The steps to getting a driver’s license in New Mexico will depend on  your situation.  If you’re under the age of 18 and getting a brand new driver’s license, then you’ll have to go through New Mexico’s Graduated Licensing System.  If you’re over the age of 18 but under the age of 25, you will have to complete the None for the Road DWI awareness class through the University of New Mexico Continuing Education Center (this is an online course).  If you’re over the age of 25 and have no DWI convictions, then you can apply and take a driver’s test and receive your license directly from the New Mexico Motor Vehicles Division.

Simple enough?  OK, maybe not.

For any drivers license in New Mexico, the applicant must have a proof of identification number (Social Security Card or equivalent), a proof of identity (state-issued ID, certified birth certificate or equivalent), and two proofs of residency in New Mexico (utility bills, library card, etc).  At least one of the ID cards presented must show a date of birth.

Graduated Licensing System

New drivers under the age of 18 must go through New Mexico’s special program called the Graduated Licensing System (GLS).  There are three levels to the system starting with an Instructional Permit.  This is a “learner’s permit” and allows the new driver to drive with an instructor or any qualified driver over the age of 21 (who must be in the passenger seat or behind on a motorcycle) to learn to drive.  This can be issued at 15 years of age and the student driver must hold this learner’s permit for at least six months before graduating to the next license.

Once completing a qualified driving course and passing the written examination, the student can then move on to a Provisional License.  This allows the teenager to drive without adult supervision except between the hours of midnight and five in the morning (there are exemptions for special circumstances).  A driver with a PL is also not allowed to have more than one passenger in the vehicle unless another driver of at least 21 years of age is also in the vehicle.  Exemptions to passengers under age 21 include members of the immediate family.

Once a parent or guardian has certified that the teenager has completed at least 50 hours of practice driving with a PL, which includes at least 10 hours of night time driving, the teenager will take another written road test and a vision screening in order to qualify for an Unrestricted Driver’s License.  The applicant must be at least 16 years of age and have held an Instructional and Provisional driver’s license for at least 12 months in total and must not have any traffic violations within 90 days of application for a full driver’s license.

The None For the Road DWI Class

Drivers aged 18 to 24 applying for a New Mexico driver’s license or drivers over age 25 with a DWI conviction must complete the None for the Road class.  This is administered online through the University of New Mexico and is a self-study course.  It can be taken at home, at a public library, or on campus at UNM.

Drivers Over Age 25 Without DWI

All other drivers over the age of 25 must complete a written examination, an on-road test, and an eye exam before being issued a driver’s license.

Everyone who drives on the road in the state of New Mexico has to have a driver’s license. If you are are a resident of New Mexico, you must have a New Mexico driver’s license.

There are 4 types of driver’s license in New Mexico: Instructional Permit (or learner’s permit), Provisional License and Unrestricted Driver’s License.

Instructional Permit

An instructional permit allows one to drive while there is another licensed driver over the age of 21 in the passenger seat. To get an instructional permit you must be at least 15 years of age and pass the written driving test and vision test. If you are under 18, you also must have a signed consent form from your parent or guardian.

There are a number of requirements and restrictions for an Instructional Permit:

• Minimum age 15 years
• Must be attending a driver education class approved by the Traffic Safety Bureau which includes DWI education and practice driving
• Driver must have an approved instruction in the passenger seat or
• Driver must have a licensed driver 21 or older who has been licensed for at least 3 years in the passenger seat
• Driver must retain the instructional permit for at least six months

Provisional License

A provisional license will allow you to drive without having a supervisor in the passenger seat. There are some restrictions and requirements.

• Driver must complete at least 50 hours of practice driving including at least 10 hours of night driving
• Driver must pass a written and driving test plus vision test
• Driver must be at least 15 years 6 months and have held an instructional permit for 6 months
• Driver must not have been convicted of a traffic violation for at least 90 days prior to applying
• Driver must not drive on public highways between midnight and 5 AM unless accompanied by someone 21 or older, required by family or medical necessity or driving to or from work

Unrestricted License

The requirements for an unrestricted license are:

• Driver must have had a provisional license for at least 12 months
• Driver must not have had a traffic violation for 90 days
• Driver must not have any traffic violations pending
• Driver must not have been found guilty or have an offense pending involving the use of alcohol or drugs while holding a provisional license

The average person will typically get an instructional permit while age 15 and attend classes at an approved driving school. After 6 months and passing the driving class a provisional license is obtained. This license allows driving without an instructor or supervisor. Then after having the provisional license for 12 months you can get an unrestricted license.