New Hampshire DMV Permit Practice Test 2026
This page covers what you need to know for the New Hampshire driver's license knowledge exam: how the test works, the New Hampshire-specific rules that often show up on it, and sample questions with explained answers. Everything here is based on the official New Hampshire driver's manual and state traffic code (sources are listed at the bottom). The real New Hampshire test has 40 questions and you need 32 correct (80%) to pass.
When you're ready, take a free 25-question practice test that mixes New Hampshire-specific questions with general driving questions, with an explanation after every answer. Each attempt draws a new set. No signup needed.
New Hampshire Permit Test and Licensing Facts
| Knowledge Test | 40 questions, must score 32/40 (80%) to pass |
| Minimum Permit Age | 15 years 6 months |
| Minimum License Age | 16 |
| Speed Limits | Highway: up to 70 mph | Residential: 30 mph | School Zone: 15 mph |
| DWI Law | BAC limit: 0.08% (Under 21: 0.02%) |
| Point System | New Hampshire assigns demerit points for moving violations; too many within set periods leads to suspension. |
Rules Specific to New Hampshire
- New Hampshire is the only state that does not require adults to wear seat belts (under 18 must still buckle up)
- New Hampshire does not require auto insurance — but drivers must show they can pay for accidents
- Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone or electronic device while driving, even hands-free
Sample New Hampshire Permit Test Questions
These questions cover rules that are specific to New Hampshire. They're the ones people most often miss, because the answer differs from state to state.
Who is required to wear a seat belt while riding in a passenger vehicle?
- A. Only the driver, regardless of age
- B. Only front-seat occupants, regardless of age
- C. All occupants, regardless of age
- D. Occupants under age 18
Answer: Occupants under age 18. Seat belt requirements focus on minors; knowing who must buckle up is testable and important for safety.
A child is 6 years old and 54 inches tall. What is the correct restraint?
- A. A booster/child restraint system is required
- B. A seat belt alone is always sufficient at age 6
- C. No restraint is required if seated in the back
- D. A rear-facing seat is required until age 7
Answer: A booster/child restraint system is required. Children must meet age/height thresholds before transitioning to an adult seat belt alone.
What is the maximum speed limit in a business or urban district unless otherwise posted?
- A. 25 mph
- B. 30 mph
- C. 35 mph
- D. 45 mph
Answer: 30 mph. Default speed limits vary by area; always follow posted limits when they differ.
How far before turning or changing lanes should you signal when driving in traffic, unless conditions require more?
- A. At least 50 feet
- B. At least 75 feet
- C. At least 100 feet
- D. At least 200 feet
Answer: At least 100 feet. Signaling early helps other drivers predict your actions and reduces sudden braking or conflicts.
What is the maximum speed limit on interstate highways where 70 mph zones are posted?
- A. 55 mph
- B. 60 mph
- C. 65 mph
- D. 70 mph
Answer: 70 mph. Higher-speed roads may allow faster travel, but you must still adjust for weather, traffic, and visibility.
Does New Hampshire issue learner's permits?
- A. Yes, at 15
- B. No; from 15½ you may drive while being taught, with a qualifying licensed adult
- C. Yes, at 16
- D. Only for motorcycles
Answer: No; from 15½ you may drive while being taught, with a qualifying licensed adult. New Hampshire doesn't issue learner's permits. From age 15½ you may drive while being taught, accompanied by a parent or qualifying licensed adult.
What does New Hampshire driver education require?
- A. 10 hours classroom and 6 hours driving
- B. 30 hours classroom, 10 hours driving and 6 hours observation with an instructor, plus 40 hours supervised practice
- C. 20 hours classroom only
- D. 50 hours supervised driving only
Answer: 30 hours classroom, 10 hours driving and 6 hours observation with an instructor, plus 40 hours supervised practice. Driver education includes 30 classroom hours, 10 hours of driving and 6 hours of observation with an instructor, and 40 hours of supervised practice.
Can a New Hampshire driver under 18 use a phone while driving?
- A. Yes, hands-free
- B. No, not even hands-free
- C. Yes, at red lights
- D. Yes, for navigation calls
Answer: No, not even hands-free. Drivers under 18 may not use a cellular or mobile electronic device while driving, hands-free or not.
What is the speed limit in a posted New Hampshire school zone during school arrival and dismissal times?
- A. 15 mph
- B. 20 mph
- C. 10 mph below the usual posted limit
- D. 25 mph
Answer: 10 mph below the usual posted limit. In a posted school zone the limit is 10 mph below the usual limit, from 45 minutes before school opens and for 45 minutes after it closes.
How far from a stopped New Hampshire school bus with red lights flashing must you stop?
- A. At least 10 feet
- B. At least 20 feet
- C. At least 25 feet
- D. At least 50 feet
Answer: At least 25 feet. Stop at least 25 feet away in any direction for a school bus with red lights flashing or stop arm extended.
In New Hampshire, you may not park within how many feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal?
- A. 15 feet
- B. 20 feet
- C. 30 feet
- D. 50 feet
Answer: 30 feet. Don't park within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal, or within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
When does New Hampshire require headlights?
- A. Only after dark
- B. From 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, and when rain, snow, or fog block your view
- C. Only on highways
- D. Only in winter
Answer: From 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, and when rain, snow, or fog block your view. Headlights are required from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, and whenever rain, snow, or fog interfere with visibility.
If your vehicle breaks down in New Hampshire, how far in front of and behind it should flares or reflectors be placed?
- A. 50 feet
- B. 100 feet
- C. 200 feet
- D. 500 feet
Answer: 200 feet. Place emergency flares or reflectors 200 feet in front of and behind the vehicle.
What following distance does the New Hampshire manual recommend at minimum?
- A. 2 seconds
- B. 3 seconds
- C. 4 seconds
- D. 6 seconds
Answer: 4 seconds. Avoid traveling closer than a four-second following distance to the vehicle ahead.
When passing a bicyclist at 30 mph or less in New Hampshire, what clearance is presumed reasonable?
- A. At least 2 feet
- B. At least 3 feet
- C. At least 5 feet
- D. One lane
Answer: At least 3 feet. At least 3 feet at 30 mph or less, plus one more foot for every 10 mph above 30.
At what BAC is a New Hampshire driver under 21 considered legally intoxicated?
- A. 0.00%
- B. 0.02%
- C. 0.05%
- D. 0.08%
Answer: 0.02%. Drivers are intoxicated at 0.08%, or 0.02% if under 21.
When should you use low-beam headlights in thick fog?
- A. Never
- B. Always, to reduce glare bouncing back
- C. Only in the city
- D. Only after midnight
Answer: Always, to reduce glare bouncing back. Use low beams in thick fog to reduce the glare that reflects back at you.
New Hampshire Permit Test FAQ
How many questions are on the New Hampshire permit test?
The New Hampshire knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 32 correct answers (80%) to pass.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in New Hampshire?
The minimum age for a learner's permit in New Hampshire is 15 years 6 months. The minimum age for a driver's license is 16.
What is the legal blood alcohol limit in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire calls impaired driving DWI. The limit is 0.08% BAC for drivers 21 and over, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.
How does the New Hampshire driver point system work?
New Hampshire assigns demerit points for moving violations; too many within set periods leads to suspension.
What are the default speed limits in New Hampshire?
Typical limits in New Hampshire are up to 70 mph on highways, 30 mph in residential areas and 15 mph in school zones. Posted signs always take priority.
Sources
The facts and questions on this page are based on the following official New Hampshire government sources:
- https://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv/forms/documents/nhdm.pdf
- https://www.dmv.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt416/files/inline-documents/nhdm.pdf
Facts and questions last checked against the New Hampshire Driver's Manual on September 26, 2026.
Laws change. Always check the current New Hampshire driver's manual before your test. This site is unofficial and not affiliated with any New Hampshire government agency.