Chapter 5 of 616% of exam

Alcohol, Drugs & the NZ Graduated Licence

New Zealand has strict alcohol limits and a staged licence system that eases new drivers into full privileges.

Alcohol limits

Drivers under 20 must have zero alcohol. Drivers aged 20 and over must stay under 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, or 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood.

Drugs and impairment

Driving while impaired by drugs, whether illegal, prescription or over-the-counter, is an offence. Tiredness also impairs driving, so rest before a long trip.

Graduated licence stages

The system runs learner, then restricted, then full. A learner must display L plates and always drive with a supervisor who has held a full New Zealand licence for at least two years.

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