New Hampshire knowledge test FAQ 2026: how many questions, pass mark, cost

New Hampshire knowledge test questions, answered with facts from the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles.

You need 80% to pass the New Hampshire Driver License Knowledge Test (first driver license, no learner's permit in New Hampshire), per the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles; questions come from the official New Hampshire Driver's Manual (Operator) (rev. 11/25).

New Hampshire does not issue learner's permits: the knowledge test is taken when you apply for your first driver license (Youth Operator License at 16 to 20).

Practice format (commonly reported): The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles does not publish the number of questions; the test is commonly reported as 40 questions with 32 correct (80%) to pass, and our practice tests use that format.

The New Hampshire driver license knowledge test in brief

How many questions are on the New Hampshire knowledge test?

The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles does not publish the number of questions; the test is commonly reported as 40 questions with 32 correct (80%) to pass, and our practice tests use that format.

What is the pass mark for the New Hampshire knowledge test?

You need 80% to pass, per the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles. Our practice tests mark 32 of 40 (80%), the commonly reported format.

Is the New Hampshire knowledge test hard?

You need 32 of 40 (80%) to pass, so in the commonly reported 40-question format you can get at most 8 wrong. The best preparation is to study the official New Hampshire Driver's Manual (Operator) (rev. 11/25) and take practice tests until you pass them comfortably.

How much does the New Hampshire knowledge test cost?

$50 — Driver license (Operator, not REAL ID), per the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles.

Is there a free New Hampshire DMV practice test for 2026?

Yes. This site has 2 free New Hampshire driver license knowledge test practice tests for 2026, each with 40 questions and the commonly reported pass mark of 32 of 40 (80%), plus a free road-sign quiz.

Time limit, retakes, age and ID

How long is the New Hampshire knowledge test?

The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles does not publish a time limit for the New Hampshire driver license knowledge test.

Can I retake the New Hampshire knowledge test if I fail?

Testing Requirements page: 'If you exceed the time limit or miss too many questions, the test will automatically terminate; you may request an appointment to retest no sooner than ten days from the current date.' 'Operator and Motorcycle applicants will have to wait ten (10) calendar days before they are allowed to retest.' No attempt cap published. 'All tests are done by appointment only.' 'All knowledge exams are completely random, and you will not see the same exam if you have to retake the test.' The road test can be booked only after the knowledge test is passed (sometimes the same day). A missed road test (or cancellation with under 24 hours' notice) means a 30-day wait.

How old do you have to be to take the New Hampshire knowledge test?

The minimum age is 16, per the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles.

What do I need to bring to the New Hampshire knowledge test?

First driver license: 'Completed Driver License Application (DSMV 450)'; 'Proof of Identity and Proof of Residency' per the REAL ID compliant (DSMV 634A) or non-compliant (DSMV 634B) document list; 'Appropriate Fee'; vision test and knowledge test. Under 18: 'The original, green Driver Education Completion Certificate issued by your driver education instructor', 'A Parent or Guardian Authorization Certificate signed by a parent or guardian' and 'A completed Certification of Additional Supervised Driving signed by a parent or guardian'. Non-US citizens follow a separate document list. Vision: 'you must be able to read the 20/40 vision line with both eyes.'

Which handbook is the New Hampshire knowledge test based on?

The official New Hampshire Driver's Manual (Operator) (rev. 11/25). You can read it on the official site.

Official source: New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles (NH DMV). Handbook: New Hampshire Driver's Manual (Operator).

Start the free New Hampshire driver license knowledge test practice test 1 · Road-sign quiz

Last updated October 13, 2026.

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