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New Hampshire

Study the New Hampshire driver's handbook to learn the rules, but take practice tests to pass the written exam. The New Hampshire new-to-state driver's license test and the New Hampshire road signs practice test show you what you've learned.

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New Hampshire DMV Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

  • After You Have Passed the Driving Exam (or Road Test)
  • Applying for Your New Hampshire License
  • Preparing For Your NH Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Preparing For Your NH Permit Test
  • Renewing Your NH License
  • Taking Your NH Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Taking Your NH Permit Test
  • What If I Failed My Road Test?
  • What If I'm Moving to New Hampshire or Just Visiting?
If I'm under 18, are there any limits to my driver's license?

Yes. While driving in New Hampshire under age 18, you will NOT be allowed to drive:

  • Between the hours of 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.
  • With more passengers than seat belts.

For the first 6 months you hold your license, you will also NOT be able to drive with more than one passenger under age 25, UNLESS:

  • They're a member of your immediate family.

OR

  • You're accompanied by a fully-licensed adult who's at least 25 years old.

What happens after I pass my NH road test?

After passing the New Hampshire road test, you'll be eligible to receive your license.

Once I have my permit, who can I drive with?

New Hampshire is unique in that it doesn't issue learner's permits for new drivers.

Instead, you may start to practice driving once you're 15 œ years old. During this time, you will ONLY be allowed to drive while accompanied by:

  • A parent or legal guardian.
  • A fully-licensed adult who's at least 25 years old.

Once I get my NH permit, what do I need to do before I can drive with my parents?

In New Hampshire, no matter what phase of the license process you're in, you will ALWAYS be able to drive with:

  • Your parents.
  • A legal guardian.
  • A fully-licensed driver who'

What are the auto insurance requirements for NH drivers?

Truly embodying its “Live Free or Die” motto, New Hampshire is the only state in the nation that doesn't strictly require auto insurance.

However, getting at least basic liability coverage is strongly encouraged by the state.

Teen Learners Permit

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New to State Drivers

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50
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Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
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unlimited
100
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$19.95
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20
No
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How To Get A New Hampshire Driver’s License

Driving can afford wonderful freedom—but only if you can prove you’re responsible.

In order to legally drive in New Hampshire, you must pass a number of tests that show the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that you can handle a vehicle and follow the rules of the road.

Still, the process looks slightly different, depending on your age and the type of vehicle you want to drive.

New Hampshire Licenses (Under Age 18)

New Hampshire truly lives up to its “Live Free or Die” motto, eschewing many of the processes most states have put in place to legally hit the road.

Instead, New Hampshire residents can get straight to the point.

New Hampshire Driving Practice

There is no driver permitting process in New Hampshire. Instead, you can start to practice driving once you turn 15 ½, so long as you’re accompanied by either:

  • A parent or legal guardian.
  • A fully-licensed driver who’s at least 25 years old.

Once you turn 16, you can begin the official licensing process.

Getting Your New Hampshire License

Before you seal the deal, however, you’ll have to meet a few requirements, including:

  • Successfully completing a state-approved Driver’s Ed course.
  • Logging at least 40 practice hours with a parent, legal guardian, or licensed driver who’s at least 25 years old.

At that point, you’re considered legally ready to apply for your license. To do so, you’ll need to visit your closest DMV office and:

Once the above steps are completed, you’ll be issued your Youth Operator license. Congratulations!

Youth Operator License Restrictions

You’ll drive on your Youth Operator license in New Hampshire until you turn 21. However, if you’re under 18, the credential comes with a few extra restrictions.

Before you turn 18, you will NOT be able to drive:

  • Between the hours of 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.
  • With more passengers than seat belts.

For the first 6 months you hold your license, you will also NOT be able to drive with more than one passenger under age 25, UNLESS:

  • They’re a member of your immediate family.

OR

  • You’re accompanied by a fully-licensed adult who’s at least 25 years old.

Once you turn 18, these restrictions are lifted.

Driver’s License (Age 18+)

If you’re applying for a first-time driver’s license in New Hampshire and you’re 18 or older, the already-simplified process is a somehow even more streamlined.

New Hampshire Temporary License

While the state recommends completing a Driver’s Ed course regardless of your age, this is not a requirement if you’re 18 or older.

Instead, you’ll be able to schedule an appointment with the NH DMV whenever you feel ready. At your first appointment, you’ll need to:

After passing the tests, paying the fee, and filling in all the appropriate paperwork, you’ll be issued a temporary license. You’ll be able to practice on this credential for up to 60 days before you must complete the process by taking the driving skills exam.

During this period, you’ll only be able to drive when accompanied by a fully-licensed passenger who’s at least 25 years old.

New Hampshire Driving Test

At your second and final appointment, you’ll be tasked with passing the New Hampshire driving skills exam.

Make sure to show up to this appointment with:

  • Your valid temporary license.
  • The appropriate proof of identity.
  • A fully-licensed passenger who’s at least 25 years old.

The vehicle you test in must also meet certain standards, including up-to-date:

  • Registration.
  • Inspection stickers.

After passing the test, the state will approve you for a license, which will be mailed to your official mailing address. Congratulations!

Transferring an Out-of-State License

Welcome to New Hampshire!

If you’re new to the Granite State, you’ll have to transfer your out-of-state license within 60 days of relocating.

To do so, visit your closest participating Division of Motor Vehicles office and bring:

At this appointment, you’ll also have to pass:

  • A vision test.
  • A written exam on New Hampshire traffic laws.

Once all of the above credentials have been met, you’ll be issued your New Hampshire license!

New Hampshire DMV Motorcycle Permit & License Info

To legally drive a motorcycle in New Hampshire, you’ll have to add an endorsement to your regular driver’s license.

You must be at least 16 years old in order to apply.

Once the age requirement is met, there are two ways to complete the process. You can either:

If you’re under 18, you can still apply through the DMV, but you are also required to:

Basic Rider Course

This is the easiest way to earn your NH motorcycle license. As long as you pass the course, you’ll be given paperwork that waive any state DMV testing.

To turn your effort into an endorsement, simply arrive at the DMV with:

If you don’t have a NH driver’s license, you will also have to bring acceptable proof of your:

  • Identity.
  • New Hampshire residence.
  • Social Security number.

Once the paperwork is filed and fees are paid, you’ll be issued your motorcycle license.

NH Motorcycle Permit

If you choose to test through the state, you’ll have to earn your motorcycle permit first. This involves passing a:

  • Vision test.
  • Written motorcycle exam.

In order to do so, schedule an appointment with the closest participating DMV office and bring:

If you don’t have a NH driver’s license, you will also have to bring acceptable proof of your:

  • Identity.
  • New Hampshire residence.
  • Social Security number.

After the paperwork is filed and fees are paid, you’ll be issued your motorcycle permit.

NH Motorcycle Permit Restrictions

While practicing on your permit, you’ll have a few restrictions, including NO driving:

  • Between sunset and sunrise.
  • While carrying any passengers.

Your New Hampshire motorcycle permit is valid for 45 days. It’s not renewable, so you’ll need to take your driving skills test within this time period, or start the whole process over again.

New Hampshire Motorcycle License

To turn your motorcycle permit into an endorsement, you’ll need to pass the on-road skills exam.

Schedule another appointment with the DMV and bring:

  • Your current, valid motorcycle permit.
  • Your valid New Hampshire driver’s license.
  • The motorcycle license fee.
  • Proof of a basic rider course completion, if you’re under 18.

Once the above is complete and the test is passed, you’ll be issued your motorcycle license. Congratulations!

New Hampshire CDL Requirements

A commercial driver’s license (CDL) will allow you to drive much larger vehicles than the average car. Before you can start the process, you must:

Once the above is complete, you can begin the CDL process.

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

The first step toward getting your commercial driver’s license is getting your commercial learner’s permit (CLP).

The process involves passing:

  • Your written knowledge exam.
  • A vision exam.

To get started, schedule an appointment with the closest participating DMV office and bring:

After the paperwork is filed, the fee paid and the tests passed, you’ll be issued your CLP. You must hold this credential for at least 14 days before you can take the road test.

While practicing on your permit, you are also required to drive with a CDL-holder who’s at least 21 years old.

Your CLP is valid for 6 months, and there is no option for renewal.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

To turn your CLP into a CDL, you’ll have to pass the driving skills exam.

Only a few DMV offices offer CDL road tests. Make sure to schedule in advance.

At this appointment, you’ll also have to bring:

  • Your appointment slip.
  • Your current, valid CLP.
  • Your current, valid New Hampshire driver’s license.
  • The New Hampshire CDL fee.

You must arrive to this appointment with a CDL-holding passenger who’s at least 21 years old. The vehicle you test in must also have current and valid:

  • Registration.
  • License plates.
  • Inspection stickers.

After passing the test and paying the fee, you’ll be issued your CDL. Congratulations!

New Hampshire DMV Handbooks

New Hampshire CDL Handbook

New Hampshire CDL Handbook

New Hampshire CDL Handbook
New Hampshire Driver's License Handbook

New Hampshire Driver's License Handbook

New Hampshire Driver's License Handbook
New Hampshire Motorcycle Handbook

New Hampshire Motorcycle Handbook

New Hampshire Motorcycle Handbook