New Hampshire DMV Cheat Sheet
A condensed study guide for the NH DMV written knowledge test — test logistics, plus the New Hampshire-specific rules most likely to differ from what you already know. This isn't a substitute for the official New Hampshire driver's manual, or for practicing the real questions. Looking for the core rules and signs that apply everywhere, not just New Hampshire? Check the general driving theory cheat sheet instead.
40Questions
80%To Pass
The manual doesn't print a specific knowledge-test or license fee.Fee
- Test length varies: New Hampshire's automated knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions with a 40-minute time limit, and automatically ends early if more than 8 are answered incorrectly (80% to pass) -- matching this site's own New Hampshire practice test length.
- Fee: Confirm current fees with the NH DMV directly before your appointment.
- Documents required:
- All driver licenses issued by any state
- Proof of identity and residency (see dmv.nh.gov for the full document list)
- A legally registered, inspected vehicle in safe running condition, of the proper class for the license being tested for
- A licensed driver to bring the test vehicle to and from the site, who must remain there until the road test is finished
- If you don't pass: An applicant who fails the knowledge or road test is given a retest appointment no sooner than 10 days after the failed test.
- Online testing: New Hampshire does not issue a learner's permit -- a person at least 15 1/2 may practice driving without one when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or licensed adult 25 or older.
New Hampshire-Specific Rules
Minor & Provisional Licensing
- No permit is issued -- practice driving is allowed at 15 1/2 years old with a parent, guardian, or licensed adult 25 years or older.
- Applicants age 16 or 17 must complete driver's ed: 30 hours of classroom instruction, 10 hours of practice driving, 6 hours of observation, plus 40 additional hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.
- A Youth Operator license (16 to under 21) is printed vertically and expires on the holder's 21st birthday.
- Youth Operators under 18 can't drive 1:00 a.m.-4:00 a.m.
- In the first six months of licensure, a Youth Operator under 18 may carry only one non-family passenger under 25, unless a licensed adult 25+ is also present.
- Drivers under 18 can't use any mobile device while driving, hands-free or not, except to call 911; 18+ drivers may use hands-free.
- Under-18 applicants need parental written consent, insurance proof at application, or emancipation by marriage.
- Under-20 license suspensions escalate: 20 days first offense, 45 days second, 90 days third+.
- An unlicensed visitor at least 15 1/2 years old may drive in NH if accompanied by a licensed adult 25 years or older.
Licensing Procedure & Documents
- Three required tests: vision (20/40 both eyes or 20/30 one eye), a 40-question/40-minute automated knowledge test (ends early if 8+ wrong), and a road test.
- Failing either test means a retest no sooner than 10 days later.
- Bring a licensed driver and a registered/inspected vehicle of the right class to the test.
- New residents have 60 days to get an NH license, and must surrender all other state licenses (One License Concept).
- Exempt from NH licensing: non-residents, military stationed in NH, and foreign tourists, each with a valid home license.
- A valid out-of-state license only needs a vision test to transfer, unless expired over a year (then full retest).
- Licenses expire on the holder's birthday every 5 years; up to 6 months advance renewal is allowed if temporarily out of state.
- NH residents aren't required to hold a REAL ID compliant license -- a passport also works for federal purposes.
- Non-Driver ID cards are available to residents at least 12 years old without a license.
Rules of the Road
- Speed limits: 30 mph business/urban, 35 mph rural residence, 45-55 mph elsewhere, 65 mph on 4-lane divided interstates/turnpikes, 70 mph on I-93 mile 45 to the VT border.
- Minimum interstate speed is 45 mph unless conditions make that unsafe.
- School zone speed is 10 mph below the posted limit, 45 minutes before/after school opening/closing.
- Signal at least 100 feet before a turn, 500 feet before a highway lane change or exit.
- Headlights required 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, or when visibility drops below 1,000 feet.
- Stop at least 25 feet from a school bus with red lights flashing or its stop arm extended.
- Seat belts are required by law only for anyone under 18 -- not mandated for adults 18+, though recommended.
- A child under 7 years old and under 57 inches tall must be in a child passenger restraint.
- The motorcycle helmet law only covers riders/passengers under 18 -- there's no helmet requirement for riders 18 and older.
DUI & Alcohol Laws
- A driver's vision can be affected by alcohol starting at just .02% BAC.
- It's illegal for a driver under 21 to have physical control of a vehicle at .02% BAC or more; the adult threshold is .08%.
- A first DUI is a Class B misdemeanor: $500+ fine, possible 9 months-2 years license loss, mandatory impaired-driver education.
- Operating a vehicle in NH implies consent to chemical testing if arrested for alcohol/drugs; refusal can cost driving privileges.
- Under-21 drivers can't transport alcohol unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or legal-age spouse.
Crashes, Insurance & License Actions
- New Hampshire has no mandatory auto insurance law -- driving without insurance is legal.
- An uninsured at-fault driver who can't pay damages has their driving privileges suspended by the DMV until settled.
- SR-22 proof of insurance may be required for years after an uninsured accident or certain convictions (DUI, hit-and-run, vehicular homicide, a second reckless driving offense).
- Accident reports are due to the DMV within 15 days for a fatality, injury, or over $1,000 in combined property damage.
- Excessive demerit points (for speeding, red lights, DUI, improper passing, stop-sign violations, etc.) can cost driving privileges.
- A Habitual Offender's privileges can be revoked 1-4 years after a hearing; driving after that revocation can mean 1-5 years imprisonment.
Rules and fees change — always confirm current details with NH DMV before your exam. Cheat sheet v1.0, last checked 2026-08-07.