New Hampshire Online Driver Education and New Hampshire Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your New Hampshire learner’s permit or first New Hampshire driver’s license. New Hampshire has a Graduated Driver License Program for New Hampshire teen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first New Hampshire driver’s license goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.
The New Hampshire Instructional Permit or New Hampshire Youth Operator License
When you turn 15 and a half, you can practice driving as long as a parent or legal guardian is seated next to you. However, be sure to carry proper identification!
Remember, you must practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver who is at least 21. All passengers must wear seatbelts, and be sure to carry identification with you at all times. After you turn 16 and have met a few requirements, you’ll be ready for the next step in the New Hampshire Graduated License Program, the New Hampshire full license.
The New Hampshire Provisional Driver License or New Hampshire Full License
At 16, you may apply for a New Hampshire Youth Operator License. But first you must pass a New Hampshire approved driver education course. If you’ve completed the course, then head on down to your local New Hampshire DMV with your parent or guardian and submit your application. Be sure to bring the following:
- A licensing certificate
- A driver log sheet showing you have practiced driving for 40 hours, 10 of which must be at night
- A signed parent or legal guardian authorization certificate
- Proof of identity (your birth certificate plus 1 other)
- Social Security Number
- The driver license fee
Submit your application materials. Then, you’ll have to take a vision screening, written test, and the dreaded road test. If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your New Hampshire Youth Operator License. However, you’ll still have to drive with a few restrictions for the time being.
New Hampshire Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
There are several restrictions you need to be aware of regarding your New Hampshire Youth Operator’s License:
- Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt
- No driving between 1AM and 5AM unless for emergencies, your job, or a school-related activity
- No passengers under 25 except for family
After you turn 18, these New Hampshire teen driver restrictions are removed. Freedom!
New Hampshire Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your New Hampshire learner’s permit or New Hampshire full driver’s license, you’re ready to drive--or are you? Well, yes, because unlike most states, New Hampshire drivers are not required by law to be covered by liability insurance. However, it’s still a good idea to have liability insurance, and if you’ve been convicted for a serious traffic violation, the court may require that you do so. The recommended liability insurance coverage is:
- $25,000 per person for 1 person per accident
- $50,000 bodily injury for 2 or more persons per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
If you are in an accident and found to be driving without New Hampshire mandatory liability insurance, your New Hampshire license could be suspended until a settlement is reached.
New Hampshire Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a New Hampshire driver, it’s important for you to learn the New Hampshire drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like most state, New Hampshire has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a New Hampshire DUI or New Hampshire DWI, you face addition penalties to those listed below.
Upon your first conviction of a New Hampshire DWI, you’ll face the following penalties:
- Jail sentence 10 days minimum
- $500 minimum fine
- License suspension 9 months to 2 years
- Driver Intervention Program
- Possible Alcohol and/or Drug Treatment Program
- Mandatory New Hampshire insurance for 3 years
And of course, further New Hampshire DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and New Hampshire license suspension or even New Hampshire license revocation.
Currently, New Hampshire teen drivers are prohibited from using cell phones to text message while driving. The fine is $100.
New Hampshire Online Driver Education
New Hampshire teen drivers can find more information about approved New Hampshire online driver education courses on the New Hampshire DMV website.
