New Hampshire DMV written test
New Hampshire DMV Cheat Sheet
The New Hampshire knowledge test facts in one place, checked against New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
New Hampshire DMV test numbers to memorize
The New Hampshire knowledge test has 40 questions and you need 32 correct, which is 80 percent. You can miss 8. The test is given by the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
40
Questions on the test
32
80% to pass
Correct answers needed
8
Questions you can miss
15.5
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency states a time limit of 40 minutes.
- Test fee on record
- $50. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based touch-screen at DMV office. 40-minute time limit.
- Online test
- Not offered. You test in person.
- Appointment
- Required. Appointments required for all knowledge tests. Schedule through the DMV website or by calling your local DMV office.
Before you go
Documents to bring in New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 5 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security number
- Proof of New Hampshire residency
- Parental consent (if under 18)
- Proof of driver education completion (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: New Hampshire retake rules
If you fail a knowledge test you must wait 10 calendar days to retest as an Operator or Motorcycle applicant, or 5 calendar days as a CDL applicant, and the same waits apply after a failed road test. Testing is by appointment only. NH publishes no retake fee for the non-commercial knowledge or road test; the only test charge is a CDL fee of $20 per commercial reexamination within a one-year period. It does not publish a limit on attempts.
- knowledge_test (CDL): wait 5 days.
- road_test (CDL): wait 5 days.
- road_test_no_show_or_late_cancellation (CDL): wait 10 days.
- Attempt limit: the agency does not publish one that we could confirm.
- Retest fee: the agency does not publish a per-attempt retest fee that we could confirm.
Some retake details for New Hampshire are not published by the agency (Agency does not publish: retake fee), so confirm them with DMV before you rely on them.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in New Hampshire
- Under 18
- Must be at least 15 years and 6 months. Must have parental consent. Must complete a state-approved driver education course. Youth Operator License has restrictions: no driving 1 AM - 4 AM for first year (unless work/emergency), no passengers under 25 for first 6 months (except family).
- Permit versus license
- New Hampshire does not issue traditional learner's permits. Applicants go directly to a Youth Operator License (under 18) or full driver's license (18+) after passing the knowledge and road tests.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at a New Hampshire DMV office. Appointments required.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail shown on screen after completing the test.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for New Hampshire: English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Portuguese, Farsi, and American Sign Language.
The study source is the New Hampshire Driver's Manual (2024-2025 edition).
From learner data
Most missed New Hampshire practice questions
These free New Hampshire questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
Before towing, the load in a trailer should be positioned so that:
Most weight sits ahead of the trailer axle
About 40% get it right
- 3
Safety authorities recommend that children ride in the back seat until they are at least:
13 years old
About 50% get it right
- 4
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 5
You should never assume other drivers will:
See you, yield, or obey the law
About 50% get it right
- 6
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
Your plan
Free New Hampshire study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the New Hampshire questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1