi provides a free online practice test but many candidates find the give way rules and road sign sections the hardest parts. TestReady's 100+ questions target these areas specifically with full explanations.
| Feature | Waka Kotahi Practice Test | TestReady |
|---|
| Practice questions | Basic sample only | 100+ questions |
| All 4 test sections | Not drill-ready | Road Rules, Signs, Safety, Licensing |
| Answer explanations | Limited | Every question |
| Drill by section | No | Yes |
Section Breakdown
- Road Rules (20 questions): give way rules at intersections, roundabouts, speed limits, following distances, lane use, overtaking, signals, and parking
- Road Signs (15 questions): warning signs, regulatory signs, speed signs, information signs, road markings, and traffic light rules
- Safe Driving (15 questions): stopping distances, hazard perception, driving in rain and at night, fatigue, mobile phones, and alcohol
- Licensing (10 questions): graduated licensing system, learner and restricted conditions, supervisor requirements, demerit points, and licence renewal
Free sample: Try 5 randomly selected questions below. Use Drill Mode to target the sections you find hardest.
