New Mexico

Yes. New Mexico follows a graduated driver's license (GDL) system, which allocates different driving responsibilities over a period of time.

If you're under 18 and driving on your instructional permit, you will ONLY be allowed to drive while accompanied by:

• A parent or legal guardian.
• A licensed driving instructor.
• A fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

If you're under 18 and driving on your provisional license, you'll be able to drive by yourself EXCEPT between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m., unless you are:

• Accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.
• Driving because of a medical emergency.
• Driving to or from a school or religious event.
• Driving to or home from work.

Once you turn 18, you'll be eligible for your unrestricted driver's license.

After passing the New Mexico road test, you'll be eligible to receive your license.

While driving on your permit, you'll be able to drive with:

• A parent or legal guardian.
• A licensed driving instructor.
• A fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

You may not drive unless accompanied by one of the above.

Once you earn your New Mexico learner's permit, you will automatically be eligible to drive with your parents.

As long as you successfully pass the driving exams, sign the proper paperwork, and pay the fee, you'll be issued your license after applying.

You'll have to apply at a participating Driver and Vehicle Services office.

Most offices will process driver's license applications, but not all of them. Make sure to check online for the full list of licensing centers.

Appropriate documents depend on whether you're a:

• U.S. citizen.
• Immigrant/permanent resident.
• Non-immigrant.

Some common forms of ID include a:

• U.S. birth certificate or passport.
• Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Valid alien registration card.

More information can be found through the New Mexico MVD.

The type of acceptable documents depend on whether you want a regular license or a REAL ID.

Regardless, you'll need to bring proof of your:

• Identification.
• New Mexico address.
• Social Security number.

To apply for your license when you're under 18 in New Mexico, you'll need:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • New Mexico residence.
• The Completion Certificate for your Driver's Education program.

To complete the process, you'll also need to pass all the tests and pay the appropriate fee.

To go from your provisional license to your full license in New Mexico, you must:

• Practice on your provisional license for at least 12 months.
• Have no traffic violation convictions within 90 days of applying.
• Have no pending traffic violations at the time of applying.
• Have not plead guilty for any drug or alcohol offenses during the provisional practice period.

To get your driver's license in NM if you're 18 or older, you'll need to:

• Successfully pass a:
  • Vision exam.
  • Knowledge test.
  • Written exam.
• Show proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • New Mexico residency.
  • Social Security number.
• Pay the driver's license fee.

If you're under 18 and using the state's graduated license system, you'll have to practice on your provisional license for at least 12 months before you can take the driving test.

If you're 18 or older and applying for a first-time license, there is no required waiting period.

If your license has been suspended or revoked in New Mexico, it may be possible to apply for a Hardship License, which will allow you to drive in limited circumstances.

To obtain a restricted license in New Mexico, you'll have to petition the county which issued the revocation.

This process involves:

• Paying fines.
• Submitting proof of financial responsibility from your insurance carrier.
• Providing proof of need from your employer, school, or physician.
• Passing a DWI course, if the suspension was DWI-related.

Successfully petitioning the court for a hardship license is difficult in New Mexico. You should contact the MVD or your lawyer for further help.

No. You'll only need to pass the written exam once to move on.

First, you'll meet with an examiner, who will make sure you have the proper documentation and your vehicle meets the state's safety standards.

Once the test begins, the examiner will ask you to perform certain tasks, demonstrating your ability to control the vehicle. You may be judged on your:

• Skill in handling the vehicle in traffic.
• Driving habits.
• Working knowledge and understanding of traffic signs.
• Working knowledge and understanding of rules of the road.
• Ability to physically, mentally, and emotionally handle the stress of driving.
• Attitude toward driving.
• Attitude toward personal and public safety.

You may also be judged on or asked to perform additional tasks.

You must arrive to your test with a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old. If you don't, you will not be able to take the test.

Make sure the vehicle is clean, especially the seat the instructor will be using.

You must also have/bring the following:

• Your valid learner's permit.
• Valid vehicle registration.
• Proof of vehicle insurance.

You must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

The vehicle you take your New Mexico, NM road test must meet all state vehicle safety standards, including fully-functioning:

• Horn.
• Headlights, taillights, and brake lights.
• Turn signals.
• Seat belts.
• Tires.
• Windshield wipers.
• Brakes.
• Speedometer.
• Muffler.

The vehicle must also have valid and up-to-date:

• Registration.
• Insurance.
• Inspection sticker.

Take your road test at your closest participating Motor Vehicle Division office.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in New Mexico include:

• Learner's permit: $10.
• 4-year license: $18.
• 8-year license: $34.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the NM Motor Vehicle Division for the most up-to-date information.

The New Mexico Driver's Manual is available online. You can also ask your local NM MVD office for a copy.

In New Mexico, you must be at least:

• 15 years old to apply for a permit.
• 15 Âœ years old to apply for a provisional license.
• 18 years old to apply for a full license.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in New Mexico include:

• Learner's permit: $10.
• 4-year license: $18.
• 8-year license: $34.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the NM Motor Vehicle Division for the most up-to-date information.

No. There is no requirement to pass a drug test before being issued your New Mexico driving permit.

No. The New Mexico, NM written exam is not open book, which is why it's especially important to study or take a practice test beforehand.

Yes. Your parent or legal guardian will have to sign paperwork on your behalf at this appointment.

To apply for your learner's permit in New Mexico, you'll need to bring in:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • New Mexico residence.
• The Completion Certificate for your Driver's Education program.

You can apply for your New Mexico learner's permit once you turn 15 years old.

Before you can apply for your NM learner's permit, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Pass a state-approved Driver's Ed program.

Once that's done, schedule an appointment with your closest participating MVD office and:

• Bring:
  • Proof of your:
    • Identity.
    • Social Security number.
    • New Mexico residence.
  • The Completion Certificate for your Driver's Education program.
• Pass the:
  • Vision test.
  • Written driving test (if not completed in your Driver's Ed course.)
• Pay the learner's permit fee.

Your parent or guardian will also have to be with you to sign paperwork on your behalf.

Once the paperwork is filed, tests passed, and fee paid, you'll be issued your learner's permit.

The New Mexico written driver's exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. General topics include:

• New Mexico traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• Identifying traffic signs and signals by:
  • Shape.
  • Color.
  • Symbol.
• Identifying paving markings.

All questions will be sourced directly from the NM Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

Yes.

Before you can apply for your permit, you'll have to successfully complete a state-approved Driver's Ed course.

Reading the New Mexico Driver's Manual is the best idea to learn the information.

You can also find a number of practice tests online.

Yes. You'll have to pass a vision test to earn your NM driver's license.

No. A physical exam is not required for a New Mexico driver's license.

You must arrive to the appointment with a parent or legal guardian.

You can contact the New Mexico, NM Motor Vehicle Division by:

• Email.
• Phone.
• Regular mail.
• On social media.

Details can be found on the NM Motor Vehicle Division's website.

You can apply for your learner's permit in New Mexico once you turn 15.

If you're under 18 and driving on your instructional permit, you will ONLY be allowed to drive while accompanied by:

• A parent or legal guardian.
• A licensed driving instructor.
• A fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

If you're under 18 and driving on your provisional license, you'll be able to drive by yourself EXCEPT between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m., unless you are:

• Accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.
• Driving because of a medical emergency.
• Driving to or from a school or religious event.
• Driving to or home from work.

Once you turn 18, you'll be eligible for your unrestricted driver's license.

If you're applying for a first-time license in New Mexico and you're 18 or older, you will have to drive with a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old until you complete the process.

While driving on your instructional permit, you will ONLY be allowed to drive if accompanied by:

• A parent or legal guardian.
• A licensed driving instructor.
• A fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

On your provisional license, you'll be able to drive by yourself EXCEPT between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m., unless you are:

• Accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.
• Driving because of a medical emergency.
• Driving to or from a school or religious event.
• Driving to or home from work.

To earn your permit in New Mexico, you (and your parent or guardian) will need to fill out an official application, which will be given to you by the MVD.

To get your New Mexico driver's license, you'll have to pass:

• A vision exam.
• The written test.
• A driving skills test.

If you're under 18 and applying for a first-time license in New Mexico, you'll have to pass a state-approved Driver's Ed course before you can apply for your permit.

Before you're eligible to apply for a New Mexico learner's permit, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Successfully pass a state-approved Driver's Ed course.

At your permit appointment, you'll also need to:

• Pass the state's written exam.
• Pass an eye exam.

Before you're eligible to apply for a New Mexico provisional license, you must:

• Be at least 15 Âœ years old.
• Practice for at least 6 months on your permit.
• Log at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
  • At least 10 hours must be at night.
• Pass the NM driving exam.

Yes. If you're applying for a New Mexico license renewal in-person, you'll have to pass a vision test.

No. New Mexico does not allow mail-in license renewals.

Yes. New Mexico allows residents to renew their license online.

To renew your license in New Mexico, you'll need to bring in:

• Your current NM license.
• Proof of your identity.
• The appropriate fee.

You'll also need to successfully pass a vision screening in order to complete the process.

You can renew your New Mexico driver's license:

• In-person.
• Online.

The NM MVD's site has more information on these options.

It depends. New Mexico licenses are good for either 4 or 8 years.

Regardless, you can renew your license up to 90 days before its official expiration date.

NM license renewals cost:

• $18 for a 4-year license.
• $34 for an 8-year license.

Fees are subject to change. You should check with the New Mexico MVD before renewing your license for the most up-to-date information.

No. When you take the test, it will only be you and the examiner in the car.

However, you'll have to arrive to the test a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

The NM written knowledge exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. You will be able to get 7 questions wrong and still pass.

Studying with a free practice test may help ensure you get far more questions right than wrong!

You can take the New Mexico written test as many times as needed in order to pass.

However, if you fail, you'll have to wait at least 1 business day before you can take the test again. Save yourself the time and hassle by studying with a free practice test!

Yes, every question on the test is multiple choice.

At the same appointment you take your written test, you'll also have to bring:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • New Mexico residence.
• The Completion Certificate for your Driver's Education program, if under 18.
• The appropriate fee.

A parent or legal guardian will also have to be present to sign paperwork on your behalf.

The New Mexico written driver's exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. Major topics include:

• New Mexico traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• Identifying traffic signs and signals by:
  • Shape.
  • Color.
  • Symbol.
• Identifying paving markings.

All questions will be sourced directly from the NM Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

Yes. You can schedule your appointment online.

Some NM MVD locations may be open on Saturdays. You'll have to check online when scheduling an appointment.

Your written knowledge exam will be administered on the computer at the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office.

If you have special needs or language preferences other than English, you can arrange alternate formats with the NM MVD.

Make sure the New Mexico, NM Motor Vehicle Division is aware of any additional help you may need when scheduling your appointment.

You can schedule your driving exam online.

After you pass the permit test, you'll be issued your instructional permit. You must practice on this permit for at least 6 months before you can move on to your provisional license.

You can take the test in person at any participating MVD office.

If you failed your NM road test, you'll have the chance to reschedule and try again.

In the meantime don't panic, practice!

If you failed your New Mexico driving skills test, you'll have to wait at least 1 business day before you can try again.

Yes. If you fail your written exam, you will have to wait at least 1 day before retesting.

Save yourself the time by taking a free practice test to help you pass the first time!

If you don't pass your written test in NM, you'll have to wait at least 1 business day before you can take another shot.

Practicing with a free practice test can help you pass on the first try!

If you have no intention of permanently relocating to New Mexico, there's no limit on how long you can drive on your out-of-state license. This includes anyone in the state for:

• School.
• Active military duty.
• Seasonal housing.

If you do plan on relocating to New Mexico permanently, you have 60 days after establishing residency to transfer your license.

Yes. New Mexico recognizes out-of-state learner's permits.

Possibly.

If you're a new resident to the state and you're between ages 18-24, you will have to pass an at-home None for the Road DUI program before you can apply to change your license.

If your previous license has been expired for more than 1 year, you will also have to take the New Mexico written and driving exams.

If you're moving to New Mexico, you have 60 days from establishing residency to transfer your out-of-state license.

The biggest mistake people make is taking the test for granted.

While it's not necessarily designed to be tricky, it can be difficult if you don't study the laws.

Make sure to give yourself enough time to study the NM Driver's Manual and take some free practice tests in order to give yourself the best chance possible for passing.

The New Mexico written exam consists of 25 questions, and you must answer at least 18 of them correctly in order to pass.

There are 25 total questions on the NM permit exam, all of which are multiple choice.

New Mexico auto insurance minimum requirements include:

• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident.
• Uninsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident.
• Property damage liability: $10,000 per accident.