The Ultimate New Hampshire Driving Test Cheat Sheet

The final moments before your New Hampshire driving test have arrived. You've practiced, you've studied, but now you need a quick-reference guide to refresh the most critical points. This is your ultimate "cheat sheet"—a focused review of the key numbers, maneuvers, and rules that your DMV examiner will be watching for.

Think of this not as a way to "cheat," but as a tool to sharpen your focus and boost your confidence. Knowing these points by heart will help ensure they are fresh in your mind when it matters most.

Critical Numbers to Know by Heart

Your driving test is as much about knowing the law as it is about handling the car. Examiners will be looking for your adherence to these key numbers.

New Hampshire Speed Limits (Unless Posted Otherwise):

Business or Urban Residence District: 30 mph
Rural Residence District: 35 mph
School Zones: 20 mph (The speed limit is 10 mph below the usual posted speed limit, from 45 minutes before school opens to 45 minutes after school closes).
Minimum Speed on Interstate Highway: 45 mph
All Other Areas (including Interstates): 55 mph (unless posted for 65 mph or 70 mph on specific sections).

Pro-Tip: Driving at the posted speed limit when safe shows confidence. Driving too slowly can be marked as an error. Speeding is a major error and can lead to an automatic fail.

Key Distances & Timing Rules:

Signaling a Turn: You must signal your intention to turn continuously for at least 100 feet before the turn. On a highway, this increases to 500 feet.
Following Distance: Maintain the four-second rule. This is a specific point of emphasis in the New Hampshire Driver Manual. Watch the car ahead pass a fixed object, and it should take you four full seconds to reach that same object.
Stopping for a School Bus: You must stop at least 25 feet away from a school bus with flashing red lights.
Parking From a Curb: Your wheels must be no more than 12 inches (one foot) from the curb.
Parking Near a Fire Hydrant: Do not park within 15 feet.
Parking Near a Crosswalk at an Intersection: Do not park within 20 feet.
Parking Near a Stop Sign or Traffic Light: Do not park within 30 feet.

Key Maneuvers: What the Examiner is Looking For

The road test evaluates your practical driving skills. These are the specific maneuvers you must master.

1. Parallel Parking

This is a required maneuver on the NH test and a common point of anxiety. Stick to a solid method.

Signal and Position: Signal your intent. Pull up about 2-3 feet beside the car in front of the space.
Backing In: Back slowly, turning the wheel fully to enter the space. Straighten out, then turn the wheel back the other way to bring the front of your car in.
The Finish: You must end up centered in the space, no more than 12 inches from the curb, without hitting the curb or cones.

2. Three-Point Turn (Y-Turn)

You will be required to turn the vehicle around in a limited space.

Look First: Check traffic in both directions before you begin.
Steps: Pull forward to the left curb, then back up to the right curb, then pull forward into the correct lane. Each step should be a smooth, controlled movement.
Observation: You must be looking for traffic constantly throughout this maneuver.

3. Backing in a Straight Line

You'll be asked to back the vehicle for about 50 feet.

Look Back: You must turn your head and look over your right shoulder through the rear window. Relying only on mirrors or a backup camera is a critical error.
Control: Keep your speed slow and your steering adjustments small to maintain a straight line.

4. Hill Parking

Know which way to turn your wheels to prevent a runaway car:

Uphill with a Curb: Wheels AWAY from the curb.
Downhill with a Curb: Wheels TOWARD the curb.
No Curb (Uphill or Downhill): Wheels TOWARD the edge of the road.
Always: Set your parking brake firmly.

Automatic Fails & Critical Errors

While many small mistakes add up to points lost, these critical errors will fail you on the spot.

Causing an Accident: Any collision with an object, car, or pedestrian.
Violation of Law: Running a red light, a stop sign, or committing another clear traffic violation.
Examiner Intervention: If the examiner has to grab the wheel or give a command like "STOP!" to prevent an accident.
Dangerous Action: Any move that forces another driver to brake hard or swerve.
Lack of Observation: Gross failure to check blind spots or scan intersections. This is a major source of failure.

Your New Hampshire driving test is your opportunity to prove you are a safe and responsible driver. Review this cheat sheet, take a deep breath, and trust your training. Good luck!