The knowledge test trips up many first-time applicants. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The NH DMV knowledge test is 40 multiple-choice questions with a 40-minute time limit. You can miss up to 8 questions — the touchscreen test ends automatically as soon as a 9th wrong answer is recorded. To pass you need at least 32 correct (80%).
If you fail, you'll be scheduled to retake the test no sooner than 10 days later. You'll also need to retake the vision test (20/40 in both eyes, or 20/30 if sight is in only one eye) and pass the road test before being issued a license.
The knowledge test is delivered on a touchscreen monitor at any NH DMV office — no online option. Automated oral testing with headphones is available on request, and the test is offered in English, ASL, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Farsi, and Mandarin Chinese.
Anyone 16 or 17 applying for a NH license must first complete an approved driver-education program (30 hr classroom + 10 hr in-car practice + 6 hr observation + 40 hr supervised driving). Driver Ed is not a waiver — you still take the same 40-question knowledge test.
The legal BAC is 0.08% for drivers 21+ and 0.02% for drivers under 21 (Zero Tolerance). Even one drink can impair driving — impairment starts with the first drink. Only time reduces alcohol; coffee, food, and cold showers do not.
1st-offense DUI is a Class B misdemeanor: fine of at least $500, license loss 9 months to 2 years, and an Impaired Driver Education Program before reinstatement. 2nd and subsequent: higher fines, longer suspensions, stronger penalties. Refusal of testing under Implied Consent can also lose your license.
Under-18 youth operators may not drive 1:00–4:00 AM. First 6 months: max 1 non-family passenger under 25. No cell phone or mobile device — hands-free or not — except for 911. Youth Operator License expires on the holder's 21st birthday.
Keep a minimum 4-second following distance from the vehicle ahead. Add +1 second at night and +2 seconds on unfamiliar roads at night, slippery roads, or behind large vehicles like trucks, buses, or vehicles pulling trailers.
30 mph in business/urban residence districts. 35 mph in rural residence districts and Class V highways outside compact areas. 45 or 55 mph in other locations. 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. Minimum 45 mph on interstates.
Signal at least 100 ft before a turn, and at least 500 ft on the highway before changing lanes or exiting. Right-on-red is permitted after a complete stop unless prohibited by a sign — yield to all pedestrians and traffic first.
Drivers must stop at least 25 ft in any direction for a school bus stopped with red lights flashing or stop arm extended. Stay stopped until the bus resumes motion or the lights stop flashing. Exception: you do not need to stop when the roadway is separated by a physical barrier (divided highway).
Headlights are required from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise, and any time rain, snow, or fog reduces visibility to less than 1,000 ft. Use low beams in fog, rain, or snow — high beams cause glare. Use low beams when following another vehicle.
It is illegal to park within 15 ft of a fire hydrant, 20 ft of a crosswalk, 30 ft of a stop/yield sign or traffic signal, 50 ft of the nearest railroad rail, or 20 ft from a fire station driveway (75 ft on the opposite side). On rural roads, the parked vehicle must be visible for 200 ft in each direction.
NH requires safety belts or child restraints for anyone under 18. Children less than 7 years old AND less than 57 inches must be in a US DOT-compliant child passenger restraint. Motorcycle helmets are required for riders and passengers under 18. Jessica's Law requires drivers to clear all snow and ice from their vehicle before driving.
You need 80% — at least 32 of 40 correct, with no more than 8 wrong. Aim for 90%+ in practice so you have a margin of safety on test day.
Memorize BAC limits, distances (15/20/30/50 parking, 100/500 signal, 25 school bus), 4-second following, 45/55/65/70 speed limits, and the under-18 rules. These specific numbers appear on virtually every NH test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before going to the DMV office.
Download the New Hampshire Driver's Manual (DSMV 360, Rev. 11/25) at dmv.nh.gov. Every question comes directly from this manual.
Pay attention to NH-only rules: I-93 has a 70 mph zone north of mile 45; Jessica's Law requires clearing snow and ice; Sherrill's Law is the Move Over rule; and NH does not require auto insurance — but uninsured crashes lose your license. NH also does not issue learner's permits.
Sign questions are visual — shape, color, and meaning all matter. Use the Road Signs Quiz mode to practice all signs before test day.
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual