Complete Study Guide
Everything you need to know for the NH DMV knowledge test, organized visually and pulled directly from the official New Hampshire Driver's Manual.
Test Overview
The New Hampshire knowledge test is an automated, touch-screen exam with multiple-choice questions covering the rules of the road and general driving conditions.
Preparing for the in-car test too?
See our step-by-step guide on how to pass the NH road test — maneuvers, scoring, and tips.
Licensing & Eligibility
New residents
Have up to 60 days to obtain a NH driver's license after moving in. Must surrender any out-of-state license (One License concept, RSA 263:4).
Practice driving
Allowed at 15½ years old, when accompanied by a licensed adult 25+ years old (parent, guardian, or other responsible adult).
Driver education (16–17 yrs)
30 hrs classroom + 10 hrs driving + 6 hrs observation with certified instructor, plus 40 hrs supervised practice (10 hrs at night).
License renewal
NH driver's licenses expire every 5 years on the applicant's birthday. Renewal notices mailed ~2 months before expiration.
License restrictions
Traffic Signs
The shape and color of a sign tell you what it's for at a glance — even before you read the text.
Standard shapes
Standard colors
Traffic Signals
Full stop. Wait behind stop line until green. Right-on-red allowed unless a sign prohibits it.
Warning — the light is about to turn red. Stop if you safely can.
You may go — yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.
Come to a complete stop. Then proceed when safe, yielding right-of-way.
Slow down and proceed with caution. Be prepared to stop.
Turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to pedestrians and traffic.
Do not enter the intersection in that direction.
Slow down and proceed in the direction of the arrow with caution.
Pavement Markings
Line color tells you the direction of traffic; line style tells you whether you can cross it.
Speed Limits
Business / urban residence district
Rural residence district, and Class V roads outside city compact
Other roads (unless posted otherwise)
Other roads (higher-speed posted)
Interstates & NH/Eastern turnpikes (4-lane divided)
I-93 from mile marker 45 to Vermont border
Right-of-Way
Right-of-way rules tell you who should yield — not who can force their way through. Never assume another driver will follow them.
Uncontrolled intersection
The vehicle on the LEFT yields to the vehicle on the RIGHT (RSA 265:28).
Turning left
A left-turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic within the intersection or close enough to be a hazard (RSA 265:29).
Four-way stop
First to arrive goes first. If two arrive together, the one on the right goes first.
Entering a highway
Drivers entering from a driveway or ramp must yield to traffic already on the public highway.
Pedestrians
Always yield in marked crosswalks, at unmarked intersection crossings, and on sidewalks/driveway crossings.
Emergency vehicles
Yield to any emergency vehicle using lights or siren — pull to the right and stop until it passes.
Roundabouts
Yield to all traffic already in the roundabout. Enter when there is an adequate gap.
Funeral processions
Let vehicles following a hearse with headlights on pass as a group.
Following & Stopping
Increase following distance:
- On slippery / wet roads
- When following large trucks, buses, or trailers
- At night, in fog, or bad weather
- When following vehicles that must stop at railroad crossings
- Behind a motorcycle (at least 4 seconds)
- Whenever visibility is reduced
Stopping distance breakdown
Turning, Passing & Lane Use
Right turn
Turn from the rightmost portion of the rightmost lane. Don't swing wide to the left first.
Left turn
Turn from the leftmost portion of your lane. Yield to oncoming traffic.
Turning into which lane?
Turn into the lane closest to you going in your direction of travel.
Missed your exit?
Continue to the next exit. Never stop, back up, or turn around on a divided highway.
Parking Rules
No-parking distances
Rural highway parking
Pull completely off the road. Must be visible for 200 ft in each direction with room for others to pass.
Leaving a vehicle unattended
Turn off the engine and remove the key. Lock the vehicle. Set parking brake; turn wheels into the curb on hills.
School Buses & Zones
From a school bus with flashing red lights and/or the stop arm extended, in either direction — unless separated by a physical barrier.
Emergency Vehicles & Police Stops
If you are pulled over by police
- Come to a complete stop and put the vehicle in park.
- Remain in the vehicle unless asked to exit.
- Turn off engine; turn on hazards (and interior lights at night).
- Keep safety belt on; place hands on the steering wheel; limit movements.
- Provide license and registration when asked — tell the officer where they are before reaching.
Alcohol, Drugs & Fatigue
Alcohol & drugs reduce:
Youth Operator Rules (Under 21)
Youth Operator licenses are printed vertically and expire on the holder's 21st birthday. Additional restrictions apply to drivers under 18.
Curfew (under 18)
No driving between 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM.
Passengers (first 6 months)
No more than 1 non-family passenger under 25, unless a licensed adult age 25+ is in the car.
Seat belts
Never carry more passengers than there are seat belts or safety restraints.
Mobile devices (under 18)
Phones and electronic devices prohibited — even hands-free — except to report an emergency to 911.
Suspension periods (Under-20 Law)
Seat Belts & Safety
Seat belt — correct use
Shoulder harness across chest/shoulder (never under arm or behind back). Lap belt snug and low across hips.
Hand position
9-and-3 or 8-and-4 o'clock on the wheel. Knuckles and thumbs on the outside of the wheel.
Jessica's Law
All snow and ice must be removed from the vehicle before driving on NH roadways.
Securing a load
Nothing may slide, shift, fall, sift onto the road, or become airborne. Failing to secure = fine.
Night & Adverse Conditions
High beams
Use when no oncoming traffic. Dim for all approaching traffic. Don't stare at oncoming lights — look at the right edge of the road.
Fog, rain, snow
Use LOW beams. High beams reflect off moisture and reduce visibility.
Night following distance
Add at least 1 extra second; 2 extra seconds on unfamiliar roads at night.
Hydroplaning
Happens when tires ride up on pooled water. Prevent by slowing in rain and keeping tires properly inflated with good tread.
Vehicle Emergencies
Tire blowout
Grip the wheel firmly; keep going straight. Ease off the accelerator — do not slam the brakes. Pull off when safe.
Stuck accelerator
Keep eyes on the road. Shift into NEUTRAL. Brake firmly. Pull off road, then turn off engine.
Brake failure
Engage the parking brake slowly (to avoid rear-wheel lockup). If that fails, turn off engine and find a safe place to stop.
Skid
Ease off the accelerator. Steer in the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding. Don't slam on brakes.
Headlights fail
Try turn signals or hazards. Pull off the road as quickly and safely as possible.
Engine dies while driving
Keep a firm grip on the wheel (steering may get heavy). Brake gently and pull off the road.
Accidents & Reporting
At the scene
- Stop. Move the vehicle off the road if possible.
- Call 911 if anyone is injured.
- Give aid — but don't move injured people unnecessarily.
- Exchange names, addresses, license numbers, plate numbers, vehicle info, and insurance.
- Get witness contact info.
Ready to test yourself?
Take a full 40-question mock test under real conditions.