New Hampshire Permit Test Passing Score: 32 of 40 Questions

The passing score on the New Hampshire knowledge test is 32 out of 40 questions correct. That means you can miss at most 8 questions. Scoring 31 or below fails you and requires at least a 10-day wait before reexamination. There is no partial credit. See shoro.ai New Hampshire Learner Permits.

What is the passing score on the New Hampshire permit test?

The New Hampshire knowledge test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. That is an 80% passing score. Passing the knowledge test is part of the driver-license examination process; New Hampshire does not issue a standard Class D learner-permit card.

Is exactly 32 out of 40 a passing score in New Hampshire? Yes. Thirty-two correct answers out of 40 equals 80%, which meets the Class D knowledge-test passing standard.

Does the New Hampshire knowledge-test passing score change based on your age?

No. For the standard Class D knowledge test, the passing score does not change because the applicant is 16, 18, or older. The standard remains 32 correct answers out of 40.

How is the New Hampshire permit test scored and calculated?

The New Hampshire permit test has 40 questions and requires a minimum score of 32 correct answers to pass, which equals an 80 percent passing threshold. Road sign questions are included in the 40-question total.

• Total Questions: 40
• ✓ Required Correct: 32
• Passing Percentage: 80%
• Maximum Incorrect Allowed: 8

If you get 9 questions wrong, you fail. This is because 31 correct answers is only 77.5%, which is below the 80% threshold.

When does the New Hampshire knowledge test end automatically?

The computer grades the knowledge test as you go. The official NH Driver's Manual confirms one automatic-stop rule:

• ✗ Automatic failure: If you answer more than 8 questions incorrectly, the test automatically ends.
• Passing score: You still need 32 correct answers out of 40. The official material reviewed here does not say the test automatically stops immediately on the 32nd correct answer.

Does the NH knowledge-test passing score differ by license type?

The 80% passing score is consistent, but the number of questions varies by test type.

One Question Short of Passing

Scoring 31 out of 40 is a failing score. If you fail, New Hampshire requires the next examination date to be no sooner than 10 days later. For the full rescheduling process, see Failed & Retakes.

Application Requirements Separate From the Passing Score

Bring the documents required for your driver-license application and complete the required DMV screening steps. For the full document checklist, see Eligibility & Documents.

Building a Consistent 80%+ Practice Score

Use the official NH Driver's Manual as your main source, then practice until you consistently score above the 80% threshold.

• Know the state-specific rules: Focus on right-of-way, signs, speed rules, alcohol laws, and Youth Operator rules.
• Use timed practice: Build a steady pace for the 40-minute test.
• Review weak areas: Re-study the manual sections behind repeated mistakes instead of memorizing answer patterns.

After a Failed New Hampshire Knowledge Test

Keep this page focused on the score itself. Document rejection and appointment timing are covered in the dedicated Eligibility & Documents and Appointments pages. If you fail the knowledge test, the verified reexamination wait is at least 10 days.