How Many Questions Are in a Theory Test?

When you're getting ready for your driving theory test, one of the first things you wonder is: how many questions are in a theory test? It’s not just about memorizing rules-it’s about knowing what to expect so you walk in calm, focused, and ready to pass. The answer isn’t the same everywhere, but in New Zealand, where the rules are clear and practical, you’ll face exactly 35 multiple-choice questions.

What the Theory Test Actually Looks Like

The New Zealand driving theory test isn’t a trick. It’s designed to check if you understand real-world road rules, not just memorize textbook phrases. You’ll get 35 questions total, all multiple-choice, and you need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass. That’s a 91% pass mark-higher than most people expect. It’s not about perfection, but it’s close. One mistake might cost you.

Each question is based on actual situations you’ll face on the road: merging onto a highway, stopping at a pedestrian crossing, what to do when a school bus flashes its lights, or how to react when a police officer signals you to pull over. The questions aren’t worded to confuse you. They’re written to test whether you’ve really absorbed the rules, not just skimmed a study guide.

Where Do the Questions Come From?

The 35 questions are pulled from a pool of around 500 official questions maintained by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). These aren’t made up by test centers or driving schools-they’re legally approved, reviewed every year, and updated when road laws change. For example, in 2024, new rules about mobile phone use while driving were added to the question bank. If you’re studying from an outdated app or book, you could be learning wrong info.

Questions are grouped into categories:

• Road signs and markings (about 10 questions)
• Right-of-way and junction rules (8 questions)
• Speed limits and safe following distances (6 questions)
• Pedestrian, cyclist, and vulnerable road user rules (5 questions)
• Alcohol, drugs, and fatigue (3 questions)
• Vehicle maintenance and safety checks (2 questions)
• Emergency situations and breakdowns (1 question)

You won’t know which category each question belongs to when you’re taking the test, but if you’ve practiced across all areas, you’ll be fine. There’s no section on parking rules or reversing-those come later in the practical test.

How Long Do You Have?

You’ll have 45 minutes to finish all 35 questions. That gives you about 1 minute and 15 seconds per question. Most people finish in 25 to 30 minutes. The extra time is there for those who need to double-check, or for people who aren’t fluent in English. The test is available in several languages, including te reo Māori, Samoan, and Chinese.

Don’t rush. If you’re unsure about a question, flag it and come back. The system lets you skip and return. But don’t leave any blank-there’s no penalty for guessing, and sometimes your gut instinct is right.

What Happens If You Fail?

If you score below 32, you fail. You’ll get a letter showing which areas you struggled with-like signs, right-of-way, or alcohol rules. You can retake the test after 7 days. But here’s the thing: most people who fail don’t fail because they didn’t study. They fail because they studied the wrong things.

For example, a lot of learners memorize answers from old practice tests. But the questions are randomized every time, and the wording changes slightly. If you don’t understand the rule behind the answer, you’ll get tripped up. The best approach is to learn the why behind each rule. Why does a school bus stop at 8 a.m.? Why must you stop behind a cyclist at a roundabout? When you know the reason, you can answer any variation of the question.

Common Mistakes People Make

Here are the three most common mistakes, based on NZTA data from 2025:

1. Assuming all signs mean the same thing everywhere. A give way sign on a rural road isn’t the same as one at a busy intersection.
2. Thinking the pass mark is 80%. It’s not. 32/35 is 91%. Many people study to get 80% right and are shocked when they fail.
3. Using unofficial apps that don’t update. Some apps still have questions from 2020. The NZTA updates the question bank annually. If your app doesn’t say it’s 2025-compliant, it’s risky.

Stick to the official NZTA website or the Official New Zealand Driver Guide. It’s free. It’s updated. And it’s the only source that matches exactly what’s on the test.

How to Prepare the Right Way

You don’t need to spend hours. Here’s a simple plan:

• Take the free online practice test on the NZTA website. Do it 3 times. Don’t just click through-read every explanation.
• Make flashcards for the signs you get wrong. Put them on your fridge. Look at them while you eat breakfast.
• Watch one 10-minute video per day on NZTA’s YouTube channel. They show real footage of what happens when you break the rules.
• Take the test when you can consistently score 34 or 35 on practice tests. Don’t rush.

Most people who pass on their first try do it in under 10 hours of study. You don’t need a course. You don’t need a tutor. You just need to focus on the right material.

What to Bring on Test Day

You’ll need:

• Your learner licence (physical copy)
• Two forms of ID (passport, birth certificate, or NZ driver licence)
• Your booking confirmation (email or printed)

No phones. No notes. No headphones. The test center will give you a computer, a mouse, and a quiet room. You can ask for a quiet room if you’re nervous. They’ll help.

What Comes After the Theory Test?

Once you pass, you’ll get a certificate. You can book your practical test right away-usually within 2 to 4 weeks. The theory test is valid for 5 years, so if you don’t pass the practical right away, you won’t need to retake it.

And here’s something most people don’t know: if you pass the theory test before turning 25, you’ll get a discount on your first-year car insurance. Some insurers in Wellington offer up to 15% off. It’s not automatic-you have to show your certificate-but it’s real.

Final Thought

There are 35 questions. You need 32 right. It’s not hard. But it’s not easy either. It’s a test of attention, not memory. If you’ve driven with a learner licence for a few months, you’ve already seen most of these situations. The test just asks you to put the rules into words. Study smart. Don’t guess. And trust the process.