New Hampshire Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test Exam Guide
At a glance
- Passing score
- 80%
- Exam fee
- $0
- Governing body
- New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
The New Hampshire Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test is the computer-based exam the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (NH DMV) uses to check that new drivers know road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe-driving basics before they're allowed behind the wheel. It's required of first-time license applicants, including teens working toward their first operator license and adults new to driving in New Hampshire.
Overview
The knowledge test runs on the NH DMV's automated touch-screen system and mixes road sign identification together with rules-of-the-road and safe-driving questions in a single randomized exam rather than testing signs in isolation. Because each attempt is generated at random, no two test-takers — and no two attempts by the same person — see an identical set of questions.
- Road sign recognition and meaning
- Right-of-way and traffic law rules
- Safe-driving judgment and procedures
Cost and registration
Passing the knowledge test doesn't carry a listed fee on its own. Once you're ready to get licensed, a standard operator license costs $50 and a REAL ID-compliant operator license costs $60; a duplicate license or non-driver ID card each cost $10. Check New Hampshire's official DMV fee schedule for the complete, current list.
Exam format
New Hampshire hasn't published a fixed question count or time limit for the knowledge test; it's given on a randomized, computer-based touch-screen system, so the exact makeup can vary by attempt. What is fixed is the passing standard: you need a score of at least 80% to pass, and the test is available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Portuguese, Farsi, and American Sign Language. For a full breakdown of tested topics, consult the official New Hampshire Driver's Manual.
Frequently asked questions
What's the passing score on New Hampshire's knowledge test?
You need to score at least 80% to pass. This standard applies to all of New Hampshire's DMV knowledge exams, not just the one for a standard operator license.
How many questions are on the test and how much time do I get?
New Hampshire hasn't published a fixed question count or time limit for the knowledge test — it's delivered on a randomized, computer-based touch-screen system, so the exact makeup can vary by attempt. The official New Hampshire Driver's Manual covers everything the test can draw from.
What does it cost to get a license after I pass?
A standard (non-federally-compliant) operator license runs $50, while a REAL ID-compliant operator license costs $60. There's no separate fee to sit for the knowledge test itself.
What happens if I fail the knowledge test?
You'll need to wait 10 calendar days before New Hampshire will let you retest, and you'll get a different, randomized set of questions the second time around.
Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the knowledge test?
No — New Hampshire doesn't issue a separate learner's permit document at all. Instead, learning drivers operate under specific supervision rules, such as being accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old.
What languages can I take the New Hampshire knowledge test in?
New Hampshire offers the knowledge test in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Portuguese, Farsi, and American Sign Language.
Sources
- 1.Driver Licensing Testing Requirements | NH Division of Motor Vehicles — New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (NH DMV), a Division of the NH Department of Safety (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.Learning to Drive | NH Division of Motor Vehicles — New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (NH DMV), a Division of the NH Department of Safety (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 3.Licensing Fees | NH Division of Motor Vehicles — New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (NH DMV), a Division of the NH Department of Safety (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
Official sources
Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.
- Driver Licensing Testing Requirements | NH Division of Motor VehiclesNew Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (NH DMV), a Division of the NH Department of Safetydmv.nh.gov
- Learning to Drive | NH Division of Motor VehiclesNew Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (NH DMV), a Division of the NH Department of Safetydmv.nh.gov
- Licensing Fees | NH Division of Motor VehiclesNew Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (NH DMV), a Division of the NH Department of Safetydmv.nh.gov
Last verified against the official exam content outline: