Road Position – practice questions and answers
These are the questions from the practice quiz above, with the correct answer and a short explanation. Try the quiz first, then use this list to check your learning.
1. On a two-way road with one lane each way, where should you drive?
Answer: As close to the left as is practical
Keep as close to the left side of the road as is practical.
2. You're on a road with two lanes going your way. Which lane should you normally use?
Answer: The left lane, unless passing or turning right
Keep in the left lane unless you're passing or about to turn right.
3. What is the minimum following distance in good conditions?
Answer: 2 seconds
Leave at least a 2-second gap in good conditions.
4. What following distance should you use when the road is wet?
Answer: 4 seconds
Double the gap to at least 4 seconds in wet weather or poor visibility.
5. What can you use a flush median for?
Answer: Waiting to turn right, or waiting for a gap after turning right out of a side road
Use a flush median to wait while turning right, or to wait for a safe gap after turning out of a side road. Overtaking or parking on it is an offence.
6. What must you check before changing lanes?
Answer: Your mirrors and your blind spot, then indicate
Check your mirrors and blind spot, then indicate for at least 3 seconds before you move.
7. When can you pass another vehicle on its left?
Answer: When there are two or more lanes going your way, or it's turning right
Pass on the left only where there are marked lanes going your way, or the vehicle ahead is waiting to turn right.
8. How much space should you leave when passing a cyclist?
Answer: At least 1.5 m
Give cyclists at least 1.5 m when you pass.
9. There's a solid yellow line on your side of the centre line. Can you pass?
Answer: No, you must not cross it to pass
A solid yellow line on your side means no passing. You must not cross it.
10. Two lanes merge into one with no road markings. Who goes first?
Answer: The vehicle that's ahead
Merge like a zip. The vehicle that's ahead goes first, then drivers take turns.
11. Can you drive in a bus lane during its hours?
Answer: Only to turn into or out of a road or driveway
Stay out of a bus lane during its hours, unless you're using it for up to 50 m to turn.
12. Why should you leave a bigger gap behind a large truck?
Answer: So you can see past it and the driver can see you
A bigger gap lets you see the road ahead and lets the truck driver see you in their mirrors.
Always check the official NZ Road Code from NZTA, as rules can change.