NZ Motorcycle Road Code Test cheat sheet

NZ drives on the left; at an uncontrolled intersection you give way to all vehicles approaching from your right, and to any vehicle already indicating a right turn across your path.

Turning rule: when turning right, give way to oncoming traffic going straight ahead or turning left; when turning left, give way to any vehicle you would cross, including oncoming traffic turning right into the same road.

At a T-intersection the top-of-T road has priority; traffic on the terminating road gives way to traffic on the continuing road and to any vehicle turning right into it.

Traffic signals: a red arrow applies only to that movement; a green circle means proceed if the way is clear; you may turn left on a red light only after stopping and giving way, and only where no sign prohibits it.

Sign categories: red-bordered circles are compulsory (prohibitions, speed limits); yellow diamonds warn; blue circles or rectangles give mandatory instructions or information; STOP signs require a full stop at the limit line.

Speed limits are maximums for ideal conditions; the default urban limit is 50 km/h, open-road 100 km/h, and temporary or posted signs override defaults.

Railway level crossings: flashing red lights or a raised barrier alarm means stop; a stop sign or limit line at a crossing requires a full stop before proceeding.

Pedestrian crossings: give way to pedestrians on or stepping onto the crossing; you must not overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a crossing.

Passing rule: you may pass on the left only when the vehicle ahead is turning right, when lanes are marked, or in slow queues; never cross a solid yellow no-passing line.

Countersteering: above walking pace, pushing the left bar forward leans the bike left and pushing the right bar forward leans it right; the lean initiates the turn.

Braking split: front brake provides most stopping force on dry sealed roads; apply both brakes progressively, with rear brake more useful at low speed and on loose or wet surfaces.

Cornering sequence: set speed before the corner, look through to the exit, maintain or gently roll on throttle through the bend; braking hard mid-corner reduces traction and stands the bike up.

Target fixation: the bike tends to go where you look, so turn your head and eyes toward the intended path rather than at the hazard.

Slow-speed control uses clutch friction zone, rear brake drag and slight throttle; keep the head up and avoid grabbing the front brake with the bars turned.

Following distance: use the two-second rule in dry conditions, at least four seconds in wet, and more at night or when the road surface is gravel or unsealed.

Gravel or loose surfaces: sit upright, keep throttle steady, weight the pegs, avoid sudden front braking and use a higher gear to reduce wheelspin.

Group riding: keep a staggered formation on straights, single file in corners, and never ride side by side in the same lane position through a bend.

Wet-weather hazards: painted markings, manhole covers, tram rails and diesel spills are slickest at the start of rain; reduce lean angle and increase braking distance.

Helmet law: riders and pillion passengers must wear an approved motorcycle helmet that is correctly fastened; an unfastened helmet is treated as not worn.

Approved helmets carry a recognised standards mark; damaged, dropped or impact-damaged helmets should be replaced even if the shell looks intact.

Visibility: ride with a dipped headlight on, wear high-visibility or contrasting clothing, and position yourself where drivers can see you in their mirrors.

Protective gear hierarchy: helmet, then abrasion-resistant jacket and trousers, gloves, and enclosed footwear; bare skin offers no abrasion protection in a slide.

Eye protection is required if the helmet has no visor; tinted visors or sunglasses must not be used at night.

Motorcycle condition checks: tyre pressures and tread, both brakes, chain tension and lubrication, lights and indicators, and fluid levels before each ride.

L-plate and learner rules: display an L plate visible from the rear, ride only the class permitted, and carry no pillion passenger until licensed for that.

Conspicuity riding: avoid blind spots, ride where the driver's mirror shows you, and never assume a driver has seen you because they looked in your direction.

Blind spots: large trucks and buses have deep blind spots behind and beside the cab; if you cannot see the driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

Truck behaviour: heavy vehicles need long stopping distances and swing wide when turning; never move into the space on the inside of a turning truck.

Lane filtering and splitting are not generally legal in New Zealand for moving traffic; pass only when it is safe and permitted.

Door zone: ride clear of parked cars' door swing, and watch for drivers opening doors or pulling out without indicating.

Hazard scan: look 12 seconds ahead, check mirrors every few seconds, and cover the brakes when approaching driveways, intersections and crests.

Animals and rural roads: stock, tractors and horses may be on or beside the road; slow down, pass wide and quietly, and follow any signals from handlers.

Railway crossings and roadworks: expect uneven surfaces, loose gravel and changed lane alignments; reduce speed and avoid sudden steering inputs.

Pedestrians and cyclists: give way at crossings, leave at least 1.5 m when passing cyclists at speed, and anticipate sudden movements near schools and bus stops.

Adult limit (20 years and over): 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, or 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood.

Under-20 limit: zero alcohol - any detectable breath or blood alcohol is an offence for drivers aged under 20.

Penalties escalate: exceeding the limit can bring licence suspension, fines, demerit points and possible imprisonment; repeat or high readings carry heavier penalties.

Drugs: driving while impaired by any drug, including prescription medicine that affects driving, is an offence; check labels and ask a pharmacist about driving effects.

Police may require a breath test, and a blood test if breath testing is not possible; refusing a test is itself an offence.

Fatigue signs: yawning, drifting, heavy eyes, missing signs and slow reactions; the only real fix is to stop and rest, not caffeine or fresh air.

Fatigue countermeasure: stop for a break at least every two hours on long trips, share driving where possible, and avoid driving during normal sleep hours.

Alcohol elimination: only time removes alcohol; coffee, food, cold showers and sleep do not lower your blood alcohol concentration.

Combining alcohol with fatigue or drugs multiplies impairment; the safest and lawful choice is no alcohol before riding.