Driver Licensing > Driver Education > Learning to Drive

Practice Driving

New Hampshire does not issue learner's permits, but a person learning to drive is permitted to drive under certain conditions. For the purpose of learning to drive a car, a person who has never previously held a driver license may practice driving on New Hampshire roadways as long as the following conditions are met:

• The driver must be at least 15½ years old and must carry proof of age in the vehicle.
• The person learning to drive must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or other responsible licensed adult 25 years of age or older.
• The vehicle used for practice must be a non-commercial vehicle.

The adult accompanying the person who is learning to drive must sit in the front seat of the vehicle and must hold a current, valid driver license. The accompanying adult shall be liable for any motor vehicle violation committed by the unlicensed driver. For more information regarding this law, please see RSA 263:25.

Driver Education

Participating in an approved Driver Education program is fundamental to the process of learning to drive a motor vehicle. It is recommended that any person who is learning to drive for the first time take a New Hampshire Approved Driver Education Program. Driver Education is required for anyone under the age of 18, and for non-US citizens temporarily residing in New Hampshire who don't have previous driving experience.