NH DMV Safe Driving Practices — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended following distance under normal conditions in New Hampshire?
- At least 3 seconds (Correct answer)
- 1 second
- 5 seconds
- 2 car lengths
Correct answer: At least 3 seconds
A minimum 3-second following distance provides adequate stopping room under normal driving conditions. This should be increased in adverse conditions.
Question 2: When driving in fog in New Hampshire, which headlight setting should you use?
- Low beams (Correct answer)
- High beams
- Parking lights only
- Hazard lights only
Correct answer: Low beams
Low beams should be used in fog because high beams reflect off fog particles and create glare that actually reduces visibility.
Question 3: What should you do if your vehicle begins to hydroplane on a wet New Hampshire road?
- Ease off the gas and steer straight without braking hard (Correct answer)
- Brake hard immediately
- Accelerate through the water
- Turn sharply to the side of the road
Correct answer: Ease off the gas and steer straight without braking hard
When hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator, avoid hard braking, and steer straight. The tires need to regain contact with the road surface.
Question 4: What is the safest response to a tire blowout while driving in New Hampshire?
- Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and gradually steer to safety (Correct answer)
- Brake hard and stop immediately
- Accelerate to maintain control
- Turn the wheel sharply toward the shoulder
Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and gradually steer to safety
During a blowout, hold the steering wheel firmly, gradually reduce speed by easing off the gas, and carefully guide the vehicle to a safe stopping area.
Question 5: In New Hampshire, what should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and sirens?
- Pull to the right side of the road and stop (Correct answer)
- Speed up to get out of the way
- Stop wherever you are
- Pull to the left shoulder
Correct answer: Pull to the right side of the road and stop
New Hampshire law requires drivers to pull to the right edge of the road and stop to allow emergency vehicles to pass safely.
Question 6: What is the proper technique for driving on icy roads in New Hampshire?
- Reduce speed, increase following distance, and avoid sudden movements (Correct answer)
- Drive at normal speed with extra caution
- Use cruise control for steady speed
- Follow other vehicles closely for guidance
Correct answer: Reduce speed, increase following distance, and avoid sudden movements
On icy roads, significantly reduce speed, greatly increase following distance, and make all steering, braking, and acceleration inputs very gradually.
NH DMV Safe Driving Practices
What is the recommended following distance under normal conditions in New Hampshire?