New Hampshire Permit Test Cheat Sheet (2026)

The New Hampshire rules and numbers to know for the DMV knowledge test, on one page. Every line was checked against the official New Hampshire driver's handbook. It is a study sheet: you cannot use notes during the real test.

The New Hampshire test at a glance

Questions on the test
40
To pass
32 of 40 correct (80%)
Time limit
We found no published time limit for the New Hampshire knowledge test.
Minimum permit age
15½ years old
Alcohol limit under 21
0.02% BAC

New Hampshire rules and numbers

From the official New Hampshire handbook; PDF page numbers in brackets.

Rules of the road

  • New Hampshire: the Youth Operator License is for drivers 16 to under 21. [source]
  • New Hampshire: drivers under 18 may not drive from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. [source]
  • New Hampshire under 18, first 6 months: one non-family passenger under 25. [source]

Safe driving & emergencies

  • New Hampshire: phones must be used hands-free; under 18, no use at all. [source]

Alcohol & drugs

  • New Hampshire: the BAC limit for drivers under 21 is 0.02. [source]

Rules learners miss most

The rules behind the most-missed questions on our practice tests. Some details, such as parking distances, can differ by state - your handbook has the final word.

  • At 60 mph a car travels about 88 feet per second.
  • Measure following distance in seconds, counted from a fixed roadside object.
  • Most states: no parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
  • A yellow curb signals a stopping or parking limit - check signs and local rules.
  • Uncontrolled T-intersection: the terminating road yields to the through road.
  • Uphill with a curb: turn wheels away from the curb; downhill: toward it.
  • Most states: no parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant (a few use 10 feet).
  • KEEP RIGHT: pass to the right of the island, median or obstruction.
  • Point of no return: past it you cannot stop safely on yellow, so proceed.
  • Zipper merge: use both lanes up to the merge point, then alternate.
  • In heavy rain use low beams, slow down and increase following distance.
  • Parallel park close to and parallel with the curb, within your state's limit.
  • Yellow pennant on the left side of the road: a no-passing zone begins.
  • Car with skid marks: the road is slippery when wet.
  • Diamond-shaped signs are warning signs.
  • 4-way stop tie: the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
  • ABS keeps wheels from locking in hard braking so you can still steer.
  • A round yellow sign warns of a railroad crossing ahead.
  • Merging onto a highway: yield to traffic already on the highway.
  • An upward-pointing pentagon marks a school zone or school crossing.
  • Steady yellow: the light is about to turn red - stop if you can do so safely.
  • Basic speed law: never drive faster than is safe for conditions, even under the limit.
  • Use high beams on open roads; dim them for oncoming or followed vehicles.
  • Arrows pointing up and down warn of two-way traffic ahead.
  • Orange diamond signs warn of construction and work zones.
  • Adult (21+) BAC limit is 0.08% in most states.
  • Implied consent: by driving you agree to chemical tests if arrested for DUI.

Now test yourself

Reading rules is a start; answering questions is what makes them stick.

FlashcardsPractice test 1New Hampshire mock test