New Hampshire: Speed and following distance
New Hampshire speed limits, choosing a safe speed, stopping distance, the four-second following distance, space management and night driving. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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All 46 Speed and following distance questions with answers
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Which of these helps determine a safe speed?
- The color or make of the vehicle
- Visibility, such as night driving or fog
- The number of passengers in the vehicle
- The type of license the driver holds
Show answer
Correct answer: Visibility, such as night driving or fog
Safe speed is determined by road conditions, visibility (night driving, rain, fog, snow, etc.), heavy traffic, fast moving traffic and the condition of the vehicle.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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Speed limits are the maximum speed a driver may travel under which conditions?
- Any conditions
- Heavy traffic
- Poor visibility
- Ideal conditions
Show answer
Correct answer: Ideal conditions
Speed limits are the maximum speed you may travel under ideal conditions, so a driver may need to go slower in other conditions.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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What is the maximum speed limit in a business or urban residence district in New Hampshire?
- 30 miles per hour
- 20 miles per hour
- 25 miles per hour
- 40 miles per hour
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 miles per hour
The maximum speed limit is 30 miles per hour in any business or urban residence district.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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What is the maximum speed limit in a rural residence district in New Hampshire?
- 25 miles per hour
- 40 miles per hour
- 35 miles per hour
- 50 miles per hour
Show answer
Correct answer: 35 miles per hour
The maximum speed limit is 35 miles per hour in any rural residence district.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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Outside business, urban residence and rural residence districts, what are the maximum speed limits in other locations, apart from the listed exceptions?
- 40 or 50 miles per hour
- 45 or 55 miles per hour
- 50 or 60 miles per hour
- 40 or 60 miles per hour
Show answer
Correct answer: 45 or 55 miles per hour
In other locations the maximum speed limit is 45 or 55 miles per hour, except for the higher limits on certain divided highways.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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What is the maximum speed limit on the interstate system and the central and eastern New Hampshire turnpikes where they are divided highways of 4 or more lanes?
- 50 miles per hour
- 55 miles per hour
- 60 miles per hour
- 65 miles per hour
Show answer
Correct answer: 65 miles per hour
The limit is 65 miles per hour on the interstate system and the central and eastern New Hampshire turnpikes where they are 4-lane divided highways or other divided highways of 4 or more lanes.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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Where in New Hampshire is the maximum speed limit 70 miles per hour?
- I-93 from mile marker 45 to the Vermont border
- All of the interstate system and both turnpikes
- The central and eastern New Hampshire turnpikes
- Every divided highway with 4 or more lanes
Show answer
Correct answer: I-93 from mile marker 45 to the Vermont border
The 70 miles per hour limit applies only on the portion of I-93 from mile marker 45 to the Vermont border.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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Why can drivers who go far slower than the normal flow of traffic cause a hazard?
- They make it harder for other drivers to see speed limit signs ahead
- They block those behind, making drivers jump lanes or take chances passing
- They cause drivers ahead of them to speed up to keep a safe distance
- They prevent drivers behind them from using their headlights
Show answer
Correct answer: They block those behind, making drivers jump lanes or take chances passing
Drivers who go far slower than the normal flow of traffic often block those behind them, which makes other drivers jump from lane to lane or take chances on passing when it may not be safe.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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In a posted school zone, how does the speed limit compare with the usual posted speed limit?
- 5 miles per hour below it
- 15 miles per hour below it
- 20 miles per hour below it
- 10 miles per hour below it
Show answer
Correct answer: 10 miles per hour below it
In a posted school zone the speed limit is 10 miles per hour (mph) below the usual posted speed limit.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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When does the lower speed limit in a posted school zone apply?
- From 45 minutes before school opening until the opening, and from the closing until 45 minutes after it
- From 30 minutes before school opening until the opening, and from the closing until 30 minutes after it
- From 15 minutes before school opening until the opening, and from the closing until 15 minutes after it
- From 1 hour before school opening until the opening, and from the closing until 1 hour after it
Show answer
Correct answer: From 45 minutes before school opening until the opening, and from the closing until 45 minutes after it
The school zone limit applies from 45 minutes before school opening until the school opening, and from the school closing until 45 minutes after school closing.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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What is total stopping distance?
- The distance traveled from when the brakes are first applied until stopping
- The distance traveled while the foot moves from the gas to the brake pedal
- The distance traveled from realizing a stop is needed until the vehicle stops
- The distance traveled from seeing a hazard until the driver reacts
Show answer
Correct answer: The distance traveled from realizing a stop is needed until the vehicle stops
Total stopping distance is the distance a vehicle travels in ideal conditions from the time an operator realizes they must stop until the vehicle actually stops.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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By how much does the stopping distance of a vehicle increase when its speed is doubled?
- 2 times
- 4 times
- 3 times
- 8 times
Show answer
Correct answer: 4 times
The stopping distance of a vehicle increases 4 times when the speed of the vehicle is doubled.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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What is the average perception time for an alert driver?
- 1 to 2 seconds
- 2 to 3 seconds
- 1/4 second to 1/2 second
- ¾ second to 1 second
Show answer
Correct answer: ¾ second to 1 second
The average perception time for an alert driver is ¾ second to 1 second.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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What is reaction time when stopping a vehicle?
- The time and distance to move the foot from the gas pedal and start braking
- The time and distance to recognize that the vehicle must stop
- The time and distance for the brakes to slow the vehicle to a stop
- The time and distance to check the mirrors before braking
Show answer
Correct answer: The time and distance to move the foot from the gas pedal and start braking
Reaction time is the time and distance it takes for a driver to react and move their foot from the gas pedal and begin applying the brakes.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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At 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, about how many feet can the braking distance be?
- About 90 feet
- About 120 feet
- About 158 feet
- About 210 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: About 158 feet
At 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, it can take about 158 feet to stop.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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What is the minimum following distance the manual advises drivers to keep from a vehicle ahead?
- One second
- Four seconds
- Two seconds
- Three seconds
Show answer
Correct answer: Four seconds
For safety, drivers should avoid travelling closer to a vehicle than a four-second following distance.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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What should a driver do if another vehicle is tailgating unsafely?
- Increase speed to get away from the vehicle
- Tap the brakes repeatedly to warn the other driver
- Drive closer to the vehicle ahead to keep the lane
- Find a safe location to pull over and let the vehicle pass
Show answer
Correct answer: Find a safe location to pull over and let the vehicle pass
If being tailgated by another vehicle unsafely, drivers should find a safe location to pull over and let the vehicle pass.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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What does the manual say about following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent?
- It is a violation of the law and is punishable by a fine
- It is only a safety recommendation with no penalty
- It is a violation only when a crash happens
- It is a violation only on interstate highways
Show answer
Correct answer: It is a violation of the law and is punishable by a fine
Following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent is a violation of the law and is punishable by a fine.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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When should a driver reduce speed for a curve?
- After reaching the middle of the curve
- Only after the tires begin to skid
- While braking hard inside the curve
- Before entering the curve
Show answer
Correct answer: Before entering the curve
Drivers should always reduce speed prior to entering the curve, to a safe speed that allows slight and constant acceleration through the curve.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 17 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 17)
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In which situation should a driver reduce speed more in a curve?
- When the end of the curve cannot be seen
- When the pavement is dry and visibility is good
- When no other vehicles are on the road
- When driving a vehicle with new tires
Show answer
Correct answer: When the end of the curve cannot be seen
A driver should reduce speed more in a curve when traction is poor, when following other vehicles or when the end of the curve cannot be seen.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 17 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 17)
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What could happen if a driver brakes hard after entering a curve?
- The vehicle could suddenly pick up speed
- The brake lights could stop working
- The vehicle tires could lose traction
- The steering wheel could lock up completely
Show answer
Correct answer: The vehicle tires could lose traction
Hard braking after entry to a curve could cause the vehicle tires to lose traction.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 17 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 17)
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When should a driver reduce speed on slippery roads?
- Only after the tires begin to slide or skid
- At the first sign of rain, snow, sleet, or ice
- Only when snow covers the whole surface of the road
- Only after the vehicle ahead slows down
Show answer
Correct answer: At the first sign of rain, snow, sleet, or ice
Drivers should reduce speed at the first sign of rain, snow, sleet, or ice, because it takes longer to stop and it is harder to turn without skidding.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 17 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 17)
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What is hydroplaning?
- The tires lose air pressure after driving on a hot road
- The brakes overheat and fade during a long downhill grade
- The tires grip too hard on wet pavement and stall the steering
- The steering tires ride up on pooled water, like water skis
Show answer
Correct answer: The steering tires ride up on pooled water, like water skis
Hydroplaning occurs when the steering tires start to ride up on any pooled water, similar to the action of water skis.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 17 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 17)
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What is the best way to avoid traction loss from hydroplaning?
- Slow down in the rain or when the road has pooled water
- Brake hard as soon as the tires touch any water
- Drive faster so the tires cut through the water
- Steer sharply from side to side to clear the water
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down in the rain or when the road has pooled water
The best way to avoid traction loss from hydroplaning is to slow down in the rain or when the road is wet with pooled water or water puddles.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 17 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 17)
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Which tire condition helps prevent hydroplaning?
- Worn tires that have very little tread left
- Tires inflated slightly above the proper pressure
- Good tread depth and the proper tire pressure
- Tires with lower than normal air pressure
Show answer
Correct answer: Good tread depth and the proper tire pressure
To help prevent hydroplaning, drivers should reduce speed in the rain and make sure the tires have good tread depth and are inflated to the proper pressure.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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On gravel or dirt roads, how should drivers adjust their following distance?
- Decrease it
- Keep it the same
- Follow closely to see the road
- Increase it
Show answer
Correct answer: Increase it
On gravel or dirt roads drivers should reduce speed, increase the following distance and be aware that the vehicle may skid when trying to stop.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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On narrow rural roads, where should drivers position the vehicle?
- Centered in the travel lane
- As close to the right edge as possible
- Close to the center of the road
- Partly on the shoulder
Show answer
Correct answer: Centered in the travel lane
On narrow rural roads drivers should reduce speed, center the vehicle in the travel lane and watch for oncoming traffic that may encroach on the lane.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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How can open bridge gratings or steel bridges affect a vehicle?
- They can increase the vehicle's traction
- They can reduce the vehicle's traction
- They can improve the vehicle's braking
- They can dim the vehicle's headlights
Show answer
Correct answer: They can reduce the vehicle's traction
Open bridge gratings and steel bridges can reduce traction of a vehicle, so drivers should reduce speed, increase the following distance and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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In rural areas with reduced vision, such as blind corners created by wooded areas, crops or steep hills, what should a driver always do?
- Sound the horn and keep the same speed
- Move to the center of the road
- Keep speed and watch for oncoming traffic
- Reduce speed and be prepared to stop
Show answer
Correct answer: Reduce speed and be prepared to stop
In areas with reduced vision drivers should always reduce speed and be prepared to stop.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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How much should a driver increase the following distance for night driving conditions?
- By adding half a second
- By adding at least three additional seconds
- No increase is needed
- By adding at least one additional second
Show answer
Correct answer: By adding at least one additional second
Drivers should increase the following distance by adding at least one additional second for night driving conditions.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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How much should a driver increase the following distance when driving on unfamiliar roadways at night?
- By adding at least two additional seconds
- By adding only a quarter of a second
- By adding about half of one second
- No increase is needed
Show answer
Correct answer: By adding at least two additional seconds
Drivers should add at least two additional seconds to the following distance for driving on unfamiliar roadways at night.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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Which reminder does the manual give drivers about looking and steering?
- Turn your head before you turn the wheel
- Check your mirrors before you check the road ahead
- Slow down before you look at the traffic ahead
- Watch the car in front before you watch the sides
Show answer
Correct answer: Turn your head before you turn the wheel
The manual tells drivers to turn their head before they turn the wheel so they are aware of what is happening around the vehicle.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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How does searching help drivers?
- It lets them stop checking mirrors while driving at night
- It removes the need to keep a safe following distance
- It gives them time to change speed and/or roadway position
- It keeps their eyes fixed on one spot ahead of the vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: It gives them time to change speed and/or roadway position
Searching helps drivers see situations that could cause a problem and gives them time to change speed and/or roadway position. Drivers should keep their eyes moving.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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How does the manual say looking ahead helps drivers become aware of potential dangers?
- Keep eyes fixed only on the bumper of the vehicle ahead
- Look past the vehicles in front and continually check mirrors
- Look only at the road just in front of the hood
- Check the mirrors once at the start of each trip
Show answer
Correct answer: Look past the vehicles in front and continually check mirrors
Looking ahead down the road, looking past the vehicles in front of the driver and continually checking mirrors make drivers aware of potential dangers.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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What should a driver behind a large vehicle do?
- Follow closely to stay out of the wind
- Stay directly behind it at the same speed
- Speed up so its driver sees them in the mirror
- Adjust their speed and road position
Show answer
Correct answer: Adjust their speed and road position
Following a larger vehicle too closely limits how far a driver can see, so a driver behind a large vehicle should adjust speed and road position.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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How can a driver determine their following distance?
- Measure the gap in feet between the two vehicles at a stop
- Count the vehicles between their car and the next intersection
- Estimate the distance in feet and divide it by the speed limit
- Count the seconds it takes to reach a point the vehicle ahead has passed
Show answer
Correct answer: Count the seconds it takes to reach a point the vehicle ahead has passed
The driver watches when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a sign, pole or other stationary point, then counts the seconds it takes to reach the same point.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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A driver counts and finds they are following the vehicle ahead closer than four seconds. What should the driver do?
- Reduce speed and count again at another stationary point
- Keep the same speed and watch the vehicle ahead closely
- Move to the center of the lane to see farther ahead
- Flash the headlights to ask the vehicle ahead to speed up
Show answer
Correct answer: Reduce speed and count again at another stationary point
The driver should reduce speed and count again at another stationary point, repeating until following no closer than four seconds.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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How does the manual suggest drivers practice judging following distance?
- Measure the gap in feet between vehicles and compare it with the posted speed limit
- Memorize how many car lengths fit between vehicles at each speed
- Guess the seconds to an object, then count the seconds it actually takes
- Follow a vehicle at one second and add a second every mile
Show answer
Correct answer: Guess the seconds to an object, then count the seconds it actually takes
Drivers can practice by guessing how many seconds away the vehicle is from an object and then counting the seconds it actually takes to reach the object.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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What happens when a driver closely follows the vehicle in front of them?
- It makes the driver more aware of the brake lights ahead
- It limits their vision of the road and does not allow enough time to react
- It lets the driver see farther by using the vehicle ahead as a guide
- It gives the driver extra time to react to hazards in the road
Show answer
Correct answer: It limits their vision of the road and does not allow enough time to react
A driver that closely follows the vehicle in front limits their vision of the road and does not allow enough time to react to avoid a collision.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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Which of these affects the space needed between a vehicle and potential hazards?
- The color of the vehicle
- The brand of the vehicle
- The model year of the vehicle
- Weather and road conditions
Show answer
Correct answer: Weather and road conditions
Traffic, speed, light, weather and road conditions all affect the space needed between the vehicle being driven and potential hazards.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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What is the result of allowing more space between a driver's vehicle and other roadway users?
- The driver has more time to react
- The driver meets more traffic ahead
- Other drivers have a harder time seeing the vehicle
- The driver has less time to watch the road ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: The driver has more time to react
The more space drivers allow between their vehicle and other roadway users, the more time the driver has to react.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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On which kind of road should drivers increase their following distance?
- A dry, straight road in daylight
- A road with no other traffic nearby
- A slippery road
- A road with a newly painted center line
Show answer
Correct answer: A slippery road
Drivers should increase the following distance on slippery roads.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
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A driver is following a large truck or a vehicle pulling a trailer. What should the driver do about the following distance?
- Keep the same following distance as behind a car
- Increase the following distance
- Decrease it so the truck driver can see the car
- Follow as closely as possible to block the wind
Show answer
Correct answer: Increase the following distance
Drivers should increase the following distance when following large vehicles like trucks, buses, recreational vehicles and vehicles pulling a trailer.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
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What should drivers do about their following distance at night, in fog or in bad weather?
- Shorten the following distance to keep the vehicle ahead in sight
- Keep the same following distance as in clear daylight
- Follow only as far back as the car ahead's tail lights
- Increase the following distance
Show answer
Correct answer: Increase the following distance
Drivers should increase the following distance at night, in fog or in bad weather.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
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Why should drivers increase the following distance behind transit buses, school buses or vehicles carrying hazardous materials?
- They are required to stop at railroad crossings
- They always drive faster than other traffic
- They cannot use their turn signals
- They are not allowed to use the right lane
Show answer
Correct answer: They are required to stop at railroad crossings
Drivers should increase the following distance when following vehicles required to stop at railroad crossings, such as transit buses, school buses or vehicles carrying hazardous materials.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)
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Which of these helps a driver maintain a safe distance from the vehicles following?
- Braking suddenly to discourage tailgaters
- Driving below the speed limit in the left lane
- Driving at a steady speed
- Changing lanes without signaling
Show answer
Correct answer: Driving at a steady speed
To keep a safe distance from vehicles behind, drivers should drive at a steady speed, signal in advance and increase the following distance in front.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 31 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 31)