DMV

How Many Questions Are on New Hampshire's Knowledge Test?

New Hampshire's knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions, with at least 32 correct (80%) needed to pass — and unlike almost every other state, it isn't a standalone permit test at all.

Why there's no separate "permit test" here

New Hampshire issues no learner's permit whatsoever. A 15½-year-old can start practicing behind the wheel with a licensed adult supervising, with no test of any kind required at that stage.

The knowledge test only shows up later, folded directly into the Youth Operator License application at 16 — so the 40-question exam most people call a "permit test" is really New Hampshire's license application test.

What ends the test early

New Hampshire's test stops early once a taker has missed 8 questions, since passing the required 32 correct is no longer mathematically possible from that point.

That makes broad, even preparation across every topic more valuable than in a state where you finish every question regardless of how many you've missed.

How our practice tests are structured

dmvwrittenexam.com's New Hampshire question bank covers both nationally-consistent rules of the road and New Hampshire-specific details like its Youth Operator License restrictions.

Each question includes an explanation and a source reference, so you learn why an answer is correct instead of just memorizing a letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on New Hampshire's knowledge test?

40 questions, requiring at least 32 correct (80%) to pass.

Is there a separate permit test in New Hampshire?

No — New Hampshire issues no learner's permit at all. The knowledge test is folded directly into the Youth Operator License application at 16.

What happens if I miss too many questions?

The test ends early once you've missed 8 questions, since reaching the required 32 correct is no longer possible.

Ready to put this into practice?

Start a free New Hampshire permit practice test

Last reviewed: 2026-07-24