What Is a Good Theory Test Score? Understanding the Pass Mark and What It Really Means

When you sit your driving theory test, the number on the screen at the end isn’t just a score-it’s your ticket to the next step. But what’s actually a good theory test score? Many people think passing with the bare minimum is enough. But if you’re aiming to truly be ready for the road, your score matters more than you think.

What’s the official pass mark?

In New Zealand, the driving theory test requires you to answer at least 35 out of 40 multiple-choice questions correctly. That’s 87.5%. The hazard perception part is scored separately-you need at least 27 out of 75 points to pass that section. Both parts must be passed to get your theory test result. There’s no partial credit. If you score 34/40 on the multiple-choice, you fail. No exceptions. No mercy.

That’s not a trick. It’s the standard set by the NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi). The test is designed to make sure you know the rules, signs, and safe driving practices inside out. You’re not being tested on memory alone-you’re being tested on judgment. A wrong answer on a question about pedestrian crossings or speed limits could mean a real-life mistake down the road.

Why 87.5%? Why not 80%?

Some people ask why the pass mark isn’t lower. After all, 80% is an A grade in school. But driving isn’t school. A single wrong choice at a roundabout, or misreading a sign near a school zone, can have life-changing consequences. The 87.5% threshold isn’t about being harsh-it’s about ensuring you’ve internalized the rules so they become second nature.

Think of it like this: if you were learning to fly a plane, would you want your pilot to barely pass the simulator? The same logic applies here. The theory test isn’t just a formality. It’s your first real safety checkpoint.

What does a high score tell you?

Scoring 38 or 39 out of 40 doesn’t just mean you passed. It means you’re prepared. You’ve moved beyond memorizing flashcards. You understand why certain rules exist. You can predict what other road users might do. You’re not guessing-you’re deciding.

People who score in the high 30s tend to do better on their practical test too. Why? Because they’ve already built the mental framework for safe driving. They don’t panic when a child runs out near a parked car. They don’t hesitate at a T-intersection. They’ve already thought through those scenarios during theory study.

One instructor in Christchurch told me about a student who scored 39 on her theory test. She failed her first practical test-not because she didn’t know the rules, but because she was too nervous. The next time, she passed with flying colors. She said, “I already knew what to do. I just needed to trust myself.”

What’s a bad theory test score?

A score below 35 isn’t just a fail-it’s a red flag. If you got 32, you missed eight critical questions. That’s almost one in five. Those missed questions likely cover things like:

• Speed limits in built-up areas
• Right-of-way at uncontrolled intersections
• What to do when a school bus stops
• How to respond to a pedestrian crossing with a flashing amber light
• Rules around mobile phone use while driving

These aren’t obscure rules. They’re the basics. If you’re missing these, you’re not ready to drive. Retaking the test after a low score is a good idea-but only after you’ve gone back and studied the areas you got wrong. Don’t just re-read the handbook. Do the practice tests again. Focus on the topics you struggled with.

How to aim for more than just a pass

Want to make sure you’re not just passing, but truly prepared? Here’s how:

1. Use the official Waka Kotahi practice tests. They mirror the real thing exactly.
2. Don’t skip the hazard perception part. It’s not a bonus-it’s half the test. Watch for subtle cues: a cyclist swerving, a car pulling out slowly, a dog near the curb.
3. Study in short bursts. Ten minutes a day, five days a week, is better than five hours the night before.
4. Explain the rules out loud. If you can teach someone else why a certain sign matters, you’ve really learned it.
5. Review every wrong answer in your practice tests. Not just the answer-why the other options are wrong.

One learner in Wellington used a simple trick: he recorded himself explaining each traffic sign and played it back while walking to work. After two weeks, he scored 40/40. He didn’t just memorize-he understood.

What happens after you pass?

Passing the theory test doesn’t mean you’re done learning. It means you’re ready to start practicing. But here’s the thing: many people treat the theory test like a hurdle to jump over. They rush to book their practical test, skip practice, and end up failing because they still don’t understand how to apply the rules.

A good theory score gives you confidence. It means you can focus on driving skills-like smooth braking, mirror checks, and judging gaps-instead of second-guessing every sign. You’re not just learning to pass a test. You’re learning to be a driver.

Common myths about theory test scores

There are a lot of myths floating around. Let’s clear a few up:

• Myth: “You can pass with 30/40 if you do well on hazard perception.”
  Truth: No. Both sections have separate pass marks. You must pass both.
• Myth: “The test gets easier if you retake it.”
  Truth: The questions are drawn from a large pool. You might get different ones, but the difficulty doesn’t change.
• Myth: “I’ll just guess on the ones I don’t know.”
  Truth: Guessing can cost you. There’s no penalty for wrong answers, but each wrong answer still counts against your total.
• Myth: “I’ve been driving for years-I don’t need to study.”
  Truth: Even experienced drivers fail because they assume they know the rules. New Zealand’s rules have changed. Speed limits, mobile phone laws, and pedestrian rights have been updated. Don’t rely on memory.

What to do if you fail

If you fail, don’t panic. You can rebook after 7 days. Use that time wisely:

• Get your results breakdown. It shows which topics you got wrong.
• Go back to the official handbook. Don’t rely on apps or YouTube summaries.
• Do at least three full practice tests under timed conditions.
• Ask someone who passed to quiz you. Teaching is the best way to learn.

Many people who fail once end up passing the second time with a higher score. The difference? They stopped treating it like a test and started treating it like training.

Final thought: Your score is your foundation

A good theory test score isn’t about bragging rights. It’s about building a solid foundation. The higher your score, the more confident you’ll feel behind the wheel. The more you understand the rules, the less you’ll have to think about them when you’re driving. That’s when real safety happens-when your actions become automatic.

Don’t aim to just pass. Aim to master it. Because the day you get your license isn’t the end of learning. It’s the start of a lifetime of driving-and you want to start it right.