NZ Motorcycle Road Code Test flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Give way to the right

At an uncontrolled intersection in New Zealand, you must give way to vehicles approaching from your right, and to any vehicle already indicating a right turn across your path.

Turning right across traffic

When turning right, you give way to oncoming traffic going straight ahead or turning left, and you must not cut across their path until it is clear.

T-intersection priority

Traffic on the terminating road of a T-intersection gives way to traffic on the continuing road, including vehicles turning right into the terminating road.

Left turn on red

In New Zealand you may turn left at a red light only after stopping and giving way to all other traffic, and only where no sign forbids it.

Red arrow meaning

A red arrow signal applies only to the movement it points to; you must not proceed in that direction until the arrow changes, even if other signals are green.

Default speed limits

New Zealand defaults are 50 km/h in urban areas and 100 km/h on the open road, but posted signs override these and limits are maximums for ideal conditions.

Railway crossing signals

Flashing red lights, bells or lowering barriers at a level crossing mean stop; a stop sign or limit line at the crossing requires a full stop first.

Countersteering principle

Above walking pace, pushing the left handlebar forward leans the motorcycle left and initiates a left turn; pushing the right bar forward leans it right.

Front brake dominance

On dry sealed roads the front brake supplies most stopping power; apply both brakes progressively, with more rear brake at low speed or on loose surfaces.

Cornering entry speed

Set your speed before the corner, look through to the exit and roll on gently; hard braking mid-corner reduces traction and tends to stand the bike upright.

Target fixation

A motorcycle tends to travel where the rider looks, so turn your head and eyes toward the intended path instead of staring at a hazard.

Slow-speed clutch control

At walking pace, control speed with the clutch friction zone, light throttle and rear brake drag, keeping the head up and the front brake off while turning.

Two-second following rule

Stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead in dry conditions, at least four seconds in wet weather, and further at night or on gravel.

Riding on gravel

On loose surfaces, sit upright, keep throttle steady, weight the footpegs, use a higher gear and avoid sudden front braking or sharp steering inputs.

Group riding formation

Use a staggered formation on straights and single file through corners, keeping enough space so each rider can use the full road width if needed.

Helmet legal requirement

Every rider and pillion passenger must wear an approved motorcycle helmet that is correctly fastened; an unfastened helmet counts as not being worn.

Helmet replacement rule

A helmet that has been dropped or involved in a crash should be replaced, because the inner liner may be compressed even when the outer shell appears undamaged.

Being seen in traffic

Ride with a dipped headlight on, wear high-visibility clothing, and position yourself where drivers can see you in their mirrors rather than in blind spots.

Protective gear order

Prioritise an approved helmet, then abrasion-resistant jacket and trousers, gloves and enclosed footwear; bare skin gives no protection in a slide.

Eye protection rule

If your helmet has no visor you must wear eye protection; tinted visors or sunglasses must not be used when riding at night.

Pre-ride motorcycle check

Before riding, check tyre pressures and tread, both brakes, chain tension and lubrication, lights and indicators, and fluid levels.

Learner L plate rule

Learner riders must display an L plate visible from the rear and may not carry a pillion passenger until they hold the appropriate licence.

Truck blind spots

Heavy vehicles have large blind spots behind and beside the cab; if you cannot see the truck driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

Turning truck danger zone

Trucks swing wide and cut in when turning; never ride into the space on the inside of a turning truck, because the driver may not see you.

Lane filtering status

Filtering or splitting between moving lanes is not generally permitted in New Zealand; pass only when it is safe and the road markings allow it.

Door zone hazard

Ride clear of the swing of parked car doors and watch for drivers opening doors or pulling out without indicating into your path.

Twelve-second scan

Look about twelve seconds ahead, check mirrors every few seconds, and cover the brakes near driveways, intersections and blind crests.

Passing cyclists safely

Leave at least 1.5 metres when passing cyclists at speed, give way to them at crossings, and expect sudden movements near schools and bus stops.

Adult alcohol limit

For drivers aged 20 and over the limit is 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, or 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood.

Zero limit under 20

Drivers aged under 20 must have zero alcohol; any detectable breath or blood alcohol level is an offence, with no adult tolerance threshold.

Driving on medication

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

Fatigue warning signs

Yawning, heavy eyes, drifting in the lane, missing signs and slow reactions signal fatigue; stop and rest, because caffeine and fresh air do not fix it.

Alcohol leaves only with time

Only time lowers blood alcohol concentration; coffee, food, cold showers and sleep do not speed up elimination, so never ride on a guess.