What to bring to the New Hampshire DMV permit test
Bring the right documents and you can take the knowledge and vision tests on the same visit. The official requirements change from time to time, so check the DMV's own page before you go.
For the learner's permit and knowledge test
- No permit is issued. To practice, the learner carries proof of age and drives with a qualified supervising adult who has a valid license
Fees
- Operator license (not REAL ID): $50.00
- REAL ID operator license: $60.00
- Youth Operator license: $10.00 per year up to age 21
- Non-Driver ID: $20.00
- Duplicate: $20.00
- First motorcycle endorsement: $30.00
- Motorcycle-only or motor-driven-cycle-only license: $55.00
- Moped license: $8.00
- Motorcycle learner's permit: $30.00 ($25 renewal)
The vision test
20/40 in both eyes; 20/30 if sight in only one eye. Corrective lenses needed to pass = 'B' restriction.
Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them to see clearly.
For the road test
- Application for Driver License (DSMV 450)
- Proof of identity and residency: two documents from the REAL ID or non-REAL ID list (DSMV 634A / 634B)
- Under 18: original green Driver Education Completion Certificate, Parent or Guardian Authorization Certificate, and the Out-of-Class Log Sheet signed by a parent or guardian
- All driver licenses issued by any state
- Registered, inspected vehicle of the proper class, in safe running condition
- A licensed driver to drive the test vehicle to and from the site and stay until the test ends
- License fee (paid before testing)
After you pass: your permit
- Log 40 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them at night.
- Practice only with a parent, legal guardian, or another responsible licensed adult 25 or older who sits in the front seat and holds a current valid license. The adult is liable for violations by the learner
- The learner must carry proof of age in the vehicle
- Practice must be in a non-commercial vehicle
- Not available to anyone whose privileges are suspended or revoked in NH or any other state
- Driver education is required for applicants under 18: at least 30 hours of classroom, 10 hours of driving and 6 hours of observation with a certified instructor, plus 40 logged supervised hours (10 at night). Logging may begin at 15½
- Driver education enrollment age: 15 years 9 months by the first class, or turning 16 by the last class
Before you go
Take a practice test or two the day before, and the exam simulator to check you can pass in the real format. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the DMV says copies are accepted.
Questions
How old do I need to be to take the New Hampshire permit test?
15½ (practice driving only; New Hampshire issues no learner's permit).
How much does the New Hampshire permit test cost?
The DMV lists no separate test fee. You pay the license fee ($50 standard, $60 REAL ID, or Youth Operator $10 per year to age 21) and have your photo taken before testing begins.
Can I take the New Hampshire permit test online?
The DMV gives the knowledge test in person: Computer-based touch-screen test at a DMV office, by appointment: 40 multiple-choice questions with four answers each, 40-minute limit; the test ends automatically if more than 8 are answered incorrectly or time runs out. Exams are random, so a retest shows different questions.
Do I need an appointment?
Check the DMV's website: requirements for appointments differ by office and change often. Bring every document on the list above so you don't have to come back.
Source: New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, checked 2026-10-27.