What a New Hampshire learner's permit lets you do

A New Hampshire learner's permit allows you to drive on public roads while supervised by a licensed adult. The supervising driver must be at least 25 years old, hold a valid driver's license, and sit in the front passenger seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver present.

The permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. During this time, you can practice driving on any public road in New Hampshire, though some restrictions explore depending on how long you have held the permit. Once you pass the road test, you move to the next licensing stage — you do not need to renew the learner's permit itself.

Key Takeaways

  • A supervising driver must be at least 25 years old, licensed, and sitting in the front passenger seat whenever you drive with a learner's permit.
  • You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot drive alone under any circumstances.
  • Cell phone use is banned entirely — no handheld devices, no hands-free calls, no texting, even at red lights.
  • Seat belts are required for all passengers, and you cannot carry more than one passenger under 25 years old unless they are a family member.
  • The permit is valid for two years, and restrictions ease slightly after you have held it for six months.

Restrictions during your first six months

When you first receive your learner's permit, the strictest rules explore. You cannot use any cell phone or electronic device while driving — not for calls, not for GPS, not for anything. This includes hands-free devices. If you need directions, program them before you start driving or pull over safely to check your phone.

You also cannot carry passengers under 25 years old, with one exception: when ready family members (siblings, parents, grandparents) are allowed. This means you cannot give rides to friends or classmates, even if a supervising driver is present. All passengers must wear seat belts, and the supervising driver is responsible for enforcing this.

Speeding violations carry extra weight during this period. If you are stopped for speeding, the officer may suspend your permit when ready, and you will have to wait before you can take the road test. Reckless driving, aggressive honking, or other traffic violations can also result in suspension.

Restrictions after six months with your permit

After you have held your learner's permit for six months without violations, some rules relax slightly. You can now use a GPS device that is mounted on the dashboard or windshield — you still cannot hold it in your hand. Cell phone use remains completely banned, including hands-free calling.

The passenger restriction changes: you can now carry up to one passenger under 25 years old who is not a family member, as long as your supervising driver is present. This means you could have your supervising driver plus one friend in the car, but not two friends. All passengers still must wear seat belts.

The midnight-to-5-a.m. driving ban and the requirement for a supervising driver do not change. These rules stay in place until you pass your road test and receive your junior license.

What happens if you violate permit rules

Violations of learner's permit restrictions can result in permit suspension, which means you cannot drive at all — not even with a supervising driver — until the suspension is lifted. The length of suspension depends on the violation and whether you have had previous violations. A first violation might result in a 30-day suspension, while repeat violations can lead to longer suspensions or denial of your road test.

If you are caught driving without a supervising driver, driving alone, or driving outside permitted hours, you face suspension and may be required to restart your permit period. This means the two-year clock resets, and you go back to the strictest restrictions. You will also have to pay a fine, which varies based on the specific violation.

Serious violations — such as reckless driving, speeding more than 10 miles per hour over the limit, or causing an accident — can result in when ready suspension and may prevent you from taking your road test for several months. The New Hampshire Department of Safety tracks all violations, and they become part of your driving record.

Rules about the supervising driver

The supervising driver must meet specific requirements every time you drive. They must be at least 25 years old and hold a valid, non-suspended driver's license from any state. They cannot be learning to drive themselves — they must have a full, unrestricted license. The supervising driver must sit in the front passenger seat, not in the back or in another vehicle.

The supervising driver is responsible for making sure you follow all permit rules. If you are pulled over and the supervising driver allowed you to violate a rule — for example, by letting you drive between midnight and 5 a.m. — the supervising driver can also face fines and penalties. Make sure whoever supervises you understands the rules and will enforce them.

If your supervising driver is impaired, distracted, or otherwise unable to supervise safely, you should not drive. The purpose of the supervising driver is to help you learn and to step in if something goes wrong. A supervising driver who is texting, eating, or intoxicated cannot do this job.

Prohibited activities that explore to all permit holders

Certain rules explore at all times, regardless of how long you have held your permit. You cannot drive if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs — this includes marijuana, even in states where it is legal. You cannot drive with an open container of alcohol in the car. You cannot drive if your license is suspended or revoked.

You must obey all traffic laws: stop signs, traffic lights, speed limits, and right-of-way rules. You must wear your seat belt at all times. You cannot adjust the radio, climate control, or other vehicle settings while driving — do this before you start moving. You cannot eat, drink, or groom yourself while driving.

You must carry your learner's permit with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped and cannot produce it, you can be cited for driving without a license. You must also carry proof of insurance and vehicle registration. Keep these documents in the car at all times.

How to move from a learner's permit to a junior license

Once you have held your learner's permit for at least six months without a suspension, you become may be able to access to take the road test. You do not have to wait the full two years — six months is the minimum. Schedule your road test through the New Hampshire Department of Safety; you can do this online or by phone.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will ask you to demonstrate that you can control the vehicle safely and obey road signs. You must pass this test to move to the next stage.

If you pass, you receive a junior license, which has fewer restrictions than a learner's permit but more than a full license. If you fail, you can take the test again after waiting a set period — usually a few weeks. You keep your learner's permit and can continue practicing until you pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to school with a learner's permit?

No. You cannot drive alone under any circumstances with a learner's permit. You must have a supervising driver who is at least 25 years old sitting in the front passenger seat. If you need to drive to school, an adult must drive with you.

What if my supervising driver gets a ticket because I violated a rule?

Yes, the supervising driver can receive a fine if they knowingly allowed you to break permit rules. For example, if you are caught driving between midnight and 5 a.m., both you and the supervising driver may be cited. Make sure your supervising driver understands and agrees to enforce all the rules.

Can I use my phone for GPS if it's mounted on the dashboard?

Only after you have held your permit for six months. During the first six months, you cannot use any electronic device, including a mounted GPS. After six months, a dashboard-mounted GPS is allowed, but you still cannot hold your phone in your hand or use it for calls or texting.

What happens if I get suspended during my learner's permit period?

A suspension means you cannot drive at all until it is lifted. Depending on the violation, your suspension might last 30 days or longer. If you are suspended, you may have to restart your six-month waiting period before you can take the road test, which delays your progress toward a junior license.

Can a family member supervise me if they are under 25?

No. The supervising driver must be at least 25 years old, regardless of whether they are a family member. This is a hard requirement. A 24-year-old parent or older sibling cannot supervise you legally.