🇳🇿vs🇿🇦
Нова Зеландія vs Південна Африка Driving Test
Complete comparison of driving theory tests. See which test is harder, costs more, and what you need to know.
Quick Summary: New Zealand vs South Africa
35 vs 68
Questions
32 vs 51
Pass Mark
30 vs 60
Minutes
Detailed Comparison Table
| Aspect | 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Test Authority | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency | RTMC |
| Number of Questions | 35 | 68 |
| Pass Mark | 32 | 51 |
| Time Limit | 30 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Question Types | multiple-choice | multiple-choice |
| Minimum Age | 16 years | 17 years |
| Test Fee | $96.20 NZD (includes two test attempts) | R145-R320 (learner's, varies by province) |
| Validity Period | 10 years | 5 years |
| Driving Side | left | left |
| Alcohol Limit | 0.05 BAC (0.00 for drivers under 20) | 0.05% (0.02% for professional drivers) |
| Urban Speed Limit | 50 km/h | 60 km/h |
| Highway Speed Limit | 100 km/h | 120 km/h |
Key Differences
🇳🇿 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
🇿🇦 South Africa
- • Test authority: RTMC (Road Traffic Management Corporation)
- • 68 questions, 60 minutes
- • Pass with 51 correct answers
- • Test fee: R145-R320 (learner's, varies by province)
- • Minimum age: 17 years
- • Valid for: 5 years
Unique rules:
- • K53 standardised test system covering observation, vehicle control, and defensive driving
- • Must pass each of 3 test sections individually — failing any one means failing entire test
- • No left turn on red (equivalent of no turn on red for left-driving countries)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier: New Zealand or South Africa driving test?
The New Zealand test has 35 questions with a pass mark of 32, while South Africa has 68 questions with a pass mark of 51. Both tests require thorough preparation regardless of the format.
How many questions are on the New Zealand driving test vs South Africa?
The New Zealand driving test has 35 questions, while the South Africa test has 68 questions.
What is the pass mark for New Zealand vs South Africa driving test?
To pass in New Zealand, you need to answer 32 questions correctly out of 35. In South Africa, you need 51 correct out of 68.
How much does the driving test cost in New Zealand vs South Africa?
The driving theory test costs $96.20 NZD (includes two test attempts) in New Zealand and R145-R320 (learner's, varies by province) in South Africa.
What is the minimum driving age in New Zealand vs South Africa?
The minimum age to get a driving license is 16 years in New Zealand and 17 years in South Africa.
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