How To Get A Motorcycle License In New Hampshire

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A motorcycle license is one of the most important things you can get. It will allow you to get out on the road and enjoy the freedom of riding a motorcycle.

You will be able to go wherever you want, whenever you want, and not worry about getting into trouble with the authorities.

New Hampshire is a great place to ride motorcycles. It’s safe, scenic, and the state provides many opportunities for riders to get out on the open road.

Many people wonder about how to get a motorcycle license in New Hampshire. The process is pretty straightforward. Some tests need to be cleared, and a fee will have to be paid to get access to a motorcycle license in the state.

You may wonder, if the process is so simple, why is this article required?

There are many steps to know about when applying for a motorcycle license in New Hampshire. Most of your confusion will be wiped away by the end.

Motorcycle License Requirements In New Hampshire

Learn how you need to get a motorcycle permit in New Hampshire

The first thing to understand is the requirements for getting a motorcycle license in New Hampshire.

These requirements must be met to proceed, so you can get your license. Let’s take a look.

Knowing Your Age

Age is perhaps the most important factor to consider. Like almost all other states in the US, there are two age groups in which the state of New Hampshire has divided its license application process.

Both age groups need to meet different requirements, which will be discussed below:

Age Under 18

Before you can ride a motorcycle in New Hampshire, you must be at least 16 years old.

You also need to have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a driver’s education course. There are different courses available on the New Hampshire DMV website.

You will also need your parent’s or guardian’s permission if you are under 18. Your parent or guardian will need to sign an authorization certificate for you to get your motorcycle license.

It is the DSMV 38 form and must be brought with you when you visit the DMV office.

Age 18 Above

The requirement for people that are over the age of 18 is a bit different. If you have an out-of-state driver’s license, you must submit it as part of your application.

You will also need to provide proof of identity and residency through a social security card, birth certificate, or passport.

Other proofs of residency are available, which can be checked on the state’s DMV website. There is no requirement for a guardian authorization certificate, as 18-year-old people are classified as adults.

Types Of Motorcycle Licenses

In New Hampshire, there are four different licenses for motorcycles. This is normally not seen, as states have a maximum of two. Let’s take a look at them.

Type 1: Motorcycle License

The first is a motorcycle license, which allows you to drive all motorcycles, mopeds, and three wheeled motorcycles. This is the one most people should aim to get, as it covers all small modes of transportation.

Type 2: Three-Wheeled Motorcycle License

This license only allows you to drive three-wheeled vehicles. Even the riding test will require a three-wheeled motorcycle.

Type 3: Moped License

You can drive moped only with this license. The moped should have an automatic transmission and an engine not exceeding 50cc capacity. It should also not be able to drive faster than 30 miles per hour.

Type 4: Motor Driven Cycle License

This one allows you to drive any moped or scooter with no more than 5 horsepower.

How To Apply For Your New Hampshire Motorcycle License

With the license application process being the most important part of the entire article, I have divided the section into multiple parts, so you can keep track of what to do.

You will certainly have no uncertainties about the process after this.

Step 1: Get A Learner’s Permit

  • The first step to getting a motorcycle license, like in many states, is to get a permit.
  • This is temporary permission from the state of New Hampshire to allow you to ride on the street.
  • Applying for a learner’s permit is easy, and you need not do too many things to obtain one.
  • The first thing you have to do is to bring your driver’s license to the DMV office.
  • Next up, a form must be filled in with all the required details.
  • Now, you have to clear the tests. As you are applying for a permit, you need to take a vision and a knowledge test. The details will be discussed below.
  • The final step is to pay the $30 permit fee. After that, you can get your New Hampshire motorcycle permit. It will be valid for 45 days.

Step 2: Testing For Your Motorcycle License

Getting a motorcycle license also requires you to be ready for tests. The two main tests are the skills test and the knowledge test.

If you are not ready for them and eventually do not pass, the state will not issue you a license. Let’s take a look at them.

1. Motorcycle Written Test

In New Hampshire, you’ll need to take a knowledge test before you can get your motorcycle license.

The test consists of 25 questions based on information found in the New Hampshire Motorcycle Manual. You must answer 20 questions correctly to pass the test.

Moreover, the state will use this test to determine whether you understand the road and driving laws, so studying ahead of time is important!

There are sample tests available online, which can be used to assess the difficulty of the test.

2. Motorcycle Skills Test

The second phase of getting a motorcycle license in New Hampshire is to pass a skills test. Moreover, the skills test ensures you have the knowledge and skills to operate a motorcycle safely.

To take the skills test, you must bring your motorcycle that complies with the rules of the road and be registered.

Your ability to make decisions, turn, and do other things will be tested throughout this test. If you fail twice, a rider training class is required to obtain a license.

Step 3: Pay The Required Fees

Yes, you do have to spend some money to get a license in New Hampshire. Fortunately, the cost of getting one is not too much.

Firstly, you will have to pay the permit fees. This is done at the start. Next up, you have to pay $55 to get your license.

The price is pretty steep compared to other states in the USA. Regardless, you will have to clear these dues for the state to issue you a license.

Fortunately, there are many ways to pay the fees. You can pay in cash directly, use a credit card, deliver a check, or even send a money order. A traveler’s check is also valid and accepted by the state.

Step 4: Wait For Your License

After the state asks you to clear all dues, the process is mostly done. All you need to do is wait for the new license to arrive.

There is no official timeline for getting your license, but it is expected to be delivered within two weeks to a month. During that period, you should ride like you don’t have a license.

Ways To Get A Motorcycle Endorsement In NH

In this section, I’ll talk about the entire process you need to go through if you are looking to get a motorcycle endorsement in New Hampshire.

Step 1: Provision Of Documents

All important documents must be submitted first. This includes showing a driver’s license and submitting a completion card for the New Hampshire Rider Training Program. This step is compulsory for people under the age of 18.

Step 2: Pass A Motorcycle Knowledge Test

The next step is to pass the knowledge test. It has already been discussed that the test has 25 questions, of which 80% must be answered correctly. If not, you will not be eligible for giving the test.

Step 3: Take A Skills Test

Next is to pass a skills test. You must use your motorcycle and obey all instructions to pass the test. If you fail twice, you must attend and complete a training class.

Step 4: Pay The Required Fees

The final thing to do is to pay the fees. Fortunately, an endorsement is cheaper than getting an actual motorcycle license. It is $30, and the endorsement will be added to your driver’s license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How Long Will It Take To Get A Motorcycle License In New Hampshire?

The process of getting the license will take a few days but when it comes to your license getting delivered, you will have to wait for a few weeks. If the time is too long, it would be better to contact a DMV office.

Q2: How Much Will It Cost To Get A Motorcycle License In New Hampshire?

The first fee that will need to be paid is the permit fee. That is $30. The fee for the license itself is $55. When getting an endorsement, you will need to pay $30. Other than that, there are no fees you need to worry about.

Q3: Should I Have A License To Ride A Motorcycle In New Hampshire?

Yes, a motorcycle license is required to ride in New Hampshire. You need at least a permit to avoid trouble with the authorities. If you don’t have one, you could be fined, or the state could pursue other legal action.

You may also be interested in my article: New Hampshire Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Conclusion

Now you know how to get a motorcycle license in New Hampshire! You may finally stop wondering what you should do next and instead get one!

If you still have questions, you can always save this article, so you can visit it in the future.

It’s a great feeling to know that you can ride a motorcycle, and now it’s just a matter of getting the right paperwork and preparing for all the tests.

I hope this guide has been helpful to you, and you can get your license in no time.

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