NZ Road Code Car Test key terms

To let another road user go first. You slow or stop and wait until it is safe, then move off only when the other vehicle has passed or clearly yielded its own right of way to you.

A junction managed by traffic lights, a roundabout, a stop sign, or a give way sign, so priority is set by signals or signs rather than by the default rules alone.

A junction with no signs, signals, or roundabout. Default right-of-way rules apply, so you must give way to vehicles approaching from your right and follow the standard turning rules.

A circular intersection where traffic travels clockwise. You give way to vehicles already circulating or approaching from your right, signal your exit, and never change lanes inside without checking.

To signal your intention to turn, change lanes, pull out, or stop using your indicators, at least three seconds before the move, and cancel the signal once the manoeuvre is complete.

A direct glance over your shoulder into the area your mirrors do not cover, done before changing lanes, merging, or pulling out, because mirrors alone leave hidden zones beside and behind the car.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. In good conditions keep at least two seconds; double it in rain, at night, or when towing, and increase further on gravel or ice.

A wet-weather following gap of at least four seconds. Pick a fixed object ahead, count when the vehicle in front passes it, and ensure your own car reaches it no sooner than four seconds later.

The total distance needed to halt, made up of thinking distance (reaction time) plus braking distance. It grows quickly with speed and is much longer on wet, icy, or gravel surfaces.

The maximum legal speed for a road, shown on signs or set by the default urban and rural limits. It is a ceiling, not a target; you must drive slower when conditions demand it.

The speed at which you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear, allowing for weather, road surface, traffic, and visibility. It may be well below the posted limit.

A lower limit posted at roadworks or other temporary hazards. It overrides the normal limit for that stretch and must be obeyed even when workers are not visible.

A work zone where lanes may be narrowed, closed, or diverted and workers or machinery may be present. Slow down, obey signs and temporary limits, and watch for loose gravel and changed markings.

The maximum permitted alcohol concentration for drivers. For drivers aged 20 and over the adult limit applies; drivers under 20 are subject to a zero alcohol limit. Exceeding it is an offence.

A rule requiring no detectable alcohol for certain drivers, including those under 20. Even one drink can put a young driver over the limit, and the safest choice is not to drink at all before driving.

A roadside screening test where police require a driver to blow into a device that estimates breath alcohol. Refusing a lawful test is itself an offence with serious penalties.

Penalty points added to your driving record for traffic offences. Accumulating too many within a set period leads to licence suspension, and points stay on your record for a defined time.

A period during which your driver licence is withdrawn and you may not drive at all. It can follow too many demerit points, certain serious offences, or a court order, and driving while suspended is a serious offence.

A court-imposed ban on holding or obtaining a driver licence for a set period, usually for serious offences. Driving while disqualified carries heavy penalties and can lead to imprisonment.

Any breach of road rules, from speeding and failing to give way to careless or dangerous driving. Offences carry fines, demerit points, and for serious cases licence loss or imprisonment.

A first-stage licence that lets you drive only while supervised by a qualified driver and displaying L plates. Strict conditions apply, including a zero alcohol limit and passenger restrictions.

A stage after the learner licence that allows solo driving but with conditions such as a curfew for night driving and limits on passengers. You must display the correct plates.

The unrestricted stage of a driver licence, held after passing the required tests and progressing through learner and restricted stages. Standard road rules and limits then apply.

A periodic safety inspection that checks items such as brakes, tyres, lights, steering, and seatbelts. A current warrant must be displayed, and driving without one can bring a fine.

A safety inspection required for vehicles such as taxis, buses, and heavy vehicles, generally more frequent and stringent than a warrant of fitness. It must be current for the vehicle to be used commercially.

The legal record that a vehicle is licensed to be used on the road, shown by a current label or disc. Driving an unregistered vehicle is an offence and can affect insurance cover.

The depth of the grooves in a tyre. New Zealand requires a minimum tread depth across the main grooves; worn tyres grip poorly in the wet and increase stopping distance.

A restraint that must be worn by the driver and every passenger where fitted. The driver is responsible for ensuring children are correctly restrained in an approved child seat.

An approved seat or booster suited to a child's age and size. Young children must use one, and the driver is legally responsible for making sure it is fitted and used correctly.

An inflating cushion that protects occupants in a crash. It works with a seatbelt, not instead of one, and children should not sit directly in front of an active airbag.

Tiredness that slows reactions and judgement. Signs include yawning, drifting, and heavy eyes. The remedy is to stop and rest; fresh air, music, or coffee are only short-term aids.

Anything that takes your attention off driving, such as a phone, food, or passengers. Even a brief glance away at speed covers a long distance, so keep your eyes on the road.

Holding or using a phone while driving is illegal except in limited hands-free situations. Texting or browsing takes eyes and mind off the road and greatly raises crash risk.

A road user with little protection in a crash, such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and horse riders. Give them extra space and time, and expect sudden moves.

Driving cooperatively with all other road users, including trucks, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians. It means leaving space, signalling clearly, and not assuming others have seen you.

The safe sideways space to leave when overtaking someone on a bike, wider at higher speeds. Wait until you can pass with a clear margin and do not cut back in too soon.

A marked place for people on foot to cross. You must give way to pedestrians on or stepping onto it, and you must not stop on the crossing itself.

Where the road crosses train tracks. Slow down, look and listen both ways, obey alarms, lights, and barrier arms, and never stop on the tracks or try to beat a train.

Moving from one marked lane to another. Check mirrors, signal for at least three seconds, check the blind spot, and move only when there is a safe gap and no solid line forbids it.