Is 87 a Good Driving Score in New Zealand? The Truth Explained

Let's cut through the confusion right away: the New Zealand driving testThe official test for obtaining a driver's license in New Zealand, divided into theory and practical components doesn't have a score like '87'. That number doesn't exist in our system. If you're wondering about this, you're not alone-many people mix up how driving tests work across different countries. But here's the reality for New Zealand drivers.

How the practical driving test actually works

When you take your practical driving test in New Zealand, the examiner doesn't give you a percentage score. Instead, they assess your driving based on faults. These faults are categorized into minor, major, and critical. A critical fault-like running a red light or causing a dangerous situation-means you fail immediately. Major faults accumulate, and too many of them will also cause a fail. Minor faults are less severe, but if you get too many, you might still fail. The key point? There's no number like '87' here. It's all about whether you made too many mistakes, not a percentage.

What the theory test pass mark really is

Now, the theory test is a different story. This is a multiple-choice exam with 35 questions. To pass, you need to get 32 correct answers. That's a 91.4% pass mark. So if someone says they scored '87' on the theory test, that means they got about 30 questions right (since 87% of 35 is 30.45). That's below the required 32, so they would have failed. The NZ Transport Agency Waka KotahiNew Zealand's transport agency responsible for road safety and driver licensing sets this standard to ensure drivers understand road rules thoroughly before getting behind the wheel.

Where the '87' confusion might come from

You might be mixing up New Zealand's system with other countries. For example, in the UK, the theory test has 50 questions, and you need 43 correct (86%) to pass. So 87% would be a passing score there. But in New Zealand, the pass mark is higher. This difference trips up a lot of people, especially those who've taken driving lessons in multiple countries or are using international study materials. Always check the specific requirements for your location-what works in one country won't necessarily apply here.

What you should focus on instead

Instead of worrying about a number like '87', focus on these practical steps:

• For the theory test: Practice with official Waka Kotahi materials. They have free online practice tests that mimic the real exam.
• For the practical test: Work with a qualified driving instructor to understand fault categories. Knowing what constitutes a critical fault can save you from failing.
• During your intensive driving course: Prioritize real-world scenarios over memorizing scores. Your instructor should emphasize safe driving habits, not percentages.

Remember, the goal isn't to hit a certain score-it's to drive safely and confidently. A passing grade means you've met the safety standards, not that you're 'better' than someone else with a higher percentage. In New Zealand, we measure success by safe driving behavior, not numbers.