Effective Friday, June 17, 2011, the minimum period that an Applicant must hold an instruction permit before obtaining a provisional license, or a provisional license before obtaining a regular license, may be extended by 30 days or more based on traffic violations committed while driving with the permit or provisional license.
Effective June 17, Senate Bill 9, enacted by the 2011 Legislature, amends Sections 66-5-8 and 66-5-9 NMSA 1978 to provide that:
The six-month minimum period for which an individual is required to hold an instruction permit before obtaining a provisional license is extended by 30 days for each traffic violation, committed during the time the individual was driving with the instruction permit, for which the individual was convicted or adjudicated delinquent.
The 12-month minimum period for which an individual is required to hold a provisional license before obtaining a regular driver’s license is also extended by 30 days for each traffic violation, committed during the time the individual was driving with the provisional license, for which the individual was convicted or adjudicated delinquent.
SB-9 also expands the Section 66-5-1.1 definition of “traffic violation” to include: child not in restraint device or seat belt; failure to properly fasten safety belt; using a mobile communication device while driving a motor vehicle (unless the driver holds a valid, FCC-issued amateur radio operator license and is operating an amateur radio); and buying, attempting to buy, receiving, possessing or permitting oneself to be served alcoholic beverages.
New Drivers – Under Age 18
If you are applying for your first New Mexico driver license and are under age 18, you must go through the New Mexico Graduated Licensing System to get your license.
New Drivers – Ages 18 to 24
If you are applying for your first New Mexico driver license and are aged 18 to 24, you must complete the "None for the Road" self-study DWI awareness class. The University of New Mexico Continuing Education Center administers the None for the Road course.
Get None for the Road Information and an application on-line, or call (505) 277-0051 or toll-free at (877) 663-7465.
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
None for the Road brochures and applications are also available at any MVD Field Office.
New Drivers - Ages 25 and Above
If you are age 25 or above, are applying for your first New Mexico driver license, and have been convicted of DWI, you must either:
- complete the None for the Road course, or
- provide proof that you have completed an approved DWI prevention and education program.
More information on requirements for licensing for drivers ages 25 and above is available online.
How to Get a New Mexico Driver License
How to Get Your First Driver License – Graduated Licensing - Under age 18
How to Get Your First Driver License – Ages 18-24
Under Age 18 - Graduated Licensing Law
Click Here for Driver Education MVD Driver Manual (English) MVD Driver Manual (En Español)