View instructions
To obtain a CDL, you will be required to pass a vehicle inspection test. The vehicle inspection test, formerly known as pre-trip, is a skills test to see if you identify which features and equipment on the test vehicle should be inspected before driving. During the test, you will be asked to do an inspection of your vehicle. You will be expected to show your knowledge of the inspection process and you will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. During the CDL inspection test, DMV does not allow the use of testing aids, other than the vehicle inspection guide in the New Hampshire CDL Manual. To prepare for the test, study the following sections of the CDL manual: Driving Safely and the Vehicle Inspection Test. If you do not pass the CDL inspection test, the other skills tests will be postponed.
1.
When you inspect the front of your vehicle as part of the walk around inspection, you check all of the following EXCEPT:
|
the air pressure gauge.
|
|
|
the condition of your front axle.
|
|
|
the condition of the steering system.
|
|
|
the condition of the windshield.
|
2.
During the pre-trip inspection, when starting the engine you should:
|
check the coolant level in the radiator.
|
|
|
fasten your safety belt.
|
|
|
press the brake pedal.
|
|
|
listen for unusual noises.
|
3.
When checking the steering system for defects, you should look for:
|
loose, broken, or missing tailpipes.
|
|
|
bent, loose, or broken parts, such as tie rods.
|
|
|
cut or cracked valve stems.
|
|
|
missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring.
|
4.
When taking the road test, you must do all of the following except:
|
Drive in a safe and responsible manner
|
|
|
Obey all traffic signs
|
|
|
Wear your safety belt
|
|
|
Tell the examiner where you'd like to drive
|
5.
Name some things you should check on the FRONT of your vehicle during your pre-trip inspection.
|
U-Bolts, anchor plate and bellows
|
|
|
Oil, transmission, air compressor, and radiator
|
|
|
Low beams, high beams, four-way flashers, and turn signals
|
|
|
None of the above.
|
6.
_______ are one of the most common problems found in roadside inspections.
|
Air hoses connected to the brake chambers
|
|
|
Out-of-adjustment brakes
|
|
|
Brake drums
|
|
|
Slack adjusters
|
7.
When taking the road test, you will be evaluated on your gear usage. You should do all of the following except:
|
not grind the gears.
|
|
|
select a gear that does not lug the engine.
|
|
|
select a gear that does not rev the engine.
|
|
|
shift in turns and intersections.
|
8.
What is a pull up when referring to truck driving?
|
A specific maneuver used to decelerate smoothly in the exit lane.
|
|
|
When a driver stops and pulls forward to get a better position.
|
|
|
Using the speedometer to know when to shift up.
|
|
|
A driving maneuver used to pull your vehicle over to the side of the road and stop.
|
9.
When making a lane change during the skills test, you should:
|
avoid using your mirrors.
|
|
|
come to a complete stop first.
|
|
|
apply the parking brake.
|
|
|
make the necessary traffic checks first.
|
10.
When checking the steering system during your pre-trip inspection you should look for:
|
mismatched lock rings.
|
|
|
shoes or pads with oil or grease on them.
|
|
|
steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees.
|
|
|
cracked drums.
|
Page 1 of 2
Next page
Grade this page
Frequently Asked Questions
You can start learning to drive at the age of 15 ½, under the supervision of a parent/guardian or a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old. However, you become eligible to apply for a driver’s license (class D) only when you reach the age of 16. If you are between 16 and 21 years old, you may apply for a youth operator license. For individuals under 18, it is mandatory to attend an approved driver education program and complete 40 hours of supervised driving.
To take the DMV written test, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment. Choose a specific New Hampshire DMV branch, date, and time. While walk-in services are available, customers with appointments are given priority.
If you're a first-time applicant for a driver's license, make sure you have the following documents:
- Completed Driver License Application (DSMV 450).
- Proof of identity.
- Proof of residency.
If you are under 18 years of age, additional requirements include:
- Green Driver Education Completion Certificate issued by your driver education instructor.
- A Parent or Guardian Authorization Certificate.
- A completed Certification of Additional Supervised Driving signed by a parent or guardian.
The DMV written test is provided in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Portuguese, Farsi, and American Sign Language. An automated oral test is also available for individuals who do not read English. If you prefer this option, please inform the customer service representative when you take the exam.
The best way to prepare for the DMV written test is by reading the New Hampshire Driver’s Handbook, which contains information about road signs, safe driving practices, and road rules in New Hampshire. After studying the manual, test your preparation with our free practice tests!
The DMV written test in New Hampshire consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and is conducted on a touch screen monitor. You'll be given 40 minutes to complete the test. Each question presents four possible answers, and you must select the correct one by touching the corresponding letter on the screen.
You need to answer at least 32 out of 40 questions correctly. If you miss more than 8 questions, the test will automatically end. It's important to stay focused during the exam and take the time to read the questions carefully to minimize errors and pass the DMV written test on the first attempt.
For drivers under 18 years of age with a youth operator license, there are specific restrictions:
- Driving a motor vehicle is not allowed between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.
- For the first six months, driving a motor vehicle with more than one passenger under 25 years of age (except siblings) is prohibited unless accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old.
- Operating a motor vehicle with more passengers than available seat belts is not permitted.
New Hampshire doesn’t issue permits. If you are under 21, after passing the required tests (vision, knowledge, and road), you’ll receive a temporary license valid for 60 days. The youth operator license will be mailed to your address within 60 days. This license will be vertically-oriented and will expire when you reach 21 years old. At that point, you can apply for a renewal of your driver's license to obtain a horizontally-oriented license.
If you fail the DMV written test, you'll need to wait for 10 calendar days before you can take it again. During these days, review the manual once again and concentrate on areas where you may need additional preparation to improve your knowledge for the next attempt.