New Hampshire permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 62 New Hampshire numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

12 questions a round from the 41 number questions in our New Hampshire bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.

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Numbers flashcards

41 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.

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  • Alcohol & drugs

    In New Hampshire, a driver 21 or older is considered legally intoxicated at what blood alcohol concentration?

    .08% or higher

    A driver is legally intoxicated at a BAC of .08% or higher, or .02% or higher if under 21.

    New Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 12

  • Fines, points & penalties

    A driver under 20 has their original license suspended after a hearing for a first qualifying offense. What suspension range applies?

    At least 20 days, but no more than 40 days

    Under New Hampshire's "Under 20" law, the Director can suspend an original license after a hearing.

    New Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 12

  • Speed limits

    Unless signs say otherwise, what is the maximum speed limit in a New Hampshire business or urban residence district?

    30 mph

    New Hampshire's maximum is 30 mph in business or urban residence districts and 35 mph in rural residence districts.

    New Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 21

Every New Hampshire number, by topic

Official test facts and New Hampshire laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

8 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.08%Legal BAC limit for adult driversgc.nh.gov
Quote
While such person has an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more or in the case of a person under the age of 21, 0.02 or more.
0.02%BAC limit for drivers under 21gc.nh.gov
Quote
While such person has an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more or in the case of a person under the age of 21, 0.02 or more.
0.04%BAC limit in a commercial vehiclegc.nh.gov
Quote
who drives a commercial vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater shall in addition to the penalties provided in this chapter be subject to the additional penalties and sanctions provided in RSA 263:94.
$500Drunk driving (DUI)Fine of at least $500gc.nh.gov
Quote
Any person who is convicted of any offense under RSA 265-A:2, I shall be: (1) Guilty of a class B misdemeanor; (2) Fined not less than $500;
9 months, 2 years, 6 monthsDrunk driving (DUI)License revoked at least 9 months (up to 2 years, and the court may suspend up to 6 months of it)gc.nh.gov
Quote
The person's driver's license or privilege to drive shall be revoked for not less than 9 months and, at the discretion of the court, such revocation may be extended for a period not to exceed 2 years. The court may suspend up to 6 months of this sentence
.08%In New Hampshire, a driver 21 or older is considered legally intoxicated at what blood alcohol concentration?Answer: .08% or higherNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 12
Quote
It is considered legally intoxicated if a driver’s blood alcohol concentration is .08% or higher, .02% or higher if the driver is under 21 years old.
$500, 9 months to 2 yearsWhat penalties apply to a first conviction for driving under the influence in New Hampshire?Answer: A fine of at least $500 and loss of privileges for 9 months to 2 yearsNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 15
Quote
shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor, fined not less than $500, may face a loss of driving privileges for a period of 9 months to 2 years
0.05%A driver has been awake for 18 hours straight. Their driving performance is typically similar to someone with what blood alcohol concentration?Answer: 0.05%New Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 13
Quote
a driver who is up for a continuous 18 hours will typically exhibit performance levels similar to that of a person with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of 0.05%.

Fines, points & penalties

3 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$100, $250, $500, 24 monthsPhone useA violation: $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second and $500 for any later offense within 24 months, each plus penalty assessmentgc.nh.gov
Quote
Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a violation and shall be fined $100 plus penalty assessment for a first offense, $250 plus penalty assessment for a second offense, and $500 plus penalty assessment for any subsequent offense within a 24-month period.
20 days, 40 daysA driver under 20 has their original license suspended after a hearing for a first qualifying offense. What suspension range applies?Answer: At least 20 days, but no more than 40 daysNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 12
Quote
A minimum of 20 days, but not more than 40 days for a first offense
$250 to $500Snow blowing off your car's roof endangers other drivers. Under RSA 265:79-b, what is the penalty range for a first offense?Answer: $250 to $500New Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 19
Quote
Penalties for this offense can be $250.00 to $500.00 for the first offense with increased penalties for subsequent offenses.

Speed limits

13 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
30 mphSpeed limits: Business & residence districts30 mph in any business or urban residence districtgc.nh.gov
Quote
30 miles per hour in any business or urban residence district as defined in RSA 259:118; (c) 35 miles per hour in any rural residence district as defined in RSA 259:93
35 mph, 30 mphSpeed limits: Residential35 mph in a rural residence district and on class V highways outside the compact part of a town (urban residence districts are 30 mph)gc.nh.gov
Quote
30 miles per hour in any business or urban residence district as defined in RSA 259:118; (c) 35 miles per hour in any rural residence district as defined in RSA 259:93
10 mph, 45 minutesSpeed limits: School zones10 mph below the usual posted limit in a posted school zone, from 45 minutes before school opens until it opens and from closing until 45 minutes aftergc.nh.gov
Quote
In a posted school zone, at a speed of 10 miles per hour below the usual posted limit from 45 minutes prior to each school opening until each school opening and from each school closing until 45 minutes after each school closing.
45 mphSpeed limits: Rural highways45 mph on an unimproved rural highwaygc.nh.gov
Quote
In a posted school zone, at a speed of 10 miles per hour below the usual posted limit from 45 minutes prior to each school opening until each school opening and from each school closing until 45 minutes after each school closing.
55 mphSpeed limits: Rural highways55 mph in other locationsgc.nh.gov
Quote
45 miles per hour in any unimproved rural highway as defined in RSA 259:116-a. (e) 55 miles per hour in other locations, except as provided in (f);
65 mphSpeed limits: Interstates65 mph on the interstate system and the central and eastern New Hampshire turnpikes where 4-lane dividedgc.nh.gov
Quote
65 miles an hour on the interstate system, the central New Hampshire turnpike and the eastern New Hampshire turnpike in locations where said highways are 4-lane divided highways or other divided highways of 4 or more lanes
70 mphSpeed limits: Interstates70 mph on I-93 from mile marker 45 to the Vermont bordergc.nh.gov
Quote
except that the speed limit on the portion of I-93 from mile marker 45 to the Vermont border shall be 70 miles per hour.
30 mphUnless signs say otherwise, what is the maximum speed limit in a New Hampshire business or urban residence district?Answer: 30 mphNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 21
Quote
The maximum speed limits in New Hampshire are: 30 miles per hour in any business or urban residence district
35 mphWhat is the maximum speed limit in a New Hampshire rural residence district?Answer: 35 mphNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 21
Quote
35 miles per hour in any rural residence district as defined in RSA 259:93
65 mphOn a four-lane divided section of the interstate system in New Hampshire, other than I-93 north of mile marker 45, what is the maximum speed limit unless posted otherwise?Answer: 65 mphNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 21
Quote
65 miles an hour on the interstate system, the central New Hampshire turnpike and the eastern New Hampshire turnpike
10 mphIn a posted school zone in New Hampshire, what is the speed limit during the restricted times?Answer: 10 mph below the usual posted speed limitNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 21
Quote
Posted School Zone – the speed limit is 10 miles per hour (mph) below the usual posted speed limit
45 mphIn good weather, what is the minimum speed you may drive on a New Hampshire interstate highway?Answer: 45 mphNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 21
Quote
The minimum speed you may drive on an interstate highway is 45 mph, unless road and weather conditions are so bad that this speed is unsafe.
25 mphA farm tractor ahead shows an orange and red triangle on the back. What does this emblem tell you?Answer: The vehicle travels slower than 25 mphNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 44
Quote
displayed on the rear of vehicles drawn by animals, farm equipment or construction equipment means the vehicle is traveling less than 25 mph.

Distances & following gaps

9 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
25 feetSchool busesDrivers meeting or overtaking a stopped school bus from either direction must stop at least 25 feet away and stay stopped until the bus moves or its flashing red lights go offgc.nh.gov
Quote
meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus, plainly marked with school bus signs or such other distinguishing identification as the director may require, which has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children shall stop his or her vehicle before reaching such school bus at least 25 feet away from such school bus.
four secondsWhat minimum following distance does the New Hampshire Driver's Manual recommend in normal conditions?Answer: At least four secondsNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 36
Quote
Drivers should always try to keep a minimum following distance of at least four seconds between their car and the vehicle in front.
100 feetHow far ahead should you signal before making a turn, according to the New Hampshire manual?Answer: At least 100 feetNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 21
Quote
Drivers should signal at least 100 feet before a turn, and on the highway, drivers should signal at least 500 feet before changing lanes
500 feetOn the highway, how far ahead should you signal before changing lanes or exiting?Answer: At least 500 feetNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 21
Quote
on the highway, drivers should signal at least 500 feet before changing lanes or exiting the roadway.
3 feetYou are passing a bicyclist while traveling 30 mph. What is the minimum clearance presumed reasonable under New Hampshire law?Answer: 3 feetNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 42
Quote
it is at least 3 feet when the vehicle is traveling at 30 miles per hour or less
25 feetA school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing on a two-lane road. How far from the bus must you stop?Answer: At least 25 feetNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 33
Quote
Drivers must stop at least 25-feet in any direction for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing
500 feetA fire truck with its siren on passes you. If you follow behind it, how far back must you stay?Answer: More than 500 feetNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 46
Quote
Drivers must not follow a fire truck closer than 500 feet when it is sounding a siren or operating flashing lights.
15 and 50 feetA train is approaching a crossing and there is no stop line. Where must you stop?Answer: Between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest railNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 28
Quote
a driver must stop behind the stop line or not less than 15 feet, nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the track.
1,000 feetDuring the day, snow is falling. New Hampshire law requires your headlights when you cannot clearly see persons and vehicles at what distance?Answer: 1,000 feet aheadNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 21
Quote
persons and vehicles on the way are not clearly discernible at a distance of 1000 feet ahead

Parking

6 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
15 feetIn New Hampshire, how close to a fire hydrant may you park?Answer: No closer than 15 feetNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 34
Quote
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
20 feetHow close may you park to a crosswalk at an intersection in New Hampshire?Answer: No closer than 20 feetNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 34
Quote
Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
30 feetHow close may you park to a stop sign, yield sign or traffic signal in New Hampshire?Answer: No closer than 30 feetNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 34
Quote
Within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign or traffic control signal
20 feet, 75 feetYou want to park near a fire station's driveway. What distances apply in New Hampshire?Answer: 20 feet on the same side, 75 feet on the opposite sideNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 34
Quote
Within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station or within 75 feet on the opposite side of the street
50 feetHow close may you park to the nearest rail of a railroad crossing in New Hampshire?Answer: No closer than 50 feetNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 34
Quote
Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing
200 feetYou must stop along a rural highway and cannot pull completely off the pavement. What condition does the manual set?Answer: There must be a clear view for 200 feet in each directionNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 33
Quote
there is a clear view for a distance of 200 feet in each direction and if there is enough space for other vehicles to pass.

Ages, permits & the test

12 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
40Questions on the testdmv.nh.gov
Quote
knowledge test consists of 40 multiple choice questions pertaining to the rules of the road and general driving conditions. Testers have 40 minutes to complete the test. The test is administered on a touch screen monitor ... If more than 8 questions are answered incorrectly, the test will automatically end.
80%Passing scoredmv.nh.gov
Quote
All knowledge exams require a passing grade of 80%. ... Knowledge tests are available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Portuguese, Farsi and American sign language. ... you may request an appointment to retest no sooner than ten days from the current date.
40 minutesTime limitdmv.nh.gov
Quote
knowledge test consists of 40 multiple choice questions pertaining to the rules of the road and general driving conditions. Testers have 40 minutes to complete the test. The test is administered on a touch screen monitor ... If more than 8 questions are answered incorrectly, the test will automatically end.
$50Feegc.nh.gov
Quote
knowledge examination shall consist of up to 50 multiple choice questions designated by the director, according to the class of driver license(s) requested by the applicant. ... Each applicant shall pass the knowledge examination if 80% of the answers are correct. ... Each applicant shall have up to 60 minutes to complete the written examination
under 18Phone useDrivers under 18 may not use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device, hands-free or not, while driving or stopped in traffic, except to report an emergency to 911 or a public safety agencygc.nh.gov
Quote
No person less than 18 years of age shall use a cellular or mobile telephone or other mobile electronic device, whether hands-free or not, while driving a motor vehicle in motion or temporarily stopped in traffic upon any way, except to report an emergency to the enhanced 911 system or any public safety agency.
15 and a half yearsWhat is the youngest age at which an unlicensed person may practice driving in New Hampshire with a qualified supervisor?Answer: 15 and a half years oldNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 8
Quote
New Hampshire law allows a person at least 15 ½ years of age, who does not possess a driver’s license, to drive a motor vehicle while being taught to drive
aged 25Your practice-driving supervisor is not your parent, your legal guardian or a certified driving instructor. What must be true about that person?Answer: They are a licensed driver aged 25 or olderNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 8
Quote
or a responsible adult who is 25 years of age or older, and who is a licensed driver
30 hoursHow many hours of classroom instruction does New Hampshire's required driver education program include?Answer: 30 hoursNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 7
Quote
30 hours of classroom instruction with a certified driver education instructor.
40 hours, 10 hoursBesides the driver education course, how much supervised driving must a 16- or 17-year-old complete with a parent, guardian or responsible adult?Answer: 40 hours, including 10 hours at nightNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 7
Quote
40 hours of additional supervised driving time with a parent, guardian or other responsible adult, in which 10 hours must be completed at night.
16 to under 21Who receives a New Hampshire Youth Operator license, and when does it expire?Answer: Drivers 16 to under 21; it expires on the 21st birthdayNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 10
Quote
16 years of age or older and under the age of 21 will be issued a Youth Operator license. Youth Operator’s licenses are printed vertically, and they expire on the holder’s 21st birthday.
60 daysYou just moved to New Hampshire. How long do you have to get a New Hampshire driver's license?Answer: Up to 60 daysNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 7
Quote
New residents to New Hampshire have up to 60 days to obtain a driver’s license after moving into the State.
under 18A 17-year-old wants to take a call through the car's built-in Bluetooth system while driving. Is this legal in New Hampshire?Answer: No, drivers under 18 may not use phones even hands-freeNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 14
Quote
Drivers under the age of 18 years of age shall not use a cellular or mobile telephone or other mobile electronic device, whether hands-free or not, while driving

Time limits & deadlines

4 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$1,000, 15 daysCrashesIf anyone is injured or killed, or property damage exceeds $1,000, the driver must report in writing to the Division of Motor Vehicles within 15 daysgc.nh.gov
Quote
shall within 15 days after such accident report in writing to the division the facts required hereunder together with a statement of the circumstances if any person is injured or killed, or if damage to property is in excess of $1,000
1 to 4 yearsAfter a hearing, a person is declared a Habitual Offender in New Hampshire. For how long will their driving privileges be revoked?Answer: 1 to 4 yearsNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 12
Quote
If after the hearing they are deemed to be a Habitual Offender, the Director shall revoke the person’s driving privileges for 1 to 4 years.
45 minutesWhen does New Hampshire's reduced school-zone speed limit apply?Answer: 45 minutes before school opens until opening, and from closing until 45 minutes afterNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 21
Quote
from 45 minutes before school opening until the school opening, and from the school closing until 45 minutes after school closing.
15 daysA crash you are in causes $3,000 in combined property damage but no injuries, and police do not investigate. When must you file an accident report with the DMV?Answer: Within 15 daysNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 38
Quote
an accident report be filed with the Division of Motor Vehicles within fifteen (15) days if there is a fatality,

Seat belts, lights & equipment

6 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
under 18Seat beltsEvery driver under 18 and every passenger under 18gc.nh.gov
Quote
No person shall drive a motor vehicle on any way while carrying as a passenger a person less than 18 years of age unless such person is wearing a seat or safety belt which is properly adjusted and fastened.
2 hourNew Hampshire law requires headlights during which period of the day?Answer: From 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunriseNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 21
Quote
every motor vehicle driven during the period from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise
under 18Under New Hampshire law, who is required to wear a safety belt or be secured in a child safety seat?Answer: Anyone under 18New Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 17
Quote
In New Hampshire, safety restraints are required for anyone under the age of 18
7 years, 57 inchesWhich child must ride in a child passenger restraint that meets U.S. DOT standards in New Hampshire?Answer: A child under 7 years old and under 57 inches tallNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 18
Quote
A child less than 7 years old and less than 57 inches in height must be properly fastened and secured in a child passenger restraint
under 18Under New Hampshire law, who must wear a DOT-approved helmet on a motorcycle?Answer: All riders and passengers under 18New Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 18
Quote
New Hampshire law requires all riders and passengers under the age of 18 to wear helmets approved by the United States Department of Transportation.
10 inchesHow much space should there be between your chest and the steering wheel?Answer: About 10 inchesNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 17
Quote
There should be 10 inches between the driver’s chest and the steering wheel.

Other numbers

1 number
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
four timesIf you double your speed, what happens to your vehicle's stopping distance?Answer: It becomes about four times longerNew Hampshire Driver's Manual, page 22
Quote
The stopping distance of a vehicle increases 4 times when the speed of the vehicle is doubled.

Memory tips

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the New Hampshire permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 62 of them for New Hampshire, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, New Hampshire statutes or DMV pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

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