DRIVER’S ED IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

Helping New Hampshire teens become safe, confident drivers starts with a clear, supportive Drivers Ed program.

At CDS of NH, our mission is simple: teach the skills that keep new drivers safe for life.

Families trust us because our instructors are experienced, certified by the State of New Hampshire, and dedicated to guiding students through every step of the learning process – classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, permit preparation, and road-test readiness.

This page is your complete guide to Drivers Ed in New Hampshire, with everything parents and students need in one place.

ELIGIBILITY

• The student is 15 years and 9 months of age BEFORE FIRST CLASS DATE STARTS.
• The student CANNOT test for their license at the DMV until they’re 16 years old.
• Provide ORIGINAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE as PROOF of age. (No Copies Allowed)
• Must be available to drive WEEKDAYS and WEEKENDS.
• Student and Parent/Guardian 40 Hour Log Sheet (DSMV 509). MUST SHOW MINIMUM 12 HOURS of quality, varied driving experience. This is to ensure the student will gain the most from this course.

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Driver's Ed Schedule 2026

Driver Improvement Program

Habitual Offenders Program

Why Choose CDS of NH for Drivers Ed?

Learning to drive is not just a requirement — it’s a major milestone for teens and a major worry for parents. Our program is built to make the entire process smoother, safer, and more effective.

What makes CDS different:

State-certified instructors with decades of real on-road teaching experience
DMV-aligned Drivers Ed curriculum based on NH laws and best practices
Structured, supportive environment that builds student confidence
Hands-on behind-the-wheel lessons featuring real New Hampshire road conditions
AI-enhanced study tools to help teens prepare for written and driving exams
Convenient Concord, NH location serving drivers statewide
Flexible class offerings - 2026 programs
Practice routes that reflect real DMV road test scenarios

Your teen doesn’t just learn the basics — they learn smart decision-making, defensive driving techniques, and the skills to navigate New Hampshire’s roads safely.

New Hampshire Teen Licensing Requirements

Age Requirements

Teens can begin Drivers Ed at 15½ years old.
At 16, they qualify to take the DMV written and road tests once all requirements are met.

New Hampshire’s Permit System

NH is one of the few states without a physical paper permit.
Instead:

Teens 15½+ may practice driving with a supervising driver who is:
- 25 or older
- Licensed
- Sitting in the front passenger seat

We still provide full permit test preparation because your teen must pass the written exam before becoming fully licensed.

State-Required Drivers Ed Components

The NH DMV requires:

30 hours of classroom instruction
10 hours of behind-the-wheel driving
6 hours of observation
Supervised driving with a parent or guardian

We help families track progress and stay on schedule.

Scheduling the Road Test

Once a student meets their requirements:

We help them understand the test process
We review real examiner expectations
We teach the maneuvers that matter
Students can book their test at a local DMV branch

Teen Drivers Ed in NH: What Students Will Learn

Our Drivers Ed curriculum provides everything a new driver needs to responsibly operate a vehicle - and avoid dangerous mistakes common among teens.

Classroom Topics Include:

Understanding NH driving laws and responsibilities
Right-of-way rules
Navigating intersections & roundabouts
Speed control & safe following distance
Sharing the road with large vehicles
Handling New Hampshire weather: snow, ice, fog, black ice
Identifying and avoiding impaired or distracted driving
Vehicle control basics & emergency procedures

Behind-the-Wheel Training Covers:

Smooth acceleration and braking
Lane control & blind-spot awareness
Rural, suburban, and highway driving
City-traffic decision-making
Three-point turns
Parking techniques (parallel, angle, reverse)
Safe merging & safe lane changing
Navigating Concord’s DMV road-test routes

By the time they finish, students have practiced under many of the conditions they’ll face during the road test - and on real New Hampshire roads.

Behind-the-Wheel Driving Lessons

Driving experience is the most important part of a student’s safety training. Our instructors guide teens through a structured progression of real-world situations:

City and suburban driving
High-traffic merges
Roundabouts
Highway on-ramps & off-ramps
Rural two-lane roads
School zones & pedestrian areas
Parking lots & slow-speed maneuvering
Night driving practice
Hazard recognition and risk assessment

We help students remain calm and aware behind the wheel — a skill many new drivers struggle with.

NH Permit Test Guide

Passing the written test is the first big milestone for new drivers. Our permit-prep resources include:

Required documents for teens & parents
What’s on the NH written exam
The most commonly missed questions
Road-sign identification practice
NH-specific rules (roundabouts, winter driving, etc.)
AI-powered practice quizzes
A downloadable NH Permit Checklist

Parent Resources for Teen Drivers

NH Graduated Driver License (GDL) rules
Passenger limits and curfews
Insurance requirements for teen drivers
How to schedule supervised driving time
Helping teens prepare for winter driving
Technology & distracted driving
Safety habits that reduce collision risk
What to expect during Drivers Ed

Frequently Asked Questions

How old does my teen need to be to start?
Students must be 15½ to begin Drivers Ed in NH.

Do we need a permit to start driving?
New Hampshire does not use a paper permit system. Teens may practice with a licensed driver aged 25+.

How long does the program take?
State law requires 30 classroom hours, 10 driving hours, and 6 observation hours.

Do we need to track parent-supervised hours?
Yes. We provide tracking sheets and guidance.

What if my teen misses a class?
Makeup sessions are available depending on program availability.

How soon can they take the road test?
Once all class and driving requirements are completed and they’ve turned 16.

Do you offer adult driving lessons?
Yes — see our Adult Drivers Ed page.

Where do students drive during lessons?
We use a mix of Concord, suburban, rural, and highway environments.