New Mexico Driver License Requirements at-a-glance:

DMV Info
  • Minimum Age for Learner Permit 15 years
  • Learner Permit Holding Period 6 months
  • Minimum Amount of Supervised Driving 50 hours (including 10 at night) of driving practice with a qualified supervising driver (i.e.--an licensed driver who's at least 21 years old) must be completed. Your parent/guardian must sign off on your driving practice log
  • Minimum Age for Driver License 15 years, 6 months to obtain your provisional license (but remember, you must have held your learner's permit for at least 6 months before applying for a provisional license)
  • Road Test Yes
  • Unsupervised Driving Rules Provisional license holders may not drive without a qualified supervising driver between the hours of 12 midnight and 5am unless it’s for a work, school, or family activity (documentation is required).
  • Passenger Rules Provisional license holders may not carry more than one (1) non-family passenger under the age of 21 unless a qualified supervising driver is present
  • Other Learner Permit applicants younger than 18 must be enrolled in driver education

How to get your New Mexico Driver License step-by-step:

  • New Mexico disallows online driver's education so you must enroll in a state-approved classroom driver's education course.
  • Practice for the written Learner Permit Exam.
  • Find a driver license office and schedule an appointment for the written exam (you may also simply show up but you may have to wait some time)
  • Take the Learner Permit Written Exam
  • Practice driving with your learner permit
  • Take the Driving Exam