New Mexico Drivers License

In the State of New Mexico there is a three step, or phase, graduated drivers program. All first time drivers under the age of 18 must go through all three steps until they have completed all the requirements for an Unrestricted License.

1: Instructional Permit:

1. You must be at least 15 years of age.

2. You will need to pass a knowledge test as well as a vision test and must have your parents, or guardians, permission.

3. You will be able to drive as long as there is another driver who is over the age of 21 in the vehicle with you.

4. While keeping this permit for six months you must also be enrolled in and attending a driver education course. This course includes DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) education as well as practice driving.

5. Before you are able to participate in the next step you must have approval by an instructor or a driver who has been licensed for at least three years and is over the age of 21.

2: Provisional License Program:

1. You must have held the Instructional permit at least six months.

2. This Program allows you to drive without supervision after 5 a.m. and before Midnight.

3. You must complete not less than fifty hours of practice driving. This includes not less than ten hours of nighttime driving. Your parent or guardian must agree that you have completed the practice portion.

4. You will also need to pass a written test, a road test, and a vision screening.

5. You must be no younger than 15 years and 6 months, of course holding the instructional permit for at least 6 months.

6. If convicted of any traffic violation in the 90 days prior to applying for your Provisional License you will be disapproved.

7. You must only operate a motor vehicle on public highways between 5 a.m. and midnight.

8. You can drive at any hour if:

   1. you are accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years or

   2. Are required by family necessity as evidenced by a signed statement of a parent or guardian;

   3. Are required by medical necessity as evidenced by a signed statement of a parent or guardian

   4. Are driving to and from work as evidenced by a signed statement from your employer;

   5. You are driving to and from school or a religious activity as evidenced by a signed statement of a school, religious official or a parent or guardian,

   6. Or if it is required due to a medical emergency.

You may find the New Mexico Drivers Handbook helpful in preparing for your permit and the written tests.