Free New Hampshire CDL practice test online
Take a free New Hampshire CDL practice exam online with clear explanations—no sign-up. Coverage includes general knowledge, vehicle systems, combination vehicles, cargo, and endorsements. Then verify current requirements with New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles.
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles gives the general knowledge test as 50 questions, and federal law sets the bar at 80% correct on every knowledge test. You must also hold a commercial learner’s permit for 14 days before the skills test.
New to the knowledge test? CDL endorsements explained · One-week study plan
Requirements before you test
New Hampshire CDL test requirements
Commercial licensing is largely federal. Any figure above credited to a 49 CFR section applies in every state — see 49 CFR 383.135(a)(1) and 49 CFR 383.25(e). A figure credited to New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles is New Hampshire’s own, and may be stricter than the federal floor. Test length, fees, and scheduling are set by New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (official source).
Entry-Level Driver Training comes first
Since February 7, 2022, a new Class A or Class B CDL, a class upgrade, or a first passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement requires training from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (49 CFR 380.600). Practice questions are study material and do not satisfy that requirement.
FMCSA Training Provider RegistryYou need a New Hampshire licence first
A commercial learner’s permit only counts if you already hold an ordinary licence from the same state (49 CFR 383.25(a)(2)). The New Hampshire non-commercial knowledge test runs 40 questions and needs 32 correct, with permits issued from age 15 years, 6 months.
New Hampshire permit practice testWhat you will practice
Build coverage topic by topic.
Each question carries a topic, difficulty, explanation, and source section so your review has context.
Sample questions
5 New Hampshire CDL practice questions
Try these New Hampshire sample questions now — each shows the correct answer with a plain-language explanation and a source section. The full 600-question bank is in the practice run.
1. Students should board a school bus:
- AWhile the bus is still rolling slowly
- BBy pushing forward in a crowd
- Slowly, in single file, and using the handrail
- DThrough the emergency roof hatch
Answer: Slowly, in single file, and using the handrail. Use the dome light when loading in the dark, and wait until students are seated facing forward before moving.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — School buses — loading
2. When passengers leave the bus at a rest stop, the driver should:
- AAsk passengers to signal by horn
- BLeave the engine running and rest
- Watch for passengers returning and account for them before departing
- DLock the doors and remain seated
Answer: Watch for passengers returning and account for them before departing. Counting riders back aboard prevents leaving someone behind, and watching the boarding area keeps people clear of the wheels.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Passenger vehicles — passenger supervision
3. On a bus, front tires must not be:
- AOf the same size
- Recapped or re-grooved
- CInflated to the sidewall maximum
- DChecked during pre-trip
Answer: Recapped or re-grooved. Federal passenger-vehicle inspection rules prohibit recapped or re-grooved tires on the front wheels.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Passenger vehicles — vehicle inspection
4. Manhole vents on tanks must be kept clear so that:
- AInsects cannot enter only
- They work correctly during transport and loading/unloading
- CDrivers can see cargo level from the cab always
- DPlacards stay dry
Answer: They work correctly during transport and loading/unloading. Blocked vents can over-pressurize or collapse tanks. Covers need good gaskets and must close correctly.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Tank vehicles — inspection
5. Why must expansion space (outage) be left in liquid tank vehicles?
- ATo reduce fuel usage
- BTo allow air brakes to recharge
- CTo make room for cargo inspection tools
- Liquids expand when heated and could rupture or leak from a full tank
Answer: Liquids expand when heated and could rupture or leak from a full tank. Outage allows room for liquid cargo to expand as temperature increases without overflowing or over-pressurizing the tank.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Tank vehicles — outage requirements
CDL knowledge areas
Classes and endorsements, organized.
Each area below scopes the reviewed question bank to one knowledge test. The material is federal, so it applies in New Hampshire just like everywhere else — the endorsement guide explains how the codes fit together.
The foundation for commercial driving: inspections, space, speed, communication, hazards, and safe operation.
- Pre-trip inspection
- Space and speed management
- Railroad crossings
- Emergency procedures
Understand air-brake components, inspections, warning devices, stopping distance, and controlled braking.
- Dual air systems
- Low-air warnings
- Brake lag and fade
- Applied-leak and static checks
Prepare for safe coupling, inspection, turning, backing, and handling of tractor-trailer combinations.
- Fifth-wheel inspection
- Coupling and uncoupling
- Off-tracking
- Trailer skid prevention
Study hazard communication, shipping papers, placards, loading rules, parking, and emergency response responsibilities.
- Hazard classes
- Placards and labels
- Shipping papers
- Loading and segregation
Learn how liquid surge, outage, bulkheads, and high centers of gravity change vehicle handling.
- Liquid surge
- Outage requirements
- Smooth braking
- Rollover prevention
Practice converter-dolly inspection, coupling order, rearward amplification, and stability principles.
- Coupling sequence
- Converter dollies
- Rearward amplification
- Space management
Prepare to inspect, load, and operate buses while keeping passengers, aisles, and exits safe.
- Vehicle inspection
- Passenger loading
- Emergency exits
- Prohibited practices
Review student loading, danger zones, mirrors, emergency procedures, and special railroad-crossing duties.
- Danger zones
- Student loading
- Mirror use
- Railroad crossings
More northeast practice
Nearby CDL practice tests
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Common questions
What this practice can—and cannot—tell you.