Pro tip: Driving through New Hampshire's scenic byways and historic towns requires a solid set of driving skills. Our extensive guides on manual driving and parallel parking will prepare you for the road. Master reverse parking techniques and three-point turns with our help. Adjust your mirrors correctly to maintain visibility at all times. Practice with our Online Driving Simulator, and for those from outside the US, check New Hampshire's international driver's license guidelines.
You may start learning to drive in New Hampshire at the age of 15 ½, which will allow you to apply for your license at the age of 16. New Hampshire doesn't issue any instruction permits for new drivers but requires driver education for those under 18 years of age.
Your youth operator license will allow you to drive on your own but with certain restrictions till you turn 18:
These programs are available at most public high schools or commercial driver schools. The program must contain:
You may practice driving as soon as you turn 15 ½. You will need:
You must complete and log at least 40 additional hours, 10 of which must be at night. Use this log to certify your driving practice.
If you can't get enough documents to apply for Real ID compliant license (will allow you to board the plane after October 1, 2020), you may still apply for a non-compliant license.
There are additional requirements for non- US citizens.
It will have 40 questions about New Hampshire driving laws and regulations. If you fail the test, you will have to wait 10 days to retake it. Read Frequently Asked Questions about the Knowledge Test and practice with free NH DMV practice tests before you go.
If you can't get enough documents to apply for Real ID compliant license (will allow you to board the plane after October 1, 2020), you may still apply for a non-compliant license.
There are additional requirements for non- US citizens.
The road test measures your skill and knowledge of legal and safe driving practices. It will last 15 -20 minutes.
You will need to make an appointment in the DMV office right after passing your knowledge test. Scheduling depends on the availability of appointments at each office. If the schedule permits, you may take the road test on the same day as the knowledge test. If it is not possible, you will get an appointment for a different day.
If you need to reschedule, call (603) 227-4020 at least 24 hours before the test. If you miss your appointment or cancel it with less than 24 hours notice, you must wait 30 days to be retested.
Before you arrive at the driver licensing station make sure that
Your licensing examiner will be your only passenger. Your job will be to listen to the instructions and drive safely. If you have any questions to the examiner, ask them before your test begins or save them for after the test.
Remember that there will be no tricks and you won't be asked to do anything illegal.
You will be driving over a designated route. The examiner will be grading the following:
The examiner will be watching how well you
At the end of the test, the licensing examiner will explain your errors and how to correct them and decide if you need more practice before becoming a licensed driver. If you pass the test, you may return to the DMV office and get your temporary license. If you fail the test, you may reschedule to retake the test not earlier than in 10 days.
You don't have to transfer your out of state driver's license if you are:
If you hold a valid out-of-state, U.S. territory, Canadian or French license and you are older than 18 years of age, you don’t need to take a knowledge and road test.
You may choose any DMV office. No appointment is needed.
You can download it here.
If your license is lost or stolen, you must provide a written verification from the state that issued your previous license.
If you can't get enough documents to apply for a Real ID compliant license (will allow you to board the plane after October 1, 2020), you may still apply for a non-compliant license.
It will measure how clearly you see. Wear your glasses or lenses if needed. You must be able to read the 20/40 vision line with both eyes.
$50.00 paid by cash, credit , money order, personal or traveler's check.
It will be valid for 60 days. Your permanent license will be sent by mail within 60 days.
Your New Hampshire operator’s license will be valid for 5 years. If you are under 21 years old, you will get a youth operator license which expires on your 21st birthday.
If you hold a Canadian or French driver's license which is valid or expired less than a year ago, you don't have to take a knowledge and road test. The procedure of transferring your license will be the same as transferring an out-of-state license.
If you hold a driver's license from another country, you will have to take a vision, written and road skills test at the Concord DMV. If you don't have a valid license from your home country to transfer, you will be required to complete a driver education program first. Check the full guide how to get your NH operator license.
