20 questions from the New Hampshire driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What action must a driver take when encountering a visually impaired person carrying a white cane attempting to cross a roadway?
Answer: Come to a complete stop. The handbook mandates a complete stop for visually impaired pedestrians with white cans or guide dogs and advises against honking or yelling.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 42: “New Hampshire law requires drivers to come to a complete stop whenever a person who is carrying a white cane (the international symbol of blindness) or using a harnessed guide dog is attempting to cross a roadway.”
2. What is the first step a driver should take before changing lanes?
Answer: Check the vehicle’s mirrors. The handbook lists checking mirrors as the first bullet point in the sequence of actions required before changing lanes.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 22: “Before changing lanes, a driver should: • Check the vehicle’s mirrors.”
3. What is one of the specific actions drivers should take regarding lane position while driving through a work zone?
Answer: Adjust lane position to allow space for workers and construction vehicles. The handbook lists adjusting lane position to provide space for workers and equipment as a required driving behavior in work zones.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 47: “Adjust lane position to allow space for workers and construction vehicles.”
4. According to the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, under which specific conditions should a driver increase their following distance?
Answer: When driving on slippery roads or following large vehicles like trucks and buses. The manual lists slippery roads and following large vehicles as situations requiring increased following distance.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 37: “Drivers should increase the following distance: • On slippery roads. • When following large vehicles like trucks, buses, recreational vehicles and vehicles pulling a trailer.”
5. How should a driver manage space when an approaching vehicle in the opposite lane is on a curve or is a large vehicle?
Answer: Be careful not to crowd the center lane to allow the vehicle to pass safely. The handbook advises drivers to avoid crowding the center lane to provide safe passing space for oncoming traffic.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 37: “When an approaching vehicle in the opposite lane is on a curve, or is a large vehicle, drivers must be careful not to crowd the center lane to allow for the vehicle to pass safely.”
6. What is the recommended action for a driver if the brakes stop working while operating the vehicle?
Answer: Engage the parking brake slowly to avoid locking the rear wheels. The handbook advises engaging the parking brake slowly to prevent skidding if the main brakes fail.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 41: “Engage the parking brake. Pull on the parking brake handle in the center console or push the parking brake foot pedal slowly to avoid locking the rear wheels and causing a skid.”
7. According to the handbook, what is the required stopping distance for a driver when a train is approaching a railroad crossing?
Answer: Not less than 15 feet, nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail. The handbook defines the stopping zone as being between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 28: “When a train or railroad vehicle is approaching the intersection, 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.”
8. Which vehicle type is exempt from the requirement for occupants under age 18 to use safety restraints?
Answer: A school bus weighing in excess of 10,000 pounds. The handbook lists specific exceptions to the restraint law, including school buses over 10,000 pounds, while standard passenger vehicles are generally subject to the rule.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 18: “A School bus weighing in excess of 10,000 pounds, or a school bus weighing less than 10,000 pounds not manufactured with safety belts;”
9. What is the legal requirement for drivers regarding snow and ice on their vehicles before driving?
Answer: Drivers must clear snow and ice off their vehicles before getting on the road. The handbook mandates that drivers remove snow and ice from their vehicles prior to operating them on the road.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 19: “Since 2002, New Hampshire drivers have been legally required to clear snow and ice off their vehicles before getting on the road.”
10. Under what condition does New Hampshire law require the Division of Motor Vehicles to suspend a driver’s privileges?
Answer: If the driver is unable to pay for damages and medical bills after an uninsured accident. Suspension occurs specifically when a driver involved in an uninsured accident cannot pay for resulting damages and medical bills.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 38: “If a driver is unable to pay for these damages and medical bills, New Hampshire law requires the Division of Motor Vehicles to suspend the driver’s driving privileges until a settlement has been reached.”
11. What does a solid white line on the roadway indicate to a driver?
Answer: Drivers are prohibited from changing lanes or passing another vehicle. The handbook states that solid white lines prohibit lane changes and passing, unlike broken lines which allow passing.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 29: “Solid White Lines: Drivers are prohibited from changing lanes or to pass another vehicle.”
12. When a vehicle begins to skid, in which direction should the driver steer?
Answer: In the direction that the rear of the vehicle is sliding. The handbook instructs drivers to steer toward the direction of the rear slide to help straighten the vehicle.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 40: “Steer in the direction that the rear of the vehicle is sliding. This will allow the vehicle to go straight instead of sideways.”
13. What is the recommended action when driving on open bridge gratings or steel bridges?
Answer: Reduce speed, increase following distance, and maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel. The handbook lists these three specific actions to handle the reduced traction found on these surfaces.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 24: “Drivers should reduce speed, increase the following distance, and maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel.”
14. Which of the following is advised regarding eyewear when driving at night?
Answer: Do not wear sunglasses or colored lenses. The handbook states that tinted or colored lenses reduce vision and should not be worn at night.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 24: “Tinted or colored lenses reduce vision. Do not wear sunglasses or colored lenses when driving at night or on overcast days.”
15. What is the maximum time limit for new residents to obtain a New Hampshire driver's license after moving into the state?
Answer: 60 days. The handbook specifies that new residents have up to 60 days to obtain their license.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 7: “New residents to New Hampshire have up to 60 days to obtain a driver’s license after moving into the State.”
16. What is the legal blood alcohol concentration limit for a driver under 21 years old in New Hampshire?
Answer: .02% or higher. The handbook defines legal intoxication for drivers under 21 as having a blood alcohol concentration of .02% or higher.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 12: “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.”
17. How should a driver adjust their following distance when driving at night?
Answer: Increase the following distance by adding at least one additional second. The handbook specifies adding at least one extra second to the following distance for night driving conditions.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 24: “Increase the following distance by adding at least one additional second for night driving conditions and at least two additional seconds for driving on unfamiliar roadways at night.”
18. According to the handbook, how should a driver steer while backing up a vehicle?
Answer: Steer slightly in the direction the rear of the vehicle should move. The manual instructs drivers to steer in the direction they want the rear of the vehicle to travel when backing up.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 23: “Steer slightly in the direction the rear of the vehicle should move.”
19. When driving on the highway, how far before changing lanes or exiting the roadway must a driver signal?
Answer: At least 500 feet. The handbook specifies a minimum distance of 500 feet for signaling on highways when changing lanes or exiting.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 21: “Drivers should signal at least 100 feet before a turn, and on the highway, drivers should signal at least 500 feet before changing lanes or exiting the roadway.”
20. What is the recommended action for drivers when swerving to avoid a collision?
Answer: Steer in the direction they want to go, but try to avoid other traffic. The handbook advises steering toward the desired path while avoiding other traffic, specifically noting not to swerve left.
New Hampshire driver handbook, page 40: “Steer in the direction they want to go, but try to avoid other traffic – never swerve to the left to avoid a crash.”