Types of New Mexico Drivers 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.