Under 18:
If you are under 18, you must take a DMV-approved NH drivers education course in order to be eligible for the New Hampshire drivers license. Online courses do not satisfy this requirement.

18 or Older:
If you are 18 or older, drivers education is not mandatory in New Hampshire. However, it’s always a good idea for new drivers to take a New Hampshire drivers education course. With quality drivers education, you can:

In order to get the New Hampshire drivers license, everyone regardless of age must pass a written test on traffic laws and signs. Most people fail this test on their first try.

In New Hampshire, you do not need a learners permit to learn to drive. An individual may practice driving a non-commercial vehicle provided they are at least 15½ years old, carry proof of age and are accompanied on the front seat by a parent, legal guardian, or other licensed adult who is 25 years of age or older.

If you are under 18, you must complete at least 20 hours of supervised practice driving, in addition to the 10 hours required by your drivers education course. The 20 hours must be logged and supervised by a parent or legal guardian or a licensed adult over the age of 25.

Schedule an appointment for a driving test at your local DMV.

In order to be eligible for the New Hampshire drivers license, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least 16 years old.
2. Provide two forms of positive identification, official papers which show your name, address and date of birth.
3. Present a drivers education certificate if you are under 18.
4. Submit a Parent or Guardian Authorization Certificate (DSMV 38) if you are under 18.
5. Pass a vision test.
6. Pass a written knowledge test. There will be 20 multiple choice questions
7. An individual under the age of 18 is required to complete 20 hours of supervised practice driving, in addition to the 10 hours required by driver education. The 20 hours must be logged and supervised by a parent or legal guardian or a licensed adult over the age of 25.
8. Pass the road skills test.
9. Bring a vehicle which is legally registered and inspected in New Hampshire and is in good running condition for the road test. A licensed driver must accompany you to the testing site. The person should remain at the test site until the road test is completed.

As soon as you pass all three parts of the driver tests you will be given a photo license. If you fail any part of the driver test; the remainder of the test will not be given. A retest will be scheduled at the convenience of the department.

If you are under 21, you will be issued a Youth Operator License. If you are under 18, you will be subject to the following restrictions:

• The holder must not drive between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• A holder may only have as many passengers as there are seat belts/safety restraints.