How to Get Your Driver's License in New Hampshire
Last verified: 2026-03
Here is how to get your driver's license in New Hampshire. New Hampshire uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 18.
GDL Stages in New Hampshire
Learner's Permit
Requirements
- Pass written knowledge test
- Pass vision screening
- Parental consent if under 18
Restrictions
- Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 25 or older or a licensed parent/guardian
Youth Operator License
Requirements
- Hold learner's permit for at least 6 months
- Complete driver education course
- Pass road skills test
Restrictions
- No driving between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.
- No more than 1 passenger under 25 for the first 6 months unless family
Full Unrestricted License
Requirements
- Turn 18 or hold Youth Operator license for required period with clean record at 16 and a half
Restricted License Rules
- No driving between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. This is one of the shortest nighttime curfew windows in the country.
- For the first 6 months, only 1 passenger under 25 who is not a family member is allowed.
How restrictions lift: Passenger restrictions ease after 6 months. The nighttime curfew continues until age 18.
Road Test Overview
What Is Tested
- Vehicle control
- Turning and lane changes
- Parking
- Obeying traffic signals and signs
- Speed management
- Yielding right of way
Adult Licensing Pathway
If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 18 and older may apply for a full license without the Youth Operator restrictions.
New Hampshire-Specific Information
New Hampshire uses the under-25 age cutoff for its passenger restriction, the highest age threshold of any state. However, the nighttime curfew runs only from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m., which is one of the narrowest curfew windows in the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be at least 18 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Youth Operator License, Full Unrestricted License.
- No driving between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. This is one of the shortest nighttime curfew windows in the country.
- For the first 6 months, only 1 passenger under 25 who is not a family member is allowed.
Adults age 18 and older in New Hampshire can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 18 and older may apply for a full license without the Youth Operator restrictions.
Need your permit first?
Start with the learner's permit before your full license.
New Hampshire learner's permit guideCheck drivers ed requirements
Find out if drivers ed is required in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire drivers ed requirementsPrefer to learn online?
Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.
View Online CoursesThis information is based on New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles website for the most current information.