Once you have returned back to VTNZ the testing officer will inform you of the result.

Yes definitely, it is very common for a student to be anxious or nervous for their first few lessons. When you are starting off, we teach in quiet back streets so you are used to steering the vehicle and being in control. The lessons are taught at your pace ensuring the safety of yourself and other drivers.

You are only allowed to have two critical errors in total, with only one allowed in the first 10 minutes of the test (stage one). If you get two critical errors in the first 10 minutes, it becomes an immediate fail and the test is over. Critical errors include: Driving too slow or too fast, not looking (blindspot check) before performing a manoeuvre, not signalling, mounting the kerb, stalling the vehicle, not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, blocking a pedestrian crossing, following too close, failing to give way to pedestrians at a pedestrian crossing, driving over part of a roundabout. Refer to our resources page for more info about this.

You'll need to perform a number of tasks including: Left and right turns at intersections, left and right lane changes, parallel parking, possibly a three point turn, merging, straight line driving (two lanes and multiple lanes), entering and exiting roundabouts. When completing each task you'll also be assessed on your observation, signaling, gap selection, speed choice, following distance, parking movement and turning movement. Refer to our resources page for more info about this.

No, VTNZ do not allow this option. Talk to the VTNZ staff if you have any concerns though.

It's great that you are learning to drive! Professional driving instructors brush up on the skills you already have to prepare you for your driving test. We guide you through what the test will be like, often giving tips on what to say (for full licence) or routes you may take.

You'll fail the test if: You are involved in a crash that you're wholly or partly responsible for, are provided any verbal or physical assistance by the testing officer or support person during the test, can't carry out the testing officer's instructions because of lack of driving ability, go over the speed limit, don't give way, don't comply with traffic signals or stop signs, stop in a dangerous position, take any other dangerous action that results in immediate danger to road users or property. Refer to our resources page for more info about this.

VTNZ don’t supply vehicles - you would need to organise your own car, or if available, you can hire the Hutt Valley Driving School car. Talk to your driving instructor about this.

Learning to drive in a carpark is very limiting as to what you can learn. It is ok for perhaps the very first time you are sitting in the drivers seat but in order to expand your learning, you need to get out and learn in real streets. Our Dual Control cars with our guidance enables you to do that safely.

Approximately 30 - 45 minutes, depending on the traffic and the driving conditions.

Waka Kotahi/NZTA recommend that a student has approximately 120 hours of driving time between obtaining their Learners License and sitting their Restricted Test. The ideal number of professional lessons is 5 - 10, with as much practice with a fully licensed driver (2 years or more) as possible.

Some of the most common reasons for failing a restricted practical test are: Going over the speed limit, not giving way, not indicating correctly when entering or leaving a roundabout, not indicating correctly when changing lanes, not identifying all hazards (including those approaching from behind), not turning your head to check your blind spot before changing lanes, not turning into the correct lane at multi-lane intersections. Refer to our resources page for more info about this.

Hutt Valley Driving School can do a pre-test assessment to see if you are ready to sit your test. We identify any errors that may prevent you from passing and inform you of any practice needed to pass your test.