NH Permit Practice Test

How to use this NH practice test

1. Take the 40 question exam-length practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at 80 percent or better, book the real test.

NH practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable NH practice test with answer key

All 40 questions, NH exam length

Every question below comes from the New Hampshire question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. How many hours of classroom instruction does New Hampshire driver education require?

   1. 20 hours
   2. 40 hours
   3. 10 hours
   4. 30 hours
   Show answer

   30 hours. New Hampshire driver education is built around several fixed hour counts, and the classroom portion is 30 hours with a certified driver educ Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. Under New Hampshire's one license concept, what must a new resident do with licenses issued by other states?

   1. Keep them as backup identification
   2. Mail them to the issuing state within a year
   3. Nothing, as long as only one is carried at a time
   4. Surrender all valid licenses from any other jurisdiction
   Show answer

   Surrender all valid licenses from any other jurisdiction. RSA 263:4 requires new residents to surrender all valid driver licenses issued by any other jurisdiction when they apply for a New Hampshire Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. What visual acuity must a New Hampshire applicant with sight in both eyes show on the vision test?

   1. 20/20 in both eyes
   2. 20/30 in both eyes
   3. 20/70 in the better eye
   4. 20/40 in both eyes
   Show answer

   20/40 in both eyes. The vision test standard for an applicant with sight in both eyes is 20/40. Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. After failing the New Hampshire knowledge or road test, how soon can an applicant retest?

   1. The next business day
   2. After a mandatory 30 day wait
   3. Not sooner than ten days from the failed test
   4. Immediately, on the same visit
   Show answer

   Not sooner than ten days from the failed test. If either the knowledge test or the road test is not passed, the applicant is given an appointment to retest not sooner than ten days from t Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. According to the New Hampshire manual, a driver who has been awake for 18 hours performs like a driver with what BAC?

   1. About 0.02%
   2. About 0.08%
   3. About 0.05%
   4. About 0.10%
   Show answer

   About 0.05%. The manual compares drowsy driving to drunk driving with three data points. Full explanation in Test 1

6. 6. Which device use is allowed only for New Hampshire drivers over 18?

   1. Reading a text at a red light
   2. Holding a phone to the ear on a rural road
   3. Typing an address into a phone while stopped in traffic
   4. Using a Bluetooth or other hands-free device to send or receive information
   Show answer

   Using a Bluetooth or other hands-free device to send or receive information. Only drivers over 18 may use one hand to transmit on a non-cellular two way radio, use a Bluetooth enabled or other hands-free device integr Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. When may a New Hampshire driver under 21 transport liquor or alcoholic beverages in a vehicle?

   1. Only when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or legal age spouse
   2. Whenever the containers are sealed
   3. Whenever the alcohol is in the trunk
   4. Never, under any circumstances
   Show answer

   Only when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or legal age spouse. No driver under 21 may transport any liquor or alcoholic beverage in any part of a vehicle except when accompanied by a parent, legal guardi Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. For how long may a first offense DUI conviction cost a New Hampshire driver their driving privileges?

   1. 30 to 90 days
   2. 9 months to 2 years
   3. Exactly 1 year
   4. 5 years
   Show answer

   9 months to 2 years. The loss of driving privileges for a first DUI conviction is a period of 9 months to 2 years, and restoration also requires completing an ap Full explanation in Test 2

9. 9. How can a New Hampshire driver change or revoke an organ donor designation?

   1. By submitting a Record Change Request form in person at any DMV office
   2. Only by writing to New England Donor Services
   3. Only at the next license renewal
   4. By calling the DMV and giving verbal consent
   Show answer

   By submitting a Record Change Request form in person at any DMV office. Every license or non-driver ID application gives the applicant the chance to designate consent to be an organ and tissue donor, and the choi Full explanation in Test 2

10. 10. When does a New Hampshire Youth Operator license expire?

    1. On the holder's 18th birthday
    2. Five years after issue
    3. On the holder's 25th birthday
    4. On the holder's 21st birthday
    Show answer

    On the holder's 21st birthday. Any person 16 years of age or older and under 21 is issued a Youth Operator license. Full explanation in Test 2

11. 11. May a New Hampshire driver under 18 use a hands-free phone while driving?

    1. No, drivers under 18 may not use any mobile device, hands-free or not, except to report an emergency
    2. Yes, hands-free use is allowed at any age
    3. Yes, but only while stopped in traffic
    4. Yes, if a parent is in the vehicle
    Show answer

    No, drivers under 18 may not use any mobile device, hands-free or not, except to report an emergency. Drivers under 18 shall not use a cellular or mobile telephone or other mobile electronic device, whether hands-free or not, while driving or Full explanation in Test 3

12. 12. For a first offense under New Hampshire's Youth Operator Under 20 law, how long may a license be suspended?

    1. A minimum of 45 days but not more than 90 days
    2. A minimum of 20 days but not more than 40 days
    3. A minimum of 90 days but not more than 180 days
    4. Exactly 30 days
    Show answer

    A minimum of 20 days but not more than 40 days. Under RSA 263:14 the Director of Motor Vehicles may suspend or revoke the license of a driver under 20 after a hearing for certain motor veh Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. What can happen to a person convicted of driving after being declared a Habitual Offender in New Hampshire?

    1. A fine only, with no jail time
    2. An additional 30 day suspension
    3. Imprisonment for not less than one year and up to five years
    4. Mandatory driver education
    Show answer

    Imprisonment for not less than one year and up to five years. Driving after a Habitual Offender declaration is treated as a serious crime, not a paperwork violation. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. What does this red and white downward pointing triangle tell a New Hampshire driver to do?

    1. Come to a full stop every time
    2. Speed up to merge ahead of cross traffic
    3. Stop only for pedestrians
    4. Slow down and allow traffic that has the right-of-way to cross before entering
    Show answer

    Slow down and allow traffic that has the right-of-way to cross before entering. A yield sign is a red and white downward pointing triangle with red letters, and it means the driver must slow down and allow traffic that h Full explanation in Test 3

15. 15. What does the red circle and slash over the U-shaped arrow on this sign mean in New Hampshire?

    1. U-turns are prohibited at that location
    2. U-turns are required to reverse direction
    3. U-turns are allowed after yielding
    4. The road ahead curves back on itself
    Show answer

    U-turns are prohibited at that location. Some regulatory signs have a red circle with a red slash over a symbol, which prohibits the action shown, and No U-Turn is one of the manual Full explanation in Test 3

16. 16. This sign shows an arrow curving right around an obstruction. Which sign shape does the New Hampshire manual say carries traffic regulations or directions to drivers?

    1. A diamond
    2. A pentagon
    3. A circle
    4. A rectangle
    Show answer

    A rectangle. The manual's standard shapes give each sign family a job. Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. This yellow sign shows a walking person. In the New Hampshire manual's list of warning signs, what is it?

    1. Share the Road with Bicycles
    2. School Crossing
    3. Pedestrian Crossing
    4. Added Lane
    Show answer

    Pedestrian Crossing. Pedestrian Crossing is one of the manual's example warning signs, listed with School Crossing, Share the Road with Bicycles, Bicycle Crossin Full explanation in Test 4

18. 18. What does this yellow sign showing the right lane narrowing into the left lane warn of?

    1. The lane ends ahead and traffic must merge
    2. A right turn is required
    3. The road widens to add a lane
    4. The shoulder is closed
    Show answer

    The lane ends ahead and traffic must merge. Lane Ends is one of the manual's warning sign examples. Full explanation in Test 4

19. 19. This yellow curved arrow sign warns of a Right Curve. When should a New Hampshire driver reduce speed for it?

    1. In the middle of the curve
    2. Before entering the curve, to a speed that allows slight constant acceleration through it
    3. Only if another vehicle is ahead
    4. Only when the road is wet
    Show answer

    Before entering the curve, to a speed that allows slight constant acceleration through it. Right Curve is one of the manual's warning signs, and its section on curves says to always reduce speed prior to entering the curve to a saf Full explanation in Test 4

20. 20. On which side of the road is this pennant-shaped NO PASSING ZONE sign found, and what does it mean?

    1. On the right side, marking where passing may resume
    2. Overhead, marking a passing lane
    3. On the left side, warning of a no passing zone ahead
    4. On the left side, marking the end of a no passing zone
    Show answer

    On the left side, warning of a no passing zone ahead. The pennant, a sideways triangle, is the no passing sign. Full explanation in Test 4

21. 21. An emergency vehicle approaches in New Hampshire with its siren on. What must a driver do, and what should the driver avoid?

    1. Stop exactly where you are, even in an intersection
    2. Speed up to stay ahead of it
    3. Drive immediately to the right side of the road and stop, avoiding blocking an intersection
    4. Move to the left lane and slow down
    Show answer

    Drive immediately to the right side of the road and stop, avoiding blocking an intersection. Right of way must be given to emergency vehicles approaching from any direction when they are sounding a siren or operating flashing lights. Full explanation in Test 5

22. 22. Where in New Hampshire is a 70 mph speed limit in effect?

    1. On every 4-lane divided interstate
    2. On the central New Hampshire turnpike
    3. On all Class V highways
    4. On the portion of I-93 from mile marker 45 to the Vermont border
    Show answer

    On the portion of I-93 from mile marker 45 to the Vermont border. The 70 mph limit applies only to the portion of Interstate 93 from mile marker 45 to the Vermont border. Full explanation in Test 5

23. 23. When does New Hampshire law require headlights to be on, besides the period from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise?

    1. Whenever the wipers are on for any reason
    2. Only when visibility drops below 500 feet
    3. Only on divided highways at dusk
    4. Whenever rain, snow, or fog keeps persons and vehicles from being clearly seen 1000 feet ahead
    Show answer

    Whenever rain, snow, or fog keeps persons and vehicles from being clearly seen 1000 feet ahead. New Hampshire law requires every motor vehicle to display at least two lighted front lamps from half an hour after sunset to half an hour be Full explanation in Test 5

24. 24. About how far does the New Hampshire manual say it can take to stop at 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes?

    1. About 50 feet
    2. About 300 feet
    3. About 158 feet
    4. About 100 feet
    Show answer

    About 158 feet. The manual gives one concrete braking figure: at 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, it can take about 158 feet to stop. Full explanation in Test 5

25. 25. When exiting a New Hampshire highway, what should a driver do about speed on the main roadway and in the deceleration lane?

    1. Slow down on the main roadway well before the exit
    2. Maintain speed on the main roadway, then slow to exiting speed in the deceleration lane
    3. Speed up in the deceleration lane to clear traffic
    4. Stop at the start of the deceleration lane
    Show answer

    Maintain speed on the main roadway, then slow to exiting speed in the deceleration lane. The manual's exit steps are to move early to the lane closest to the exit to avoid a quick lane change, maintain vehicle speed while on the Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. Another vehicle is passing you on a New Hampshire road. What must you never do?

    1. Increase speed to prevent the pass
    2. Stay in your lane
    3. Maintain a constant speed
    4. Let the vehicle return ahead of you
    Show answer

    Increase speed to prevent the pass. When being passed, the manual tells drivers to stay in the lane they are traveling, maintain a constant speed so the other driver can comple Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. A New Hampshire road ahead is covered by a large body of standing water. What does the manual say to do?

    1. Drive through slowly in low gear
    2. Find another route rather than driving through it
    3. Follow a larger vehicle through
    4. Drive through fast so the engine does not stall
    Show answer

    Find another route rather than driving through it. The advice for flooded roadways is short: do not drive through large bodies of standing water on a road, and if there is a flooded roadway, Full explanation in Test 6

28. 28. Why does the New Hampshire manual say to use low beams in fog, rain, or snow?

    1. Low beams are brighter in bad weather
    2. Light from the high beams may cause glare and make it harder to see ahead
    3. High beams drain the battery faster
    4. It is only a courtesy to other drivers
    Show answer

    Light from the high beams may cause glare and make it harder to see ahead. In fog, rain or snow, use the low beams. Light from the high beams reflects off the moisture, may cause glare, and makes it more difficult t Full explanation in Test 6

29. 29. A police officer at a New Hampshire intersection is directing traffic against the traffic light. Who must you obey?

    1. The police officer, who overrules any traffic light or sign
    2. The traffic light, because it is the legal control
    3. Whichever allows you to proceed
    4. The sign, but not the light
    Show answer

    The police officer, who overrules any traffic light or sign. Among the basic rules of the road, the manual states that a police officer directing traffic overrules any traffic light or sign and must be Full explanation in Test 6

30. 30. What does a steady red arrow mean for New Hampshire drivers and for pedestrians facing it?

    1. Drivers may turn after stopping, and pedestrians may cross
    2. Only pedestrians may proceed
    3. The arrow direction is closed to trucks only
    4. Drivers may not enter unless other indications shown at the same time permit it, and pedestrians facing it shall not enter the roadway
    Show answer

    Drivers may not enter unless other indications shown at the same time permit it, and pedestrians facing it shall not enter the roadway. A red arrow means drivers may not enter the intersection unless permitted by other indications shown at the same time, such as a green light Full explanation in Test 6

31. 31. In the New Hampshire manual's standard sign colors, what does a brown sign indicate?

    1. Road repair work warning
    2. Incident management
    3. Tourist and recreation guidance
    4. Driver services
    Show answer

    Tourist and recreation guidance. The color chart pairs each color with a message. Brown means tourist and recreation guidance, such as parks and historic sites. Full explanation in Test 7

32. 32. On New Hampshire roads, what is the difference between white and yellow broken lane lines?

    1. White marks the road edge; yellow marks lanes
    2. White means no passing; yellow means passing allowed
    3. There is no difference
    4. White separates lanes moving the same direction; yellow separates lanes moving in opposite directions
    Show answer

    White separates lanes moving the same direction; yellow separates lanes moving in opposite directions. Single broken lines mark traffic lanes. White lines mean the lanes of traffic are moving in the same direction, and yellow lines mean the la Full explanation in Test 7

33. 33. What is a New Hampshire shared center lane marked with two-way left turn arrows reserved for?

    1. Passing slower vehicles
    2. Through traffic during rush hour
    3. Parking while waiting for a driveway
    4. Left turns from either direction, not through traffic or passing
    Show answer

    Left turns from either direction, not through traffic or passing. The shared center lane sign and markings tell a driver where a lane is reserved for the use of left turning vehicles from either direction. Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. Which vehicles must stop at every New Hampshire railroad crossing even when no train is in sight?

    1. All pickup trucks
    2. Vehicles towing trailers
    3. Buses that carry passengers and trucks carrying flammable or hazardous material
    4. Motorcycles
    Show answer

    Buses that carry passengers and trucks carrying flammable or hazardous material. The law requires buses that carry passengers and trucks carrying flammable or hazardous material to stop before any railroad crossing, even Full explanation in Test 7

35. 35. What must a New Hampshire driver do at a staffed cash-only toll lane?

    1. Slow to 10 mph and keep rolling
    2. Come to a complete stop
    3. Back up if the lane is closed
    4. Get out to pay at the booth window
    Show answer

    Come to a complete stop. At cash only toll lanes drivers should obey the posted speed limits within the plaza, come to a complete stop at staffed lanes, never back u Full explanation in Test 7

36. 36. Before making a U-turn in New Hampshire, what should a driver check first?

    1. Whether any signs indicate that U-turns are prohibited
    2. Whether the road has at least four lanes
    3. Whether the speed limit is under 35 mph
    4. Whether the shoulder is paved
    Show answer

    Whether any signs indicate that U-turns are prohibited. U-turns can be extremely dangerous and are not legal everywhere, so a driver who must reverse direction should first check for signs indicat Full explanation in Test 8

37. 37. An emergency vehicle approaches while you are already inside a New Hampshire roundabout. What should you do?

    1. Stop immediately in your lane inside the circle
    2. Never stop inside; move through, exit, then pull over to the right
    3. Change lanes inside the roundabout to make room
    4. Reverse out of the roundabout
    Show answer

    Never stop inside; move through, exit, then pull over to the right. When emergency vehicles are approaching, do not enter a roundabout; pull over to the right and let other vehicles clear the intersection so Full explanation in Test 8

38. 38. What does New Hampshire law require when leaving a vehicle unattended?

    1. Leave the hazard lights on
    2. Turn off the engine and remove the key
    3. Leave the vehicle in neutral
    4. Roll the windows down
    Show answer

    Turn off the engine and remove the key. When parked, drivers should secure the vehicle, and the law requires drivers to turn off the engine and remove the key when leaving a vehicl Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. How many people were killed and injured in work zone crashes in 2022, according to the New Hampshire manual?

    1. 891 killed and 37,701 injured
    2. About 50 killed and 500 injured
    3. About 5,000 killed
    4. About 10 killed
    Show answer

    891 killed and 37,701 injured. In 2022, 891 people were killed and 37,701 people were injured as a result of work zone crashes nationwide, and New Hampshire itself reports Full explanation in Test 8

40. 40. Why does the New Hampshire manual warn against following closely behind a large vehicle?

    1. Large vehicles brake more quickly than cars
    2. It limits how far the driver can see down the road
    3. It is illegal to be within 500 feet of any truck
    4. Trucks drift between lanes
    Show answer

    It limits how far the driver can see down the road. Looking ahead means looking down the road past the vehicles in front and continually checking mirrors, which is impossible when a large vehi Full explanation in Test 8