State guides · New Hampshire
New Hampshire DMV written test guide
Everything you need to know about the written test in New Hampshire, with the rules your state asks about and practice questions with answers.
| Agency | New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
|---|---|
| Official handbook | New Hampshire Driver's Manual ↗ |
| Questions | 40 |
| To pass | 32 of 40 correct |
| Test in Spanish? | Yes |
Automated touch-screen test at a DMV office: 40 multiple-choice questions with 4 answers each, 40 minutes. The test ends automatically if more than 8 answers are wrong, so you need at least 32 right. Audio with headphones is available. No online test option. If you fail, your retest appointment is no sooner than 10 days later.
New Hampshire rules you need to know
- Alcohol, 21 and over: In New Hampshire the legal limit for drivers 21 and over is 0.08% BAC. Official source ↗
- Alcohol, under 21: Drivers under 21 are legally intoxicated at a BAC of 0.02% or higher. Official source ↗
- Following distance: Keep at least a four-second following distance, and more at night. Official source ↗
- High beams: At night, dim your high beams within about 150 feet of another vehicle. Official source ↗
- Turn signal: Signal 100 feet before a turn and 500 feet before changing lanes on the highway. Official source ↗
- Fire hydrant: Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Official source ↗
- Crosswalk: Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. Official source ↗
- School bus: You need not stop for a school bus on the other side of a divided highway; otherwise stop at least 25 feet away. Official source ↗
- Right on red: Right on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it. Official source ↗
- Left on red: New Hampshire law allows only right turns on red, not left turns. Official source ↗
- Cell phone: No driver may use a hand-held phone; drivers under 18 may not use phones even hands-free. Official source ↗
- Move Over law: At roadside emergencies or police stops, slow down, give a wide berth and move out of blocked lanes. Official source ↗
- Permit age: There is no learner's permit; you may practice at 15 and a half with a licensed adult 25 or older. Official source ↗
New Hampshire test FAQ
How many questions are on the New Hampshire written test?
The written test has 40 questions and you need 32 correct to pass.
Can I take the New Hampshire driver's test in Spanish?
Yes. New Hampshire offers the written test in Spanish.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in New Hampshire?
There is no learner's permit; you may practice at 15 and a half with a licensed adult 25 or older.
What documents do I need for a permit in New Hampshire?
It depends on your situation (identity, residency and Social Security number or an alternative). Check the official list from New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before you go.
Documents guide → · How to pass on the first try →
11 New Hampshire practice questions
1. How many questions are on the New Hampshire knowledge test?
- 50
- 40
- 25
- 30
Show answer
Answer: 40
The automated test has 40 multiple-choice questions and you have 40 minutes.
2. On the New Hampshire knowledge test, when does the test end automatically with a fail?
- After more than 10 wrong
- After more than 12 wrong
- After more than 5 wrong
- After more than 8 wrong
Show answer
Answer: After more than 8 wrong
The test ends automatically if more than 8 answers are wrong, so you need at least 32 of 40 correct.
3. If you fail the knowledge or road test in New Hampshire, how long until you can retest?
- The same day
- At least 30 days
- At least 10 days
- At least 6 months
Show answer
Answer: At least 10 days
After a failed test you get a retest appointment no sooner than ten days later.
4. New Hampshire has no learner's permit. At what age may you practice driving with a licensed adult?
- 15 and a half
- 14 and a half
- 16
- 15
Show answer
Answer: 15 and a half
At 15 and a half you may practice with a parent, guardian or licensed adult who is 25 or older.
5. You hold a Youth Operator license and are under 18 in New Hampshire. During what hours may you not drive?
- 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- 1 a.m. to 4 a.m.
- Midnight to 5 a.m.
Show answer
Answer: 1 a.m. to 4 a.m.
Youth Operators under 18 may not drive between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.
6. According to the New Hampshire manual, what is the minimum following distance?
- 2 seconds
- 4 seconds
- 1 second
- 3 seconds
Show answer
Answer: 4 seconds
New Hampshire recommends at least a four-second following distance, with extra time at night.
7. In New Hampshire, a school bus stops with red lights and there is no barrier dividing the road. At least how far away must you stop?
- 25 feet
- 100 feet
- 50 feet
- 10 feet
Show answer
Answer: 25 feet
Stop at least 25 feet away from any direction until the bus moves or its red lights stop flashing.
8. You are 17 and driving in New Hampshire. What does the law say about phones?
- No use at all, not even hands-free
- Texting is allowed at red lights
- Use is allowed at low speed
- Hands-free use is allowed
Show answer
Answer: No use at all, not even hands-free
Drivers under 18 may not use any phone or mobile device, even hands-free, except to report an emergency.
9. In New Hampshire, how close to a fire hydrant may you park, at minimum?
- 10 feet
- 15 feet
- 30 feet
- 5 feet
10. In New Hampshire, within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection may you NOT park?
- 20 feet
- 10 feet
- 15 feet
- 30 feet
Show answer
Answer: 20 feet
Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
11. In New Hampshire, at least how far ahead must you signal before turning?
- 25 feet
- 100 feet
- 200 feet
- 300 feet
Show answer
Answer: 100 feet
Signal 100 feet before a turn and 500 feet before changing lanes on the highway.
Practice with New Hampshire rules
360+ voiced questions, a practice test in your state's format and video lessons.
Facts checked against the official state handbook and website in October 2026. Rules change: always check the official handbook.