Driving School NZ: : What does the Restricted test involve?

What does the Restricted test involve?

The practical test is divided into three parts. Each part has set criteria and the testing officer scores your test on a yes/no basis, as to whether you meet the criteria. To pass the test you must achieve at least 80 percent of 'yes' scores across all three parts.

During all three parts the testing officer decides whether your behaviour is satisfactory or unsatisfactory in the following areas:

mirror use – checking appropriate mirrors before and after moving
position on road – should be safe and legal at all times
braking – smoothly and effectively
headchecks – look over shoulder before moving
signal use – indicate for at least three seconds before changing position on the road
speed control – driving at a legal speed suitable for the conditions
gap selection – select a safe gap before moving into traffic flows
search – look to the front, both sides and to the rear to identify any potential hazards.

Part 1

This is conducted in a low-speed area (up to 60km/h) and assesses your ability to safely and legally control your vehicle in simple driving situations:

leaving and returning to the kerb
driving straight
turning left.

Part 2

This is conducted in a low-speed area, but assesses your ability to safely and legally control your vehicle in more complex driving situations, such as:

reversing (three-point turn, reversing into a driveway, reverse parallel parking)
turning at Give Way signs, Stop signs or traffic signals
driving straight ahead through a roundabout.

Part 3

This is conducted in higher-speed zones of up to 100km/h and assesses your ability to safely and legally control your motor 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.

Taking a support person

Before the start of the practical driving test, you can request to have a support person accompany you during the test. If you choose to have a support person in the vehicle with you, the support person:

must be a person over 20 years of age
must not be accompanied by any other person or animal (except a guide dog)
must supply their name and contact details to the testing officer prior to the test beginning
must not talk, offer assistance to, or distract the driver or testing officer at any stage during the test (should this occur, the testing officer will terminate the test and you would need to book and pay for another test)
must not interrupt the testing officer as they are providing feedback at the end of the test.

The testing officer may refuse to accept any person as a support person if the testing officer believes on reasonable grounds that:

his or her personal safety could be, or is, threatened or endangered, or
the support person appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or is noisy or violent, or
there is no suitable seating available in the rear of the vehicle presented for the test.

What happens if I pass the test?

If you pass the test, you will earn your restricted licence and may drive under the conditions specified. The testing officer will keep your existing licence. You will be given a temporary restricted licence, valid for 21 days, to use until your photo driver licence arrives in the mail.

Why might I fail the test?

You might fail your practical test if you:

score less than 80 percent across all three parts of the test
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
use a hand held cellphone while driving during the test
send or receive a text message while driving during the test.

What role does the testing officer play during the practical test?

The testing officer will concentrate their attention on your overall driving behaviour in each of the three test parts and carry out four activities:

observing
giving directions
recording
keeping a watch on safety.

Common problems identified by testing officers

Testing officers have identified some common problems people sitting the restricted licence practical test have.

These include:

arriving in a vehicle that doesn't meet warrant of fitness requirements
arriving late (so the test has to be re-booked and another fee paid)
being unprepared for the practical test
being unable to show the testing officer their learner licence at the time of the practical test
not bringing all the right documents when applying to take the test
Not having 'L' plates displayed on the vehicle.

Please note:

Animals cannot accompany applicants during the test without the testing officer’s specific permission.

Complaint about a driver licence testing officer

You should lodge a complaint if you believe a testing officer has:

acted inappropriately
incorrectly failed or terminated your practical test.

Step one: Download thepractical driving test customer complaint report form ,from our licence and information page

Step two: Complete the form and send by post to:

NZ Driver Licensing (1998) Limited
PO Box 22634
Christchurch

NZ Driver Licensing will investigate your complaint internally and respond to you in writing.

Step three: If you’re not satisfied with the results of the investigation, contact or send a letter to the NZTA Access and Use Regional Manager at either of the four following offices: