Obtaining a youth operator license is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in New Hampshire. You are eligible to apply for a youth operator license if you are at least 16 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of New Hampshire who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months

In order to practice driving, you need to be at least 15 years and 6 months of age and be accompanied by an adult aged 25 years or more, with a valid driving license, who sits beside you. On completion of a driver education course, you can apply for a youth operator license after your 16th birthday.

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL YOUTH OPERATOR License

1. Download a copy of the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local Driver License Center.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, you must obtain a parental authorization form, and have it completed and signed by your parent or guardian.
3. Visit your local Driver License Center to submit the application. You must bring with you:
4. The completed Form DSMV 450.
5. Proof of identity and New Hampshire residency, as specified by the DMV. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
6. Proof of completion of a DMV-approved driver education course if you are under 18.
7. Your Social Security card.
8. Cash, credit card or check payable to NH DMV for the correct fee as mentioned on the license application.
9. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued a youth operator license which is valid till your 21st birthday.

The youth operator license for drivers (under 18) in New Hampshire includes the following restrictions:

1. For the initial six months, you are permitted to drive with only one passenger who is under 25, the only exception being if you are accompanied by a licensed driver over the age of 25.
2. You can only operate your vehicle between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m.
3. Use of a seat belt is an absolute must, and if the passengers exceed the number of seat belts, they need to be removed.

[edit] THE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

A full, unrestricted license may be issued when you are at least 18 years old. A youth operator license may be changed to a regular, non-commercial driver's license, provided you have completed 20 hours of driving supervised by an adult (25 years old or older) and have proof in the form of a Log Sheet. While you can apply for a driver license when you turn 16 and complete a DMV-approved driver education course and the additional 20 hours of supervised driving, it will have the same restrictions as the youth operator license till you turn 18.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of New Hampshire, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.