How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in New Hampshire?

You must be at least 15.5 years old to get a learner's permit in New Hampshire.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 1:00 AM to 4:00 AM.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

New Hampshire Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

New Hampshire uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

15.5

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15.5
Supervised driving hours: 40 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 25 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 1:00 AM to 4:00 AM
Passenger exceptions: No passengers under 25 unless family members for first 6 months
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations can result in fines and license suspension

New Hampshire-Specific Information

New Hampshire does not require a minimum permit holding period. Has a narrow curfew window (1 AM to 4 AM) compared to most states. No passengers under 25 (not 18 or 21 like most states), making it one of the strictest passenger rules. Cell phone ban applies to all drivers under 18.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in New Hampshire gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in New Hampshire at age 15.5.

During the intermediate license stage, New Hampshire restricts driving between 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in New Hampshire at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.