State Guide
New Hampshire DMV Permit Test 2026
A complete walkthrough of everything involved in getting your New Hampshire learner's permit — from eligibility at 15½ and the 40-question knowledge test to the Graduated Driver Licensing program and the supervised driving hours required before you can drive on your own. One notable aspect: New Hampshire does not mandate driver education, which makes it one of the more accessible states for new drivers of any age. Ready to start practicing? Take a free New Hampshire DMV practice test.
Who Can Get a Learner's Permit
In New Hampshire, you must be at least 15 years and 6 months old (15½) to apply for a learner's permit. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your application, giving their consent for you to hold and use the permit. There is no upper age limit — adults applying for their first license follow the same process.
Driver education: New Hampshire does not require driver education to obtain a learner's permit or even to advance to a restricted license. This makes NH one of a smaller number of states where you can complete the full licensing process without taking a formal driving course. That said, driver education is strongly recommended — teens who take a course tend to be better prepared for both the knowledge test and behind-the-wheel driving.
Residency: You must be a New Hampshire resident and provide documents proving your identity and NH address at the DMV office.
Fees and What You Pay For
New Hampshire charges a combined initial license application fee of approximately $50. This fee covers your learner's permit through to your first full driver's license. You pay it when you first apply at the DMV office.
There is no separate charge each time you retake the knowledge test — you can retake it as many times as needed without paying an additional fee. However, you must wait until the next business day after a failed attempt before trying again.
Driver education costs: If you choose to take a driver education program (optional but recommended), expect to pay $300–$600 depending on the provider and whether it includes behind-the-wheel instruction. These costs are separate from the DMV fee.
Documents You Need
When you visit a New Hampshire DMV office to apply for your learner's permit, bring the following:
1. Proof of identity
A certified U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, permanent resident card, or other approved document showing your full legal name and date of birth.
2. Social Security number
Your Social Security card or a document displaying your full SSN (such as a W-2 or paystub). If you are not eligible for an SSN, bring documentation of ineligibility.
3. Proof of New Hampshire residency
A utility bill, bank statement, lease or mortgage document, school enrollment record, or other document showing your name and NH address.
4. Parent or guardian (if under 18)
A parent or legal guardian must co-sign the application. They should bring their own valid photo ID.
New Hampshire participates in the federal REAL ID program. If you want a REAL ID compliant license or permit, you may need additional documentation. The NH DMV website lists all acceptable document combinations.
Visiting a DMV Office
New Hampshire DMV offices generally accept walk-ins for knowledge tests, though wait times can vary significantly by location and time of day. Some offices may encourage or require appointments for certain services — check the NH DMV website before you go to confirm current procedures at your nearest location.
NH has DMV offices in several locations across the state, including Concord (the main office), Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth, and others. Hours vary by office. The Concord main office typically has the most availability, while smaller branch offices may have limited hours.
The entire DMV visit — submitting documents, paying the fee, passing the vision screening, and taking the knowledge test — typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on how busy the office is.
The Knowledge Test
The New Hampshire DMV knowledge test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. All questions are drawn from the New Hampshire Driver's Manual. The test covers:
New Hampshire traffic laws and regulations
Road signs, signals, and pavement markings
Right-of-way rules at intersections, roundabouts, and railroad crossings
Safe and defensive driving practices
Alcohol and drug laws (DUI/DWI)
Winter driving — especially relevant for New Hampshire conditions
Sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists, and large trucks
Speed limits, passing rules, and emergency vehicle laws
The test is taken on a computer at the DMV office. There is no time limit. Road sign identification questions are embedded throughout the main test — there is no separate signs test in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire-specific note: Because NH experiences significant winter weather, questions about driving in snow, ice, and low-visibility conditions frequently appear on the test. Make sure you understand stopping distances on slippery roads, what to do if your vehicle skids, and how to handle black ice.
Passing Score and Results
New Hampshire DMV Knowledge Test
40 questions
You must answer at least 32 correctly (80%) to pass. You can miss up to 8 questions.
Results are displayed immediately on the computer screen after you finish. If you pass, the DMV will proceed with issuing your learner's permit on the spot. If you fail, you must wait until the next business day before retaking the test.
With 8 questions of margin, thorough study of the New Hampshire Driver's Manual and consistent practice test scores above 90% should put you comfortably above the passing threshold.
If You Don't Pass
If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait until the next business day before retaking it. There is no additional fee for retakes — your original application fee covers unlimited attempts. There is also no cap on the total number of attempts.
Use the waiting period to review the specific areas that tripped you up. Go back to the Driver's Manual and focus on the chapters covering topics you struggled with. Take additional practice tests until you're consistently scoring 90% or better.
Questions are drawn from a large bank, so you will see different questions on each attempt. Broad, thorough preparation — understanding the reasons behind the rules, not just memorizing answers — is the most reliable way to pass.
After You Pass
When you pass the knowledge test, the DMV will issue your learner's permit before you leave the office. Your permit is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. You can begin supervised driving the same day.
Supervision requirement: While driving with a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old seated beside you in the front passenger seat at all times. You cannot drive alone under any circumstances.
Carry your permit with you every time you drive. It serves as your legal authorization to operate a vehicle while under supervision. If you are stopped and cannot produce it, you may receive a citation.
Learner's Permit Rules
Supervision required: A licensed driver at least 25 years old must be seated beside you in the front passenger seat at all times.
No solo driving under any circumstances.
No handheld wireless device use while driving. New Hampshire prohibits handheld phone use for all drivers under 18.
Seatbelts required for all occupants at all times.
Carry your permit every time you drive.
No curfew restrictions during the permit phase — you can drive at any hour as long as your supervising driver is with you.
New Hampshire's GDL Program
New Hampshire's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program has three stages for drivers under 18:
1. Learner's Permit (15.5+)
Supervised driving with a licensed adult (25+) at all times. Hold for 6 months. Complete 40 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night.
2. Restricted License (16+)
Drive independently with restrictions: 1am–4am curfew, limited passengers, and no handheld devices. Must pass the road skills test.
3. Full License (18+)
All GDL restrictions removed at 18. Full driving privileges with no curfew, passenger limits, or age-based device restrictions.
Getting Your Restricted License (16+)
After holding your learner's permit for 6 months, you can apply for a restricted driver's license at age 16 or older.
Requirements:
Be at least 16 years old
Hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months
Complete 40 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night
Pass the road skills (behind-the-wheel) test
Parent or guardian must certify the supervised driving hours
Driver education is not required for the restricted license in New Hampshire, but completing a course can make you a more confident driver for the skills test and beyond.
Restricted License Rules
Nighttime curfew
No driving between 1 AM and 4 AM unless accompanied by a licensed driver at least 25 years old, or driving to/from employment, school, or a medical emergency.
Passenger restriction (first year)
For the first year of the restricted license, no more than 1 non-family passenger under 25 may ride in the vehicle. Immediate family members — parents, siblings, and grandparents — may ride without restriction at any time.
Wireless device restriction
No handheld wireless device use while driving for drivers under 18. This covers calls, texts, navigation, and any other phone use while the vehicle is in motion.
Violations of GDL restrictions can result in fines and may extend the time you must spend on the restricted license before qualifying for a full license.
Getting Your Full License (18+)
All GDL restrictions end at age 18. At that point you are eligible for a full New Hampshire driver's license with no curfew, no passenger restrictions, and no age-based device limitations.
Adults 18+ applying for their first license: No GDL process required. After passing the knowledge test and road skills test, you receive a full license with no holding period or restrictions.
The New Hampshire Driver's Manual
The New Hampshire Driver's Manual is the official study guide for the DMV knowledge test. All 40 questions on the test come from material in this manual. It covers NH traffic laws, road signs and signals, right-of-way rules, safe driving practices, and the GDL program.
The manual is available as a free PDF from the NH DMV website. It is published in English. Printed copies are typically available at DMV offices.
Study tip: Pay particular attention to the chapters on road signs, right-of-way at intersections, and winter driving. New Hampshire's weather makes cold-weather driving content especially prominent on the test. Also review the Move Over law, which requires drivers to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles and highway workers — this topic appears regularly.
Practice Tests
Practice tests are one of the most effective preparation tools. They familiarize you with the question format, help identify knowledge gaps, and build the confidence to walk into the DMV ready to pass.
DMV Question Bank: Take New Hampshire DMV practice tests on DMV Question Bank. Aim to score consistently above 90% before your DMV office visit. Because the real test has 40 questions and allows 8 wrong, practicing until you're well above 80% gives you a comfortable buffer.
Recommended approach: read the full Driver's Manual once, take a practice test to find weak areas, go back and review those sections, then retest. Repeat until you can consistently pass with a wide margin.
Supervised Driving Requirements
To qualify for a restricted license, teens must complete supervised driving hours with a licensed adult during the permit phase:
40 hours of supervised driving practice total
At least 10 hours must be at night
All supervised driving must be with a licensed driver at least 25 years old in the front passenger seat
Keep a driving log documenting each session: date, start and end time, road conditions, and your supervising driver's signature. Your parent or guardian must certify the log when you apply for your restricted license.
Practice a variety of road types: residential streets, busy arterials, rural highways, and highway driving. Make sure to get experience in different weather conditions — especially rain and snow — since New Hampshire winters are challenging and you will eventually need to drive in them independently.
The road skills test evaluates basic vehicle control, lane changes, turns, intersection behavior, parking, and situational awareness. Drive with your supervisor through the test route area beforehand if you can.
Quick Reference
| Minimum permit age | 15 years, 6 months (15.5) |
| Application fee | $50 (covers permit through full license) |
| Retest fee | No additional fee |
| Wait after failure | Next business day |
| Permit validity | 2 years |
| Knowledge test questions | 40 |
| Passing score | 32 correct (80%) |
| Separate road signs test | No — signs included in main test |
| Test format | Computer, multiple choice, no time limit |
| Test languages | English |
| Online test available | No — in person only |
| Appointment required | Walk-ins accepted (check local office) |
| Max attempts | Unlimited |
| Min. holding period | 6 months |
| Supervised driving hours | 40 total |
| Night driving hours | 10 hours minimum |
| Supervising driver age | 25+ |
| Driving log required | Yes |
| Driver's ed required | No — optional but recommended |
| Min. age for restricted license | 16 years old |
| Nighttime curfew | 1am–4am (restricted license) |
| Passenger restriction | Max 1 non-family under 25 (first year) |
| Handheld device use (under 18) | Prohibited while driving |
| GDL ends | At age 18 |