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About the practical driving tests
The restricted licence practical driving test
What is the restricted licence practical driving test?
The restricted licence practical driving test is the test that learner licence holders must pass to graduate to a restricted licence. It is designed to assess whether the skills of the driver are at a level where they can safely drive without a supervisor under certain conditions (see About driver licences for the conditions of a restricted licence).
The test is conducted in a vehicle provided by you.
Note: if you pass the test in a vehicle with automatic transmission, your restricted licence will have an ‘automatic vehicles only' condition, meaning you will only be allowed to drive automatic vehicles unless you are accompanied by a supervisor.
The restricted licence practical driving test will take about 30 minutes. This time allows for vehicle checks before the test, the driving test itself and time for the testing officer to give you feedback on your performance after the test.
When can I apply to sit the restricted licence practical driving test?
You can apply for a restricted licence when you have held your learner licence for at least six months.
You should also:
- have had lots of driving practice with your driving coach
- be a skilled and confident driver.
How should I prepare for the restricted licence practical driving test?
To be ready for the test, you should practise all of the skills shown in the Driving skills syllabus. During the test the testing officer will be watching to make sure you can perform these skills safely without supervision.
You should also make sure that you know all the road rules in the Road code and can apply them in everyday driving situations.
What does the restricted licence practical driving test involve?
The restricted licence practical driving test is divided into three parts. Each part has set criteria and the testing officer scores your test on a simple yes/no basis. This means they will record a ‘yes' for each skill you perform to the required standard and a ‘no' for any that don't meet the standard.
To pass the test, you must achieve at least 80 percent of ‘yes' scores across all three parts.
Part 1
This section is conducted in a low-speed area of up to 60 km/h and assesses your ability to safely and legally control your vehicle in these simple driving situations:
- leaving the kerb
- driving straight
- turning left
- returning to the kerb.
Part 2
This section is also conducted in a low-speed area, but assesses your ability to safely and legally control your vehicle in more complex driving situations:
- reversing (three-point turn, reversing in a straight line or into a driveway, parallel parking, angle parking)
- turning left at a Give Way sign
- turning left at a Stop sign or traffic signals
- turning right at a Give Way sign or traffic signals
- turning right at an uncontrolled intersection
- driving straight ahead through a roundabout.
Part 3
This section is conducted in higher-speed areas of up to 100 km/h and assesses your ability to safely and legally control your vehicle in these driving situations:
- driving straight
- driving straight on a multi-lane road or driving around a curve (left or right)
- entering traffic flow.
What the testing officer will be observing
| What's being observed | What you must to do meet the criteria |
|---|---|
| Mirror use (using mirrors both inside and outside the vehicle) | Check appropriate mirror(s) before and after moving, including when you are: • turning • changing lanes • driving in a straight line • stopping or slowing down • pulling out or returning to the kerb. |
| Position on road | Position your vehicle in a safe and legal position on the road at all times. |
| Braking | Brake smoothly and effectively. Don't drive with the vehicle in neutral or coast unnecessarily with your foot on the clutch. |
| Head checks | Look over your shoulder in the appropriate direction before moving, including when you are: • leaving the kerb • parking • turning • changing lanes • merging with other traffic. Always check your blind spots. |
| Signal use | Put your indicators on for at least three seconds before changing your position on the road. This includes when you are: • turning • changing lanes • merging • negotiating a roundabout • pulling out or returning to the kerb. |
| Speed control | Don't exceed the posted speed limit. Drive at a speed that is suitable for the conditions (for example, slow down in poor conditions, such as when it's raining). Drive at a speed that means you are not holding up traffic behind you. |
| Gap selection | Select a safe gap, where you will not place other road users at risk, before moving into traffic flows. This includes when you are: • leaving the kerb • merging • changing lanes • at intersections. |
| Search | Look to the front, both sides and to the rear to identify any potential hazards. |
What could cause me to fail the test?
You will fail the test if you score less than 80 percent across all three parts of the test.
You could also fail the test, with the test being terminated, if you:
- drive recklessly, dangerously or inconsiderately
- are involved in a crash for which you are wholly or partly responsible
- are unable to carry out the instructions given by the testing officer because of lack of driving ability
- exceed the speed limit
- fail to comply with give way rules or Give Way signs
- fail to comply with traffic signals or Stop signs.
What happens at the end of the test?
At the end of part 3, the testing officer will tell you whether or not you have passed the test. They will also go over any errors you made and give you advice on what you can do to correct these errors in your future driving.
If you pass the test, you will have earned your restricted licence. This means you will be able to drive on your own with certain conditions. See About driver licences for the conditions of a restricted licence.
If you pass the test, the testing officer will keep your learner licence and give you an interim restricted licence. This temporary licence is valid for 21 days and must be carried with you when you drive. Your restricted photo driver licence will be mailed to you. (If you don’t receive your new photo driver licence within that 21-day period, you should call the NZTA's driver licensing contact centre on 0800 822 422.)
If you fail the test, the testing officer will return your learner licence to you.
Last updated: 30 April 2009