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100+ Free NH Motorcycle Permit Test Practice Questions

Pass your New Hampshire Motorcycle Endorsement Knowledge Test exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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An approaching driver flashes their headlights at you. The best response is to:

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B
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to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NH Motorcycle Permit Test Exam

25

Multiple-Choice Questions

New Hampshire DMV

80% (20/25)

Passing Score

New Hampshire DMV

$30

Motorcycle Learner Permit Fee

NH DMV 2026

Under 18 only

Helmet Requirement (RSA 265:122)

New Hampshire Revised Statutes

The New Hampshire motorcycle knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and riders must answer at least 20 correctly (80%) to pass. The motorcycle learner permit fee is $30 and is credited toward the motorcycle license if issued within one year. New Hampshire has NO universal helmet law — only riders and passengers under 18 must wear an approved helmet (RSA 265:122). Eye protection is required for every operator whose bike does not have a windshield (RSA 265:123). The BAC limit is 0.08% for riders 21 and older and 0.02% for riders under 21. Passing the MSF Basic Rider Course waives the DMV motorcycle skills test, and the course is mandatory for riders under 18.

Sample NH Motorcycle Permit Test Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NH Motorcycle Permit Test exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1On most motorcycles, where is the front brake lever located?
A.On the left handlebar, operated by the left hand
B.On the right handlebar, operated by the right hand
C.On the left footpeg, operated by the left foot
D.On the right footpeg, operated by the right foot
Explanation: The front brake lever is on the right handlebar and is operated with the right hand. The front brake provides about 70% of a motorcycle's stopping power, so confident, smooth use of the right-hand lever is essential. The rear brake on most motorcycles is the right-foot pedal.
2What does the clutch lever do on a motorcycle?
A.Applies the front brake
B.Disengages the engine from the rear wheel
C.Shifts gears up and down
D.Controls the throttle
Explanation: Squeezing the clutch lever on the left handlebar disengages the engine from the rear wheel so you can shift gears smoothly or come to a stop without stalling. Releasing the lever re-engages the engine and rear wheel.
3Most motorcycles use a one-down, four- or five-up gear shift pattern. How do you shift up from first gear?
A.Press the shift lever down
B.Lift the shift lever up with your left foot
C.Twist the right grip toward you
D.Press the rear brake pedal
Explanation: Standard motorcycle gearboxes use a 1-down, rest-up pattern. First gear is reached by pressing the shift lever down from neutral, and you shift up to second, third, fourth, and so on by lifting the lever upward with your left foot while squeezing the clutch.
4What does the T in the T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection stand for?
A.Throttle
B.Tires and wheels
C.Turn signals
D.Transmission
Explanation: T-CLOCS is the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's pre-ride checklist: Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights and electrics, Oil and other fluids, Chassis, and Stands. The T covers tire pressure, tread depth, and visible damage on the wheels.
5How often should you perform a T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection?
A.Once a month
B.Only after the bike has been serviced
C.Before every ride
D.Once at the start of each riding season
Explanation: The Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual recommend a T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection before every ride. A two-minute check of tires, controls, lights, fluids, chassis, and stands catches problems before they become crashes.
6Which piece of riding gear protects you from rocks, insects, wind, and debris in your eyes while riding?
A.An open-face helmet without a face shield
B.Eyeglasses, goggles, or a face shield
C.A baseball cap
D.A bandana over your face
Explanation: Under New Hampshire RSA 265:123, every motorcycle rider whose bike does not have a windshield or screen must wear eyeglasses, goggles, or a protective face shield. They keep wind, insects, gravel, and other debris out of your eyes so you can see clearly.
7Under New Hampshire RSA 265:122, who is required to wear an approved motorcycle helmet?
A.All motorcycle operators and passengers, regardless of age
B.Only motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 years of age
C.Only commercial motorcycle riders
D.Only riders without a passenger
Explanation: New Hampshire is a 'Live Free or Die' state without a universal helmet law. Under RSA 265:122, only motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 years of age must wear protective headgear approved by the director and equipped with a neck or chin strap. Safety experts still strongly recommend a DOT-approved helmet for every ride.
8Even though New Hampshire does not require adult riders to wear a helmet, why is wearing a DOT-approved helmet still strongly recommended?
A.It eliminates the need for eye protection
B.It is the single most effective piece of equipment for preventing head injuries in a crash
C.It makes you exempt from the under-21 BAC limit
D.It allows you to lane-split legally
Explanation: A DOT-approved helmet is the single most effective piece of safety equipment for reducing the risk of fatal or serious head injury in a motorcycle crash. New Hampshire law does not require adults to wear one, but the NH Motorcycle Operator Manual strongly recommends a full-face DOT helmet for every ride.
9When choosing a motorcycle helmet, what should you look for to verify it meets federal safety standards?
A.A DOT (Department of Transportation) sticker on the back of the helmet
B.A NASCAR logo
C.A novelty 'beanie' shape with no chin strap
D.Plastic shells without any inner liner
Explanation: Helmets that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 carry a DOT certification label, usually on the back of the helmet. Look for the DOT sticker and a thick (usually 1 inch) inner polystyrene liner. Novelty helmets and unmarked shells do not meet the standard.
10Which clothing combination provides the best protection while riding?
A.Shorts, sandals, and a tank top
B.A long-sleeved abrasion-resistant jacket, sturdy pants, full-fingered gloves, and over-the-ankle boots
C.A light raincoat and sneakers
D.A heavy wool sweater and dress shoes
Explanation: A long-sleeved abrasion-resistant jacket (leather or reinforced textile), sturdy pants, full-fingered gloves, and over-the-ankle boots protect skin, joints, and feet during a crash and from wind, weather, and road debris. The NH manual recommends this 'all the gear, all the time' approach.

About the NH Motorcycle Permit Test Exam

The New Hampshire motorcycle endorsement knowledge test is the written exam riders take to earn a motorcycle learner permit or motorcycle endorsement from the NH Division of Motor Vehicles. The 25-question multiple-choice test is drawn from the official New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual and covers controls, T-CLOCS inspection, body position, braking, swerving, counter-steering, SIPDE/SEE street strategy, lane positions, group riding, and New Hampshire-specific laws. Applicants must answer at least 20 of 25 questions correctly to pass (80%). New Hampshire is a 'Live Free or Die' state with no universal helmet law — helmets are required only for riders and passengers under 18 (RSA 265:122) — but eye protection is required for every rider whose motorcycle lacks a windshield (RSA 265:123).

Questions

25 scored questions

Time Limit

No strict time limit at New Hampshire DMV offices

Passing Score

80% (20 of 25 questions correct)

Exam Fee

$30 motorcycle learner permit fee (waived later if the motorcycle license is issued within one year) (New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles)

NH Motorcycle Permit Test Exam Content Outline

Section 1

Motorcycle Controls and Pre-Ride Inspection

Hand and foot controls, the T-CLOCS inspection (Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, Stands), DOT-compliant riding gear, and choosing a motorcycle that fits

Section 2

Basic Riding Skills

Body position, smooth throttle and clutch use, shifting, straight-line braking with both brakes, swerving, turning with the SLPR method (Slow, Look, Press, Roll), and counter-steering

Section 3

Street Strategies — SIPDE and SEE

Scanning with SIPDE (Search, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute) and SEE (Search, Evaluate, Execute), lane positions 1-2-3, following distance, intersections, and staggered group riding

Section 4

New Hampshire Laws and Endorsement Rules

RSA 265:122 helmet requirement for riders and passengers under 18, RSA 265:123 eye protection rule, RSA 265:121 lane-sharing limits, passenger seat and footrest requirements, BAC limits, and the MSF Basic Rider Course skills-test waiver

Section 5

Hazards, Weather, and Impaired Riding

Frost heaves, gravel and winter sand on rural roads, painted lines and railroad tracks, sudden White Mountain weather changes, deer and moose strikes, night riding, and the effects of alcohol, drugs, and fatigue

How to Pass the NH Motorcycle Permit Test Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80% (20 of 25 questions correct)
  • Exam length: 25 questions
  • Time limit: No strict time limit at New Hampshire DMV offices
  • Exam fee: $30 motorcycle learner permit fee (waived later if the motorcycle license is issued within one year)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NH Motorcycle Permit Test Study Tips from Top Performers

1Download the current New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual from the NH DMV website — every test question is based on it
2Memorize the T-CLOCS pre-ride check: Tires, Controls, Lights and electrics, Oil and other fluids, Chassis, Stands
3Know New Hampshire's BAC limits cold: 0.08% for riders 21 and older, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.02% for riders under 21
4Understand the NH-specific helmet rule — RSA 265:122 requires helmets only for riders and passengers under 18, but eye protection under RSA 265:123 applies to every rider without a windshield
5Take timed practice tests until you score 90% or higher, leaving a comfortable buffer above the 80% (20 of 25) pass mark

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the New Hampshire motorcycle permit test?

The New Hampshire motorcycle endorsement knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official New Hampshire Motorcycle Operator Manual published by the NH Division of Motor Vehicles. You must answer at least 20 of 25 correctly to pass.

What score do I need to pass the NH motorcycle written test?

Applicants must answer at least 20 of 25 questions correctly, a passing score of 80%. The same standard applies to riders under 18 and adults. The fee for the motorcycle learner permit is $30.

Does New Hampshire have a universal motorcycle helmet law?

No. New Hampshire is a 'Live Free or Die' state with no universal helmet law. Under RSA 265:122, only motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 years of age must wear an approved helmet equipped with a neck or chin strap. Adults are not required to wear a helmet, although safety experts strongly recommend a DOT-approved helmet for every ride.

Is eye protection required for motorcyclists in New Hampshire?

Yes. Under RSA 265:123, every motorcycle operator whose motorcycle is not equipped with a windshield or screen that protects the eyes and face must wear eyeglasses, goggles, or a protective face shield while the motorcycle is in motion. This requirement applies to all riders, not just those under 18.

Can two motorcycles share a lane in New Hampshire?

Yes, under RSA 265:121 a maximum of two motorcycles may share a single lane abreast in New Hampshire. Lane splitting — weaving between cars in adjacent lanes — is illegal. A staggered formation, with the lead rider in the left third of the lane and the second rider in the right third about one second behind, is the recommended formation for groups.

Can the MSF Basic Rider Course waive the New Hampshire motorcycle test?

Yes. Passing an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course in New Hampshire waives the DMV motorcycle skills test. You bring the completion card to a DMV office within one year and receive your motorcycle endorsement. The Basic Rider Course is mandatory for any applicant under 18 years old.