Learning to drive is a lifelong pursuit because driving, concentrating, practicing and paying attention, will be something you do every time you get behind the wheel. And learning to drive, like any new undertaking, is better when you have some instruction to get you started. In New Hampshire, any driver license applicant 18 or younger must take an approved driver education course.

The classes are not put on by the state but instead by independent instructors. There are many offered across the state and choosing one close to you should be easy to do. The courses fill up quickly and it is important to sign up early―close to your 16th birthday. Most classes cost $500 or more.

Top Driver Education Certificate

Earning a Driver Education Certificate is done through an approved driver education course. There are 30 hours of classroom instruction with textbooks, workbooks, and assignments.

Driving lessons are given by the licensed instructor―10 hours are required for the certificate. An additional 10 hours of observation time are required; observation time means you are a passenger in the vehicle while another student driver is behind the wheel.

The final requirement is 40 hours of logged driving time; 10 hours must be at night. The time you log can be driving done with a parent or adult 25 years old or older.

If you are 16-18 years old you need to bring the Driver Education Certificate with you when you apply for a driver's license.

Top Self-Study

Learning to drive does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. If the Driver Education Certificate is not a requirement for you, then consider independent or self-study. What is really important to you is learning about traffic rules, vehicle operating basics, and roadway conventions.

The benefit of self-study is that you can learn at your own pace in a comfortable environment. If you are an adult learner getting a first-time license a self-study option may be appealing.

Of course, driver training and hands on practice cannot all be learned from a book. Driver training programs can be customized to meet your specific needs and beginning skill level. Remember, the State of New Hampshire believes experience, which comes from practice, produces safe drivers. Driver training should include plenty of practice with a licensed adult driver or instructor.

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