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New Hampshire Permit Practice Test
20 real questions from our handbook-verified New Hampshire bank · Updated July 12, 2026
The official New Hampshire knowledge test has 40 questions — you can miss 8 and still pass (80%). That 80% bar ties New Hampshire with 35 other states at #7 strictest of the 50 states. New Hampshire offers the real exam in Spanish.
The real New Hampshire exam format — this practice test scores you against the same 80% bar.
Answer each question to see the explanation. Your score is tallied against the real passing bar at the end.
1. Alcohol and other impairing drugs are involved in about what share of all fatal traffic crashes each year?
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Correct answer: About 40%
Alcohol and other impairing drugs are involved in approximately 40% of all traffic crashes in which someone is killed each year.
2. How does New Hampshire let a teen begin learning to drive a car?
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Correct answer: NH issues no learner’s permit; you practice supervised by a licensed adult once you are 15½
New Hampshire does not issue permits to learn to drive. State law allows a person at least 15½ who has no license to drive while being taught, when accompanied by a qualifying licensed adult.
3. What are the two ways to pay a toll on a New Hampshire toll road?
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Correct answer: With cash, or electronically through E-ZPass
Some New Hampshire highways are toll roads. There are two ways to pay: with cash, or through the E-ZPass electronic toll collection system.
4. What is the first thing a driver must do after being involved in a crash?
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Correct answer: Stop — and if possible move the vehicle off the road so traffic is not blocked
If a crash occurs: stop, move the vehicle off the road if possible so traffic can pass, call 911 if there are injuries, and give aid to injured people without moving them unless necessary.
5. At a four-way stop, if two vehicles arrive at the same time, who has the right of way?
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Correct answer: The vehicle on the right
When two vehicles reach an all-way stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
6. How does fatigue affect a driver?
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Correct answer: It can affect vision and increase the time needed to make decisions
Fatigue is extreme tiredness from exertion, illness, repetitive tasks, or lack of sleep. It can affect a driver's vision and increase the time needed to make decisions, so avoid driving while tired.
7. When on the roadway, bicycles are considered:
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Correct answer: Vehicles, with the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as any driver
Bicycles are considered vehicles when on roadways. Bicyclists must obey all traffic laws and have the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as any driver.
8. What must you do at a steady (solid) red traffic light?
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Correct answer: Come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the light turns green
A steady red signal means stop. Remain stopped behind the stop line or crosswalk until the signal turns green and the way is clear.
9. Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit in a New Hampshire business or urban residence district?
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Correct answer: 30 mph
New Hampshire’s default speed limit in a business or urban residence district is 30 mph unless a different limit is posted.
10. Before changing lanes, in addition to using your mirrors you should:
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Correct answer: Glance over your shoulder to check the blind spot in the direction you are moving
Mirrors leave blind spots. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors, signal, and glance over your shoulder to be sure the lane is clear.
11. At what BAC level can a driver's ability to drive begin to be affected?
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Correct answer: As low as .02%
A Blood Alcohol Concentration as low as .02% can affect a driver's ability to drive — vision is impacted at .02 BAC for all drivers. Impairment starts with the first drink.
12. What is the minimum age at which a person may begin practicing driving in New Hampshire?
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Correct answer: 15½ years old
NH law allows a person at least 15½ years of age, who does not possess a driver’s license, to drive a motor vehicle while being taught to drive when properly accompanied.
13. What does an E-ZPass transponder let a driver do at a toll road?
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Correct answer: Drive through designated lanes without stopping to pay a cash toll
E-ZPass lets drivers pass through designated lanes without stopping to pay a cash toll, which reduces traffic congestion at the plaza.
14. If someone is injured in a crash, you should:
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Correct answer: Call 911, give aid, but do not move the injured unless it is necessary
Call 911 if there are injuries. Give aid to injured people, but do not move them unless necessary, and be sure an ambulance has been called.
15. You reach an intersection controlled by stop signs. Which vehicle should proceed first?
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Correct answer: The vehicle that came to a complete stop first
At an all-way stop, the first vehicle to stop is the first to go. If two stop at the same time, the one on the left yields to the one on the right.
16. A driver who has been awake for a continuous 18 hours typically performs like a driver with a BAC of about:
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Correct answer: 0.05%
Staying awake 18 hours straight produces performance similar to a 0.05% BAC. After 21 and 24 hours without sleep, performance mimics BACs of 0.08% and 0.10%.
17. When traveling at 30 mph or less, New Hampshire law presumes a safe passing distance from a bicyclist to be at least:
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Correct answer: 3 feet
Drivers must leave a reasonable and prudent distance when passing a bicyclist. That distance is presumed reasonable if it is at least 3 feet when traveling 30 mph or less.
18. Unless a sign prohibits it, what may you do at a steady red light before proceeding on a right turn?
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Correct answer: Come to a full stop, yield to pedestrians and traffic, then turn right if it is safe
A right turn on red is allowed after a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, unless a posted sign prohibits it.
19. Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit in a New Hampshire rural residence district?
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Correct answer: 35 mph
In a rural residence district, and on Class V highways outside compact areas, the default limit is 35 mph unless posted otherwise.
20. When should you signal before changing lanes or turning?
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Correct answer: Well in advance, giving other drivers enough time to react
Signal early — before you slow, turn, or change lanes — so drivers around you know your intentions and can respond.
📱 These 20 questions are a warm-up. PermitPal for iPhone and iPad drills the full handbook-verified New Hampshire bank of 230 questions with spaced repetition, and runs mock exams in the real 40-question format — plus motorcycle and CDL tracks. Free to start, $29.99 once.
New Hampshire test facts
How many questions are on the New Hampshire permit test?
40 questions. You need 32 correct (80%) — you can miss 8. Full details in the passing-score calculator.
What happens if I fail?
You must wait 10 days before retaking.
Can I take the New Hampshire test in Spanish?
Yes — New Hampshire offers the knowledge test in Spanish. See which states test in Spanish.
What age can I get my permit in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire defines permit eligibility by steps rather than one fixed age. You'll need 40 supervised practice hours (10 at night) before the license stage. Full ladder in the permit-age lookup.