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NZ Learner Licence Theory Test Practice 2026

Practise for the New Zealand learner licence theory test, the first step to a car (class 1) licence. The questions are written from the official road rules and NZTA guidance, and cover giving way, speed, overtaking, alcohol, licence conditions and New Zealand road signs.

  • Driving
  • New Zealand
  • 200 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

Quick answer

The Learner licence theory test (car) has 35 questions. Pass mark: 32 of 35. It is run by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), through driver licensing agents. Minimum age: 16. Practise here for free with 200 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the NZ Road Code Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    What is the minimum age to sit the learner licence theory test in New Zealand?
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    Answer: B. 16

    You must be at least 16 years old to sit the learner licence theory test.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    How many questions are in the learner licence theory test?
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    Answer: C. 35

    The learner licence theory test has 35 multiple-choice questions.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    How many questions must you answer correctly to pass the learner licence theory test?
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    Answer: A. 32 out of 35

    You need at least 32 correct answers out of 35 to pass.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    How is the learner licence theory test taken?
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    Answer: C. On a computer at a driver licensing agent

    The theory test is a computerised multiple-choice test taken at a licensing outlet.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    Can you sit the learner licence theory test in a language other than English?
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    Answer: A. Yes, it is offered in a number of languages, including te reo Māori

    The test is available in several languages, including te reo Māori, Chinese and Hindi.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    What must you bring when you apply for your learner licence?
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    Answer: C. Evidence of your identity and proof of your New Zealand address

    Bring evidence of identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, and proof of your current New Zealand address.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    You need glasses to pass the eyesight check for your learner licence. What happens?
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    Answer: B. Your licence will have a condition that you must wear them when driving

    If you need glasses or contact lenses to pass the eyesight check, your licence will say you must always wear them when driving.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    You fail your first learner theory test. What does your application fee cover?
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    Answer: D. A second attempt at the test

    The application fee covers a second attempt. Each test after the second attempt costs an extra fee.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    You have just passed the theory test. What do you get on the day?
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    Answer: A. A temporary learner licence until your photo licence arrives in the mail

    You get a temporary learner licence to use until your photo licence is posted to you.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    When may a learner licence holder drive a car?
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    Answer: B. Only with a supervisor sitting beside them

    A learner may drive only when a supervisor is sitting beside them.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    Where must a learner driver display L plates?
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    Answer: C. On the front and rear of the car

    Learner drivers must display L plates on the front and rear of any car they drive.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    What colour are L plates in New Zealand?
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    Answer: B. Yellow

    Learners display yellow L plates on the front and rear of the car.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    A learner driver wants to take a friend along as a passenger. When is this allowed?
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    Answer: C. When the supervisor agrees, because the supervisor is responsible for passengers

    Learners may carry passengers, but only if the supervisor agrees, as the supervisor takes responsibility for them.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    How long must a supervisor have held a full licence?
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    Answer: C. At least 2 years

    A supervisor must have held a full licence for at least two years.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    Where must a supervisor sit?
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    Answer: C. In the front passenger seat

    The supervisor must sit in the front passenger seat, next to the driver.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    What is the shortest time you must hold a learner licence before you can sit the restricted test?
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    Answer: C. 6 months

    You must have held your learner licence for at least six months before the restricted licence test.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    What is the minimum age for the restricted licence test?
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    Answer: A. 16 and a half

    You must be at least 16½ and have held a learner licence for at least six months.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    You hold a restricted licence. Between which hours must you have a supervisor with you?
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    Answer: B. 10 pm and 5 am

    Restricted drivers must have a supervisor with them if they drive between 10 pm and 5 am.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    You hold a restricted licence and drive alone at 4 pm. Which passenger may you carry without a supervisor?
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    Answer: C. Your spouse or partner

    Without a supervisor, restricted drivers may carry only certain people, such as a spouse or partner, dependent children, a parent or guardian, or a person they are the main carer for.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    You hold a restricted licence. Your friend asks for a ride and you have no supervisor. What is the rule?
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    Answer: D. You must not carry your friend without a supervisor in the car

    Passengers other than the people listed in the restricted conditions may only be carried when a supervisor is in the car.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    You passed your restricted test in an automatic car. What can you drive without a supervisor?
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    Answer: B. Only automatic vehicles

    If you sat the restricted test in an automatic, you may drive only automatics unless a supervisor is with you.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    You are 19 and hold a restricted licence. How long must you hold it before you can sit the full licence test, if you do not do an approved course?
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    Answer: A. 18 months

    Drivers under 25 must hold a restricted licence for at least 18 months, or 12 months with an approved defensive driving course.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    You are 30 and hold a restricted licence. What is the minimum time before you can sit the full licence test without an approved course?
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    Answer: D. 6 months

    Drivers aged 25 and over must hold a restricted licence for at least 6 months, or 3 months with an approved course.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    A 20-year-old restricted driver completes an approved defensive driving course. What is the shortest time they must hold their restricted licence?
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    Answer: C. 12 months

    For drivers under 25, an approved course cuts the restricted period from 18 months to 12 months under the current rules.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    When do the new graduated driver licence settings take effect?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 25 January 2027

    The Ministry of Transport says the updated system takes effect from 25 January 2027, when all licence holders move to the new settings.

What to know before the test

  • The learner licence theory test has 35 multiple-choice questions. You need 32 correct answers to pass.
  • You must be at least 16 to sit the theory test. It is taken on a computer at a driver licensing agent, after a quick eyesight check.
  • The test is offered in 13 language options, including te reo Māori, Chinese and Hindi.
  • Your application fee covers a second attempt if you fail the first time. Further attempts cost an extra fee.
  • As a learner you may only drive with a supervisor beside you, and you must show yellow L plates on the front and rear of the car.
  • You must hold a learner licence for at least six months, and be at least 16½, before you can sit the restricted licence test.
  • From 25 January 2027 the licence system changes: no full licence practical test, a longer learner period for under-25s, and a zero-alcohol limit for all learner and restricted drivers.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the NZ learner licence theory test?

There are 35 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.

Is there a time limit on the theory test?

We could not confirm an official time limit on the sources we checked, so our mock exam is not timed. Ask your licensing agent if you are unsure.

What do I need to bring to the learner licence test?

Bring evidence of identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, proof of your New Zealand address, your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them, and the fee. You can fill in the DL1 application form at the agent.

What happens if I fail the theory test?

Your application fee covers a second attempt, which you book separately. Each attempt after that costs an extra fee.

What can I do after I pass?

You get a learner licence. You may drive only with a supervisor who has held a full licence for at least two years, sitting in the front passenger seat, and you must display L plates front and rear.

Are the licence rules changing?

Yes. From 25 January 2027 the full licence practical test is removed, under-25s spend longer on a learner licence, and all learner and restricted drivers have a zero-alcohol limit.

Sources

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