New Hampshire Permit Test FAQ

40 multiple-choice questions about the rules of the road and general driving conditions, answered on a touch screen within 40 minutes. Each question has four choices. If you get more than 8 wrong, the test stops, so you need at least 32 right. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 2)

Three: a vision test (20/40 with both eyes, or 20/30 with sight in only one eye), the computer knowledge test and a road test with a DMV licensing examiner. The road test takes about 20 minutes, and nobody else may ride along. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 2–3)

English, American Sign Language, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Farsi and Mandarin Chinese, on screen and spoken. Automated audio through headphones is available to anyone who asks the DMV representative before starting. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 2)

You get an appointment to try again no sooner than ten days after the failed test. Missing a scheduled road test, or cancelling with less than 24 hours' notice, means waiting at least 30 days for a new one. (NH DMV: Driver Licensing Testing Requirements)

Any driver's license you hold from any state, proof of identity and New Hampshire residency, a registered and inspected car in safe condition that fits the license class, and a licensed driver who brings you and stays until the road test is over. Under 18, a parent or guardian must also give written permission for the license. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 3)

No. Instead, anyone at least 15 and a half without a license may practice driving while a parent, legal guardian or licensed responsible adult aged 25 or older rides along. People whose driving privileges are suspended or revoked in any state can't practice. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 2)

Carry proof of your age, drive a non-commercial vehicle, and have the accompanying adult sit in the front seat with a valid license. That adult is responsible for any traffic violation you commit while practicing. (NH DMV: Learning to Drive)

You must be 15 years and 9 months old by the first scheduled class, or turn 16 by the last scheduled class. Courses fill quickly, so contact an approved driving school or high school program a few months ahead. (NH DMV: Driver Education)

Thirty hours in the classroom, ten hours driving and six hours observing, all with a certified instructor. Separately, you log 40 more hours of supervised driving with a parent, guardian or other responsible adult, and at least 10 of those hours are after dark. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 1)

Under 18, you may not drive between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. or carry more passengers than there are seat belts. During your first six months, you may carry only one passenger under 25 who isn't family, unless a licensed adult aged 25 or older is with you. Any phone or device use, even hands-free, is off limits except to report an emergency. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 4)

After a hearing, the DMV can suspend or revoke the license: 20 to 40 days for a first offense, 45 to 90 days for a second, and 90 to 180 days for a third or later, which also requires an in-person driver attitude program. Drunk or drugged driving, reckless driving or speeding more than 30 mph over the limit brings extra penalties. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 5–6)

On your 21st birthday. Youth Operator licenses are printed vertically and say "Under 21 until" the date. At 21 you renew to get a standard horizontal license. (NH DMV: Driver Licensing Requirements for Minors)

Not by law. But a driver in an uninsured crash can be held responsible for all property damage and medical bills, and if they can't pay, the DMV suspends their driving privileges until it's settled. They may also have to carry insurance (an SR-22 filing) for several years. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 32)

The law requires safety restraints only for people under 18, with a few exceptions such as passengers in a vehicle for hire or a motorcycle. The manual still strongly recommends belts for every age, because they keep people from being thrown from the vehicle. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 11–12)

Within 60 days of moving into the state. When you apply, you hand in every driver's license issued by another state, and an application isn't accepted while your driving privileges are suspended or revoked anywhere. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 1)

Every five years, on your birthday. The DMV mails a reminder about two months ahead, but renewing on time is your responsibility even if no reminder arrives. Many drivers can renew online. (New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p. 5)