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If you're preparing for your driving theory test in New Zealand, the first thing you probably want to know is: how many questions are on the driving theory test? It’s not just about memorizing answers-it’s about understanding what’s actually on the test so you can pass confidently on your first try.
How Many Questions Are on the NZ Driving Theory Test?
In New Zealand, the official driving theory test for a car licence (Class 1) has exactly 35 multiple-choice questions. That’s it. No more, no less. You’ll be given 40 minutes to finish, which gives you just over a minute per question. It sounds easy until you realize some questions are tricky, and others require you to apply rules you’ve never thought about before.
The test is computer-based and administered at licensed test centres across the country. You’ll see questions on road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, pedestrian safety, and what to do in emergencies like brake failure or skidding. The questions aren’t just about what’s written in the driver’s handbook-they test your real-world understanding of how traffic flows and how drivers should behave.
What’s the Pass Mark?
To pass, you need to get at least 32 out of 35 questions correct. That’s a 91% pass rate. It sounds strict, but it’s designed to make sure you really know the rules before you get behind the wheel. You can’t afford to guess on three questions and hope for the best. One wrong answer might seem harmless, but if you miss three, you fail. And you’ll have to wait at least seven days before you can retake it.
Most people who fail don’t fail because they didn’t study-they fail because they studied the wrong things. They memorized flashcards without understanding context. For example, knowing that the speed limit in a residential area is 50 km/h isn’t enough. You also need to know when it drops to 30 km/h near schools during school hours, or why you must stop at a pedestrian crossing even if no one’s there yet.
Where Do the Questions Come From?
All 35 questions are pulled from the official NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) database. This isn’t a secret list-everything you need is in the Official New Zealand Road Code, which you can download for free from nzta.govt.nz. The questions are updated regularly to reflect changes in traffic laws, new signage, and safety improvements. For instance, in 2023, new rules about mobile phone use while driving were added, and those now appear on the test.
The test doesn’t include questions about vehicle mechanics, insurance, or parking fines. It’s purely about road rules and safe driving behaviour. That means you won’t see anything like “What’s the correct tyre pressure for a Ford Focus?” or “How much does a learner licence cost?” Stick to the Road Code, and you’re covered.
Are There Different Questions for Different Licences?
Yes. The 35-question test is only for car drivers (Class 1). If you’re taking the test for a motorcycle (Class 6), you’ll face 30 questions. For heavy vehicles like trucks or buses (Class 2 or 3), the test has 40 questions. Each test is tailored to the risks and responsibilities of that vehicle type. So if you’re planning to drive a delivery van or a taxi, don’t assume the car test is enough-you’ll need to study the specific material for your licence class.
Even within car licences, the test changes slightly depending on whether you’re a new learner or upgrading from a restricted licence. But the total number of questions stays the same. What changes is the difficulty. Questions for restricted licence holders might focus more on night driving, passenger limits, and speed management in unfamiliar areas.
What Do the Questions Look Like?
You won’t find simple true/false questions. Most are scenario-based. Here’s an example:
- You’re driving on a two-lane road and see a bus stopped with its hazard lights on. What should you do?
- A) Slow down and pass carefully if it’s safe
- B) Stop and wait until the bus moves or the lights turn off
- C) Signal and overtake on the left
- D) Honk to warn the bus driver
The correct answer is B. But if you’ve never seen a bus pick up kids in a rural area, you might pick A. That’s why practice tests matter-they expose you to situations you haven’t experienced yet.
Another common type is “What is the maximum legal blood alcohol limit for drivers under 20?” Answer: zero. It’s not a trick-it’s the law. And it’s on the test every time.
How to Prepare So You Don’t Get Surprised
Here’s how to make sure you’re ready:
- Download the Official New Zealand Road Code from nzta.govt.nz. Read it cover to cover-not just the highlights.
- Use the free online practice tests on the NZTA website. Do at least three full 35-question tests until you score 34 or 35 every time.
- Focus on areas you get wrong. If you keep missing questions about roundabouts, study them until you can explain why you give way to the right.
- Don’t rely on third-party apps that promise “real test questions.” Only NZTA’s official materials are guaranteed to match what you’ll see.
- Take your time. Rushing through practice tests leads to bad habits. Treat every practice question like it’s on the real test.
Many people think they’re ready after doing one practice test. They’re not. The real test has a different order, different wording, and sometimes different scenarios. You need to be able to apply the rules, not just recall answers.
What Happens If You Fail?
If you fail, you can’t rebook for seven days. That’s not a punishment-it’s a cooling-off period. Use those seven days wisely. Go back to the Road Code. Watch the NZTA video tutorials on their YouTube channel. Talk to your driving instructor about the questions you got wrong. Don’t just try again because you’re frustrated. Try again because you’ve fixed the gaps.
There’s no limit to how many times you can take the test. But each attempt costs $53.50 (as of 2025). That adds up fast if you’re not prepared.
Common Myths About the Theory Test
Let’s clear up some confusion:
- Myth: The test has 50 questions. Truth: It’s always 35 for car licences.
- Myth: You can use notes during the test. Truth: No phones, books, or cheat sheets allowed. It’s a closed-book exam.
- Myth: The questions are the same every time. Truth: The system pulls questions randomly from a bank of over 500. You won’t see the same set twice.
- Myth: If you pass the theory test, you’ll automatically pass the practical. Truth: The theory test only checks your knowledge. The driving test checks your skill. They’re separate.
Final Tip: Don’t Just Memorize-Understand
The theory test isn’t designed to trick you. It’s designed to make sure you’re not a danger to yourself or others. If you understand why a rule exists, you’ll remember it-even if the wording changes.
For example, why must you slow down near a school zone even if it’s the weekend? Because kids don’t always follow the rules. Why must you stop for a pedestrian who’s just stepped off the curb? Because they have the right of way, even if you think they’re being careless.
Passing the theory test isn’t about perfection. It’s about being prepared enough that you don’t have to guess. And with 35 questions and a 91% pass mark, you don’t have room for luck.
How many questions are on the NZ driving theory test for cars?
The New Zealand driving theory test for a car licence (Class 1) has exactly 35 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass.
Is the theory test the same for motorcycles and cars?
No. The car test has 35 questions, but the motorcycle test (Class 6) has 30. Heavy vehicle tests (Class 2 or 3) have 40 questions. Each test is tailored to the vehicle type and its specific risks.
What’s the pass mark for the NZ driving theory test?
You need to answer 32 out of 35 questions correctly to pass. That’s a 91% score. It’s strict, but it ensures you truly understand road rules before getting behind the wheel.
Can I use the Road Code during the test?
No. The test is closed-book. You cannot bring any notes, books, or electronic devices into the testing room. Everything you need to know must be memorized from the Official New Zealand Road Code.
How often are the theory test questions updated?
The question bank is updated regularly by the NZ Transport Agency, usually when new traffic laws are introduced. For example, rules about mobile phone use and school zones were added in recent years. Always use the latest version of the Road Code to prepare.
Do I need to take the theory test if I already have a licence from another country?
It depends. If your overseas licence is from a recognized country and is still valid, you might be able to exchange it without taking the theory test. But if it’s expired or from a non-recognized country, you’ll need to pass both the theory and practical tests. Check with NZTA for your specific case.
Next Steps After Passing
Once you pass the theory test, you’ll get your learner licence. The next step is to start practising with a supervisor who holds a full licence. You need to log at least 120 hours of supervised driving before you can sit for the practical test. Don’t rush this part. The more real-world experience you get, the more confident you’ll be on test day.
And remember-passing the theory test is just the beginning. The real test is what happens after you get your licence. Drive smart. Stay alert. And never assume everyone else on the road knows the rules as well as you do.