New Mexico

In order to get a driving permit in New Mexico, you have to be at least 15 years old. Moreover, New Mexico particpates in the nationwide Graduated Licensing Program. It offers three transitional steps to achieve a full license.
 
Instructional Permit
 

  • Pass a vision test
  • Pass a written test or provide a ‘Certificate of Completion’ from a state-approved driver education school that includes a 3-hour DWI component
  • Pay an instructional permit application fee

Once the teen gets the instructional permit, the teen must

  • Hold the instructional permit for at least six months
  • Complete a state-approved driver education program
  • Drive with an adult 21 or older who has been licensed for a minimum of 3 years;
  • Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night;
  • Maintain a clean driving record for the 90 days preceding application for Stage 2; and

 
Provisional License

  • Must be at least 15.5 years of age.
  • Must have had an instructional permit for at least 6 months.
  • Pay a fee
  • Provide a ‘Certificate of Completion’ from a state-approved driver education school that includes a 3-hour DWI component.
  • Provide the GDL driving log that shows the teen has completed the practice driving component of 50 hours behind the wheel training, 10 of which are at night. The driving log must be signed by the parent or guardian.
  • Pass a road skills exam. If the teen has taken a road skills exam with a contracted ‘Driver Education School,’ the teen must provide the Certificate of Completion with the test scores.

Once the provisional license is issued, the following conditions apply:

  • The teen driver must hold the provisional license for at least 12 months.
  • Unless a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the vehicle, a provisional license-holder may not have more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not an immediate family member.
  • The teen driver may not operate a motor vehicle between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older. Exceptions are permitted for school, employment, family and medical need, or religious function.

Full License
To get a full-unrestricted license, the teen and the parent/ guardian must complete and sign a driver license application. In signing the driver license application, the teen and the parent verify that the teen:  

  • Must have had a provisional license
  • Has not been convicted of a traffic violation 90 days preceding application for a full license
  • Does not have any traffic violations* pending at the time of application for a driver license
  • Has not been found guilty or have an offense pending involving the use of alcohol or drugs during the provisional period.