📖 New Hampshire DMV Study Guide

Everything important from the New Hampshire Driver's Manual (DSMV 360, Rev. 11/25) — organized for the exam

⭐

Memorize these numbers first. New Hampshire DMV test questions are frequently built around specific distances, speeds, BAC levels, and time periods. These come up constantly.

Speed Limits

HIGH FREQUENCY

30 mph

In any business or urban residence district as defined in RSA 259:118 (Sec. 5, p.15). 35 mph in rural residence districts. Always obey posted limits.

10 mph below

School zone speed limit is 10 mph below the usual posted limit, applied 45 minutes before opening through 45 minutes after closing (Sec. 5, p.15).

65/70 mph

65 mph on the interstate system and NH turnpikes (4-lane divided). 70 mph on I-93 from mile marker 45 to the Vermont border. 45/55 mph in other locations not otherwise listed (Sec. 5, p.15).

Posted

Speed limits are posted for ideal conditions. Drivers must reduce speed for rain, ice, heavy traffic, or any condition that makes the posted speed unsafe.

4 sec

Minimum following distance is the 4-second rule (Sec. 8, p.30). Pick a fixed reference point as the car ahead passes it, then count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three, one-thousand-four" before you reach it.

+1 to +2 sec

Add +1 second at night, and +2 seconds for unfamiliar roads at night (Sec. 5, p.18). Increase following distance further behind motorcycles, large trucks, on slippery roads, or behind vehicles required to stop at railroad crossings (Sec. 8, p.31).

📏

Critical Distances & Clearances

HIGH FREQUENCY

15 ft

Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant (Sec. 7, p.28).

20 ft

Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection or within 20 ft of a fire station driveway entrance (75 ft on the opposite side) (Sec. 7, p.28).

30 ft

Do not park within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic-control signal (Sec. 7, p.28).

50 ft

Do not park within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing (Sec. 7, p.28).

Close to curb

Park as close to the curb as possible. NH does not publish an exact inches-from-curb requirement — finish parallel parked with the door post of your vehicle clearing the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead (Sec. 7, p.29).

Both headlights

After passing, return to your lane only when you can see BOTH headlights of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.

Use low beams

Use low beams when following another vehicle. In fog, rain, or snow use low beams — high beams cause glare. Look toward the right side of the road if oncoming high beams blind you (Sec. 5, p.18).

1,000 ft

Headlights required from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise, AND whenever rain, snow, or fog reduces visibility so that persons or vehicles are not clearly discernible at 1,000 ft ahead (Sec. 5, p.15).

100 / 500 ft

Signal at least 100 ft before a turn, and at least 500 ft on the highway before changing lanes or exiting (Sec. 5, p.15).

Under 18

NH safety belts or restraints are required for anyone under 18. Highly recommended for all ages. Children under 7 AND under 57" must be in a US DOT-compliant child passenger restraint (Sec. 4, p.11–12).

3 ft + 1/10mph

Pass a bicyclist with at least 3 feet of clearance at 30 mph or less, plus 1 additional foot for every 10 mph above 30 (Sec. 11, p.36).

25 ft

Stop at least 25 feet in any direction from a school bus with red lights flashing or stop arm extended. Exception: not required when the roadway is separated by a physical barrier (Sec. 7, p.27).

🍺

DUI & Alcohol Numbers

ALWAYS ON TEST

0.08%

Legal BAC for drivers 21 and over. At or above 0.08% you are considered legally intoxicated (Sec. 2, p.6).

0.02%

Under-21 Zero Tolerance — BAC of 0.02% or higher is illegal for drivers under 21. Youth operators convicted of DUI face additional penalties beyond the standard adult violation (Sec. 2, p.6 / Sec. 3, p.8).

1st DUI

Class B misdemeanor: fine of at least $500, license loss 9 months to 2 years, and required Impaired Driver Education Program before reinstatement (Sec. 3, p.9).

Implied Consent

By driving in NH you consent to blood, breath, urine, or any combination of testing if arrested for an alcohol or drug offense. Refusal results in loss of driving privileges (Sec. 2, p.6).

SR-22

After DUI, leaving the scene, vehicular homicide, or 2nd reckless driving, NH requires an SR-22 proof-of-insurance certificate filed by an insurance company for several years to reinstate driving and registration privileges (Sec. 9, p.32–33). Specific fees: see dmv.nh.gov.

🎓

Teen / GDL Numbers

ON EXAM

15½

NH does not issue learner permits. From age 15½ a person may drive while being taught when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult age 25+ who is licensed (Sec. 1, p.2).

A Youth Operator License is issued from age 16 after completing driver education (30 hr classroom + 10 hr in-car practice + 6 hr observation + 40 hr supervised including 10 hr at night) (Sec. 1, p.1).

1 AM – 4 AM

Youth Operator (under 18) curfew: cannot drive between 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM (Sec. 2, p.4).

First 6 months

During first 6 months: max 1 non-family passenger under 25 unless accompanied by a licensed adult age 25+. Always: no more passengers than there are seat belts (Sec. 2, p.4).

No permit phase

No NH-issued permit means no minimum hold period. Driver education hours (and parent/guardian-supervised driving) replace it: 30 + 10 + 6 + 40 hours, with 10 of the 40 supervised hours at night (Sec. 1, p.1).

Youth Operator License expires on the holder's 21st birthday. NH licenses renew every 5 years on birthday after that (Sec. 2, p.4–5).

⏱️

Following Distance & Time Rules

ON EXAM

4 sec

Standard 4-second rule. Pick a fixed reference point (sign, pole). When the car ahead passes it, count "one-thousand-one ... one-thousand-four". Don't pass the point before reaching four (Sec. 8, p.30).

+1 / +2 sec

Behind motorcycles: at least 4 seconds following distance (Sec. 11, p.37). At night: +1 sec; on unfamiliar roads at night: +2 sec (Sec. 5, p.18). Increase further on slippery roads, in fog/rain/snow, or behind large vehicles (Sec. 8, p.31).

~158 ft @ 50

At 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, stopping distance is ~158 ft (Sec. 5, p.16). Stopping distance increases 4 times when speed is doubled. Loaded truck @ 55 mph: ~335 ft (>1.5x a car).

RSA 265:79-c

NH bans hand-held mobile electronic devices while driving or temporarily halted in traffic. Holding a phone near your ear in motion = presumed to be on a call. Hands-free / Bluetooth allowed for drivers 18+. Under 18: no device at all (Sec. 3, p.7–8).

🚦

Road signs are tested heavily. Know each sign's shape, color, and meaning. The real test often shows a sign description and asks what it means.

🔴

Sign Shapes — Each Shape Has One Meaning

ALWAYS TESTED

Shape	Meaning	Example
Octagon (8-sided)	STOP — always and only	Stop sign
Triangle (pointing down)	YIELD — give right of way	Yield sign
Diamond	WARNING — hazard ahead	Curve, pedestrian, deer
Pentagon (5-sided)	SCHOOL ZONE	School crossing
Pennant (triangle right)	NO PASSING ZONE	No-passing pennant
Round (circle)	RAILROAD CROSSING advance warning	RR crossing sign
Rectangle (vertical)	REGULATORY — rules you must follow	Speed limit, turn restrictions
Rectangle (horizontal)	GUIDE or INFORMATION	Street name, mile marker
X-shaped crossbuck	RAILROAD CROSSING — treat like yield	Railroad crossbuck

🎨

Sign Colors — Color Tells You the Category

ALWAYS TESTED

Color	Category	What It Means
Red	Regulatory — STOP / PROHIBIT	Stop, yield, do not enter, wrong way, no-turn circles
Yellow	WARNING	General hazard warnings — curves, hills, intersections, animals
Orange	WORK ZONE / CONSTRUCTION	NH may double fines in a work zone — the work zone will be clearly marked before you enter (Sec. 6, p.23).
Green	GUIDE / DIRECTIONAL	Highway exits, distances, direction, mile markers
Blue	SERVICES	Gas, food, lodging, hospital, rest area
Brown	RECREATION / CULTURAL	Parks, campgrounds, historical sites, scenic areas
White	REGULATORY	Speed limits, lane rules, turn restrictions
Fluorescent Yellow-Green	WARNING — pedestrian / school / bike	School zones, crosswalks, bike lanes
Fluorescent Pink	INCIDENT MANAGEMENT	Crash clean-up, debris removal, temporary traffic control

⚠️

Signs That Are Frequently Confused

TRICKY

No Passing Pennant vs. No U-Turn: The pennant (pointing right) = no passing. A circle with a slash over a U-turn arrow = no U-turn. Very different.

Crossbuck (RR) vs. Stop Sign: The crossbuck (white X) = yield/slow down and check. Only stop if a train is coming. The octagon = always stop.

Divided Highway Begins vs. Ends: Begins = two arrows pointing apart (median starts). Ends = two arrows merging together (median ends — expect two-way traffic).

Merge vs. Lane Ends: Merge = two roads joining (both cars adjust). Lane Ends = one lane disappears — that driver must yield and merge.

Red Circle with Slash: Always means that action is PROHIBITED. No left turn, no trucks, no bicycles — whatever is inside the circle is forbidden.

⭐

Right of way is the #1 failure topic on the DMV knowledge test. Master every scenario below — these questions will be on your exam.

⛽

The Core Right-of-Way Rules

MOST TESTED

Uncontrolled intersection — arrive at same time: Yield to the driver on your RIGHT. This is the most tested right-of-way rule.

Left turn at green light: You must always yield to oncoming traffic AND pedestrians — even with a green light. A green light is permission to go, not a guarantee of right of way.

Pedestrians in a crosswalk: Always yield. Stop and wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed — not just stepped back. This includes jaywalkers in many situations.

Blind pedestrian (white cane / guide dog): Absolute right of way — you must stop regardless of where they are crossing.

Four-way stop: First to arrive goes first. Simultaneous arrival = yield to the driver on your right. Straight traffic before turning traffic if both arrive at same time from opposite directions.

Emergency vehicles (lights + siren): Pull to the right edge of the road and stop. Clear intersections first — never stop IN an intersection.

Entering from driveway / private road: Always yield to all traffic on the public road — you have no right of way entering from private property.

Roundabout: Vehicles inside the roundabout always have right of way. Entering traffic must yield. When exiting, yield to pedestrians at the crosswalk.

Merging onto a highway: Traffic already on the highway has right of way. The merging vehicle must yield and find a safe gap.

Non-functioning traffic signal: Treat as an all-way stop. All drivers stop, yield, and take turns.

💡

Right-of-Way Scenarios That Trick People

TRICKY

Yellow light: It does NOT mean speed up. If you can stop safely, you must. Proceed only if stopping would be unsafe (you're too close to stop).

Already in intersection when light turns red: Complete the turn — you are committed. Other traffic must wait for you to clear.

Backing out of a driveway: The reversing vehicle always yields to street traffic. You have no right of way in reverse.

Sherrill's Law (RSA 265:37-a) — NH Move-Over: When approaching a fire, collision, disaster, utility / construction / maintenance work, or any stopped or standing vehicle displaying blue, red, or amber emergency / warning lights (or hazard flashers, road flares, traffic cones, caution signs, etc.), drivers must maintain a reduced speed, give a wide berth when practical, vacate any blocked lane as soon as safely possible, and obey any authorized person directing traffic. Violations carry a fine plus penalty assessment (increased on subsequent offenses within 12 months) (Sec. 11, p.40).

Right turn on red: Legal ONLY after a complete stop and yielding to ALL traffic and pedestrians. Rolling right on red is illegal.

Left on red: Legal ONLY when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street — after a complete stop and yielding.

🚥

Traffic Signal Meanings

ALWAYS TESTED

Signal	What You Must Do
Solid GREEN	Proceed — but yield to traffic already in intersection
Solid YELLOW	Prepare to stop if safe; proceed only if stopping would be dangerous
Solid RED	Stop completely; may turn right on red after stop and yield (unless posted)
GREEN ARROW	Protected turn — oncoming traffic must stop. You may turn in the arrow's direction, but still yield to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection.
YELLOW ARROW	Protected turn is ending — prepare to yield or stop
Flashing YELLOW ARROW	Unprotected turn — you MAY turn but MUST yield to oncoming and pedestrians
Flashing RED	Treat exactly like a STOP sign — stop, yield, proceed when safe
Flashing YELLOW	Caution — slow down and proceed carefully. Do not need to stop.
RED + GREEN ARROW	Stop for through traffic; turn in direction of arrow only
Signal NOT working	Treat as ALL-WAY STOP — all traffic stops

🛣️

Lane Markings — Know Each One

ON EXAM

Broken yellow center line: Passing is permitted from your side when it is safe.

Solid yellow line on your side: No passing from your side of the road.

Double solid yellow: No passing in either direction.

White lines: Separate traffic going in the same direction. Broken = lane change ok. Solid = discouraged (but not always illegal).

Yellow lines: Separate traffic going in opposite directions.

Center left-turn lane (two-way turn lane): Use ONLY to prepare for and make a left turn. Never use as a travel or passing lane.

Yellow X over a lane: Lane is CLOSED — move to a lane with a green arrow immediately.

White stop line: Stop your front bumper at or behind this line at intersections and crosswalks.

↔️

Safe Lane Changing Procedure

STEP BY STEP

Check your mirrors — rearview and side mirror on the side you're moving to

Signal your intent — signal at least 100 ft before a turn, and at least 500 ft before changing lanes or exiting on the highway (Sec. 5, p.15).

Look over your shoulder — physically check the blind spot. Mirrors cannot see everything.

Change lanes gradually — smooth and controlled, not jerky

Cancel signal and adjust speed to match the lane's traffic flow

🚨

DUI questions appear on virtually every DMV knowledge test. Know the BAC levels, implied consent law, and penalties. New Hampshire uses the term "DUI" (Driving Under the Influence).

🍺

DUI Laws — The Numbers You Must Know

ALWAYS ON TEST

Situation	Consequence
BAC of 0.08%+ (driver 21+)	Class B misdemeanor: fine of at least $500, license loss 9 months to 2 years, mandatory Impaired Driver Education Program before reinstatement. Subsequent convictions: higher fines, longer suspensions, stronger penalties (Sec. 3, p.9).
Impairment below the legal BAC limit	Yes — impairment starts with the first drink. Even one drink can affect the ability to drive. With one or more drinks in the bloodstream you can be impaired and arrested for DUI. Drugged driving (illegal, prescription, or OTC) carries the same charge (Sec. 3, p.8–9).
Test refusal (implied consent)	By driving in NH you have already consented to blood, breath, urine, or any combination of testing if arrested for an alcohol or drug offense. Refusal results in loss of driving privileges (Sec. 2, p.6). Specific suspension lengths are set by RSA 265-A.
BAC — under 21 (Zero Tolerance)	BAC 0.02% or higher is illegal under 21. It is also illegal to be under the influence of any controlled, prescription, or OTC drug or any chemical substance impairing the ability to drive. Youth operators convicted of DUI face additional penalties beyond the standard adult violation (Sec. 2, p.6 / Sec. 3, p.8).
CDL / commercial driver BAC	Federal CDL standard: 0.04% while operating a commercial motor vehicle. See the New Hampshire CDL Manual for full CDL-specific rules.
DUI — causing death or injury	Aggravated DUI offenses carry significantly enhanced penalties under RSA 265-A. NH requires SR-22 proof of insurance to reinstate driving privileges after DUI, leaving the scene, vehicular homicide, or 2nd reckless driving (Sec. 9, p.33). Consult the court for current statutory penalties.

💡

Critical DUI Facts to Remember

TESTED

Implied consent: By driving in NH you consent to blood, breath, urine, or any combination of testing if arrested for an alcohol or drug offense. Refusal results in loss of driving privileges (Sec. 2, p.6). DUI conviction also requires SR-22 proof-of-insurance for reinstatement (Sec. 9, p.33).

Only TIME removes alcohol: Coffee, food, cold showers, and fresh air do NOT lower your BAC. Your liver processes about 1 drink per hour — nothing speeds this up.

Impairment starts with the first drink: Judgment is the FIRST driving ability affected by alcohol; vision is impacted at 0.02% BAC for all drivers. With one or more drinks in the bloodstream you can be impaired and arrested for DUI — you do not have to be at 0.08% to be charged (Sec. 3, p.8–9).

Under-21 Zero Tolerance: BAC 0.02% or higher is illegal for any driver under 21. The charge applies to alcohol and to any controlled, prescription, OTC, or chemical substance impairing the ability to drive. Youth operators convicted of DUI face additional penalties beyond standard adult DUI (Sec. 2, p.6 / Sec. 3, p.8).

Mixing drugs and alcohol: Never drink alcohol while taking medications or other drugs. Combinations may multiply effects, reduce driving ability, and cause serious health problems or death. Having a prescription is not a defense if the medication impairs driving.

Cell phone law (RSA 265:79-c): Hand-held mobile electronic devices are prohibited while driving or temporarily halted in traffic. Holding a phone near your ear in motion = presumed to be on a call. Drivers 18+ may use Bluetooth or hands-free. Drivers under 18 may not use any device, hands-free or not, except to dial 911 (Sec. 3, p.7–8).

Drugs and driving: Driving while impaired by any drug — prescription, over-the-counter, or controlled — is illegal. Even legally prescribed medications that impair your ability to drive can lead to a DUI charge.

🚌

School bus rules are heavily tested. NH drivers must stop at least 25 feet in any direction for a school bus stopped with red lights flashing or its stop arm extended. The only exception is when the roadway is separated by a physical barrier (divided highway). Stay stopped until the bus resumes motion or the red lights stop flashing (Sec. 7, p.27).

🚌

School Bus Stopping Rules

HEAVILY TESTED

Two-lane / undivided road: ALL traffic in BOTH directions must stop, at least 25 ft from the bus, for a school bus stopped with red lights flashing or stop arm extended (Sec. 7, p.27).

Divided-highway exception: You are NOT required to stop when the roadway is separated by a physical barrier (median strip, guardrail, etc.). Painted lines are not a barrier — you must still stop (Sec. 7, p.27).

Same direction — always stop: Traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must ALWAYS stop, regardless of road type or number of lanes.

After the bus stops: Remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or deactivates its warning signals AND all loading/unloading passengers have cleared the roadway. Then proceed slowly, watching carefully for children near the roadway.

When may you proceed: Only when the red lights STOP flashing, the stop arm retracts, and the bus begins moving. It is unlawful to pass a stopped school bus while it is loading or unloading passengers.

Yellow lights = warning: Yellow flashing = bus is about to stop. Slow down immediately and prepare to stop. Do not try to pass before it stops.

School buses must stop at ALL railroad crossings — regardless of whether warning signals are active. This is federal law.

Penalty for passing a stopped school bus: Passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing is a moving violation that can carry a fine and demerit points and may contribute to license suspension under NH's demerit-point system. Specific fine amounts are set by court schedule. See dmv.nh.gov/demerit-points.

Subsequent / serious offenses: Repeat offenses or any motor-vehicle offenses showing repeated disregard for public safety may result in license suspension or revocation (Sec. 2, p.6). Drivers who accumulate excessive demerit points face escalating consequences that vary by age.

Speed Laws — What You Must Know

ON EVERY TEST

Basic Speed Law: Drive at a speed that is reasonable and proper for existing conditions — even if that means going below the posted limit. Rain, fog, heavy traffic, school zones all require reduced speed.

Posted limits are MAXIMUMS: You may never legally exceed a posted limit, regardless of conditions, traffic, or what other drivers are doing.

Minimum speed law: Do not drive so slowly that you impede or block the normal flow of traffic. Driving too slowly is also illegal.

Work zone caution: Reduce speed in any work zone even if no reduced-speed sign is posted — narrower lanes and rough pavement create hazards. Fines may be doubled in a work zone (clearly marked before entry). Obey flagger directions; flaggers and posted signs override normal traffic flow (Sec. 6, p.23 / Sec. 11, p.41).

"Over-driving your headlights": Headlights are required from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise, AND whenever rain, snow, or fog reduces visibility so persons or vehicles are not clearly discernible at 1,000 ft ahead (Sec. 5, p.15). Never drive faster than you can stop within the distance your headlights illuminate.

Sight-distance rule for conditions: Pick a stationary object ahead and count your approach time. If you reach the object before the expected count — you are going too fast for the conditions. Slow down.

↔️

Following Distance — The 4-Second Rule

TESTED

Pick a fixed object — a sign, overpass, or lane marking ahead

When the car ahead passes it, start counting: "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three, one-thousand-four"

If you pass the object before 4 seconds — you are following too closely. Slow down and increase the gap. Add +1 second at night, +2 seconds on unfamiliar roads at night, and increase further behind motorcycles, large trucks, or in rain/snow/fog.

💡 When to increase beyond the minimum

Rain, snow, ice, or fog → 4 seconds minimum
Driving at night → increase beyond the minimum
Following a large truck or motorcycle → 4+ seconds
Towing a trailer → 4 seconds minimum
Driving at highway speeds → increase distance proportionally

📐

Passing Rules

TESTED

✓

You MAY pass when: There is a broken yellow line on your side, you have sufficient sight distance, and there is no sign or condition prohibiting passing.

✗

NEVER pass: when an oncoming vehicle is approaching, when your view is blocked by a curve or hill, at intersections, before a highway-railroad crossing or bridge, where a solid yellow line is on your side, where a "Do Not Pass" sign or no-passing pennant is posted, on the shoulder (paved or not), or when a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing (Sec. 5, p.17 / Sec. 7, p.27).

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When it is safe to return: You may move back into your original lane when both headlights of the passed vehicle are visible in your rearview mirror.

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Passing on the right: Legal when the vehicle ahead is making a left turn and there is a safe lane to the right, or on a multi-lane road.

🅿️

Parking Clearance Requirements

TESTED

Location	Minimum Clearance
Fire hydrant	15 ft — NH RSA / Driver's Manual (Sec. 7, p.28)
Stop sign / yield sign / flashing signal / traffic control device	30 ft — NH Driver's Manual (Sec. 7, p.28)
Pedestrian safety zone	Do not park where parking would block traffic or create a hazard for others on the road (Sec. 7, p.28).
Crosswalk at intersection	20 ft — NH Driver's Manual (Sec. 7, p.28)
Railroad crossing	50 ft from the nearest rail — NH Driver's Manual (Sec. 7, p.28)
Fire station driveway	20 ft from driveway entrance; 75 ft on opposite side of the street (Sec. 7, p.28)
Driveway entrance (public or private)	Not in front of — always prohibited
Accessible (handicapped) space & access aisles	Never without valid placard/plate. Parking in an access aisle (the striped area beside an accessible space) is illegal at all times — up to 8 ft of aisle is needed for wheelchair lifts and ramps. NH allows photo + sworn statement reports to local police for enforcement (Sec. 7, p.28).
Inside an intersection or on a crosswalk	Never — always illegal
Bridge, overpass, or tunnel	Never park on any bridge, in any highway tunnel, on a sidewalk, in an intersection, on a crosswalk, or alongside another parked vehicle (no double parking) (Sec. 7, p.28).
No Stopping zone	Never stop here, for any reason
No Parking zone	No parking — may stop to load/unload

⛰️

Parking on Hills — Wheel Position

TRICK QUESTION

💡

The rule: always turn wheels so that if the car rolls, it rolls away from traffic or is caught by the curb.

Situation	Turn Wheels	Why
Facing DOWNHILL, WITH curb	RIGHT (into curb)	Car rolls into curb and stops
Facing DOWNHILL, NO curb	RIGHT (away from road)	Car rolls away from traffic
Facing UPHILL, WITH curb	LEFT (away from curb)	Car rolls back, caught by curb
Facing UPHILL, NO curb	RIGHT (away from road)	Car rolls away from traffic

💡 Memory trick

Going downhill with a curb = wheels RIGHT into the curb
Going uphill with a curb = wheels LEFT, away from curb (tire catches it when rolling back)
No curb either way = wheels RIGHT, away from road

🎓

GDL questions appear on many tests. Know New Hampshire's Graduated Driver Licensing program, the restrictions in each phase, and the specific ages, hold periods, and curfew hours.

🎓

New Hampshire Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

ON EXAM

Practice Driving (age 15½+) — NH does NOT issue learner permits

→

From age 15½, NH law (RSA 263) lets a person drive while being taught when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult age 25 or older who is a licensed driver (Sec. 1, p.2). No NH-issued permit is required, and no fee. The supervising adult must be in the front seat.

→

There is no permit phase to revoke. Practice driving simply ends when the person obtains a NH license — or earlier if the supervising adult chooses not to continue. NH law forbids practice driving by any person whose driving privileges are suspended or revoked in this or any other state (Sec. 1, p.2).

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Supervisor must be a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult age 25 or older who is a licensed driver. The supervising adult must be in the front passenger seat at all times (Sec. 1, p.2).

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Drivers under 18 are subject to NH's wireless device ban (RSA 265:79-c, IV): no cell phone or mobile electronic device, hands-free or not, while driving or temporarily halted in traffic, except to dial 911 (Sec. 3, p.7–8).

Youth Operator License (age 16, until 21st birthday)

→

Anyone 16 or 17 applying for a NH license must complete an approved driver-education program: 30 hours classroom + 10 hours in-car practice with a certified instructor + 6 hours observation + 40 hours supervised driving with a parent, guardian or responsible adult, of which 10 hours must be at night. Anyone under 18 needs written parental/guardian permission for the license to be issued (Sec. 1, p.1–3).

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Under-18 Youth Operators may NOT drive between 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM. During the first 6 months: max 1 non-family passenger under 25 unless accompanied by a licensed adult age 25+. May never have more passengers than seat belts. No cell phone or mobile electronic device, hands-free or not, except to dial 911 (Sec. 2, p.4 / Sec. 3, p.8).

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Youth Operator licenses are printed vertically and expire on the holder's 21st birthday. The Director of Motor Vehicles can suspend or revoke a Youth Operator license for repeated motor-vehicle offenses or driving showing disregard for public safety (Sec. 2, p.4–6).

Standard Driver's License (age 21+)

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NH licenses expire on the holder's birthday every 5 years. The DMV mails a renewal notice ~2 months before expiration. Eligible drivers may renew online; otherwise visit any NH DMV office. Up to 6 months of advance renewal is allowed if you'll be temporarily out of state (Sec. 2, p.5).

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Adult applicants (18+) must pass the same vision, knowledge, and road tests. New residents to NH must surrender all valid out-of-state licenses under the One License Concept (RSA 263:4) and have 60 days to obtain a NH license. An application will not be accepted if driving privileges are under suspension or revocation in any other state (Sec. 1, p.1–2).

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All NH drivers (any age): hand-held mobile electronic devices are prohibited while driving or temporarily halted in traffic (RSA 265:79-c). Holding a phone near your ear in motion is presumed to be on a call. Drivers 18+ may use Bluetooth or hands-free; drivers under 18 may not use any device, hands-free or not (Sec. 3, p.7–8).

🛡️

Emergency Situations — What to Do

TESTED

💨

Tire blowout: Hold the wheel FIRMLY. Ease off gas (don't brake suddenly). Let the car slow naturally. Then gently steer to safety. Sudden braking causes a spin.

💧

Hydroplaning: Ease off gas, hold wheel steady, avoid braking. Let tires re-contact the road. Don't jerk the wheel or brake hard.

🔥

Engine fire: Pull over immediately, turn off engine, get EVERYONE out and move far away (100+ feet). Call 911. Never open the hood.

⚡

Brakes fail: Shift to a lower gear. Use the parking brake gradually. Look for a safe area to slow to a stop. Rub a tire on the curb if needed.

🌊

Accelerator sticks: Shift to NEUTRAL immediately. Apply brakes. Pull over. Turn engine off.

🌀

Vehicle skids: Ease off gas and brakes. Steer in the direction you want the front to go (into the skid). Do not overcorrect.

🚂

Stalled on railroad tracks: Get everyone out immediately. Move away from the vehicle and the tracks. Locate the Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign for emergency contact information, and call for help — tell them a vehicle is on the tracks.

🌫️

Driving in fog: Use LOW beams (high beams reflect off fog and blind you). Slow significantly. Use fog lights if available. Consider pulling over.

😴

Drowsy driving: Only cure = sleep. Pull over and rest. Coffee, window down, and music are NOT effective solutions. Drowsy driving equals drunk driving in impairment level.

❄️

Stranded in a blizzard: Stay in the vehicle (it's shelter and visible). Run engine briefly for heat with window cracked to prevent CO poisoning. Signal for help with hazards.

🧠

Defensive Driving Principles

ESSENTIAL

Scan ahead: Look well ahead of your vehicle — at least a city block in town and farther on highways. Check mirrors every few seconds and whenever slowing, changing lanes, or approaching intersections.

Keep an escape route: Always know where you could go if the car ahead stopped suddenly.

Bridges freeze first: Cold air circulates above AND below a bridge. Bridges ice before road surface — always treat them as potentially icy in winter.

Head-on collision approaching: Brake hard and steer RIGHT — even off the road. A head-on crash at speed is almost always fatal; going off-road is survivable.

Road rage: Never engage, retaliate, or make eye contact. Don't respond with gestures. Slow down, create distance. Report to 911 if dangerous.

Front wheel off pavement: Don't jerk the wheel — it can roll the car. Ease off gas, brake gently, and gradually steer back. Hold on tight.

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Vehicle Equipment Requirements

TESTED

Equipment	Requirement
Headlights (on)	Required from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise, and whenever rain, snow, or fog reduces visibility so persons or vehicles are not clearly discernible at 1,000 ft ahead (Sec. 5, p.15).
High beams (dim)	Use high beams only when there are no oncoming vehicles. Dim for approaching traffic and use low beams when following another vehicle. In fog, rain, or snow use low beams — high beams cause glare. Look toward the right edge of the road if blinded by oncoming high beams (Sec. 5, p.18).
Horn	Use when needed to prevent a crash. Do NOT use to express anger, greet friends, or encourage others to move. Avoid around blind pedestrians and animal-drawn vehicles.
Turn signals	Signal at least 100 ft before a turn, and at least 500 ft on the highway before changing lanes or exiting. Signal sooner in rain, snow, or fog. Required for: changing lanes, turning, entering/leaving a highway, turning into a driveway, merging, pulling away from / over to a curb, and passing (Sec. 5, p.15).
Tinted windows	NH limits window tint to maintain a clear view of the road. Tinted or colored corrective lenses reduce vision — do not wear sunglasses or colored lenses when driving at night or on overcast days (Sec. 5, p.18).
TVs / video screens visible to driver	Prohibited while vehicle is in motion (navigation is typically excepted — confirm against New Hampshire manual).
Muffler	Must prevent excessive or unusual noise
Brakes	Vehicles must have working service brakes capable of stopping under control. Parking brake required. Test brakes lightly after driving through deep water to dry them out.
Wipers	Must adequately clean the windshield when used
Tail lights / rear reflector	Tail lights and rear reflectors are required equipment on all vehicles. Keep lenses clean for night-driving visibility.
Tires	Tire condition and tread composition directly affect stopping distance. Proper inflation and good tread are critical.
Hazard lights	For use when parked/stopped in an emergency — not while driving normally
Seat belts & child restraints	NH requires safety belts or child restraints for anyone under 18 (highly recommended for all ages). Children less than 7 AND less than 57" must be in a US DOT-compliant child passenger restraint. Wear the shoulder harness across shoulder and chest with minimal slack — never under the arm or behind the back (Sec. 4, p.11–12).

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Headlight Rules That Are Tested

TESTED

Headlights required by NH law: from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise, AND whenever rain, snow, or fog reduces visibility so persons or vehicles are not clearly discernible at 1,000 ft ahead (Sec. 5, p.15).

Parking lights ≠ headlights: Parking lights are for indicating a parked vehicle only. Headlights are required for driving during the hours and conditions above — not parking lights.

Dim high beams: Dim high beams for approaching traffic and use low beams when following another vehicle. In fog, rain, or snow use low beams — high beams cause glare and make it harder to see ahead. If blinded by oncoming high beams, look toward the right side of the road (Sec. 5, p.18).

Night driving — "drive in your headlights": Never drive faster than you can stop within the distance lit by your headlights. This is called over-driving your headlights and is dangerous.

⚡

Before the Test — What to Do

PREPARATION

Take the DMV Exam Simulator at least 5 times and score 90%+ consistently. Don't go in when you're scoring 80% — aim higher than the minimum.

Use the "Weak Spots" mode the night before. Every question you got wrong — review those explanations until you understand WHY, not just what the answer is.

Memorize the Key Numbers tab — BAC limits, distances, suspension periods, speed limits. These are direct exam fodder.

Get a good night's sleep. Drowsy test-taking impairs recall just like drowsy driving impairs reaction time.

Bring required documents: all driver's licenses issued by any state (NH One License Concept); proof of identity and residency (full list at dmv.nh.gov); written parental/guardian permission if under 18; proof of completed driver education (16/17); a vehicle that is legally registered, inspected, and in safe running condition; a licensed driver to drive it to/from the site; and corrective lenses if you wear them (Sec. 1, p.3).

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During the Test — How to Answer

STRATEGY

The safest answer is usually correct. When in doubt, pick the option that is most cautious, most yields, or stops the most. New Hampshire tests reward safe, defensive driving choices.

Watch for "NEVER" and "ALWAYS" options. These are sometimes traps — but in driving law there are many absolute rules (ALWAYS stop for a school bus with flashing reds, NEVER pass on a hill crest, etc.).

"All of the above" is very often the correct answer on knowledge tests — especially for questions about DUI charges, suspension triggers, and violations.

Read every word. Test questions often hinge on words like "divided highway" vs. "undivided," "business district" vs. "residential," or "first offense" vs. "subsequent offense."

Refusing a BAC test — can cost your license. Under NH's Implied Consent law, by driving in NH you have already consented to blood, breath, urine, or any combination of testing if arrested for an alcohol or drug offense. Refusal results in loss of driving privileges (Sec. 2, p.6).

The real NH DMV knowledge test: 40 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes on a touchscreen monitor. Test ends automatically after 9 wrong answers; you must answer at least 32 correct (80%) to pass. After a fail, retest no sooner than 10 days later. Oral testing with headphones is available; the test is offered in 8 languages including English, ASL, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Farsi, and Mandarin Chinese (Sec. 1, p.2).

📋

Recommended Study Order

YOUR PLAN

Read Key Numbers tab — memorize every distance, speed, and BAC number

Read Right of Way + DUI tabs — the #1 and #2 failure topics

Read Road Signs + Signals tabs — shapes, colors, and signal meanings

Read School Buses + Parking tabs — specific rules with specific numbers

Take the Full Practice Bank — all available questions to identify weak spots

Use Weak Spots mode — drill every question you got wrong until you nail it

Run the DMV Exam Simulator 3–5 times — pass consistently with 90%+ before going in

Night before: Re-read the Key Numbers tab + Test-Day Tips tab. Good sleep. You've got this. ✅

📖 New Hampshire DMV Study Guide

Speed Limits

Critical Distances & Clearances

DUI & Alcohol Numbers

Teen / GDL Numbers

Following Distance & Time Rules

Sign Shapes — Each Shape Has One Meaning

Sign Colors — Color Tells You the Category

Signs That Are Frequently Confused

The Core Right-of-Way Rules

Right-of-Way Scenarios That Trick People

Traffic Signal Meanings

Lane Markings — Know Each One

Safe Lane Changing Procedure

DUI Laws — The Numbers You Must Know

Critical DUI Facts to Remember

School Bus Stopping Rules

Speed Laws — What You Must Know

Following Distance — The 4-Second Rule

💡 When to increase beyond the minimum

Passing Rules

Parking Clearance Requirements

Parking on Hills — Wheel Position

💡 Memory trick

New Hampshire Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

Emergency Situations — What to Do

Defensive Driving Principles

Vehicle Equipment Requirements

Headlight Rules That Are Tested

Before the Test — What to Do

During the Test — How to Answer

Top 10 Topics That Will Definitely Be on Your Test

Recommended Study Order

Ready to test what you've learned?

📖 New Hampshire DMV Study Guide

What to Study Before the Real Test

Speed Limits

Critical Distances & Clearances

DUI & Alcohol Numbers

Teen / GDL Numbers

Following Distance & Time Rules

Sign Shapes — Each Shape Has One Meaning

Sign Colors — Color Tells You the Category

Signs That Are Frequently Confused

The Core Right-of-Way Rules

Right-of-Way Scenarios That Trick People

Traffic Signal Meanings

Lane Markings — Know Each One

Safe Lane Changing Procedure

DUI Laws — The Numbers You Must Know

Critical DUI Facts to Remember

School Bus Stopping Rules

Speed Laws — What You Must Know

Following Distance — The 4-Second Rule

💡 When to increase beyond the minimum

Passing Rules

Parking Clearance Requirements

Parking on Hills — Wheel Position

💡 Memory trick

New Hampshire Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

Emergency Situations — What to Do

Defensive Driving Principles

Vehicle Equipment Requirements

Headlight Rules That Are Tested

Before the Test — What to Do

During the Test — How to Answer

Top 10 Topics That Will Definitely Be on Your Test

Recommended Study Order

Ready to test what you've learned?