How to Get a New Hampshire Driver's Permit

New Hampshire is one of the few states that does not use a graduated driver’s license program. The DMV in the state does not issue learner’s permits. The state of New Hampshire allows anyone over the age of 15 and a half to practice driving as long as they follow certain restrictions. Once the driver feels ready, they may take the driver’s licensing test, and become a fully licensed driver.

Driving restrictions

In order to drive legally, there are certain restrictions that an unlicensed driver must follow. The driver must be at least 15 years and 6 months old. They can only operate a noncommercial vehicle, and must be accompanied by either a legal guardian or a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old. This person will be liable for any damages or violations that is committed by the driver. The driver must keep a document that proves their age with them at all times when driving.

During their practice time, the driver must complete 40 hours of supervised driving, which must be tracked using the “Driver’s Out-of-Class Log Sheet”. At least 10 of the required 40 hours must be completed at night. These hours are in addition to the required driver’s education course.

Driver’s education requirements

Before any person under 18 years old can apply for a driver’s license, they must complete a New Hampshire approved driver’s education course. This course must include at least six hours of laboratory observation, at least 30 hours of classroom time, and at least ten hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice. Once completed, the course will issue a completion certificate, which must be presented to the DMV in order to apply for a driver’s license.

Driver’s license

After completing the above requirements, a New Hampshire driver may apply for an adult driver’s license if they are over 21 years old, or a Youth Operator’s License, for those under 21 years old. The Youth Operator’s License allows the driver to operate a vehicle at all times except between the hours of 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. In order to apply for this license, drivers must present the following documents at the DMV:

  • A completed application

  • Two documents that prove identity, such as a birth certificate or a valid passport

  • Certificate of completion from the driver’s education course, as well as the “Driving Log Sheet” signed by a legal guardian

Drivers must pass a written knowledge exam, a road test, a vision exam, and pay the $50 fee.

Passing the written exam

The New Hampshire learner’s permit exam covers all state-specific traffic laws, road signs, and other driver’s safety information. The New Hampshire Driver’s Manual which can be viewed and downloaded online, has all the information necessary to pass the exam. In order to get extra practice and build confidence before taking the exam, there are many practice tests available online.


The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Need Help With Your Car?

Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair.

GET A QUOTE

Related articles

How to Get an Indiana Driver's Permit
Indiana Indiana requires all underage drivers to participate in a Graduated Driver Licensing program. This program states that those under 18 must obtain a learner’s permit, that graduates to a full license as the driver gains experience and age, to...
Veteran and Military Driver Laws and Benefits in New Hampshire
The The state of New Hampshire offers a number of benefits and perks for those Americans who have either served in an Armed Forces branch in the past, or are current active military members. License and registration tax and fee...
Windshield Laws in New Hampshire
Driving Driving in New Hampshire requires motorists to understand and follow the traffic rules that are applicable throughout the state. In addition to the rules of the road, drivers are also required to make sure that their windshields are in...

Related questions

I need some answers in order to get my permit. please help
Hello. Let's get these questions answered for you. All vehicles should be serviced per the manufacturers maintenance schedule (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-maintain-your-car-on-a-schedule-by-brent-minderler). The owners manual contains this schedule that is set up to best maintain the service of any vehicle. There is no...
Delay when pressing the gas peadal + weird sound
Hi there. It sounds like you may be having a concern with the air flow meter; these can send false signals to the ECM without setting a code. Pull the meter and perform a visual inspection checking the exposed wire...
Squeaking/Chirping while driving
Some of the most common causes of the symptom you described are a stretched serpentine belt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement), a dried out idler pulley (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idler-pulley-replacement), or a dried out tensioner pulley (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/drive-belt-tensioner-replacement). I would recommend enlisting in the assistance of a qualified...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com