Drive needed to pass test

The steep slope and space saver tyre questions tripped up Heather McCracken. Photo / Janna Dixon

More learner drivers have been sent back to the books after the introduction of a tougher licence theory test.

Pass rates have plummeted from 77 per cent to 46 per cent since computer-based testing was phased in five months ago.

Only 18,189 of the 39,542 people to take the new test by January 31 were successful.

The new exam replaced a scratchcard-style test in use for more than a decade. There were only 25 different versions and samples were widely circulated and studied by applicants.

AA motoring affairs general manager Mike Noon said the lower pass rate was a positive change.

"We're not doing young drivers any favours by putting them on the road not fully prepared," he said.

"Because the test is now randomised it means you can't rote-learn the answers, which was what people were doing," he said.

"To pass the test you actually have to study the road code, and we think that's a good thing."

NZ Transport Agency spokesman Andy Knackstedt said the drop in pass rates was expected with the new tests.

"The old paper scratch test was well past its use-by date. It was more than 10 years old and all of the questions, answers and their exact sequences were well known."

But results among those sitting the new test were likely to improve once applicants become aware of the need to study the road code, Knackstedt said.

Pass rates had already risen from 40 per cent in November to 51 per cent in January.

The computer-based questions can also be easily updated and tailored to local hazards in each region.

Each test includes 25 questions on road rules and road hazards, and 10 specific to the vehicle class the licence applies to.

Three or more wrong answers is a fail. A pass is needed to gain a learner licence, which allows the holder to drive under the supervision of a fully licensed driver.

National road policing manager Superintendent Paula Rose said the online road code was a good way for experienced drivers to stay up to date with safety rules.

"Rules change over time, and police support steps that individuals take to stay current with driving laws and safety options."

Three wrong and you fail the exam

I've held a full driving licence for 15 years. So how hard could the new test be?

Quite, is the answer, after I scored a humbling 31 out of 35. (But in my defence I haven't looked at a road code since I passed).

Three questions caught me out:

* What should you do when parking your vehicle next to the kerb when facing up a steep hill?

* What is the maximum speed you may drive if you have a 'space saver wheel' fitted?

* Can you carry your spouse on a restricted licence?

The answers were away, turn the wheels out, away from the kerb, 80 km/h and yes.

I took comfort from the fact my colleague Anna Rushworth also failed, answering only 29 questions correctly.

She stumbled on the minimum tread depth for car tyres (1.5mm) and how close you can park to a pedestrian crossing where there are no broken yellow lines (6m), among others.

Happily, some questions required little more than common sense.

It wasn't hard to choose the appropriate time to use your hazard lights from these options: When changing a tyre on the roadside; when approaching an airport; when double-parked or when in a hurry.

And, incidentally, I wasn't alone in botching that space-saver question - it's the one most often answered wrong.


heather.mccracken@hos.co.nz