Northeast · No permit issued — supervised practice allowed at 15½
How to get your learner’s permit in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is the only state with no learner’s permit. Teens 15½ and older may simply practice with a licensed adult 25 or older in the passenger seat, then complete driver education and testing for a youth operator license at 16.
New Hampshire permit requirements at a glance
| Minimum age | 15½ — New Hampshire does not issue learner’s permits at all |
|---|---|
| Official name | No permit issued — supervised practice allowed at 15½ |
| Supervised practice | 40 hours, including 10 at night (certified before the license exam) |
| Minimum holding period | Varies by age and program — confirm with the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles |
| Issuing agency | New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (official source ↗) |
How easy is it to get licensed in New Hampshire?
Our Ease Score weighs starting age, practice hours, and waiting time. See how it works & the full 50-state ranking →
- Starting age
- 15½
- Practice hours
- 40 hours
- Waiting time
- No set wait
Longer bars = easier. Overall: 58/100. New Hampshire is the easiest state in the Northeast to get licensed. Nationally, Arkansas is #1 and Maryland is #50.
Did you know? Maine requires 70 supervised hours — the most of any state. See for yourself →
⏳ Count down to your New Hampshire permit date · ⚔️ Compare New Hampshire with another state · 📝 Track your practice hours
Steps to get your permit in New Hampshire
- Confirm you’re eligible. You must be at least 15½ (new hampshire does not issue learner’s permits at all). If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to sign your application.
- Study the official New Hampshire driver manual. The knowledge test is based on it — download it free from the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles site. Focus on road signs, right-of-way, and New Hampshire’s specific teen-driving (GDL) restrictions.
- Gather your documents. Plan on proof of identity (certified birth certificate or valid passport), your Social Security number, two proofs of New Hampshire residency, and — in many states — proof of school enrollment. The exact list is on the official New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles page.
- Apply, pass the vision screening, and take the knowledge test. Most offices recommend or require an appointment, and a fee applies at application — check current fees on the official site, as they change periodically.
- Practice with a qualifying supervising driver. New Hampshire requires 40 hours, including 10 at night (certified before the license exam). Keep a signed log — you'll certify it later.
- Hold your permit for the required period. The required period in New Hampshire depends on your age and program. Then schedule your road test for the next license stage.
Good to know in New Hampshire
- Because there is no permit document, out-of-state practice driving rules may not recognize New Hampshire learners — check before driving across state lines.
New Hampshire learner’s permit FAQ
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in New Hampshire?
The minimum age is 15½ (new hampshire does not issue learner’s permits at all). New Hampshire calls this credential the No permit issued — supervised practice allowed at 15½.
How many supervised driving hours does New Hampshire require?
New Hampshire requires 40 hours, including 10 at night (certified before the license exam). A parent, guardian, or qualifying licensed adult must certify the hours.
How long do you have to hold a learner's permit in New Hampshire?
Holding-period rules depend on your age and program — check the current requirement with the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles.
Can you drive alone with a learner's permit in New Hampshire?
No. In every US state, a permit holder must be supervised by a qualifying licensed adult seated in the front passenger seat. Driving alone on a permit can lead to citations and can delay your license.
Is New Hampshire an easy state to get licensed in?
New Hampshire ranks #5 of 50 on our Ease Score (58/100), which weighs starting age, required practice hours, and the permit waiting period. Arkansas is the easiest state in the nation and Maryland is the toughest.