🇺🇸vs🇳🇿
United States vs New Zealand Driving Test
Complete comparison of driving theory tests. See which test is harder, costs more, and what you need to know.
Quick Summary: United States vs New Zealand
30 vs 35
Questions
24 vs 32
Pass Mark
30 vs 30
Minutes
Detailed Comparison Table
| Aspect | 🇺🇸 United States | 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Test Authority | DMV | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency |
| Number of Questions | 30 | 35 |
| Pass Mark | 24 | 32 |
| Time Limit | 30 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Question Types | multiple-choice | multiple-choice |
| Minimum Age | 16 years | 16 years |
| Test Fee | $20-$90 (varies by state) | $96.20 NZD (includes two test attempts) |
| Validity Period | 4-8 years (varies by state) | 10 years |
| Driving Side | right | left |
| Alcohol Limit | 0.08% BAC (0.02% for under 21) | 0.05 BAC (0.00 for drivers under 20) |
| Urban Speed Limit | 40 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Highway Speed Limit | 120 km/h | 100 km/h |
Key Differences
🇺🇸 United States
- • Test authority: DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles (varies by state))
- • 30 questions, 30 minutes
- • Pass with 24 correct answers
- • Test fee: $20-$90 (varies by state)
- • Minimum age: 16 years
- • Valid for: 4-8 years (varies by state)
Unique rules:
- • Drive on the RIGHT side of the road
- • Right turn on red permitted (unless posted otherwise)
- • School bus stop laws - must stop when lights flash
🇳🇿 New Zealand
- • Test authority: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency)
- • 35 questions, 30 minutes
- • Pass with 32 correct answers
- • Test fee: $96.20 NZD (includes two test attempts)
- • Minimum age: 16 years
- • Valid for: 10 years
Unique rules:
- • Drive on the LEFT side of the road
- • Graduated licensing system (learner → restricted → full licence)
- • Give way rules reformed in 2012 — vehicles turning right must give way to vehicles turning left at uncontrolled intersections
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier: United States or New Zealand driving test?
The United States test has 30 questions with a pass mark of 24, while New Zealand has 35 questions with a pass mark of 32. Both tests require thorough preparation regardless of the format.
How many questions are on the United States driving test vs New Zealand?
The United States driving test has 30 questions, while the New Zealand test has 35 questions.
What is the pass mark for United States vs New Zealand driving test?
To pass in United States, you need to answer 24 questions correctly out of 30. In New Zealand, you need 32 correct out of 35.
How much does the driving test cost in United States vs New Zealand?
The driving theory test costs $20-$90 (varies by state) in United States and $96.20 NZD (includes two test attempts) in New Zealand.
What is the minimum driving age in United States vs New Zealand?
The minimum age to get a driving license is 16 years in United States and 16 years in New Zealand.
Ready to Start Practicing?
Practice with real test questions and pass your driving theory test on the first attempt.