How to get a New Mexico Learners Permit

New Mexico Learner's Permit Guidelines
How to Prepare for the Written Exam
Required ID and Paperwork

NM Learners Permit Rules and Requirements

Find out the steps to get your NM driving permit, pass your DMV written test and the required paperwork to bring to the DMV office to get your driver's license.

Try Sample Test!

All applicants need to be familiar with the New Mexico Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.

First Time Drivers

Under New Mexico drivers license guidelines, you must be 15 years old to get your learners permit. The required holding period for a learner's permit is 6 months.

All applicants are required pass a written exam and vision test in order to obtain the permit.

Prepare for the Written Test

The New Mexico DMV requires that all applicants must pass a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques. If you fail the exam, some states require you to wait until at least the next day to take the test again and charge a re-examination fee.

All new drivers are encouraged to study for this driver education exam so you don't miss the opportunity to get your learners permit as soon as you reach the approved age. Online practice tests are available that provide real sample questions from the DMV Exam - Take the New Mexico practice permit test now and test your driving knowledge.

Required Paperwork for your Instruction Permit

Before you head to the New Mexico MVD Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your instruction permit:

Proof that you are enrolled in or have completed a state approved Driver Education Program
You must have proof of identity
Social Security card
Parental consent necessary to obtain permit
Payment for the application fee and the driver license fee

On the Road

During the learners permit phase, the licensee must complete 50 hours of driving time, 10 of which should be done at night to be eligible for a provisional license.

The licensee must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to qualify for a provisional license. The nighttime restriction for the provisional license is not being allowed to drive between the hours of midnight to 5 AM. The licensee is not allowed to have more than 1 passenger under the age of 21.

In order to remove the nighttime and passenger restriction, the licensee must be 17 years old, 18 if the licensee did not undergo driver education.

During the learner's permit phase, the licensee must drive with an adult who is 21 years or older and has been licensed for a minimum of 3 years.