Practice driving in New Hampshire (no learner’s permit needed)
The steps in plain English. Each one links to the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.
Wait until you are at least 15½; New Hampshire issues no learner's permit, so you simply practice under the legal conditions.
Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Carry proof of your age in the vehicle whenever you practice.
Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Practice only with a licensed parent, guardian or responsible adult aged 25 or older sitting in the front seat.
Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Use a non-commercial vehicle for practice.
Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026If you are under 18, enroll early in a DMV-approved driver education program.
Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Log 40 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night, on form DSMV 509.
Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.
Related facts
- Learner's permit
- New Hampshire does not issue a learner's permit; anyone learning may practice driving under set conditions.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Minimum age to start practice driving
- 15½ (and you must carry proof of age in the vehicle).Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Practice-driving conditions
- Must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other licensed responsible adult aged 25+, seated in the front seat, in a non-commercial vehicle.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Parental consent
- Applicants under 18 need written permission from a parent or guardian (Parent or Guardian Authorization Certificate, DSMV 38).Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Knowledge test questions
- 40 multiple-choice questions with a 40-minute limit; the test ends automatically after more than 8 wrong answers.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Passing score
- 80% on all knowledge exams.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Wait after failing the knowledge test
- 10 calendar days for operator and motorcycle applicants (5 for CDL).Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Test languages
- English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Portuguese, Farsi and American Sign Language; audio via headphones on request.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Appointments
- All licensing tests are by appointment only; the DMV is fully appointment based.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Documents for a first license
- Application DSMV 450, proof of identity and residency (REAL ID list DSMV 634A or standard list DSMV 634B), and the fee; under 18 also bring the driver-ed certificate, parent authorization DSMV 38 and driving log DSMV 509.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Wait after failing the road test
- At least 10 calendar days (5 for CDL). Missing a road test or cancelling with under 24 hours' notice means a 30-day wait.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Out-of-state permits
- New Hampshire does not honor or transfer learner permits from other states.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
More in the New Hampshire guide
Official New Hampshire links
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Not a government website. USA DMV (usadmv.app) is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by any state DMV, the Texas Department of Public Safety or any other government agency. Practice questions are written to reflect official driver handbooks but are not the official test questions. Always confirm current requirements with your state’s licensing agency.