Free New Hampshire Permit Practice Tests 2025

You must be at least 15½ years old to apply for a learner’s permit in New Hampshire. This age requirement applies to all first-time permit applicants, regardless of prior driving experience.

To apply for a permit in New Hampshire you will need to bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Two proofs of New Hampshire residency (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
• Social Security number (card or other verification)
• Parental consent form (if under 18)
• Payment for the application fee
• If applying for a REAL ID compliant license, additional documentation may be required. Check the New Hampshire DMV website for current accepted documents.

Yes. If you’re under 18 a parent or legal guardian must:

• Sign your permit application
• Give written consent for you to drive
• Accept financial responsibility for your driving

The application process in New Hampshire is as follows:

1. Complete the Driver License Application (DSMV 450)
2. Gather the required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
3. If you are under 18, have a parent or guardian sign your application
4. Go to your local DMV office
5. Pay the application fee
6. Take your vision test
7. Take your knowledge test

No. New Hampshire does not allow you to apply for a learner’s permit online. You must go to a DMV office in person to complete the application, bring your documents, take your vision test and take your knowledge test.

The New Hampshire DMV charges a non-refundable fee for a learner’s permit. This fee covers processing your application, the knowledge test, and issuing your permit. Check the New Hampshire DMV website for current fee information.

To get your permit in New Hampshire you will need to pass:

• A vision test to ensure you can see well enough to drive safely
• A knowledge test with multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

The New Hampshire permit knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly (80%) to pass.

The New Hampshire permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• Alcohol and drug effects on driving
• Special driving conditions (night driving, bad weather, etc.)

The best ways to prepare for your New Hampshire permit test:

• Study the New Hampshire Driver’s Manual thoroughly, available on our website at New Hampshire Driver’s Manual
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Review the test materials multiple times to ensure you understand the key concepts
• Consider enrolling in a driver education course

If you fail the New Hampshire permit test:

• You can retake the test
• You must wait at least 10 days before retaking the test
• You will need to pay the testing fee again for each attempt
• Study the driver’s manual more thoroughly before your next attempt

With a New Hampshire learner’s permit, you can:

• Practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old (this supervising driver must sit in the front passenger seat)
• Gain experience to prepare for your road test

When driving with a permit in New Hampshire you:

• Must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old sitting in the front passenger seat
• Cannot use any electronic devices while driving
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
• Cannot drive between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. if you’re under 18
• Cannot carry more passengers than there are seat belts in the vehicle

In New Hampshire, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must hold your learner’s permit for at least 6 months before taking the road test
• You must complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours of which must be at night)

If you are 18 or older:

• There is no minimum holding period for your learner’s permit
• Practice until you develop safe driving skills before taking your road test

New Hampshire requires different driver education based on your age:

• If you are under 18: Yes, you must complete a state-approved driver education course before getting your driver’s license (though not specifically for the permit)
• If you are 18 or older: No, driver education is not required, although it’s recommended to help you become a safer driver

In New Hampshire, before you get your driver’s license, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must complete a state-approved driver education course that includes 30 hours of classroom instruction, 10 hours of behind-the-wheel training, and 6 hours of observation
• You must also complete 40 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night) with someone at least 25 years old who has a valid driver’s license

If you are 18 or older:

• No formal driver education is required, though it’s still beneficial

You can find New Hampshire-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking local high school offerings
• Visiting the New Hampshire DMV website for a list of licensed driving schools
• Ensuring the program is certified by the New Hampshire Department of Safety

The New Hampshire road test checks:

• If you can safely operate the vehicle
• If you follow traffic laws and signs
• Basic maneuvers such as turns, lane changes, and parking
• Your awareness of other road users
• Good decision making in various traffic situations

Before you start, the DMV examiner will check your vehicle to ensure it meets safety requirements.

You can schedule your road test in New Hampshire by:

• Visiting the New Hampshire DMV website
• Using the online appointment system
• Calling your local DMV office

On the day of your road test in New Hampshire, bring:

• Your learner’s permit
• A licensed driver who is at least 25 years old
• A properly registered and insured vehicle for your test
• Proof of insurance and vehicle registration
• If under 18, your completed driving log and driver education certificate

Common reasons for failing the New Hampshire road test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Lack of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings
• Inability to properly park

To convert your learner’s permit to a driver’s license in New Hampshire:
If you are under 18:

• Hold your permit for at least 6 months
• Complete a state-approved driver education course
• Log 40 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night)
• Pass the road test
• Pay the license fee

If you are 18 or older:

• Practice with your permit
• Schedule and pass the road test
• Pay the license fee

New Hampshire’s graduated licensing program has these stages:

• Learner’s Permit: Must be at least 15½ years old and pass the written test. Practice with a licensed adult 25 or older.
• Youth Operator License: Must be at least 16 years old, hold your permit for at least 6 months, complete driver education, and pass the road test. Restrictions apply until age 18.
• Full License: Restrictions end when you turn 18.
• Adults 18 and older can go directly to a full license after passing the road test.

As a new driver under 18 in New Hampshire, your youth operator license will have these restrictions:

• No driving between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or licensed driver at least 25 years old
• No more passengers than there are seat belts in the vehicle
• For the first 6 months, you cannot carry more than one passenger under 25 years old who is not a family member unless accompanied by a licensed driver at least 25 years old

These restrictions apply until you turn 18.

New Hampshire does not recognize out-of-state permits. If you are moving to New Hampshire with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a New Hampshire permit
• If you’re under 18, you must meet all New Hampshire requirements, including driver education and supervised driving hours

New Hampshire offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Audio versions of the driver handbook
• Oral knowledge tests
• Extended testing time
• Use of special equipment in your own vehicle for the driving test
• Contact your local DMV office before your appointment to request accommodations

Yes, non-U.S. citizens can get a permit or license in New Hampshire by providing:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of New Hampshire residency
• Legal presence documentation
• Other required documents
• Visit the New Hampshire DMV website for more details on documentation requirements for non-citizens

You can download a copy of the New Hampshire Driver’s Manual here. Physical copies are also available at any DMV office.

Yes! We offer free New Hampshire-specific practice tests that mimic the actual permit test. Our practice tests help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your exam.

For more information about the New Hampshire permit process:

• Visit the New Hampshire DMV website at nh.gov/dmv
• Call the DMV at (603) 227-4000 during business hours
• Visit your local DMV office

If you lose your New Hampshire permit:

• Go to a DMV office
• Bring proof of identity
• Pay the replacement fee
• Fill out a duplicate license application

A parent or guardian who signed the application for a minor can cancel their teen’s permit or license by submitting a written request to the New Hampshire DMV along with proof of identity.