New Hampshire DMV road test: what to expect

What the examiner checks

• Handling the vehicle in traffic
• Driving habits
• Knowledge and understanding of traffic signs and rules of the road
• Handling the physical, mental and emotional stress of driving in traffic
• Attitude toward driving and personal and public safety
• Driving with good control

Your car

• Legally registered and inspected
• Safe running condition
• Proper class for the license

After you pass

Drivers under 21 (standard license); restrictions below apply under 18 get a provisional or junior license first. Its restrictions:

• Under 18: no driving 1:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.
• Under 18, first six months: no more than one passenger under 25 who is not family unless a licensed responsible adult 25 or older is present
• Under 18: no more passengers than seat belts
• Under 18: no cell phone or mobile device use at all (hands-free included) except to report an emergency
• Under 20: suspensions of 20-40 days (1st), 45-90 (2nd), 90-180 (3rd or later, plus a driver attitude program) for certain offenses
• Youth operator with two or more speeding tickets in the first two years: SR-22 for three years

How to prepare

• Practise in the car you'll take the test in, including parking and backing up.
• Drive the kinds of roads near the test site with your supervising driver: intersections, lane changes, school zones.
• Check the car the day before: lights, signals, horn, brakes, mirrors, tires, seat belts, and current registration and insurance documents.
• On the day, signal every turn and lane change, check mirrors and blind spots visibly, and come to full stops behind the line.