RoadSmart Driver Training provides the Resources and Links on this page for you to study in preparation for your driver's licence test. There's plenty of preparation work you can do between lessons. Click on the headings to go to various external websites.
Resources
Links to the Official Road Code, and Licence and Study Guide. There's plenty of useful information here. Take your time and have a good look around.
Visit the NZ Transport Agency website for all the general test questions that you might be asked in the theory test, and the specialist questions that you could be asked if you are going for your Class 1 (car driver) learner licence. For further practice, you can also purchase scratch test papers – which are replicas of the actual test papers – from the AA, participating BP stations and bookshops.
This Online Test offers you the opportunity to learn all you need to be ready for the test - and you are able to check your knowledge by testing it here! Click on the "TEST SHEET" link from the main navigation to start, then click "Check It!" to see your results.
FREE theory test questions from the NZ Driving Educators website, covering car, motorcycle, and truck licences. Choose a licence type and answer the questions, then click Score My Answers to see your results.
The official New Zealand road code for motorcyclists is a user-friendly guide to New Zealand’s traffic law and safe driving practices. You will be tested on this information in your theory and practical driving tests. Read the Motorcycle road code introduction and updates.
ACC and the NZ Transport Agency have created Practice to give learner drivers and their supervisors (coaches) a structured plan for getting two or more hours driving practice a week. More importantly it gives you, the learner, the tools for developing safe driving habits, and your coach the tools for encouraging you.
Computerised theory tests are now available, and the NZ Transport Agency have launched a new website with practice questions. Visit Road Code Practice. The practice licence tests can help you become familiar with and prepare for the theory test you will need to pass when applying for a learner licence. These tests are conducted on the NZ Transport Agency's computerised theory testing system.
The ACC's ThinkSafe Injury Prevention website has a huge range of resources and useful information to help you prepare for driving on New Zealand roads.
A series of 30 lessons with resources and checksheets for your driving coach (supervisor) for your on-road driving practice sessions. Use the driving log to record your hours of practice.
New Legislation
Cellphone Use
Changes have been made to the Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule 2009 and the Land Transport Amendment Act 2009. These changes came into effect on 1 November 2009. The following is copied from the NZ Transport Agency website:
Cellphones - The official New Zealand road code, page 133
The following text replaces the information in the Cellphones section:
While you are driving, you cannot create, send, or read a text message on a mobile phone or use a hand-held mobile phone to make, receive or end a phone call. This includes accessing online services in any way.
You can, however, use your mobile phone to make, receive or terminate a telephone call while driving if the phone is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and you manipulate the phone infrequently and briefly.
You can also use a mobile phone while driving to make a 111 or *555 call if it is unsafe or impractical to pull over and stop in a safe place at the side of the road to make the call.
Driver distraction - The official New Zealand road code, page 133
The following text replaces the third bullet point under Driver distractions:
"Talking on a hands free cellphone"
Where can I read more about this?
You can read this and other updates to the Road Code on the New Zealand Transport Agency website.
Road safety and licensing changes
Safer Journeys Strategy
The Government has introduced its Safer Journeys strategy which includes a package of initiatives that will have the greatest impact on the road crash problem.
What is the strategy all about?
The Safer Journeys strategy addresses four areas of high concern:
- increasing the safety of young drivers,
- reducing alcohol/drug impaired driving,
- safer roads and roadsides, and
- increasing the safety of motorcycling.
The Strategy will help to improve road safety and reduce the number of deaths and injuries on our roads.
How will this affect me?
Actions in the package are:
- raising the driving age to 16
- making the restricted licence test more difficult to encourage 120 hours of supervised driving practice
- raising public awareness of young driver crash risk
- improving the road safety education available to young people and increase access to it
- investigating vehicle power restrictions for young drivers
- allowing approved courses (Defensive Driving and Street Talk) to be undertaken in the learner licence phase
Where can I read the full strategy?
You can read the full strategy on the SaferJourneys website. It's a 48 page document that describes how the strategy came about, has graphs and statistics showing the reasons why these changes have taken place, and a description of the changes.
More Links
Instructions and links to book and pay for your test online.
Note: Read this information carefully, print a copy of the conditions and ensure you complete eyesight and application details before arriving at the practical driving test centre, especially if it is located in a separate location from the booking centre.
New Zealand Transport Agency website, with links to a huge range of resources and information.
This page tells you what's required to get your driver's licence.
This page outlines the types of passenger vehicle licences and their requirements.
This page is for new residents and visitors who wish to convert their overseas licence to a New Zealand licence.
Choose the Road Code for your circumstances.