Guide to the On-road Safety Test

Print version: Guide to the On-road Safety Test (PDF, 1.15 MB, 20 pages)

Under the new driver licensing system, drivers must obtain a Medical certificate for driver licence from their doctor in order to renew their licence at age 75, 80 and two-yearly thereafter.

If your doctor thinks you are medically fit to drive but is unsure about your ability to drive safely, he or she may issue you with a Medical certificate for driver licence, enabling you to renew your driver licence provided you pass an On-road Safety Test with a testing officer.

This guide is only for older drivers who have been referred for an On-road Safety Test by their doctor. It explains the process for booking, preparing for, and taking the On-road Safety Test. It also talks about what the test covers and what happens afterwards.

Contents

Booking the On-road Safety Test

What the On-road Safety Test involves

Preparing for the On-road Safety Test

On the day of the On-road Safety Test

Before the On-road Safety Test begins

Part 1 of the On-road Safety Test: basic driving skills

Part 2 of the On-road Safety Test: basic driving skills and hazard detection

Part 3 of the On-road Safety Test: more complex driving situations and hazard detection

During the On-road Safety Test

After the On-road Safety Test

Common errors

If you fail the On-road Safety Test

Life after driving

Further information and resources

   Further reading

Safe with Age - a refresher course for mature road users

   Any questions about driver licensing issues?

Road rules refresher

Booking the On-road Safety Test

To book an On-road Safety Test, you will need to visit a driver licensing agent or book over the phone.

Driver licensing agents are participating offices of:

• the New Zealand Automobile Association (NZAA)
• Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ)
• Vehicle Inspection New Zealand (VINZ)
• On Road New Zealand.

When booking your test, you will need to bring:

• your completed Application for renewal of driver licence form
• your current driver licence or other acceptable evidence of your identity (refer to page 3 of the Application for renewal of driver licence form for a full list)
• confirmation of your address, such as a recent bank statement
• the Medical certificate for driver licence signed by your doctor
• $41 On-road Safety Test fee and $18.30 driver licence application renewal fee.

Please be aware that driver licensing agents do not accept credit cards. However, you can book a test over the phone using a Mastercard or Visa credit card by calling 0800 822 422.

If you book your test over the phone, you will need to arrive 30 minutes early to your test appointment to allow all the pre-test requirements to be completed, such as confirming your identity and address, and checking the details recorded on your medical certificate. Remember to bring everything listed above (apart from the fee payments) along to your test appointment.

Please note that at age 75, 86 and every 10 years after that, your photograph and signature on your driver licence will need to be updated.

If you can't get an appointment to take the test before your licence expires, you will be given a temporary driver licence when you book your test.

If you have hearing or speech difficulties, or do not understand English, special arrangements can be made for you to complete the On-road Safety Test. You (or someone acting on your behalf) will need to advise the driver licensing agent when booking your test appointment.

What the On-road Safety Test involves

The On-road Safety Test is designed to check that you still have a good knowledge of the road rules and continue to practise safe driving skills. It takes about 30 minutes to complete and is done in your own vehicle (or one supplied by you).

The vehicle in which you take the test can have an automatic or manual transmission. If you pass the test in a car with automatic transmission, you can still drive a car with manual transmission (unless a condition has been placed on your licence for medical reasons, requiring that you only drive an automatic car).

The testing officer will give you instructions directing you when to turn, stop and carry out other driving manoeuvres. There are no fixed routes - you must be capable of driving on all types of road and in all traffic situations. You must drive safely and legally throughout the assessment.

The testing officer uses a simple 'yes' and 'no' scoring method, and you need to get a total score of 80 percent or more to pass the safety test.

Preparing for the On-road Safety Test

• Ensure that your vehicle's warrant of fitness and registration (and if you have a diesel vehicle, your road user charges label) will be current for the test. You should also check that lights and indicators are working, the tyres have sufficient tread depth, etc. The testing officer will check your vehicle to ensure it is roadworthy before the test proceeds (More details.)
• Refresh your knowledge to ensure you're up to date with any new road rules, signs and markings. Copies of the Road code are available from most bookstores or your local library. You can also view the road rules section online at www.landtransport.govt.nz/roadcode/index.html. See also the Road rules refresher section.
• Consider attending Safe with Age - a refresher course for mature road users. These free community courses are a great way to refresh your skills and knowledge. (More details.)
• It may be helpful to have a practice session with a qualified instructor (look in the Yellow Pages®) or someone else you consider to be a good driver. If you take a free Safe with Age course, you will receive a $30 voucher to use toward a practical coaching and assessment drive with a Safe with Age-approved assessor.

On the day of the On-road Safety Test

• Make sure you take your current driver licence with you (you are legally required to carry it with you while driving).
• Don't forget to take your glasses or a hearing aid if you need them for driving. When you arrive, remember to tell the testing officer if you have hearing difficulties.
• Arrive at the test venue in plenty of time - if you are more than five minutes late, your test will be cancelled and you will need to re-book the test (you can re-book only once at no extra charge).

Before the On-road Safety Test begins

The testing officer will carry out a pre-test vehicle check with you before the On-road Safety Test begins. If your vehicle is not roadworthy, the safety test will not continue and you will have to book another appointment (you can re-book only once at no extra charge).

The testing officer will check that:

• the vehicle is sitting square to the road, indicating all tyres have equal or close-to-equal pressure
• there is no obvious damage to the vehicle that could be considered dangerous
• the tyres have a legal tread depth and have no uneven wear, the wheel nuts are intact where visible and the wheels appear undamaged
• the indicators, tail lights and brake lights operate correctly and all lenses are intact
• the high and low beams operate and lenses are intact (if the test is taking place in poor lighting conditions)
• the windscreen washers and wipers operate satisfactorily (if the test is taking place in rain or fog)
• the horn operates satisfactorily
• the vehicle registration and warrant of fitness are current (as well as the road user charges label if you have a diesel vehicle)
• the safety belts are in good condition.

Part 1 of the On-road Safety Test: basic driving skills

Before setting off, make sure you have fastened your safety belt.

The basic skills assessment takes about five minutes and includes:

• leaving the kerb
• driving in a straight line
• turning left at an intersection
• returning to the kerb.

During this section, the testing officer will check that you:

• look in the appropriate mirror(s) before and after moving (includes setting off, turning, when changing lanes and about every 10-15 seconds when driving in a straight line)
• search forward and to both sides to identify potential hazards
• signal in the appropriate direction for at least three seconds before moving (this includes setting off, turning, changing lanes and merging)
• turn your head to look for vehicles in your blind spots (the areas not covered by your mirrors) before leaving the kerb, turning or changing lanes and merging
• choose appropriate gaps when you merge into a traffic flow, such as when leaving the kerb or moving through an intersection
• drive at a safe and legal speed throughout the assessment
• position the vehicle in a safe and legal position before, during and after all manoeuvres
• brake smoothly and effectively.

These tasks must be successfully completed for you to move on to the next stage of the safety test. If you're not sure of any instructions, ask the testing officer for clarification.

Part 2 of the On-road Safety Test: basic driving skills and hazard detection

This part of the On-road Safety Test takes about eight to 10 minutes. You will be asked to:

• turn left or right at T-intersections
• negotiate a crossroad
• negotiate a roundabout
• stop or give way at Stop or Give Way signs
• negotiate an uncontrolled intersection (turning right across a road without a Stop or Give Way sign).

During this and the following stage, your ability to detect traffic hazards around the vehicle will also be assessed. A traffic hazard is an object or activity that requires you to change your position, adjust your speed or stop (such as other vehicles, pedestrians or animals).

Having successfully completed this stage, you'll move on to Part 3.

Part 3 of the On-road Safety Test: more complex driving situations and hazard detection

This takes about five minutes. It combines more complex driving situations and hazard detection in medium to heavy traffic conditions in 50 km/h to 80 km/h speed zones.

You will be asked to:

• travel through a local shopping area or commercial/industrial area in a 50 km/h zone
• turn right at a crossroad in medium to heavy traffic in a 50 km/h zone
• travel straight in a 60-80 km/h zone
• turn right off a road in a 60-80 km/h zone.

When you've finished this final stage, the testing officer will calculate your result (score) and provide you with feedback on your performance in the safety test.

During the On-road Safety Test

If you think you've made a small mistake, try not to dwell on it - it may cause you to lose your concentration. Ask the testing officer to clarify any instructions you are not sure about.

You must be able to demonstrate safe driving practices and a current knowledge of road law throughout the test. You will not pass the test if your driving is unsafe, if you do something illegal or if your score is less than 80 percent.

Remember the importance of:

• using mirrors properly
• looking for potential hazards
• signalling
• checking over your shoulder for traffic
• obeying all signs and signals
• braking smoothly and effectively
• driving at a safe and legal speed
• positioning the vehicle safely and legally
• choosing appropriate gaps in the traffic.

After the On-road Safety Test

The testing officer will discuss the results of the test with you and will give you a form highlighting any areas of concern. If you pass the On-road Safety Test, the testing officer will also give you a temporary driver licence - your new photo driver licence will be posted to your mailing address.

Should you fail the test, you may be issued with a conditional licence, which will allow you to drive only when accompanied by a fully licensed driver (until you resit and pass the On-road Safety Test). However, if your practical test is terminated because of unsafe or illegal driving, the testing officer will inform Land Transport NZ's Chief Medical Advisor who will assess your situation.

If you fail the test or it is terminated, you will still be able to continue driving until your licence expires. See below for more information about resitting the On-road Safety Test.

Common errors

The following traffic offences will affect your On-road Safety Test result:

• exceeding the speed limit
• failing to stop when required (for example, Stop signs, traffic lights, pedestrian crossings)
• failing to give way when required
• inconveniencing other road users by failing to signal or driving unnecessarily slowly
• failing to stay within a lane or using an incorrect lane.

If you fail the On-road Safety Test

A driver may fail the On-road Safety Test because of a few simple mistakes or small lapses of concentration. If this happens and you wish to resit the test, you can book another appointment with the testing officer. You may re-book your first test once at no extra charge, however, subsequent attempts will incur an additional fee of $41.

If you wish to book another test and your driver licence will expire before the new test date, you will be given a temporary driver licence to cover you until then. The temporary driver licence will have a condition requiring you to be accompanied by a licensed driver at all times while driving.

If you decide to give up your driver licence, you will need to follow the process explained in the Life after driving section below.

Life after driving

Most drivers are aware of the signs of ageing and know when their ability to drive safely is compromised. Some choose to give up their driver licence for their own and other road users' safety.

Talk it over with family and friends who know you best. Find out about the transport options in your area. Land Transport NZ's booklet Keeping moving has more advice about life after driving - see the Further information and resources section below for information on how to get a copy.

If you wish to surrender your driver licence, you should write to Business Support Services, Transport Registry Centre, Private Bag, Palmerston North. Please make sure you clearly outline your intention to surrender your licence, and sign the letter. Put your driver licence in the envelope with your letter.

If you later wish to re-obtain your driver licence, you'll need to re-apply and sit any relevant theory and practical tests.

Further information and resources

Further reading

The Road code has up-to-date information on all aspects of driving - you can obtain a copy at your local library, bookshop or driver licensing agent, or go to www.landtransport.govt.nz to view the road rules section of the Road code online.

Keeping moving, covers topics such as adjusting your driving as you age and life after driving.

Land Transport NZ also produces factsheets containing useful tips and information on a range of road safety topics.

Land Transport NZ's publications can be viewed online at www.landtransport.govt.nz or obtained through Land Transport NZ offices, driver licensing agents or by calling the help desk on 0800 699 000.

Safe with Age - a refresher course for mature road users

Designed for all road users aged 55 and over, Safe with Age is a free classroombased programme, presented over four hours. During the course, you'll have the opportunity to share your experiences and concerns, as well as re-familiarising yourself with traffic rules and road safety information specific to your local area. You'll also get some useful driving tips, which will help you feel more confident behind the wheel.

As well as a useful workbook and certificate of attendance, Safe with Age participants receive a $30 discount voucher toward a practical coaching and assessment drive with a Safe with Age-approved driving instructor. This is a great way to boost your confidence and improve your knowledge and skills.

To find out more, or to enrol, contact any of the following:

• your local Age Concern office (look in the phone book for your local branch)
• your local road safety coordinator (at your local council)
• the education advisor at your nearest regional office of Land Transport NZ (look in the phone book for your local branch)
• the Land Transport NZ help desk - 0800 699 000.

Any questions about driver licensing issues?

Phone Land Transport NZ's driver licensing help desk on 0800 822 422.

Road rules refresher

Giving way rules - intersections

UNCONTROLLED	CONTROLLED
You must GIVE WAY as the other vehicle is crossing from your right.	You may proceed as the other vehicle is controlled by a Give Way sign.
UNCONTROLLED	CONTROLLED
You may proceed as both are turning, and you are on the right of the other vehicle.	You must GIVE WAY as you are controlled by a Give Way sign.
BOTH TURNING	SHADOW TURNING
You must GIVE WAY as you are both turning and the other vehicle is on your right.	You may proceed provided that the following vehicle is about to overtake, blocking the path of the turning vehicle on your right.

Signalling - roundabouts

Single lane roundabout	Multi-lane roundabout
DRIVING STRAIGHT	DRIVING STRAIGHT
Indicate left when exiting from the roundabout.	Indicate left when exiting from the roundabout. Stay in the same lane throughout.
TURNING RIGHT	TURNING RIGHT
First indicate right, then left to exit.	First indicate right then left to exit. Stay in the same lane throughout.
TURNING LEFT	TURNING LEFT
Indicate left before turning.	Indicate left before turning. Stay in the same lane throughout.

Correct use of lanes and flush medians

CORRECT USE OF LANES WHEN TURNING
	When turning left into a multi-laned road from a lane adjacent to the kerb, you must turn into the left-hand lane of the new road. When turning right into a multi-laned road from a lane adjacent to the centre line, you must turn into the right-hand lane of the new road. Turn from right-hand lane to right-hand lane. Check behind and to the left before merging.
CORRECT USE OF RIGHT TURN BAYS	CORRECT USE OF FLUSH MEDIANS
You may enter the merging lane nearest the centre of the road, then indicate your intention to merge left. Proceed straight ahead, and watch to your right for merging traffic. Indicate a right turn before you drive across the white diagonal lines into the right turn bay.	Turn right into a flush median to wait for a safe gap, before merging with traffic. Use median to wait to turn right. Keep the front wheels pointing straight ahead while you wait to turn.

Highway driving

TWO LANE ROADS	SINGLE LANE ROADS
Keep to left lane. Don't use the right-hand lane unless you are about to turn right or pass a vehicle in the left lane.	You may drive across the left-hand white lane marking if it is safe to do so, and you are holding up following traffic. You may pass a slower vehicle at 'no passing' lines if you stay to the left of the yellow lines and you have 100 metres clear visibility throughout the whole manoeuvre.

Traffic lights

Combination of lights with arrows
LEFT TURNING	Must STOP	GO but must give way to right turning vehicles coming towards you	GO but must give way to right turning vehicles coming towards you	Must STOP
STRAIGHT AHEAD	GO (if safe)	GO (if safe)	GO (if safe)	Must STOP
RIGHT TURNING	GO if not traffic coming towards you	Must STOP (if safe)	GO oncoming traffic should stop	GO - oncoming traffic should stop

Following distance and safety on the highway

SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCE
	When following another vehicle travelling at the same speed, watch as that vehicle passes some fixed object (eg, a lamppost). Start counting 'one thousand and one, one thousand and two'. If you pass the object before you finish saying 'two', you are following too close. This two-second rule works equally well at any speed. In adverse weather, increase the distance to four seconds.
MERGING WITH HIGHWAY TRAFFIC	EXITING FROM THE HIGHWAY
Use the whole of the on-ramp to adjust your speed to traffic on the highway. Indicate your intention to merge. Check your blind spot by turning your head.	Maintain your speed while indicating your intention to enter the off-ramp. Use the off-ramp or exit lane slow down.

Page created: 9 November 2006