To get your New Hampshire
driver’s license, you must be at least 16 years old and provide proof of identity and two forms of proof of address. The process to get your license will involve a driver education course, as well as a vision test, a knowledge exam, and a final road test. Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage, but the process can be confusing since it varies from state to state. Here to break down the specific requirements for a New Hampshire driver’s license is car insurance
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Start earning nowWhat are the requirements for a driver’s license in New Hampshire?
You must be at least 16 years old to get a driver’s license in New Hampshire. However, before you race off to the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles, you’ll need to round up the following documents:
Proof of identity: Valid forms include U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, or valid green card
Social Security number: Valid forms include your Social Security card, W-2 form, paystub including your complete SSN, or a 1099 form
Two forms of proof of residence: These may include a mortgage statement, lease agreement, voter registration card, W-2 or 1099 form, or a utility bill
Check the New Hampshire DMV website
for more information on acceptable documentation in securing a Real ID driver’s license. What are the requirements for young drivers?
Applicants under the age of 18 must have parental consent to apply for a license.
While New Hampshire does not issue learner’s permits, if you are 15.5 or older, you are permitted to drive with a certified driving instructor or guardian for the purposes of learning to drive.
Those under the age of 18 must enroll in a driver education course before applying for their license. This course requires:
30 hours of classroom instruction
10 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience with a driver education instructor
6 hours of driving observation by a driver education teacher
Additional 40 hours driving with a parent or guardian—10 of which must be at night
After completing the driver education course, you may apply for a youth operator license with the following documentation:
Proof of identity and two forms of proof of address
Driver Education Completion Certificate (the original)
Completed driving log, signed by your parent or guardian
Your youth operator license will allow you to drive—but with certain restrictions—until you turn 18.
What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers?
If you hold a valid driver’s license from another state, the process for getting a New Hampshire driver’s license is streamlined.
To do so, you’ll apply in person at any DMV office
and bring the required documentation and application. You won’t have to take a knowledge exam or road test if you’re over the age of 18—you’ll just need to pass a vision test. How to get a driver’s license in New Hampshire
For new drivers: apply and take the tests
If it’s your first time getting a driver’s license—not just in New Hampshire—you’ll need to make an appointment
for a vision, knowledge, and road test. A driver education course is not required for first-time drivers over the age of 18. You will have to fill out an Application for Driver License and provide identification and proof of residence.
Vision test
First thing’s first: you’ll need to make sure you’re able to see the road! A vision test, which consists of looking into a machine and reading a set of numbers and/or letters, is required for all drivers.
To meet New Hampshire’s requirements, you must have 20/40 or better vision in both eyes. If you fail the vision test, you will need to visit an eye doctor to prove you are visually capable of operating a vehicle.
If you wore glasses or contact lenses to pass the vision test, you must wear them at all times while driving.
Knowledge exam
Once your vision has been verified, you’re ready for the next step: the Driver License Knowledge Test. The test:
Is 40 multiple-choice questions that are specific to the license type you are applying for
Is randomly generated—you will not see the same questions if you repeat the test
Is available in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Mandarin, Portuguese, Farsi, and American sign language
Has an optional audio feature that can be utilized using headphones
You will have 40 minutes to complete the test. If you fail, you may retake it no less than 10 days after your original test.
You can study for your exam by reading the New Hampshire DMV Handbook
, which covers everything you’ll need to pass the test. In order to pass the Driver License Knowledge Test, you must get a score of at least 80%.
Road test
Now for the fun part! The final step to getting your New Hampshire driver’s license is a road test, which will be scheduled upon passing your knowledge exam.
You’ll need to bring your own vehicle to the road test, and it must:
Be in safe operating condition
Have been properly inspected
Be the same type of class as the vehicle license you’re applying for
Have a valid license plate
Bring proof of identification and residence to your New Hampshire driving test. During the exam, be prepared to demonstrate:
Skill in handling the car in traffic
Knowledge of traffic signs and the rules of the road
A calm disposition when driving
The test will take 15 to 20 minutes. If you fail the test, you must wait 10 days before re-testing.
If you pass your driving test, you’ll be able to present your documents to the DMV, pay the $60 fee, and get your New Hampshire temporary license! This license will be valid for 60 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within two months.
How to save money on car insurance in New Hampshire
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