DMV New Hampshire · Fees, age, and practice test
New Hampshire Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Sourced procedural facts for New Hampshire DMV, plus a free 180-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the New Hampshire permit test cost?
No separate knowledge test fee; license application fee is $50 (standard) or $60 (REAL ID) and covers testing
- Learner permit / application fee: New Hampshire does not issue learner's permits; a person learning to drive is permitted to drive under certain conditions (RSA 263:25)
- Knowledge (written) test fee: No separate knowledge test fee; license application fee is $50 (standard) or $60 (REAL ID) and covers testing
- Initial driver license fee: $50.00 Operator (not federally compliant); $60.00 REAL ID Operator; Youth Operator (under 21) $10.00 per year up to age 21
Source: Apply for Your First Driver License/Non Driver ID | NH DMV · Last verified 2026-07-06. Our 180-question New Hampshire practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
No separate learner's permit issued; may begin learning at 15.5 with a parent/guardian/licensed adult 25+; must be 16 to apply for a license
Knowledge test fee
No separate knowledge test fee; license application fee is $50 (standard) or $60 (REAL ID) and covers testing
Permit fee
New Hampshire does not issue learner's permits; a person learning to drive is permitted to drive under certain conditions (RSA 263:25)
Initial license fee
$50.00 Operator (not federally compliant); $60.00 REAL ID Operator; Youth Operator (under 21) $10.00 per year up to age 21
Questions on the knowledge test
40 multiple choice questions (40 minutes; test ends automatically if more than 8 questions are answered incorrectly)
Passing score
All knowledge exams require a passing grade of 80%
Retake wait after failing
10 calendar days before retesting after failing the knowledge or motorcycle exam
Supervised driving before road test
40 hours of supervised driving beyond driver ed (10 at night) for under-18 applicants, supervised by a licensed driver 25+, certified via official log/app
Documents to bring
Completed application (DSMV 450) and proof of identity and residency; under-18 applicants also need the original driver education completion certificate
Find an office / appointment
NH DMV is fully appointment based; book online at dmv.nh.gov (select service, Make an Appointment) or call 603-227-4000.
REAL ID status
REAL ID is voluntary in NH, needed for domestic flights/federal facilities since May 7, 2025; get it at DMV renewal or by appointment.
Motorcycle license
Minimum age 16; permits for 16-17 year olds require completion of an approved driver education course and a valid NH license; adults 18+ may get a learner's permit directly.
Official source: Apply for Your First Driver License/Non Driver ID | NH DMV
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles site.
How much is the New Hampshire permit test?
New Hampshire knowledge test fee: No separate knowledge test fee; license application fee is $50 (standard) or $60 (REAL ID) and covers testing (official source). Permit fee: New Hampshire does not issue learner's permits; a person learning to drive is permitted to drive under certain conditions (RSA 263:25) (official source).
How many questions are on the New Hampshire permit test?
The official New Hampshire knowledge test: 40 multiple choice questions (40 minutes; test ends automatically if more than 8 questions are answered incorrectly) (official source). Passing score: All knowledge exams require a passing grade of 80% (official source).
New Hampshire DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | No separate knowledge test fee; license application fee is $50 (standard) or $60 (REAL ID) and covers testing | source |
| Permit fee | New Hampshire does not issue learner's permits; a person learning to drive is permitted to drive under certain conditions (RSA 263:25) | source |
| Initial license fee | $50.00 Operator (not federally compliant); $60.00 REAL ID Operator; Youth Operator (under 21) $10.00 per year up to age 21 | source |
Studying for it? Take the free New Hampshire DMV practice test (180 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a New Hampshire driver license covers
Initial license fee: $50.00 Operator (not federally compliant); $60.00 REAL ID Operator; Youth Operator (under 21) $10.00 per year up to age 21 (official source)
REAL ID status: REAL ID is voluntary in NH, needed for domestic flights/federal facilities since May 7, 2025; get it at DMV renewal or by appointment. (official source)
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official New Hampshire DMV site for exact card timelines.
Getting a license in New Hampshire
Getting your first permit
In New Hampshire, the minimum permit age is no separate learner's permit issued; may begin learning at 15.5 with a parent/guardian/licensed adult 25+; must be 16 to apply for a license. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: completed application (DSMV 450) and proof of identity and residency; under-18 applicants also need the original driver education completion certificate. NH DMV is fully appointment based; book online at dmv.nh.gov (select service, Make an Appointment) or call 603-227-4000.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
No separate knowledge test fee; license application fee is $50 (standard) or $60 (REAL ID) and covers testing. If you fail the knowledge test: 10 calendar days before retesting after failing the knowledge or motorcycle exam. Before the road test, the state requires 40 hours of supervised driving beyond driver ed (10 at night) for under-18 applicants, supervised by a licensed driver 25+, certified via official log/app.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
REAL ID is voluntary in NH, needed for domestic flights/federal facilities since May 7, 2025; get it at DMV renewal or by appointment. For a motorcycle license: minimum age 16; permits for 16-17 year olds require completion of an approved driver education course and a valid NH license; adults 18+ may get a learner's permit directly.
The New Hampshire bank has 180 questions across 8 topics
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