New Hampshire · DMV

How to get your CDL permit in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire you book a DMV appointment, pass your CDL knowledge tests, and pay a $20 permit fee on top of the CDL class fee. Your CLP lasts 180 days and can be renewed once.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official DMV sources

Start the free New Hampshire permit classroom Official New Hampshire CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in-state only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $20 + class fee
Permit valid for: 180 days, renewable once
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Hold a valid New Hampshire driver's license.
2Fill out the CDL application, including your medical self-certification.
3Get your DOT medical card on file with the DMV if you need one.
4Book your knowledge tests through the DMV Appointments and Services page.
5Pass the General Knowledge test and all class and endorsement tests you need.
6Pay the $20 permit fee plus the class fee and receive your CLP.
7Hold your CLP at least 14 days and complete ELDT with a registered provider.
8Schedule your road test at any DMV office or by calling (603) 227-4020.

What to bring

Your valid New Hampshire driver's license
Your completed CDL application
Non-citizens: documents from the DMV's Non-US Citizen list
Payment for the permit, class and endorsement fees

Medical card

You self-certify your type of driving on the CDL application. You must have a valid medical card on file with the DMV before your CLP is issued.

Fees

CDL learner's permitCharged in addition to the class fee.	$20
CDL Class A, B or C	$60
Endorsement (H, N, P, S, T)	$10 each

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with DMV before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsement tests (if you want them)

Testing in New Hampshire

Initial knowledge and road tests are booked by appointment.
Your road test can be scheduled no sooner than 14 days after your CLP is issued.
You need proof of ELDT completion for your road test.

Study for these tests in the New Hampshire classroom

Good to know in New Hampshire

You can renew your CLP once, but only if you passed your knowledge tests within the past year.
With a P or S on your permit, no passengers are allowed except your CDL supervisor and officials.
With an N on your permit, you can drive empty tanks only, with no HazMat residue.

Confirm with DMV before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

Your total cost for the CLP — the $20 permit fee appears to be added to the $60 class fee, so confirm at the counter.
Knowledge, skills and retest fees — ask the DMV.
Which languages CDL tests are offered in — the DMV lists several for regular tests, but not confirmed for CDL.
How long you wait after a failed test — the general DMV rule is 10 days, not confirmed for CDL.
The vision standard — 20/40 for regular licenses, not confirmed for CDL.
How to submit your medical card, and SSN and residency document rules — ask the DMV.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

Ready to study?

Short lessons with diagrams, a quick check after each one, and a practice test for every permit exam New Hampshire gives. Free.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles. Rules and fees change, so always check with DMV before you apply.