How many questions are on the New Hampshire permit test?

The New Hampshire written knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.

What's the passing score for the New Hampshire written test?

You must answer at least 32 correct questions out of 40 (80%) to pass the New Hampshire written knowledge test.

How much does the New Hampshire written knowledge test cost?

The written test fee is included in the overall driver's license fee of $50. There is no separate charge just for the written test.

How old do I have to be to take the New Hampshire permit test?

New Hampshire does not issue formal learner's permits. However, you can practice driving at age 15½ with a licensed supervising driver. You must be at least 16 years old to apply for your driver's license and take the written knowledge test.

Can I take the New Hampshire DMV test in Spanish or other languages?

Yes, New Hampshire offers the written test in three languages: English, Spanish, and French. You can request your preferred language when scheduling your test appointment.

How many times can I retake the New Hampshire written test?

You can retake the New Hampshire written test unlimited times. You must wait at least 10 calendar days between attempts. You'll need to pay the $50 fee each time you take the test.

Is the New Hampshire permit test online or in person?

The New Hampshire written test is administered in person at DMV office locations. You cannot take the test online; you must visit a physical DMV office to complete the exam.

What documents do I need to bring to the New Hampshire DMV?

Bring a completed application form, proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport, or driver's license), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of New Hampshire residency (such as a utility bill or lease). If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian must provide written consent and sign your application. Original documents are required.

New Hampshire DMV Practice Test

The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) administers driver licensing and testing throughout the state. New Hampshire has a unique system: the state does not issue formal learner's permits, but instead allows supervised practice driving for those 15½ years old. However, to obtain a full driver's license, you must pass a comprehensive written knowledge test consisting of 40 questions. The written test evaluates your knowledge of New Hampshire traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and vehicle operation. New Hampshire's DMV maintains testing facilities at multiple locations and requires applicants to complete the test in person. The state offers testing in three languages: English, French, and Spanish.

Available New Hampshire practice tests

What's on the New Hampshire written test

When you arrive for your New Hampshire written test, you'll check in at the DMV office and present your required identification and application documents. You'll be directed to a testing station and given your 40-question exam, which you have 40 minutes to complete. The test covers material from the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, including traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, right-of-way rules, and vehicle operation. The questions are comprehensive and designed to ensure you understand both basic and complex driving scenarios. The testing environment is quiet and monitored. After completing the test, you'll receive your score immediately. If you pass, you'll proceed with the road test scheduling (provided your application is otherwise complete). The entire office visit typically takes 45 minutes to one hour.

Car / standard license

The New Hampshire written knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 40 minutes. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly (80% passing score) to pass. The overall driver license fee is $50, which includes testing fees and processing costs. There is no separate written test fee—it's included in the license fee. You can retake the test unlimited times, but you must wait 10 calendar days between attempts and pay the $50 fee each time. The test can be taken in English, French, or Spanish.

Motorcycle endorsement

The New Hampshire motorcycle permit costs $30.00. To obtain the permit, applicants must pass a vision test and the motorcycle knowledge test, then receive a 45-day learner's permit. If you pay for a motorcycle learner's permit within a year of applying for your motorcycle license, the $30 permit fee is waived from the motorcycle license fee. The motorcycle endorsement test can also be retaken, with a 10-day waiting period between attempts.

Commercial driver license (CDL)

The New Hampshire CDL program has specific fees: Commercial Learner's Permit ($20), Class A/B/C licenses ($60 each), and Endorsements ($10 each). Available endorsements include Hazardous Materials (H), Tank Vehicles (N), Double/Triple Trailers (T), and School Bus (S). Note that triple trailers are illegal to operate in New Hampshire despite the endorsement option. Applicants must pass a vision test and appropriate knowledge tests for each endorsement. Failed road tests require rescheduling at a DMV office for $20.

Study tips for the New Hampshire written test

Study the official New Hampshire Driver's Manual thoroughly—download it free from the DMV website and review it multiple times
Focus on New Hampshire-specific traffic laws and regulations, including rules for winter driving conditions
Practice all 40 questions repeatedly using free online practice tests until you consistently score 80% or higher
Review road signs extensively, including color, shape, and meaning, as they represent a significant portion of the test
Pay special attention to right-of-way rules, as New Hampshire tests emphasize complex driving scenarios
Understand New Hampshire's unique traffic laws, including any state-specific regulations not found in other states
Since you have 40 minutes for 40 questions, practice pacing yourself during study sessions to avoid rushing
If English is not your first language, New Hampshire offers the test in Spanish and French in addition to English

More New Hampshire resources

Official agency: New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the New Hampshire permit test?: The New Hampshire written knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.
What's the passing score for the New Hampshire written test?: You must answer at least 32 correct questions out of 40 (80%) to pass the New Hampshire written knowledge test.
How much does the New Hampshire written knowledge test cost?: The written test fee is included in the overall driver's license fee of $50. There is no separate charge just for the written test.
How old do I have to be to take the New Hampshire permit test?: New Hampshire does not issue formal learner's permits. However, you can practice driving at age 15½ with a licensed supervising driver. You must be at least 16 years old to apply for your driver's license and take the written knowledge test.
Can I take the New Hampshire DMV test in Spanish or other languages?: Yes, New Hampshire offers the written test in three languages: English, Spanish, and French. You can request your preferred language when scheduling your test appointment.
How many times can I retake the New Hampshire written test?: You can retake the New Hampshire written test unlimited times. You must wait at least 10 calendar days between attempts. You'll need to pay the $50 fee each time you take the test.
Is the New Hampshire permit test online or in person?: The New Hampshire written test is administered in person at DMV office locations. You cannot take the test online; you must visit a physical DMV office to complete the exam.
What documents do I need to bring to the New Hampshire DMV?: Bring a completed application form, proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport, or driver's license), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of New Hampshire residency (such as a utility bill or lease). If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian must provide written consent and sign your application. Original documents are required.