Free New Hampshire DMV Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 1 2026
This Practice Test 1 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.
A yellow sign showing a person walking indicates:
What's on the New Hampshire Practice Test 1
The real New Hampshire knowledge test has 40 questions, and to pass you need 32 of 40 correct (80%). Practice Test 1 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 20
- Traffic laws 12
- Safe driving 4
- Right of way 3
- Alcohol & drugs 2
- Parking 2
- Speed limits 1
- Emergencies 1
45 questions in the pool, 3 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. In New Hampshire, the BAC limit for drivers under 21 is:
- A. 0.02 (correct)
- B. 0.05
- C. 0.08
- D. 0.10
Why: New Hampshire sets the BAC limit for drivers under 21 at 0.02, compared with 0.08 for adults.
Source: RSA 265-A:2, I(b)
2. A New Hampshire Youth Operator License is issued to drivers who are:
- A. 16 or older and under 21 (correct)
- B. 15 or older and under 18
- C. 16 or older and under 18
- D. 18 or older and under 21
Why: New Hampshire issues a Youth Operator License to applicants who are 16 years of age or older and under 21 (RSA 263:14). It expires on the driver's 21st birthday.
Source: RSA 263:14, II(a)
3. A freeway lane is marked with a white diamond symbol and HOV signs. Who may drive in it?
- A. Any driver who wants to pass slow traffic
- B. Only trucks and other large commercial vehicles
- C. Only police and emergency vehicles on a call
- D. Vehicles carrying the posted number of people (correct)
Why: The diamond marks a high-occupancy vehicle (carpool) lane. The signs show how many people must be in the vehicle and when the rule applies.
4. Who must yield when a pedestrian is crossing at a marked crosswalk?
- A. The pedestrian, since cars cannot stop quickly
- B. The driver must yield to the pedestrian (correct)
- C. Whoever reached the crosswalk first
- D. The driver, but only at a traffic signal
Why: Drivers must always yield to pedestrians who are crossing in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Pedestrian safety is the highest priority.
5. Green traffic signs provide:
- A. Warning information (hazards)
- B. Regulatory information (laws)
- C. Guide information (directions) (correct)
- D. Service information (gas, food)
Why: Green signs provide guidance information such as highway route numbers, exit numbers, destinations, distances, and directions. They help drivers navigate.
6. When are you required to use headlights?
- A. Only at night on roads without streetlights
- B. At night and when visibility is reduced (correct)
- C. Only when it is fully dark, not in bad weather
- D. Only on highways at night, not on city streets
Why: Every state requires headlights at night and when visibility is reduced. The exact period varies: some states say sunset to sunrise, many say 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Many states also require headlights whenever your wipers are on or you cannot see a set distance (often 500 or 1,000 feet) ahead.
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 1 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.