Free New Hampshire DMV Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 3 2026
This Practice Test 3 is modeled on the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) written knowledge exam, which has 40 questions; to pass you need 32 of 40 correct (80%). These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the DMV tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
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What's on the New Hampshire Practice Test 3
The real New Hampshire knowledge test has 40 questions, and to pass you need 32 of 40 correct (80%). Practice Test 3 is a 25-question set drawn from 45 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 16
- Traffic laws 12
- Safe driving 7
- Alcohol & drugs 3
- Emergencies 3
- Vehicle equipment 2
- Right of way 1
- Parking 1
45 questions in the pool, 2 of them written specifically for New Hampshire. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. During the first 6 months, a New Hampshire driver under 18 may not carry more than one passenger under 25 (non-family) unless:
- A. A licensed adult 25 or older is present (correct)
- B. They are driving during daylight hours
- C. The trip is shorter than ten miles
- D. All the passengers are 16 or older
Why: For the first six months, a New Hampshire driver under 18 may not carry more than one non-family passenger under 25 unless a licensed adult at least 25 is present.
Source: RSA 263:14, II(c)
2. A flagger in a work zone turns the paddle so the word SLOW faces you. What should you do?
- A. Stop until the flagger waves you on
- B. Proceed slowly and watch for workers (correct)
- C. Keep your speed - you have the right of way
- D. Speed up to clear the work zone quickly
Why: Flaggers use STOP/SLOW paddles to control traffic. SLOW means you may move ahead at a reduced speed with care; STOP means stop.
3. What does this sign tell you about the bridge ahead?
- A. It is narrower than the road (correct)
- B. It is closed to all traffic
- C. It may be icy in cold weather
- D. It is a toll bridge ahead
Why: The narrow bridge sign warns that the bridge is narrower than the road leading to it. Slow down and watch for oncoming traffic.
Source: p.63 (PDF p.66), Warning signs
4. Your brake lights are not working. Which hand signal tells drivers behind you that you are slowing or stopping?
- A. Left arm out and bent upward
- B. Left arm held straight out
- C. Right arm waved out the window
- D. Left arm out and bent downward (correct)
Why: An arm extended out and bent down signals slowing or stopping. Arm bent up is a right turn and arm straight out is a left turn.
5. A driver ahead points their left arm down like this. What does it mean?
- A. They will turn left
- B. They will turn right
- C. They will slow down or stop (correct)
- D. They are parking on the left
Why: The left arm extended downward means the driver is slowing down or stopping, so get ready to slow down too.
6. If your right wheels drift off the pavement onto the shoulder, you should:
- A. Brake hard and steer back onto the road
- B. Ease off the gas and steer back gently (correct)
- C. Speed up and steer back on right away
- D. Jerk the wheel left to get back at once
Why: If your wheels drift onto the shoulder, do not brake hard or jerk the wheel. Ease off the accelerator, keep a firm grip, and steer back onto the pavement gently once your speed has decreased - this prevents loss of control.
More New Hampshire facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the New Hampshire permit practice test page.
New Hampshire DMV Test Info
- Questions on real test
- 40
- Passing score
- 80%
- Correct needed
- 32 of 40 correct (80%)
- Minimum age
- 15½ years old
- Testing agency
- Division of Motor Vehicles
More New Hampshire Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this New Hampshire Practice Test 3 once - keep taking it until you score 80% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your DMV exam.