NZ Road Code Car Test study plan

Memorise the four core give-way rules (left turn vs right turn, uncontrolled intersections, turning vs straight-through, driveways) and state each from memory without notes.

Recite the default urban and rural speed limits and the rule for passing a school bus stopped with flashing signs.

Explain lane position, indicate timing, and mirror-blind-spot-signal manoeuvre order for changing lanes and merging.

Work through 40 mixed general road code questions and log every wrong answer with the rule it tested.

Diagram the correct action at roundabouts, railway level crossings, and pedestrian crossings, including indicating on exit.

List the parking restrictions (broken yellow lines, bus stops, clearways, footpaths, intersections) and the distances that apply.

Identify every warning light and gauge on a dashboard and state the correct driver response to each.

Describe what a warrant of fitness checks, how long it lasts for a private car, and what voids it.

Complete 50 practice questions split evenly between road rules and vehicle safety.

State the following distances and minimum passing gaps for cyclists, horses, and pedestrians, and the speed rule when passing a stopped school bus.

Explain how to share the road with heavy vehicles, including blind spots, turning circles, and safe following distance.

Describe the rules for pedestrians at crossings, shared zones, and when a vehicle must stop.

Outline how to react safely to emergency vehicles, road workers, and motorcycle lane positioning.

Answer 30 scenario questions about other road users and note which ones you got wrong.

State the legal alcohol limits for drivers under 20 and 20 or over, and the consequences of exceeding them.

Explain how prescription and over-the-counter medicines, cannabis, and fatigue affect driving and what the law requires.

Recite the seatbelt and child restraint rules, including who is responsible for each passenger.

List the main distraction sources and the specific action a driver must take to avoid each.

Complete a timed 60-question mixed test and record the score.

Describe how to adjust speed and following distance for rain, ice, fog, gravel, and night driving, including the four-second rule.

Explain aquaplaning, skidding, and loss-of-control recovery steps in the correct order.

State the rules for headlights, fog lights, and hazard lights in poor visibility and at night.

Describe safe behaviour at roadworks, crash scenes, and when a temporary speed limit applies.

Answer 30 driving-to-the-conditions questions and justify each answer in one sentence.

Explain the difference between a warrant of fitness, certificate of fitness, registration, and road user charges, and who each applies to.

List the driver licence classes, the conditions of a learner and restricted licence, and the steps to progress between them.

State the demerit point threshold, the main infringement penalties, and the consequences of driving while disqualified or unlicensed.

Describe the vehicle safety checks a driver should perform before a journey (tyres, lights, fluids, brakes).

Complete 40 questions on vehicle safety and licensing and log the results.

Revisit every previously missed question and restate the correct rule from memory.

Take two full timed mock tests under exam conditions and compare scores.

Identify the two weakest sub-topics from the mock results and drill them with 20 targeted questions each.

Practise reading scenario questions carefully to spot the key condition before answering.

Take three full timed mock tests across all six domains and record each score.

Review every remaining wrong answer and write the correct rule beside it.

Recite the key numbers from memory: alcohol limits, speed limits, following distances, WoF validity, demerit threshold.

Confirm test-day logistics and complete a final full-length mock at or above the pass mark.