New Hampshire permit test: vehicle checks, loads and winter clearing
Pre-trip vehicle checks, mirrors and seat, securing loads, towing, snow and ice removal and vehicle warning systems. 10 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember6 key vehicle checks, loads and winter clearing rulesShow the rules
- There should be 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel, without the seat so far back that you cannot steer. (p. 17, New Hampshire Driver's Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Under- or over-inflated tires and low tread cause safety problems, so it is recommended that tire pressure be checked once a month. (p. 17, New Hampshire Driver's Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- A load is only secure when nothing can slide, shift, fall or sift onto the road, or become airborne. (p. 18, New Hampshire Driver's Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Air bags are supplemental restraints designed to work best with safety belts. (p. 18, New Hampshire Driver's Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Blind spot warnings help, but drivers should still check their mirrors and look over their shoulders before changing lanes. (p. 25, New Hampshire Driver's Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- A forward collision warning alerts you to a slower or stopped object ahead so you can brake or swerve. (p. 25, New Hampshire Driver's Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample vehicle checks, loads and winter clearing questions
1.How should a head restraint be adjusted to help prevent whiplash?
- ATilted forward to touch your hair only
- BResting on your neck below the ears
- CTouching the back of your head, not below the ears
- DLowered all the way for better rear view
Show the answer
✓ C. Touching the back of your head, not below the ears
Head restraints prevent whiplash. Adjust them to touch the back of your head, but not below the ears.
2.After a snowstorm, you want to drive with snow still on your car roof. What does New Hampshire law require?
- AClear snow and ice off the whole vehicle
- BClear only the windshield
- CClear snow only from trucks over 10,000 pounds
- DClear snow only if driving on highways
Show the answer
✓ A. Clear snow and ice off the whole vehicle
Since 2002, NH law (Jessica's Law) requires drivers to remove all snow and ice from their vehicles before driving, because it can block your view or fly off and hit others.
3.Snow flies off your car and endangers another driver. What is the penalty range for a first offense?
- A$1,000 to $2,000
- B$250 to $500
- C$100 to $200
- D$50 to $100
Show the answer
✓ B. $250 to $500
Driving in a way that endangers people or property, such as with loose snow and ice, can be Negligent Driving with a $250 to $500 penalty for a first offense.
4.Your car has air bags. Should you still wear your safety belt?
- AOnly if you sit in the back seat
- BOnly on highways over 50 mph
- CNo, air bags replace safety belts
- DYes, air bags work best with safety belts
Show the answer
✓ D. Yes, air bags work best with safety belts
Air bags are supplemental restraints designed to work best with safety belts. Belts should always be worn, even in cars with air bags.