New Hampshire Online Driver Education and New Hampshire Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in New Hampshire? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of New Hampshire has implemented a graduated driver license program for Iowa drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in New Hampshire.

When you turn 15 years and 6 months old, you may begin to practice driving without an instruction/learners permit so long as you have a licensed driver who's at least 21 years old actively supervising your driving from the front passenger seat. Everyone in the car must be wearing seatbelts.

New Hampshire Youth Operator License

After you turn 16, you may apply for a New Hampshire Youth Operator License so long as you have completed a state-approved drivers education course and completed 40 hours of driving practice (including 10 hours at night) with a licensed driver (this is outside your drivers ed course). Please take the following items with you to the driver's license office:

• Your drivers education course completion certificate
• Birth certificate
• 1 other form of ID (please see the DMV website for a list of acceptable forms of ID)
• A licensing certificate
• A driver log sheet showing that you've completed 40 hours of driving practice, including 10 at night (blank log sheets are available on the DMV website)
• A signed parental-consent form (blank forms available on the DMV website)
• Money for the license processing fee

You will need to pass the road test in order to be issued a youth operator license.

With a Youth Operator License, the following restrictions apply:

• Everyone in the car must be buckled-up
• You may not drive between the hours of 1am and 5am unless you're driving to or from your job, a school-sponsored activity, or in the event of an emergency
• You may have no passengers under the age of 25 who are not immediate family members

After you turn 18, these restrictions are removed.

New Hampshire Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

Surprisingly, the State of New Hampshire does not require drivers to be covered by auto insurance liability! However, because even the most experienced drivers can have accidents, it is HIGHLY recommended that you get auto insurance for your protection as well as those around you.

The recommended minimum amount of liability coverage is as follows:

• $25,000--personal injury (1 person) per accident
• $50,000--personal injury (2 or more persons) per accident
• $25,000--property damage

By the way, if you are convicted of a major traffic violation, a court may order that you purchase liability coverage. If you are required to carry auto insurance, and are later involved in an accident while driving uninsured, your license may be suspended until a settlement is reached.

New Hampshire Drunk-Driving Laws

Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in New Hampshire, and this law is strictly enforced.

• Upon your first DUI conviction, you will face the following penalties:
• A minimum of 10 days in jail
• A 9 to 12-month suspension of your license
• Enrollment in a driver intervention program
• Enrollment in an alcohol and/or drug treatment program
• A fine of at least $500
• Mandatory purchase of auto insurance for 3 years

Further DWI violations will result in more severe penalties, including extended time in jail, fines, and the revocation of your driver's license.

New Hampshire Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

New Hampshire teen drivers are not allowed to use cell phones or text-messaging devices while they are driving.

New Hampshire Driver Education

You can learn more about state-approved drivers education courses available in New Hampshire by visiting the N.H. DMV website.