DMV New Hampshire · Facts and practice test
New Hampshire DMV: age, fees, test facts
Sourced procedural facts for New Hampshire DMV, plus a free 77-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
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
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), proof of identity/residency (certified birth certificate or equivalent), SSN documentation; under-18 applicants also need driver ed completion proof
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; applicants under 18 must complete a Basic Rider Class and provide parental permission; adults 18+ may get a learner's permit directly.
Commercial license (CDL)
Intrastate CDL minimum age 18; interstate driving requires 21; CDL holders under 21 restricted to intrastate only.
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.
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), proof of identity/residency (certified birth certificate or equivalent), SSN documentation; under-18 applicants also need driver ed completion proof. 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; applicants under 18 must complete a Basic Rider Class and provide parental permission; adults 18+ may get a learner's permit directly. For a commercial license (CDL): intrastate CDL minimum age 18; interstate driving requires 21; CDL holders under 21 restricted to intrastate only.
The New Hampshire bank has 77 questions across 8 topics
Passed? Don't forget insurance
New drivers in the household need to be added to the policy, and shopping several carriers is the best way to keep the cost down, wherever you live.