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New Hampshire CDL Practice Test

Free, full New Hampshire CDL general knowledge test practice right here in your browser — real exam format (50 questions, 80% to pass), diagnostic and adaptive modes, spaced-repetition review, and a readiness dashboard. No signup, no paywall — your progress is saved automatically on this device.

50
Real exam questions
80%
Passing score
750+
CDL questions

Sample New Hampshire CDL general knowledge test questions

  1. The 30-minute rest break rule requires property-carrying drivers to take a break after how many hours of driving time?

    • A. 10 hours
    • B. 6 hours
    • C. 8 hours
    • D. 4 hours
    Show answer

    C. 8 hours — Drivers using the 60/70-hour rule must take a 30-minute rest break after driving for 8 cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute interruption. The break can be off-duty or sleeper berth time.

  2. CDL safety scenario 42: Why does liquid surge make tanker driving harder?

    • A. The moving liquid can push the vehicle after you brake or turn
    • B. Ignore it until the next terminal
    • C. Increase speed to finish the route sooner
    • D. Ask traffic behind you to go around
    Show answer

    A. The moving liquid can push the vehicle after you brake or turn — The moving liquid can push the vehicle after you brake or turn. Commercial drivers are expected to manage this situation before it becomes a crash risk. The CDL manual emphasizes controlling the vehicle, inspecting safety-critical systems, and correcting hazards promptly.

  3. What is a 'defect correction' entry on a DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report)?

    • A. A note explaining why the driver chose not to fix a defect
    • B. Written documentation by the motor carrier that all reported defects have been repaired or that no repair was necessary before the next driver certifies the vehicle as safe
    • C. The driver's signature confirming the vehicle is defect-free
    • D. A state trooper's notation after a roadside inspection
    Show answer

    B. Written documentation by the motor carrier that all reported defects have been repaired or that no repair was necessary before the next driver certifies the vehicle as safe — Before the next driver can sign the DVIR to accept the vehicle, the motor carrier must certify that defects reported on the previous DVIR were repaired (or were not safety hazards requiring repair). This is the 'defect correction' entry.

  4. Sleeper berth time can be split into two periods as long as:

    • A. Each period is at least 2 hours
    • B. The driver stays in the same time zone
    • C. Both periods are exactly 5 hours
    • D. One period is at least 7 hours and the other at least 2 hours, totaling 10
    Show answer

    D. One period is at least 7 hours and the other at least 2 hours, totaling 10 — The sleeper berth split provision allows one period of at least 7 hours and another of at least 2 hours, totaling at least 10 hours.

  5. When a vehicle is following you too closely, the best response is to:

    • A. Increase your following distance from the vehicle ahead and avoid sudden moves
    • B. Brake hard to warn them
    • C. Speed up to lose them
    • D. Turn on your high beams
    Show answer

    A. Increase your following distance from the vehicle ahead and avoid sudden moves — Opening more space ahead lets you brake gently and gives the tailgater more room, lowering the chance of a rear-end crash.

  6. What is the primary hazard of a partially filled tanker compared to a full or empty tanker?

    • A. Higher weight causes brake fade
    • B. More liquid surge due to free liquid movement in the tank
    • C. Lower center of gravity increases tire wear
    • D. Reduced fuel efficiency
    Show answer

    B. More liquid surge due to free liquid movement in the tank — A partially filled tanker has free liquid that can surge violently. A full tank has no room to surge, and an empty tank has no liquid. The half-full condition is most dangerous.

  7. What is a 'converter dolly' used for?

    • A. To convert a flatbed to a refrigerated trailer
    • B. To connect a second semitrailer to a lead trailer, forming a double combination
    • C. To connect a full trailer to a tractor
    • D. To convert metric axle weights to U.S. standards
    Show answer

    B. To connect a second semitrailer to a lead trailer, forming a double combination — A converter dolly is a set of one or two axles with a fifth wheel, used to convert a semitrailer into a full trailer. It connects two trailers to make a double (B-train) combination.

  8. While on the road, you should inspect your vehicle and cargo:

    • A. Only at the destination
    • B. Periodically — checking tires, cargo, and securement during stops
    • C. Only if a warning light comes on
    • D. Never, once the trip starts
    Show answer

    B. Periodically — checking tires, cargo, and securement during stops — En-route checks at stops catch developing tire, cargo, and securement problems before they cause a breakdown or spilled load.

  9. When should a CDL driver use stab braking on a vehicle without ABS?

    • A. For normal stopping on wet roads
    • B. In emergency stops — apply full pressure until the wheels lock, release, and reapply
    • C. Only on dry pavement
    • D. Only when descending steep grades
    Show answer

    B. In emergency stops — apply full pressure until the wheels lock, release, and reapply — Stab braking is an emergency technique for vehicles without ABS: apply brakes fully until wheels are about to lock, release until wheels roll freely, then reapply. Releasing prevents complete lockup and maintains steering control.

  10. During the engine compartment check, you should verify the levels of:

    • A. Only the windshield washer fluid
    • B. Engine oil, coolant, and power steering fluid
    • C. Brake air pressure only
    • D. Tire pressure
    Show answer

    B. Engine oil, coolant, and power steering fluid — Checking oil, coolant, and power steering fluid levels helps catch low fluids that could cause engine or steering failure on the road.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the New Hampshire CDL general knowledge test?

The New Hampshire CDL general knowledge test has 50 questions, and you need 80% to pass — at least 40 correct answers. The practice tests on this page use the same format. The 80% passing score is a federal FMCSA standard used by every state.

What score do I need to pass the New Hampshire CDL general knowledge test?

80%. You can miss at most 10 of the 50 questions. The readiness dashboard on this page tracks whether you're consistently scoring above that bar.

Is this New Hampshire CDL general knowledge test practice really free?

Yes. Every practice test on this page and everything in the DMVPrep iPhone app is free — no ads, no paywall, no account.

Where do these CDL general knowledge test questions come from?

Federal motor carrier safety regulations (FMCSA) — the same rules every state's CDL exam is drawn from. Every question in the DMVPrep app cites the regulation or handbook section it comes from.

Can I study for the New Hampshire CDL general knowledge test in Spanish?

Yes — the DMVPrep app includes all 3,745+ questions in Spanish, and the whole app works in Spanish.

Prefer the iPhone app? Get offline mode, iCloud sync across devices, and an on-device AI coach that explains every mistake. Download DMVPrep

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