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
10. Test 10

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. This sign shows a left turn arrow crossed by a red slash. What may a New Hampshire driver not do here?

   
   1. Go straight
   2. Turn left
   3. Turn right
   4. Change lanes
   Show answer

   Turn left. No Left Turn is one of the prohibition signs the manual lists alongside Do Not Enter, No Trucks, Wrong Way, No Right Turn and No U-Turn. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. What does the New Hampshire manual say about the consequences of collecting demerit points?

   1. They are identical for every driver
   2. Points can never lead to a loss of driving privileges
   3. They may vary depending on the driver's age
   4. Only commercial drivers receive demerit points
   Show answer

   They may vary depending on the driver's age. Excessive accrual of demerit points may result in loss of driving privileges, and the size of the points depends on the offense. Full explanation in Test 2

3. 3. After passing a vehicle in New Hampshire, when is it safe to signal and return to your lane?

   1. As soon as your front bumper is ahead of the other vehicle
   2. When the complete front of the passed vehicle is visible in your rearview mirror
   3. After counting three seconds
   4. When the other driver flashes headlights
   Show answer

   When the complete front of the passed vehicle is visible in your rearview mirror. The manual's passing sequence says to continue to pass until the complete front of the passed vehicle is visible in the rearview mirror, the Full explanation in Test 3

4. 4. 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 100 feet
   4. About 158 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 4

5. 5. Where does the New Hampshire manual say a three-point turn should be used?

   1. Only when the road is too narrow for a U-turn, and only on a two-lane roadway
   2. At any intersection without a signal
   3. On any multi-lane road with light traffic
   4. On divided highways
   Show answer

   Only when the road is too narrow for a U-turn, and only on a two-lane roadway. A three point turn is reserved for a road or street that is too narrow to make a U-turn, and the manual says it should only be used on a two Full explanation in Test 5

6. 6. This yellow winding arrow sign appears on a New Hampshire road. Which listed warning sign is it?

   
   1. Curvy Road Ahead
   2. Right Curve
   3. Sharp Curve Ahead
   4. Side Road Ahead
   Show answer

   Curvy Road Ahead. The snaking arrow is Curvy Road Ahead, warning of a series of curves rather than a single bend. Full explanation in Test 6

7. 7. Where is this white X-shaped crossbuck sign placed according to the New Hampshire manual?

   
   1. Well before the crossing as advance warning
   2. At the railroad crossing itself, to indicate where the crossing is
   3. At the end of a no passing zone
   4. Only at crossings with gates
   Show answer

   At the railroad crossing itself, to indicate where the crossing is. The manual assigns the X shape a specific meaning: a crossbuck indicates where a railroad crossing is. Full explanation in Test 7

8. 8. When does New Hampshire consider a load carried on a vehicle to be secure?

   1. When it is covered with a tarp
   2. When it stays below the height of the cab
   3. When a red flag is tied to it
   4. When nothing can slide, shift, fall or sift onto the roadway, or become airborne
   Show answer

   When nothing can slide, shift, fall or sift onto the roadway, or become airborne. Driving with an unsecured load is against the law and dangerous, and a driver who causes a crash with one may face a costly fine. Full explanation in Test 8

9. 9. Under RSA 265:79-c, which activity with a hand-held device is prohibited while driving in New Hampshire?

   1. Listening to the radio
   2. Talking to a passenger
   3. Inputting information into a GPS or navigation device
   4. Adjusting the climate controls
   Show answer

   Inputting information into a GPS or navigation device. The hand-held device law covers more than texting. Full explanation in Test 9

10. 10. A New Hampshire road has a broken yellow line next to a solid yellow line, and the broken line is on your side. May you pass?

    
    1. No, the solid line applies to both directions
    2. Yes, when it is safe, because the line on your side is broken
    3. Only if the vehicle ahead signals you around
    4. Only at night
    Show answer

    Yes, when it is safe, because the line on your side is broken. With double white or yellow lines, drivers must not pass if the line on the driver's side is solid. Full explanation in Test 10

11. 11. What does the New Hampshire manual describe as the best way to avoid traction loss from hydroplaning?

    1. Slow down in the rain or when the road has pooled water
    2. Drive in the tire tracks of the vehicle ahead at full speed
    3. Brake firmly as soon as the road is wet
    4. Use cruise control to hold a steady speed
    Show answer

    Slow down in the rain or when the road has pooled water. Hydroplaning happens when the steering tires start to ride up on pooled water, like water skis. Full explanation in Test 1

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

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

13. 13. How does the New Hampshire manual say a backup camera should be used?

    1. Together with mirrors and head checks, never as the primary tool for backing
    2. As the only tool needed when backing slowly
    3. Instead of turning your head
    4. Only at night
    Show answer

    Together with mirrors and head checks, never as the primary tool for backing. Many vehicles have backup cameras, and the technology can help drivers back up safely when used in conjunction with the mirrors and proper h Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. When entering a multi-lane highway in New Hampshire, what is the acceleration lane for?

    
    1. Stopping to wait for a large gap
    2. Reaching the speed of other vehicles before pulling onto the roadway
    3. Reading the exit signs
    4. Passing slower traffic on the right
    Show answer

    Reaching the speed of other vehicles before pulling onto the roadway. Use the acceleration lane to reach the speed of other vehicles before pulling onto the roadway, then identify a gap in traffic and merge wit Full explanation in Test 4

15. 15. When entering a multi-lane roundabout in New Hampshire, to which traffic must you yield?

    1. Traffic in both lanes of the roundabout
    2. Only traffic in the outside lane
    3. No one, entering traffic has priority
    4. Only traffic in the inside lane
    Show answer

    Traffic in both lanes of the roundabout. Multi-lane roundabout tips start with lane choice, using the signs and pavement markings to pick the lane for your exit before entering. Full explanation in Test 5

16. 16. Which device use is generally permitted for New Hampshire drivers age 18 or older?

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

    Using a Bluetooth or other hands-free device to send or receive information. Drivers age 18 or older may use one hand to transmit on a non-cellular two way radio, use a Bluetooth enabled or other hands-free device, or Full explanation in Test 6

17. 17. Which sign shape does the New Hampshire manual say is used for traffic regulations or directions to drivers?

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

    A rectangle. The manual's standard shapes give each sign family a job. A rectangle carries traffic regulations or directions to drivers. Full explanation in Test 7

18. 18. A flagger in a New Hampshire work zone signals you to stop. What does the manual say?

    1. Drivers must follow the flagger's instructions
    2. Stop only if the signal is a red flag
    3. Wait for a police officer to confirm
    4. Proceed slowly if no workers are visible
    Show answer

    Drivers must follow the flagger's instructions. In work zones, traffic may be controlled by a person with a sign or flag who tells drivers which direction to travel, to slow down or to sto Full explanation in Test 8

19. 19. How many questions are on the New Hampshire automated knowledge test, and how long do testers have?

    1. 40 questions in 40 minutes
    2. 25 questions in 30 minutes
    3. 50 questions in 60 minutes
    4. 40 questions with no time limit
    Show answer

    40 questions in 40 minutes. The automated knowledge test has 40 multiple choice questions on the rules of the road and general driving conditions, and testers have 40 m Full explanation in Test 9

20. 20. Your brakes stop working while driving in New Hampshire. How does the manual say to use the parking brake?

    1. Apply it slowly to avoid locking the rear wheels and be ready to release it if the vehicle skids
    2. Do not use it while moving
    3. Yank it as hard as possible
    4. Apply it only after turning off the engine
    Show answer

    Apply it slowly to avoid locking the rear wheels and be ready to release it if the vehicle skids. In a brake failure, engage the parking brake by pulling the handle or pushing the foot pedal slowly to avoid locking the rear wheels and cau Full explanation in Test 10

21. 21. In the New Hampshire manual, which group of signs includes this DO NOT ENTER sign?

    
    1. Warning signs
    2. Guide signs
    3. Prohibition signs
    4. Route number signs
    Show answer

    Prohibition signs. The manual's examples of prohibition signs are the stop sign, the yield sign, Do Not Enter, No Trucks, Wrong Way, No Left Turn, No Right Tur Full explanation in Test 1

22. 22. Your headlights suddenly go out at night on a New Hampshire road. What does the manual say to try?

    1. The high beam switch repeatedly
    2. Driving on the shoulder until a lit area
    3. Following the tail lights of the car ahead
    4. The turn signals or emergency flashers, then pull off the road as quickly and safely as possible
    Show answer

    The turn signals or emergency flashers, then pull off the road as quickly and safely as possible. For headlight failure the manual gives two steps: try the turn signals or emergency flashers, and pull off the road as quickly and safely as Full explanation in Test 2

23. 23. A pedestrian is crossing at a New Hampshire intersection that has no painted crosswalk lines. Must the driver yield?

    1. No, only marked crosswalks create a duty to yield
    2. Only if the pedestrian is in a school zone
    3. Yes, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing at intersections even without crosswalk lines
    4. Only when a signal shows WALK
    Show answer

    Yes, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing at intersections even without crosswalk lines. Crosswalk lines are painted to show pedestrian crossing areas, but the duty to yield does not depend on paint. Full explanation in Test 3

24. 24. What is the minimum speed on a New Hampshire interstate highway in good conditions?

    1. 35 mph
    2. 45 mph
    3. 55 mph
    4. There is no minimum
    Show answer

    45 mph. The minimum speed you may drive on an interstate highway is 45 mph, unless road and weather conditions are so bad that this speed is unsafe. Full explanation in Test 4

25. 25. What visual acuity must a New Hampshire applicant with sight in only one eye have?

    1. 20/40
    2. 20/20
    3. 20/70
    4. 20/30
    Show answer

    20/30. New Hampshire's vision standard is stricter for a driver who depends on a single eye: if an applicant has sight in only one eye, they must h Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. What must the licensed driver who brings an applicant to a New Hampshire road test do during the test?

    1. Ride in the back seat during the test
    2. Remain at the test site until the road test has been completed
    3. Leave and return within one hour
    4. Wait in the DMV lobby only if the applicant is under 18
    Show answer

    Remain at the test site until the road test has been completed. The applicant must bring a licensed driver to drive the test vehicle to and from the testing site, and that person is required to remain at Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. A police vehicle with lights on pulls in behind you in New Hampshire at night. Besides stopping and staying in the vehicle, what does the manual tell you to turn on?

    1. The high beams
    2. The hazard flashers and the interior lights
    3. The radio
    4. The windshield wipers
    Show answer

    The hazard flashers and the interior lights. During a traffic stop, come to a complete stop and place the vehicle in park, remain in the vehicle unless asked to get out, turn off the en Full explanation in Test 7

28. 28. A train is approaching a New Hampshire crossing. How far from the nearest rail must a driver stop?

    
    1. At least 100 feet from the nearest rail
    2. At least 5 feet from the nearest rail
    3. Behind the stop line, or not less than 15 feet nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail
    4. Anywhere behind the crossbuck
    Show answer

    Behind the stop line, or not less than 15 feet nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail. When a train or railroad vehicle is approaching, a driver must stop behind the stop line or not less than 15 feet nor more than 50 feet from Full explanation in Test 8

29. 29. 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. Drivers may not enter unless other indications shown at the same time permit it, and pedestrians facing it shall not enter the roadway
    4. The arrow direction is closed to trucks only
    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 9

30. 30. Which sign shape gives advance warning of a railroad crossing in New Hampshire?

    1. A rectangle
    2. An octagon
    3. A pentagon
    4. A circle
    Show answer

    A circle. The manual's standard shapes assign the circle to advance warning of a railroad crossing, while the crossbuck X marks the crossing itself. Full explanation in Test 10

31. 31. What colors are New Hampshire guide signs, and what do they help drivers find?

    1. Green, brown, or blue; they direct drivers to cities, points of interest, hospitals, service stations, restaurants and hotels
    2. Orange; they mark detours
    3. Yellow; they warn of hazards
    4. Red and white; they list prohibited actions
    Show answer

    Green, brown, or blue; they direct drivers to cities, points of interest, hospitals, service stations, restaurants and hotels. Guide signs are square or rectangular and are green, brown or blue. Full explanation in Test 1

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

    1. The traffic light, because it is the legal control
    2. The police officer, who overrules any traffic light or sign
    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 2

33. 33. At a New Hampshire intersection with no white stop line but a marked crosswalk, where must a driver stop?

    1. In the crosswalk where cross traffic is visible
    2. Before entering the intersection, past the crosswalk
    3. Before the crosswalk
    4. Beside the stop sign post
    Show answer

    Before the crosswalk. White stop lines show drivers where to stop. Full explanation in Test 3

34. 34. A New Hampshire traffic signal is flashing yellow. What should the driver be prepared for?

    1. Come to a complete stop and wait for green
    2. Stop, then go as at a stop sign
    3. Proceed at normal speed because cross traffic must stop
    4. Slow down, proceed with caution, and be prepared to stop for any traffic entering the intersection
    Show answer

    Slow down, proceed with caution, and be prepared to stop for any traffic entering the intersection. A flashing yellow traffic light means slow down and proceed with caution, and the manual adds that drivers should be prepared to stop for an Full explanation in Test 4

35. 35. During which hours may a New Hampshire Youth Operator under 18 not drive?

    1. Between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.
    2. Between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
    3. Between midnight and 6:00 a.m.
    4. Between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.
    Show answer

    Between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.. A Youth Operator license holder who is under 18 shall not operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. Full explanation in Test 5

36. 36. When must a New Hampshire accident report be filed with the DMV, and within how many days?

    1. Within 10 days for any crash
    2. Within 30 days only if someone is injured
    3. Only when police request it
    4. Within 15 days if there is a fatality, injuries, or combined property damage over $1,000
    Show answer

    Within 15 days if there is a fatality, injuries, or combined property damage over $1,000. New Hampshire law requires an accident report to be filed with the Division of Motor Vehicles within fifteen days if there is a fatality, in Full explanation in Test 6

37. 37. Why does the New Hampshire manual say to avoid driving next to other vehicles for long periods?

    1. Your vehicle may be in their blind spot, and it reduces the space needed to avoid a collision
    2. It uses more fuel
    3. It is illegal on multi-lane roads
    4. It blocks their view of signs
    Show answer

    Your vehicle may be in their blind spot, and it reduces the space needed to avoid a collision. Space on the sides of the vehicle is what lets a driver move right or left to avoid trouble. Full explanation in Test 7

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

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

    9 months to 2 years. The manual says a driver convicted of a first offense DUI may lose driving privileges for a period of 9 months to 2 years and will be requir Full explanation in Test 8

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

    1. Light from the high beams may cause glare and make it harder to see ahead
    2. Low beams are brighter in bad weather
    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. The manual explains that light from the high beams may cause glare and make it more difficult to se Full explanation in Test 9

40. 40. When exiting a parallel parking space in New Hampshire, when should the driver move forward into the traffic lane?

    1. As soon as the front bumper clears the vehicle ahead
    2. When the door post of the vehicle clears the rear bumper of the vehicle parked ahead
    3. Immediately after signaling
    4. After backing into the vehicle behind
    Show answer

    When the door post of the vehicle clears the rear bumper of the vehicle parked ahead. Leaving a parallel space starts with checking traffic in all directions with mirrors and head checks, backing as far as possible toward the Full explanation in Test 10