NH Motorcycle Permit Test cheat sheet

A New Hampshire driver's license carries a motorcycle endorsement (class M) added after the rider passes a knowledge test and a skills/road test, or earns a waiver through an approved rider training course.

A motorcycle endorsement is an addition to a valid driver's license; a person who holds only a motorcycle license may not operate a standard passenger vehicle.

New Hampshire requires a motorcycle helmet for all operators and passengers regardless of age; eye protection is also required unless the motorcycle has a windshield or the rider wears a helmet with a face shield.

A motorcycle learner permit allows riding only when accompanied by a licensed motorcycle operator who is at least 18 and has held a motorcycle endorsement for at least one year, and it restricts riding to daylight hours.

Applicants under 18 must generally hold a motorcycle learner permit for a minimum period and complete a rider training course before the road test; the permit is not valid for carrying passengers.

A motorcycle may not carry a passenger unless the motorcycle is designed and equipped with a passenger seat and footrests for that passenger.

Lane splitting (riding between lanes of moving traffic) is not authorized in New Hampshire; a motorcycle is entitled to the full use of a lane.

A motorcycle endorsement may be suspended or revoked for the same traffic violations that affect a driver's license, including DWI and excessive points; reinstatement requires fees and, in some cases, retesting.

New Hampshire's rider training is administered through the state's Motorcycle Rider Training Program, which uses curricula modeled on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic RiderCourse and experienced-rider courses.

Successful completion of an approved Basic RiderCourse can waive the state knowledge and skills test for endorsement applicants; the course completion card is presented to the DMV as proof.

Courses combine classroom instruction with closed-range riding exercises; students typically must pass a written evaluation and a range skills evaluation to receive a completion card.

The Basic RiderCourse generally supplies training motorcycles and helmets, so beginners do not need to own a motorcycle to enroll; personal protective gear such as gloves, long sleeves, and over-the-ankle footwear is required.

Courses are taught by state-certified RiderCoaches who must maintain certification and first-aid/CPR credentials through the sponsoring program.

Training covers the FINE-C pre-ride inspection (Fuel, Ignition, Neutral, Engine cut-off, Choke/Clutch), low-speed clutch control, braking, swerving, and cornering.

The experienced-rider course (such as the Basic RiderCourse 2) is aimed at riders who already operate a motorcycle and focuses on advanced braking, cornering, and hazard avoidance.

Course fees, schedules, and site locations are set by the state program and its contracted providers; completion cards generally remain valid for a limited period for license waiver purposes.

New Hampshire issues REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and non-driver identification cards; applicants must present documents proving identity, Social Security number, and New Hampshire residency.

A standard (non-REAL ID) license or ID is valid for state purposes but will not be accepted for federal purposes such as boarding commercial aircraft or entering federal facilities once REAL ID enforcement applies.

Non-driver identification cards are issued to residents who do not hold a driver's license; the card conveys identification only and confers no driving or riding privileges.

A driver's license or non-driver ID must be carried when operating a motor vehicle and must be surrendered or updated when the holder moves; New Hampshire requires address changes to be reported to the DMV.

Licenses for drivers under 21 are issued in a distinct vertical or otherwise marked format, and a person under 21 may not purchase or possess alcohol.

New Hampshire uses a graduated driver licensing system for young drivers: a youth operator license carries restrictions on passengers and nighttime driving during the first months of licensure.

Licenses and IDs expire on a set cycle based on the holder's age; renewal can often be completed online for eligible applicants, while first-time and REAL ID transactions require an in-person visit.

Suspension, revocation, and points are recorded against the license; operating after suspension or revocation is a separate offense and can lead to further loss of driving privileges.

New Hampshire's implied consent law means a person who operates a motor vehicle on a public way is deemed to consent to chemical testing for alcohol or drugs when lawfully arrested for DWI; refusing a test leads to administrative license suspension.

The legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.08 for drivers 21 and older; a lower limit (0.02) applies to drivers under 21 under the state's zero-tolerance law.

New Hampshire law requires motorcyclists and passengers to wear helmets, and requires eye protection unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield.

A motorcycle must be equipped with a working headlight, taillight, brake light, horn, mirrors, and muffler; the headlight must be on at all times while the motorcycle is in operation.

Motorcycles may not be operated on sidewalks or pedestrian paths, may not attach to or be towed by another vehicle, and may not carry more persons than the motorcycle is designed to seat.

Hand signals or turn signals must be used for turns and lane changes; a motorcycle rider must signal continuously for a required distance before turning.

Following too closely is prohibited; motorcyclists should maintain a following distance that allows a stop within the distance the rider can see ahead, and other drivers must not follow a motorcycle more closely than is reasonable.

A person may not operate a motor vehicle while holding a mobile phone or other electronic device, and texting while driving is prohibited; hands-free use is permitted for adults under New Hampshire law.