Free New Hampshire CDL Practice Tests — Your Complete Study Guide
Pass your New Hampshire CDL permit exam with 80%+ on the first try
To obtain a CDL in New Hampshire, you must pass three written permit tests — General Knowledge, Combination Vehicles, and Air Brakes — at the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles. Similar to a regular driver's license permit exam, these are timed, multiple-choice tests based on the official New Hampshire CDL handbook.
All of our practice material is built from the official New Hampshire CDL handbook and federal resources, and curated by professionals with over 10 years of experience in the commercial transportation industry. Studying with practice tests that mirror the real exam format is one of the most effective ways to pass on your first try.
On this page you'll find free practice tests for all three sections. For the full question bank and additional study features, download the CDL Help app.
What Are You Preparing For?
Select one or more options so we can show you exactly which tests you need to take.
Most drivers choose Class A CDL. It's required for any combination vehicle over 26,001 lbs — tractor-trailers, semis, and 18-wheelers. If you're not sure, this is the safest pick.
Class A CDL
Combination vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR. Required for tractor-trailers, tanker trucks, flatbeds, and most long-haul jobs.
Class B CDL
Single vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR. Common for straight trucks, large buses, dump trucks, and box trucks.
Endorsements
HazMat, Tanker, Doubles & Triples, and Passenger are add-ons for specific job requirements. If you're unsure, you don't need them — they can be added later.
What You Need to Study
Endorsement Tests
Additional endorsements you may need depending on the type of vehicle or cargo you plan to operate.
CDL Requirements in New Hampshire
- To obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) in New Hampshire, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old. Drivers aged 18-20 receive a "K" restriction (Intrastate Only) — they may only operate a CMV within New Hampshire.
- Must be at least 21 years old for interstate (unrestricted) CDL privileges.
- Must be domiciled (principal residence) in New Hampshire.
- Non-U.S. citizens who are legally residing in NH may obtain a CDL. Documentation of lawful status is required per the REAL ID Act.
- A valid, current Medical Certificate (Medical Card) is required when applying for and renewing a CDL. Failure to keep a current medical card on file risks loss of CDL privileges regardless of employment status.
- CLP is required before obtaining a CDL. CLP is valid for 180 days and may be renewed one time if knowledge examinations were completed within a one-year period. CLP holder must hold permit for minimum of 14 days before CDL road test.
- ELDT must be completed for first-time Class A CDL, Class B CDL, Passenger (P), School Bus (S), and Hazardous Materials (H) endorsements.
- All CDL knowledge tests are multiple choice, passing grade 80%. Available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Portuguese, Farsi, and American Sign Language. Failed exams: must wait 10 calendar days before retesting.
- Road test: must hold CLP for at least 14 days. Failed road test: must wait at least 10 days before retesting.
- CDL Classes: Class A (GVWR 26,001+ lbs, towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs), Class B (single vehicle GVWR 26,001+ lbs), Class C (16+ passengers or hazmat placarding).
- Endorsements: H (Hazmat — 30-question test + TSA Fingerprint Clearance via Hazprints at 855-347-8371), N (Tank Vehicle), P (Passenger), S (School Bus), T (Double/Triple Trailers), X (Hazmat + Tank combo).
- Fee: Class A CDL $60.00. Full fee schedule in DSMV 312. NH CDLs follow a 5-year renewal cycle. CDL holders are not eligible for online renewal.
Your Path to a Commercial Driver's License
To get a CDL, you must first study for and pass the permit exam at the DMV. After you receive your permit, you can take commercial vehicle driving classes and complete the required training. The final step is passing the official driving exam to earn your CDL. Our practice tests help you prepare for the DMV permit exam with real-style questions, and we also provide extra study materials and helpful resources to guide you through the process.
Official New Hampshire CDL Handbook
The official New Hampshire Commercial Driver's License Manual covers every topic tested on the state's CDL knowledge exam — but it reads like a dense reference manual, not a structured study guide. A more effective way to prepare is with our General Knowledge practice tests. Our free New Hampshire CDL permit practice test mirrors the format and content of the official exam and is fully up to date as of February 2026. Each practice test features 20 questions covering essential topics such as vehicle inspection, safe driving techniques, air brakes, cargo securement, driving emergencies, hazardous conditions, and New Hampshire-specific commercial driving regulations. Unlike the official test, every practice question comes with a helpful hint and a detailed explanation of the correct answer — so you actually learn from every question you answer.
- Complete CDL regulations and New Hampshire-specific requirements
- Safe driving techniques, vehicle inspection, and cargo handling
- All endorsement categories and testing requirements
Non-Domiciled CDL Information
Important information about non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses in New Hampshire.
Federal regulations on non-domiciled CDLs are changing rapidly. The information below reflects the latest known state actions.
New Hampshire has a dedicated statutory provision for nonresident (non-domiciled) CDLs under RSA 263:89. A foreign driver domiciled outside the U.S. (in a country other than Canada or Mexico, where CDL standards do not meet U.S. federal standards) applying for a New Hampshire nonresident CDL must complete all NH CDL requirements — the same as a domiciled resident. The word "NONRESIDENT" must appear on the face of the nonresident CDL. The applicant must surrender any nonresident CDL issued by another state. New Hampshire has not been publicly identified as being under an FMCSA corrective action plan. Under the FMCSA final rule published on February 13, 2026, eligibility for non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs is limited to foreign-domiciled individuals holding specific employment-based nonimmigrant statuses (H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 visa holders). New Hampshire is expected to comply with these federal requirements.[FMCSA Final Rule]
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
Federal ELP enforcement applies to all CDL holders nationwide.
Federal ELP enforcement applies to all CDL holders nationwide. Here is how it is enforced in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire does not currently administer a separate state-level English Language Proficiency (ELP) test for CDL applicants. However, all New Hampshire CDL holders are subject to federal ELP enforcement, which took effect on June 25, 2025. Under this enforcement, roadside inspectors conduct a two-step assessment: first, a conversational interview in English — no interpreters or translation tools are permitted — to evaluate whether the driver can communicate sufficiently in English; second, the driver must demonstrate the ability to read and interpret standard U.S. traffic signs. Drivers who fail either step of the assessment are placed out of service under CVSA guidelines. New Hampshire CDL applicants should be prepared to demonstrate English proficiency during any roadside inspection or compliance review.