The New Hampshire road test
A plain-language guide, checked against the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles (NH DMV): who the test is for, what to bring, how it is scored, and what a retake really costs.
The rule that decides your path
The New Hampshire road test, also called the behind-the-wheel or driving skills test, is the final exam the NH DMV gives before it issues a driver's license. New drivers can take the New Hampshire driving test at 16, after logging 40 hours of supervised driving.
In New Hampshire, driver's education is required before anyone under 18 can be licensed. New Hampshire issues no learner permit. Anyone 15 years 6 months or older may practice with a parent, guardian, or licensed adult 25 or older. The Youth Operator license covers ages 16 to under 21. Under state law (RSA 263:19), ages 16 to 17 need driver's ed: 30 hours classroom, 10 hours practice, 6 hours observation, and 40 supervised hours with 10 at night. New Hampshire has no mandatory insurance but does require a road test. Parental consent is required under 18.
Below you'll find the full New Hampshire road test requirements: who qualifies, what to bring, how examiners score the drive, and the retake rules if you don't pass the first time. On our Driving Index, New Hampshire's written knowledge test ranks tied for 14th-hardest of 51.
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Supervised hours before the New Hampshire road test
These are hours you spend driving with a licensed adult, usually a parent, before you can take the test. Keep a log as you go, on paper or in an app, because the state can ask to see it. Practice in a mix of conditions, day and night, highways and quiet streets, rain and clear weather, and get the night hours in early, since those are the ones most people leave to the last minute.
What to bring to the New Hampshire road test
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Documents
Your vehicle must have
Who comes with you. A properly licensed driver must drive the test vehicle to and from the site and stay until the test is complete. Under 18: written consent from a parent or guardian (or proof of insurance, or emancipation).
If you fail the New Hampshire road test
Here's how a retake works in New Hampshire: At least 10 calendar days (operator and motorcycle); at least 30 days if you no-show or cancel late.
Beyond any fee, a retry usually means another day off work or school, another ride to the office, and another car to borrow, so failing costs far more than it looks on paper.
Passing on the first try is the cheapest way through. A first license runs $50 (operator, non-compliant; REAL ID $60).
How the New Hampshire road test is scored
Pass or fail. Scored on handling in traffic, driving habits, knowledge of signs and rules, handling stress, and attitude toward safety.
New Hampshire doesn't publish a point system or a set passing score, so the examiner simply judges whether you drive safely and follow the rules. In general, you fail for dangerous driving, breaking a traffic law, causing a crash, or not following the examiner's directions. Small mistakes add up too, so drive smoothly and predictably.
Before the road test
Pass the New Hampshire written test on your first try
Nearby road-test guides.
Six more states, neighbours first, then the closest matches on test difficulty.
Test specifications, fees and laws change. This guide was last verified July 2026; always confirm current requirements with the NH DMV (www.dmv.nh.gov) before booking a test. DMV IQ is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with any state DMV, DPS, MVD, or BMV.
Spot an error? Email [email protected] and we'll get it corrected.
Sources for this guide (4 official NH DMV pages)
- Eligibility: https://www.dmv.nh.gov/drivers-licensenon-driver-ids/driver-licensing-requirements-minors
- What to bring: https://www.dmv.nh.gov/drivers-licensenon-driver-ids/driver-licensing-testing-requirements
- Test format: https://www.dmv.nh.gov/drivers-licensenon-driver-ids/driver-licensing-testing-requirements
- Scoring: https://www.dmv.nh.gov/drivers-licensenon-driver-ids/driver-licensing-testing-requirements
- Retakes: https://www.dmv.nh.gov/drivers-licensenon-driver-ids/driver-licensing-testing-requirements
- Fees: https://www.dmv.nh.gov/drivers-licensenon-driver-ids/licensing-fees
- Handbook (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)): https://www.dmv.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt416/files/inline-documents/nhdm.pdf
Current as of 2026-07-16. Official New Hampshire sources only; anything the state does not publish is left out rather than guessed.