Free New Hampshire Permit Practice Test 3 (2026)
Real questions from the official New Hampshire driver handbook, each with a plain-English explanation. Free, unlimited retakes, no signup.
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Get Smart Review & Mock ExamsWhat this test covers
This draw of 20 questions breaks down like this:
- Traffic Signs & Signals — 8
- Right-of-Way & Intersections — 3
- Adverse Conditions — 2
- Speed Limits & Speed Management — 2
- Traffic Lanes, Passing & Turning — 2
- Emergencies & Crashes — 1
- Safe Driving — 1
- Signaling & Communication — 1
Heaviest on Traffic Signs & Signals (8 of 20) — that is the section to revise first if you miss several here.
Every question here applies nationwide.
Each test on this site draws a different set, so Test 1, 2 and 3 never repeat a question.
Questions on this test
1. A flashing yellow traffic light means:
- Stop completely
- Slow down and proceed with caution
- The light is out of order
- Turn left only
Show answer
Answer: Slow down and proceed with caution
Flashing yellow means proceed with caution — slow down and be ready to yield.
2. The far left lane on a multilane highway is intended mainly for:
- Slow driving
- Passing
- Trucks
- Parking
Show answer
Answer: Passing
Keep right except to pass; the left lane is for passing.
3. Keeping a space cushion around your car is important because it:
- Is required by law only
- Saves fuel
- Gives you time and room to avoid trouble
- Looks good
Show answer
Answer: Gives you time and room to avoid trouble
Space in front, back, and to the sides gives you options to avoid a crash.
4. The color RED on a sign is used for:
- Construction
- Recreation
- Stop, yield, or prohibition
- Guidance
Show answer
Answer: Stop, yield, or prohibition
Red signals stop, yield, or a prohibited action.
5. What does this hand signal mean?
- Right turn
- Left turn
- Speed up
- Stop or slow
Show answer
Answer: Left turn
Left arm straight out = a left turn.
6. Oncoming headlights are blinding you. You should:
- Turn on high beams
- Stare at them
- Speed up
- Look toward the right edge of your lane until they pass
Show answer
Answer: Look toward the right edge of your lane until they pass
Glance to the right edge line to keep your lane while avoiding the glare.
7. Two lanes merge into one ahead. The courteous, safe method is:
- Block the other lane
- Stop and wait
- Alternate (zipper) merge, one car from each lane
- Speed up to cut in
Show answer
Answer: Alternate (zipper) merge, one car from each lane
Zipper merging — taking turns — keeps traffic moving safely.
8. At an uncontrolled T-intersection, the driver on the road that ends must:
- Stop only at night
- Go first
- Speed up
- Yield to traffic on the through road
Show answer
Answer: Yield to traffic on the through road
The through road has priority; the ending road yields.
9. This sign warns that you are approaching:
- A rest area
- A roundabout only
- A railroad crossing
- A toll booth
Show answer
Answer: A railroad crossing
A round yellow sign is the advance warning for a railroad crossing.
10. A red circle with a red slash over a symbol means:
- The action shown is required
- Caution for that action
- Yield for that action
- The action shown is prohibited
Show answer
Answer: The action shown is prohibited
A red circle-and-slash means the pictured action (e.g., no U-turn, no right turn) is not allowed.
11. Inside a roundabout, vehicles already circulating have:
- To yield to you
- To stop
- The right-of-way
- No rights
Show answer
Answer: The right-of-way
Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout before you enter.
12. Another driver is passing you. You should:
- Move left to block them
- Stay in your lane and do not increase your speed
- Brake hard
- Speed up so they can't pass
Show answer
Answer: Stay in your lane and do not increase your speed
When being passed, keep a steady speed (or slow slightly) and stay in your lane.
13. Your total stopping distance increases with:
- Lower speed
- Higher speed, wet roads, and slow reactions
- Daylight
- New tires
Show answer
Answer: Higher speed, wet roads, and slow reactions
Speed, poor road conditions, and slow reaction all lengthen your stopping distance.
14. Driving too fast for conditions (even under the limit) is:
- Always legal
- A violation of the basic speed law
- Fine on highways
- Encouraged
Show answer
Answer: A violation of the basic speed law
You can be cited for driving too fast for conditions even below the posted limit.
15. What does this sign mean?
- A loop ramp only
- A roundabout is ahead
- No turns
- A detour
Show answer
Answer: A roundabout is ahead
A roundabout-ahead sign warns of a traffic circle; slow down and prepare to yield.
16. If the accelerator sticks and the car keeps speeding up, you should:
- Open the door
- Pump the gas
- Shift to neutral, brake, and steer off the road
- Turn off the key at speed
Show answer
Answer: Shift to neutral, brake, and steer off the road
Shift to neutral to cut power to the wheels, brake, and steer off the road.
17. A steady red light means:
- Yield
- Slow down
- Come to a complete stop
- Proceed with caution
Show answer
Answer: Come to a complete stop
A steady red means stop fully and remain until it turns green (right-on-red after stopping unless posted).
18. What does this sign warn of?
- A weigh station
- No trucks
- A truck crossing or entering the road ahead
- A truck stop
Show answer
Answer: A truck crossing or entering the road ahead
A truck-crossing sign warns that trucks may be crossing or entering; watch for them.
19. Blue signs along the highway indicate:
- Construction ahead
- Motorist services such as gas, food, and lodging
- No passing
- A school zone
Show answer
Answer: Motorist services such as gas, food, and lodging
Blue signs point you to motorist services — gas, food, lodging, hospitals.
20. If your car goes into a skid, you should:
- Turn the wheel opposite
- Accelerate hard
- Slam on the brakes
- Ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go
Show answer
Answer: Ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go
Take your foot off the gas and steer where you want to go; avoid slamming the brakes.