Free New Hampshire Permit Practice Test (2026)
Real questions from the official New Hampshire driver handbook, each with a plain-English explanation. Free, unlimited retakes, no signup.
Smart Review drills only the questions you get wrong. Full-length mock exams in the real format. Progress saved on every device — and the same account unlocks the mobile app.
Get Smart Review & Mock ExamsWhat this test covers
This draw of 20 questions breaks down like this:
- Licensing & Permits — 6
- Speed Limits & Speed Management — 4
- Alcohol, Drugs & the Law — 3
- Sharing the Road — 2
- Vehicle Equipment — 2
- Points & Penalties — 1
- Safe Driving — 1
- Signaling & Communication — 1
Heaviest on Licensing & Permits (6 of 20) — that is the section to revise first if you miss several here.
20 are New Hampshire-specific questions, drawn from the state handbook rather than general road rules.
Each test on this site draws a different set, so Test 1, 2 and 3 never repeat a question.
Questions on this test
1. In New Hampshire, the maximum speed in a rural residence district and on Class V highways outside compact areas is:
- 55 mph
- 25 mph
- 45 mph
- 35 mph
Show answer
Answer: 35 mph
35 mph applies in rural residence districts and on Class V highways outside compact areas.
2. In New Hampshire, you are legally intoxicated at a blood alcohol concentration of:
- .02% or higher
- .08% or higher
- .05% or higher
- .10% or higher
Show answer
Answer: .08% or higher
A BAC of .08% or higher is legally intoxicated.
3. To be licensed in New Hampshire you must pass a:
- Fitness test
- Vision test
- Swim test
- Hearing test
Show answer
Answer: Vision test
A vision test is required for licensing.
4. When passing a bicyclist in New Hampshire, you must give at least 3 feet at 30 mph or less, plus one more foot for every:
- 1 mph
- 5 mph
- 20 mph
- 10 mph over 30
Show answer
Answer: 10 mph over 30
Give 3 feet at ≤30 mph, plus one additional foot per 10 mph above 30.
5. New Hampshire does not issue learner permits, but allows a person to drive while being taught if they are at least:
- 18
- 16
- 14
- 15½
Show answer
Answer: 15½
NH law allows a person at least 15½ to drive while being taught, when accompanied.
6. In New Hampshire, a person 16 or older and under 21 is issued a:
- Full license
- Learner permit
- Youth Operator license
- Commercial license
Show answer
Answer: Youth Operator license
Drivers 16 to under 21 get a Youth Operator license (printed vertically).
7. On New Hampshire mountain roads in snow or ice, you should:
- Slow down and increase following distance
- Speed up
- Brake hard
- Drive normally
Show answer
Answer: Slow down and increase following distance
Reduce speed and leave more room on snow and ice.
8. If you plan to drink in New Hampshire, the safest choice is to:
- Eat first
- Arrange a sober ride or designated driver
- Drive slowly
- Wait 15 minutes
Show answer
Answer: Arrange a sober ride or designated driver
Line up a sober ride before you drink.
9. In New Hampshire you must use headlights:
- At night and when visibility is reduced
- Only on highways
- Only in cities
- Only in rain
Show answer
Answer: At night and when visibility is reduced
Use headlights at night and whenever visibility is low.
10. An arm extended straight out the driver's window means:
- Right turn
- Stop
- Left turn
- Slow
Show answer
Answer: Left turn
Arm straight out = left turn.
11. A New Hampshire Youth Operator license expires on the holder's:
- 16th birthday
- 18th birthday
- 21st birthday
- 25th birthday
Show answer
Answer: 21st birthday
A Youth Operator license expires on the holder's 21st birthday.
12. In New Hampshire, the maximum speed in a business or urban residence district is:
- 35 mph
- 25 mph
- 45 mph
- 30 mph
Show answer
Answer: 30 mph
30 mph applies in a business or urban residence district.
13. If your turn signals fail in New Hampshire, you should:
- Not signal
- Use hand signals
- Use the horn
- Turn without warning
Show answer
Answer: Use hand signals
Use hand signals if your turn signals fail.
14. A safe following distance in New Hampshire gives you:
- More speed
- A better view only
- Time to react and avoid a crash
- Nothing
Show answer
Answer: Time to react and avoid a crash
Space ahead gives you time to react and avoid rear-ending others.
15. In New Hampshire, alcohol begins to impair your vision at a BAC as low as:
- .05
- .10
- .02
- .08
Show answer
Answer: .02
Vision is impacted at .02 BAC for all drivers.
16. In New Hampshire, other locations are typically posted at:
- 70 mph
- 45 or 55 mph
- 80 mph
- 25 mph
Show answer
Answer: 45 or 55 mph
Other locations are typically 45 or 55 mph unless posted otherwise.
17. A New Hampshire Youth Operator license is easy to identify because it is printed:
- With a star
- Vertically
- In red
- In gold
Show answer
Answer: Vertically
Youth Operator licenses are printed vertically.
18. In New Hampshire, the speed limit on I-93 from mile marker 45 to the Vermont border is:
- 80 mph
- 70 mph
- 55 mph
- 65 mph
Show answer
Answer: 70 mph
That portion of I-93 is posted at 70 mph.
19. A New Hampshire Youth Operator may not drive with more than one passenger under 25 who is not family, unless accompanied by a licensed adult at least:
- 21
- 25
- 30
- 18
Show answer
Answer: 25
No more than one non-family passenger under 25 unless a licensed adult 25+ is present.
20. A New Hampshire Youth Operator may not drive between:
- 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Midnight and 6 a.m.
- 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.
- 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Show answer
Answer: 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.
No driving 1:00 a.m.–4:00 a.m.