New Hampshire DMV Practice Test 2
Practice Test 2 covers New Hampshire's precision driving rules — the specific 15-foot stop distance from the nearest rail at railroad crossings with signals, the 300-foot signal requirement before turning on a highway, the divided roadway definition and what it means for traffic flow, what a guide sign provides, the safest action when unsure about passing, and the complete range of New Hampshire road rules. New Hampshire's many active rail crossings and highway system make these precision rules especially important.
Why Take This New Hampshire Practice Test?
Practice Test 2 introduces New Hampshire's 15-foot railroad crossing stop distance and 300-foot highway signal requirement — both specific numbers tested directly on the NH DMV exam. These reward thorough study of the official New Hampshire Driver's Manual.
Sample Questions from This Test
The questions below come directly from this test's question bank. Each is based on the official New Hampshire Driver Handbook. See how many you can answer before starting — then take the full test above for answers and complete explanations.
- How far from the nearest rail must you stop at a railroad crossing with signals?
- When should you signal before turning on a highway?
- What does a divided roadway indicate?
- What does a guide sign usually provide?
- What is the safest action when unsure about passing?
Take the test above to see correct answers and read the full explanations for every question.
New Hampshire DMV Topics Covered in This Test
Every question in this test is drawn from the official New Hampshire Driver Handbook. Here is a breakdown of the specific topics covered:
- Railroad Stop Distance — stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail at signalized crossings
- Highway Signal Distance — signal at least 300 feet before turning on a highway
- Divided Roadway — a road with a physical median or barrier separating opposing traffic
- Guide Sign Purpose — provides direction, distance, and route information to drivers
- Safest Passing Action — when in doubt, do not pass
- Fire Truck Following Distance — 500 feet from a responding fire truck
- Solid Yellow on Your Side — no passing from your direction
- Broken Yellow — passing permitted from your side when safe
- Passing Prohibited — hills, curves, intersections within 100 feet, solid yellow
- Lane Change Prerequisites — signal, mirrors, blind spot, then move
- Emergency Vehicle — pull right and stop, yield until vehicle passes
- School Bus Stop — when not required on divided highway opposite side
- Tailgater Response — increase forward space, do not brake check
- Reaction Time and Distance — time/distance before braking begins
- Stopping Distance — increases with speed, poor conditions, weight
New Hampshire DMV Test — Key Facts
Knowing the specific numbers and rules before your New Hampshire written knowledge test gives you a real advantage. Here are the key facts for this test:
- New Hampshire railroad stop distance: Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail at railroad crossings with signals — a specific NH distance
- New Hampshire highway signal: Signal at least 300 feet before turning on a highway — longer than the standard 100 feet for regular roads
- Divided roadway in New Hampshire: A road separated by a physical barrier or median — traffic flows in both directions but is physically separated
- Guide sign: Green sign providing directions, distances, and route information
- When in doubt, do not pass: The NH Driver's Manual's specific guidance for uncertain passing situations
- New Hampshire active rail crossings: NH's freight and commuter rail lines have many grade crossings — the 15-foot stop rule is critical
How to Use This Test Effectively
Getting the most out of your New Hampshire DMV practice time takes more than clicking through questions. Use these strategies:
- New Hampshire's railroad stop distance: 15 feet from the nearest rail. When approaching a railroad crossing with signals in New Hampshire, you must stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail. This specific distance — 15 feet — is tested directly on the NH DMV exam.
- New Hampshire highway signal: 300 feet — longer than regular roads. When turning on a New Hampshire highway, signal at least 300 feet before the turn. This is significantly longer than the standard 100-foot requirement for regular roads and is directly tested.
- Divided roadway definition: physical separation, not just paint. A divided roadway has a physical median, raised curb, or barrier separating opposing directions of traffic. In New Hampshire, this affects school bus stop requirements — you don't need to stop for a bus on the opposite side of a divided highway.
- Guide signs are green and provide route information. New Hampshire's green guide signs provide direction, distance, and route information. These are informational — not regulatory or warning signs.
- When unsure about passing: don't. The New Hampshire Driver's Manual states clearly that if you are uncertain about whether it is safe to pass, the safest action is to not pass. This is tested directly on the NH DMV exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Practice Test 2 cover?
Practice Test 2 covers the 15-foot railroad stop distance, 300-foot highway signal requirement, divided roadway definition, guide sign purpose, safest action when unsure about passing, fire truck following, passing prohibition distances, and the complete New Hampshire road sign and signal system.
What is New Hampshire's specific railroad crossing stop distance?
At least 15 feet from the nearest rail when stopping at a railroad crossing with signals. This specific 15-foot distance is tested directly on the New Hampshire DMV written knowledge exam.
How far in advance must I signal when turning on a New Hampshire highway?
At least 300 feet before the turn. This is significantly longer than the standard 100-foot requirement for non-highway roads in New Hampshire. The 300-foot requirement ensures other highway drivers have sufficient warning of your intended turn.
What does a divided roadway mean in New Hampshire?
A road with a physical median, raised curb, concrete barrier, or other physical separator dividing opposing lanes of traffic. A divided roadway affects school bus stop requirements — drivers on the opposite side of a divided highway do not have to stop for a school bus.
What should I do when unsure about passing in New Hampshire?
Do not pass. The New Hampshire Driver's Manual states that when you are uncertain about whether it is safe to pass, the safest action is to not attempt the pass. Wait for a clearly safe opportunity.
Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers
All 50 questions from New Hampshire Practice Test 2 are listed below with correct answers and explanations. This test covers New Hampshire's precise numbers — 15-foot railroad stop, 300-foot highway signal, and 500-foot fire truck following distance — that are directly tested on the NH DMV exam.
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Q1. What does a steady red traffic signal require you to do?
Correct answer: Stop until the signal changes
Why: A steady red light requires a complete stop until the signal changes.
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Q2. What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean?
Correct answer: Proceed with caution
Why: A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully.
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Q3. Who has the right of way at an uncontrolled intersection?
Correct answer: The vehicle on the right
Why: At uncontrolled intersections, drivers must yield to vehicles on the right.
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Q4. What does a broken yellow centerline allow?
Correct answer: Passing when safe
Why: Broken yellow lines allow passing when it can be done safely.
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Q5. What does a solid yellow line on your side of the road mean?
Correct answer: No passing
Why: A solid yellow line means passing is not allowed on your side.
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Q6. What must drivers do when an emergency vehicle approaches using lights and siren?
Correct answer: Pull to the right and stop
Why: Drivers must pull to the right edge of the roadway and stop.
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Q7. What does a green traffic signal mean?
Correct answer: Proceed if the intersection is clear
Why: A green light allows you to go if the intersection is clear.
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Q8. When may you turn right on a red signal?
Correct answer: After stopping if not prohibited
Why: Right turns on red are allowed after stopping unless a sign prohibits it.
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Q9. What does a yield sign require you to do?
Correct answer: Slow down and yield if necessary
Why: Yield signs require drivers to slow and give the right of way when needed.
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Q10. What do white lane markings separate?
Correct answer: Same-direction traffic
Why: White lines separate traffic moving in the same direction.
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Q11. What do yellow lane markings separate?
Correct answer: Opposing traffic
Why: Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
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Q12. What should you do when traffic signals are not operating?
Correct answer: Treat the intersection as a stop
Why: Non-working traffic signals must be treated as stop signs.
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Q13. What does a crossbuck sign indicate?
Correct answer: Railroad crossing
Why: Crossbuck signs identify railroad crossings.
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Q14. How far from the nearest rail must you stop at a railroad crossing with signals?
Correct answer: 15–50 feet
Why: Drivers must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail.
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Q15. What must you do when a school bus displays flashing red lights?
Correct answer: Stop
Why: Drivers must stop when a school bus has flashing red lights.
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Q16. When do you not have to stop for a school bus?
Correct answer: On a divided highway opposite side
Why: You do not stop when traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway.
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Q17. When must turn signals be used before turning?
Correct answer: 100 feet
Why: Turn signals must be used at least 100 feet before turning.
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Q18. When should you signal before turning on a highway?
Correct answer: 500 feet
Why: On highways, signals should be given at least 500 feet before turning.
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Q19. What is the recommended minimum following distance?
Correct answer: Three seconds
Why: A minimum three-second following distance is recommended.
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Q20. What increases stopping distance?
Correct answer: Wet or icy roads
Why: Wet or icy roads increase stopping distance.
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Q21. When is passing prohibited?
Correct answer: Near hills or curves
Why: Passing is prohibited where visibility is limited.
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Q22. How close to an intersection is passing prohibited?
Correct answer: 100 feet
Why: Passing is prohibited within 100 feet of an intersection.
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Q23. When is passing on the right allowed?
Correct answer: When the vehicle ahead is turning left
Why: Passing on the right is allowed when the vehicle ahead is making a left turn.
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Q24. What should you do before changing lanes?
Correct answer: Signal and check blind spots
Why: Drivers must signal and check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
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Q25. When should you never change lanes?
Correct answer: In an intersection
Why: Lane changes should not be made within intersections.
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Q26. What does a pentagon-shaped sign indicate?
Correct answer: School zone
Why: Pentagon-shaped signs warn of school zones or crossings.
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Q27. What does a circular yellow sign warn of?
Correct answer: Railroad crossing ahead
Why: Circular signs warn drivers of railroad crossings ahead.
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Q28. What should you do if another vehicle is tailgating you?
Correct answer: Slow down and let them pass
Why: Slowing down encourages the tailgater to pass safely.
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Q29. How close may you follow a fire truck responding to an alarm?
Correct answer: 500 feet
Why: Drivers may not follow closer than 500 feet.
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Q30. What is reaction time?
Correct answer: Time to move foot to the brake
Why: Reaction time is the time it takes to move your foot to the brake.
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Q31. What is reaction distance?
Correct answer: Distance traveled before braking
Why: Reaction distance is how far the vehicle travels before braking begins.
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Q32. What determines a safe driving speed?
Correct answer: Road and traffic conditions
Why: Safe speed depends on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
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Q33. What should you do when road conditions are poor?
Correct answer: Reduce speed
Why: Drivers should reduce speed in poor conditions.
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Q34. What does a rectangular sign usually indicate?
Correct answer: Regulation or guidance
Why: Rectangular signs provide regulations or guidance.
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Q35. What does a brown traffic sign indicate?
Correct answer: Recreation or tourist information
Why: Brown signs provide recreation or tourist guidance.
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Q36. What must you do when approaching a yield sign?
Correct answer: Slow and yield if needed
Why: Yield signs require slowing and yielding the right of way if necessary.
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Q37. What does a solid white line mean?
Correct answer: No lane change
Why: A solid white line indicates lane changes are not allowed.
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Q38. What should you do when approaching a curve with limited visibility?
Correct answer: Reduce speed
Why: Reducing speed helps maintain control and visibility.
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Q39. What should you do if you miss your turn?
Correct answer: Continue and turn later
Why: Drivers should continue and safely reroute.
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Q40. What should you do before slowing suddenly?
Correct answer: Tap brakes
Why: Tapping brakes warns drivers behind you.
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Q41. What should you do when being passed by another vehicle?
Correct answer: Maintain or reduce speed
Why: Drivers should not speed up when being passed.
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Q42. What does a divided roadway indicate?
Correct answer: Traffic separated by a median
Why: Divided roadways separate opposing traffic with a median.
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Q43. What should you do when approaching an uncontrolled railroad crossing?
Correct answer: Slow down and look both ways
Why: Drivers must slow and check for trains.
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Q44. What does a guide sign usually provide?
Correct answer: Directions and distances
Why: Guide signs provide destination and distance information.
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Q45. What does a steady yellow traffic signal warn you to do?
Correct answer: Prepare to stop
Why: A yellow light warns the signal is about to turn red.
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Q46. What must drivers do at a four-way stop?
Correct answer: First vehicle to stop goes first
Why: The first vehicle to stop has the right of way.
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Q47. What does a flashing red signal indicate?
Correct answer: Stop like a stop sign
Why: Flashing red signals require a complete stop.
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Q48. What is the safest action when unsure about passing?
Correct answer: Do not pass
Why: When in doubt, do not pass.
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Q49. What should you do when stopped behind another vehicle on a hill?
Correct answer: Leave space
Why: Leaving space allows for rollback room.
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Q50. What is required of drivers approaching pedestrians in a crosswalk?
Correct answer: Yield
Why: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.