New Hampshire DMV Knowledge Test — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign with a deer silhouette indicate on New Hampshire roads?
- Wildlife sanctuary
- Zoo ahead
- Deer crossing area ahead (Correct answer)
- Hunting zone
Correct answer: Deer crossing area ahead
This warning sign alerts drivers that deer frequently cross the road in this area, requiring extra vigilance especially at dawn and dusk.
Question 2: What must you do to update your address on your vehicle registration in New Hampshire?
- Submit a new registration form with your updated address
- Call your local DMV office to update your address
- Notify the DMV of your new address within 30 days (Correct answer)
- Send a letter with proof of address change
Correct answer: Notify the DMV of your new address within 30 days
In New Hampshire, drivers are legally required to notify the DMV of an address change for their vehicle registration within 30 days of moving. This ensures that all official records are current and that important documents are sent to the correct address. Prompt notification helps maintain accurate state records and avoids potential issues.
Question 3: A new NH resident previously had their license suspended in another state. What must they do before NH will issue them a license?
- Clear the out-of-state suspension and provide proof of reinstatement (Correct answer)
- Take a full NH road test only
- Nothing; NH does not check out-of-state records
- Wait 6 months after moving to NH
Correct answer: Clear the out-of-state suspension and provide proof of reinstatement
NH will not issue a new license to someone with an unresolved out-of-state suspension; the prior state's suspension must be cleared first.
Question 4: Which of the following can help sober up a person who has been drinking?
- Drinking black coffee
- Taking a cold shower
- Eating a large meal
- Only time allows the body to eliminate alcohol (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Only time allows the body to eliminate alcohol
Only time allows the liver to metabolize alcohol; coffee, showers, and food do not speed up this process.
Question 5: Under New Hampshire law, which of the following is considered a 'per se' DWI offense?
- Driving with an open container of alcohol
- Driving while visibly impaired regardless of BAC
- Having a BAC of 0.08% or higher while operating a vehicle (Correct answer)
- Refusing to take a field sobriety test
Correct answer: Having a BAC of 0.08% or higher while operating a vehicle
A 'per se' DWI means that having a BAC of 0.08% or higher is itself a violation, regardless of whether the driver appears impaired.
Question 6: How can you obtain a copy of your driving record in New Hampshire?
- By visiting any DMV office in person
- Through the New Hampshire DMV website (Correct answer)
- By mailing a request to the DMV
- By calling the DMV office
Correct answer: Through the New Hampshire DMV website
The New Hampshire DMV website provides a convenient and official way to request and obtain a copy of your driving record. This online service allows individuals to access their records without needing to visit an office in person. Utilizing the official website ensures you receive an authentic and up-to-date record.
Question 7: What does a brown rectangular sign indicate on New Hampshire highways?
- Speed regulations
- Recreational or cultural points of interest (Correct answer)
- Hospital directions
- Construction zones
Correct answer: Recreational or cultural points of interest
Brown signs direct travelers to recreational and cultural points of interest such as parks, campgrounds, historic sites, and scenic areas.
Question 8: What fee does New Hampshire charge for a standard driving record abstract?
- $25
- $10 (Correct answer)
- $5
- $15
Correct answer: $10
NH DMV charges $10 for a standard driving record abstract as of current fee schedules.
Question 9: How often must you renew your vehicle registration in New Hampshire?
- Every 6 months
- Annually (Correct answer)
- Every 4 years
- Every 2 years
Correct answer: Annually
Vehicle registrations in New Hampshire must be renewed annually. This ensures that all vehicles operating on public roads are properly documented, insured, and have paid the necessary fees each year. Annual renewal helps maintain current records and supports road maintenance and safety initiatives.
Question 10: Which of the following accurately describes an NH 'abstract of driving record'?
- A summary of only at-fault accident history
- A document showing only current license status
- A record of vehicle ownership transfers
- A complete record of violations, suspensions, and points for a specific period (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A complete record of violations, suspensions, and points for a specific period
An abstract of driving record shows violations, suspensions, revocations, and demerit points for the requested time period.
Question 11: Which NH state agency is responsible for issuing driver's licenses?
- Secretary of State's Office
- Department of Revenue Administration
- Department of Transportation
- Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
The NH Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for issuing driver's licenses.
Question 12: What NH DMV form is required when gifting a vehicle to an immediate family member?
- Form RDMV 450
- Affidavit of Gift of Motor Vehicle (Correct answer)
- Title Transfer Request Form
- Bill of Sale only
Correct answer: Affidavit of Gift of Motor Vehicle
An Affidavit of Gift of Motor Vehicle must be submitted to the NH DMV when transferring a vehicle as a gift to a family member.
Question 13: What is the primary purpose of the National Driver Register (NDR) in relation to NH driver licensing?
- To share DMV fee structures between states
- To coordinate vehicle recall notices nationally
- To track vehicle emissions data across states
- To allow NH to check if an applicant has a revoked or suspended license in any state (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To allow NH to check if an applicant has a revoked or suspended license in any state
The National Driver Register is a federal database NH queries to determine if a license applicant has problem driving records in other states.
Question 14: What does a red octagonal sign require drivers to do in New Hampshire?
- Merge with traffic
- Come to a complete stop (Correct answer)
- Slow down
- Yield to traffic
Correct answer: Come to a complete stop
An octagonal red sign is a stop sign, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop before the intersection or stop line.
Question 15: In NH, how many demerit points are added to a driver's record for a speeding conviction of 1–10 mph over the posted limit?
- 1 point
- 4 points
- 3 points (Correct answer)
- 2 points
Correct answer: 3 points
Speeding 1–10 mph over the posted limit adds 3 demerit points to an NH driver's record.
Question 16: New Hampshire requires first-time DWI offenders to complete an Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP). This program is designed to:
- Allow offenders to avoid a license suspension
- Replace the jail sentence for first-time offenders
- Educate offenders about the dangers of impaired driving and help prevent recidivism (Correct answer)
- Provide community service hours instead of paying a fine
Correct answer: Educate offenders about the dangers of impaired driving and help prevent recidivism
The IDIP is an educational and intervention program aimed at reducing repeat DWI offenses by addressing the behaviors and attitudes related to impaired driving.
Question 17: What does an orange diamond sign reading "ROAD WORK AHEAD" mean in New Hampshire?
- Road conditions are poor
- Construction or maintenance zone ahead requiring reduced speed (Correct answer)
- Optional detour available
- Permanent road feature
Correct answer: Construction or maintenance zone ahead requiring reduced speed
Orange signs warn of construction and work zones where workers and equipment may be present, requiring drivers to slow down and use caution.
Question 18: What is required at the NH DMV when a title is transferred because of the owner's death and the estate is not going through probate?
- A certified copy of the will
- An Affidavit for Transfer of Title without Probate (Correct answer)
- A standard bill of sale only
- A court order from a probate judge
Correct answer: An Affidavit for Transfer of Title without Probate
An Affidavit for Transfer of Title without Probate allows heirs to transfer a vehicle title when the estate bypasses formal probate proceedings.
Question 19: Which of the following is NOT a reason NH DMV may suspend a driver's license?
- Failure to pay child support
- Receiving a parking ticket in another state (Correct answer)
- Accumulating 12 demerit points in 12 months
- Failure to appear in court for a traffic citation
Correct answer: Receiving a parking ticket in another state
Parking violations are not moving violations and do not trigger NH license suspensions, unlike the other listed reasons.
Question 20: What does a blue rectangular sign with a gas pump symbol indicate on New Hampshire highways?
- Gas prices are posted ahead
- No fuel for the next 50 miles
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Gas station available at the next exit (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Gas station available at the next exit
Blue motorist services signs indicate that gas stations, food, lodging, or other services are available at the next exit.
Question 21: If a NH driver's vision falls below the standard for an unrestricted license but still meets the minimum for driving, what will the DMV do?
- Require the driver to retake the road test monthly
- Issue a standard license with no notation
- Issue a restricted license requiring corrective lenses while driving (Correct answer)
- Deny the license entirely
Correct answer: Issue a restricted license requiring corrective lenses while driving
Drivers who need corrective lenses to meet the vision standard will have a corrective lens restriction added to their NH license.
Question 22: How many drinks does it typically take for alcohol to begin affecting driving ability?
- 2 or more drinks
- Even one drink can affect driving (Correct answer)
- 3 or more drinks
- 5 or more drinks
Correct answer: Even one drink can affect driving
Even one alcoholic drink can begin to impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination needed for safe driving.
Question 23: What does a round yellow sign with an X and the letters RR indicate in New Hampshire?
- Roundabout ahead
- Road repair ahead
- Railroad crossing ahead (Correct answer)
- Rest area ahead
Correct answer: Railroad crossing ahead
This advance warning sign alerts drivers that a railroad crossing is ahead, giving them time to prepare to stop if a train is approaching.
Question 24: A person whose NH license was revoked for a second DWI wants to drive again. What is their first step?
- Apply for a new license after the revocation period and meet all reinstatement requirements (Correct answer)
- Request a hardship license immediately after revocation
- Wait for the revocation period to expire and automatically receive a new license
- Move to another state and get a license there
Correct answer: Apply for a new license after the revocation period and meet all reinstatement requirements
After a revocation period for a second DWI, the driver must reapply for a new license and meet all current reinstatement conditions, including fees and SR-22.
Question 25: Which NH DMV office division handles the registration of snowmobiles and off-highway recreational vehicles (OHRVs)?
- The Bureau of Off-Highway Recreational Vehicles within the Division of Motor Vehicles (Correct answer)
- The NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
- The Motor Vehicle Division only
- NH Fish and Game Department
Correct answer: The Bureau of Off-Highway Recreational Vehicles within the Division of Motor Vehicles
The Bureau of Off-Highway Recreational Vehicles, part of the NH Division of Motor Vehicles, handles OHRV and snowmobile registrations.
Question 26: Which of the following statements about alcohol and driving is TRUE?
- Experienced drinkers are less affected by alcohol when driving
- Eating before drinking prevents any impairment while driving
- Alcohol improves driver confidence without significantly impairing skill
- Alcohol slows reaction time and impairs judgment even at low BAC levels (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Alcohol slows reaction time and impairs judgment even at low BAC levels
Alcohol impairs reaction time, judgment, and coordination even at low BAC levels, making driving dangerous regardless of the driver's experience with drinking.
Question 27: In New Hampshire, what does a white rectangular sign with "SPEED LIMIT" and a number indicate?
- The average traffic speed
- The maximum legal speed under ideal conditions (Correct answer)
- The minimum speed required
- The suggested speed
Correct answer: The maximum legal speed under ideal conditions
White rectangular regulatory signs display the maximum speed allowed. Drivers must not exceed this limit under normal conditions.
Question 28: How long does a DWI conviction remain on your NH driving record?
- 10 years
- Until you turn 65
- Permanently (Correct answer)
- 5 years
Correct answer: Permanently
A DWI conviction remains on your NH driving record permanently and cannot be expunged.
Question 29: A vehicle with an Antique registration in NH may generally NOT be used for which purpose?
- Daily commuting or regular transportation (Correct answer)
- Parades and exhibitions
- Car shows
- Occasional recreational drives
Correct answer: Daily commuting or regular transportation
Antique registration prohibits using the vehicle for daily transportation; it's limited to shows, exhibitions, and occasional pleasure use.
Question 30: New Hampshire's open container law prohibits:
- Drinking or possessing an open alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a motor vehicle (Correct answer)
- Passengers from consuming alcohol in a limousine
- Having any alcohol in the vehicle
- Transporting sealed alcohol purchases in the trunk
Correct answer: Drinking or possessing an open alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a motor vehicle
NH law prohibits drivers and passengers from drinking or possessing an open alcoholic container in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle on a public way.
Question 31: In New Hampshire, what does a pentagon-shaped (five-sided) sign indicate?
- No passing zone
- Work zone
- Hospital zone
- School zone or school crossing ahead (Correct answer)
Correct answer: School zone or school crossing ahead
Pentagon-shaped signs are used exclusively to indicate school zones and school crossings, warning drivers that children may be present.
Question 32: In New Hampshire, what does a green arrow signal mean?
- You have absolute right-of-way
- Oncoming traffic is completely stopped
- Only turning traffic may proceed
- You may proceed in the direction of the arrow after yielding to vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection (Correct answer)
Correct answer: You may proceed in the direction of the arrow after yielding to vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection
A green arrow indicates you may proceed in the direction shown, but you must still yield to traffic and pedestrians already lawfully in the intersection.
Question 33: What shape and color is a yield sign in New Hampshire?
- Downward-pointing red and white triangle (Correct answer)
- Yellow diamond
- Red octagon
- Green rectangle
Correct answer: Downward-pointing red and white triangle
Yield signs are shaped as downward-pointing triangles with red and white coloring, requiring drivers to slow down and give way to traffic.
Question 34: In New Hampshire, who is authorized to request a certified copy of another person's driving record?
- Only insurance companies and law enforcement
- Any member of the public
- Employers, attorneys, insurance companies, and court-authorized parties (Correct answer)
- Only the DMV itself
Correct answer: Employers, attorneys, insurance companies, and court-authorized parties
Certified driving records may be obtained by employers, attorneys, insurers, and parties with court authorization under NH RSA 260:14.
Question 35: What does a flashing yellow signal indicate at an intersection in New Hampshire?
- The signal is malfunctioning
- Stop and wait for green
- Proceed with caution (Correct answer)
- Yield to all traffic
Correct answer: Proceed with caution
A flashing yellow signal means proceed with caution, being alert for cross traffic and pedestrians.
Question 36: In New Hampshire, what must you do after being involved in an accident causing injury or significant damage?
- Stop, exchange information, render aid, and report to law enforcement (Correct answer)
- Continue driving if the other party seems fine
- Leave a note and report later
- Call your insurance company only
Correct answer: Stop, exchange information, render aid, and report to law enforcement
New Hampshire law requires drivers to stop at the scene, exchange information, render aid to injured persons, and report the accident to law enforcement when there is injury or significant property damage.
Question 37: Which of the following best describes NH's 'vanity plate' (personalized plate) program?
- Owners can request custom letter/number combinations for an additional fee (Correct answer)
- Any combination is free if available
- Vanity plates are issued only to state officials
- Personalized plates are only available for motorcycles
Correct answer: Owners can request custom letter/number combinations for an additional fee
NH allows personalized vanity plates with custom letter/number combinations for an additional fee subject to availability and content rules.
Question 38: In New Hampshire, what does a pennant-shaped sign on the left side of the road indicate?
- Construction zone
- School zone ahead
- Merge area
- No passing zone begins (Correct answer)
Correct answer: No passing zone begins
A pennant-shaped sign placed on the left side of the road marks the beginning of a no passing zone.
Question 39: Which agency must approve a vanity (personalized) license plate message before the NH DMV issues it?
- The NH Department of Safety Commissioner (Correct answer)
- The NH Attorney General
- A public review board
- The NH Legislature
Correct answer: The NH Department of Safety Commissioner
Personalized plate messages must be approved by the Commissioner of the NH Department of Safety to ensure they meet content guidelines.
Question 40: What is the proper technique for driving on icy roads in New Hampshire?
- Reduce speed, increase following distance, and avoid sudden movements (Correct answer)
- Drive at normal speed with extra caution
- Follow other vehicles closely for guidance
- Use cruise control for steady speed
Correct answer: Reduce speed, increase following distance, and avoid sudden movements
On icy roads, significantly reduce speed, greatly increase following distance, and make all steering, braking, and acceleration inputs very gradually.
New Hampshire DMV Knowledge Test
The New Hampshire DMV written knowledge test evaluates applicants on traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and alcohol/drug awareness required to obtain a New Hampshire driver's license.
Exam Rules
- You can skip questions and return to them later
- Flag questions for review before submitting
- No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
- Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
- 10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
- Timer auto-submits when time runs out
- Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds