New Hampshire Supervised Practice Phase: Logging Hours and Booking Your Road Test

• At age 15½, you may begin supervised driving when you meet New Hampshire's supervision and proof-of-age rules. If you are under 18, you must also complete 40 additional supervised hours, including 10 at night, before licensing.
• ? Once you meet the age-based requirements and complete the required examinations, schedule the road test through the NH DMV appointment system.
• Passing the road test lets you obtain a Youth Operator License.

What comes after you start supervised driving in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire does not issue a standard Class D learner-permit card. Under RSA 263:25, an unlicensed driver may begin supervised practice at age 15½ when accompanied by a qualified licensed supervisor and carrying proof of age.

Your next steps depend on your age. Applicants under 18 must complete the teen driver-education and supervised-practice requirements before licensing.

Can you start supervised driving before passing the NH knowledge test?

Yes. For standard Class D practice, an unlicensed driver may begin supervised driving at age 15½ when the proof-of-age and supervision rules are met. Passing the DMV knowledge test is not a prerequisite for starting supervised practice.

Requirements during New Hampshire's supervised practice phase

Since there is no physical permit, you must follow strict rules to drive legally.

• ? Proof of Age: Carry an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport while driving.
• ? The Supervisor: You must be accompanied by a licensed certified instructor, a licensed parent or legal guardian, or a licensed responsible adult age 25 or older in the front passenger seat.
• ? No Mobile Devices: New Hampshire law prohibits all use of mobile electronic devices while driving.

Completing supervised driving practice in New Hampshire

If you are under 18, you must complete 40 additional hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night.

If you are under 18, use DSMV 509, Certification of Additional Supervised Driving, to document the required 40 hours and bring the completed form when required for licensing.

Is driver education enrollment required during the NH practice phase?

If you are under 18, you must complete an approved Driver Education course to move from permit to license.

• 30 hours of classroom instruction.
• ? 10 hours of practice driving with a certified instructor.
• 6 hours of driving observation.

You will receive a 'Green Slip' (Certificate of Completion) from your driving school, which you need to apply for your license.

Example: A student in Manchester completed all 40 practice hours but forgot to get the Green Slip from their driving school. The Concord DMV turned them away at their appointment, causing a 3-week delay until the school could re-issue the certificate.

Preparing for the New Hampshire road test

Before the road test, you must also pass the DMV knowledge examination. Use the New Hampshire Driver's Manual and the dedicated Permit Test Prep guidance for study details.

• Use the New Hampshire Driver's Manual and online state-specific practice tests.
• Test yourself weekly on road signs and right-of-way rules.

If you are under 18, the approved driver-education course includes 10 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor. Those instructor hours do not replace the separate 40-hour supervised-practice requirement.

Do you have to pass the NH knowledge test before taking the road test?

Yes. For an original driver license, New Hampshire uses the examination sequence of vision, knowledge, then road skills. You must pass the knowledge examination before moving on to the road test.

Knowledge-test validity before the road test

A passed New Hampshire knowledge examination is valid for one year. If the licensing process is not completed within that period, the DMV may require the knowledge examination again.

What changes if you turn 18 before taking the road test?

Once you are 18, the under-18 driver-education and 40-hour supervised-practice prerequisites no longer apply. You still must complete the required DMV examinations. Applicants ages 18–20 remain in the Youth Operator license category.

What license do you receive if you pass the road test at age 18, 19 or 20? You receive a Youth Operator License. The special curfew and passenger limits that apply to Youth Operators under 18 no longer apply once you are 18.

When can you apply for your first New Hampshire driver's license?

Once you turn 16 and have your Green Slip and completed Log Sheet, you can apply.

• Fees: Youth Operator fees are age-based at $10 per year until age 21, capped at $50. Applicants age 21 or older pay the standard operator-license fee.
• The Test: The original-license examination sequence includes vision, knowledge, and road-skills testing.

Waiting Period: New Hampshire does not use a fixed Class D permit-holding period. Eligibility depends on age, completion of the applicable requirements, and passing the required examinations.

Example: A teen in Bedford failed their road test for not checking blind spots during a lane change. The examiner noted they only practiced in quiet suburbs; they should have practiced more on busy roads like those near the Manchester Mall.

Key Rules to Know

Youth Operator restrictions after licensing

You will receive a Youth Operator License (often vertical and red). Until age 18, you must obey these restrictions.

• DMV was closed.

• One Portsmouth applicant found out the hard way: Form was a Vermont DMV form grabbed by mistake, different state entirely.