Revised November 12, 2010

Applicants for a New Mexico driver license or permit who are required to take the road test as a part of the examination process are also required to provide the vehicle in which the road test will be taken.

The vehicle must be of the same class as the license application and must be properly registered, insured and in good working condition before a road test will be administered in that vehicle. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure the vehicle and its equipment are in good working order.

If the applicant is applying for an ignition interlock license, the vehicle used for the road test must be equipped with an ignition interlock device. (Sec. 66-5-503(B)(2)(a) NMSA 1978)

The current certificate of registration must be in the vehicle and the applicant must have proof of financial responsibility (a current insurance certificate).

General guidelines:

1. Road Tests will not be given under hazardous road conditions. (Manager discretion).
2. Use the Road Test Score Record form (MVD-10258) to record applicant information, vehicle equipment inspection compliance (or non-compliance) and test results/scores.
3. Do not begin any road test unless you have performed the pre-road test vehicle. inspection and the vehicle has passed the inspection.
4. Children or pets should not be allowed in the vehicle during the driving test. It is strongly recommended that no other passengers be taken.
5. If the applicant has any physical disability which could affect his ability to drive, note his disability on the score sheet and the proper restriction.
6. Do not engage in unnecessary conversation. It may distract the applicant.
7. Never call applicant’s attention to an error until the test has been completed, unless it is necessary to do so to prevent an accident or to avoid a dangerous situation.
8. If the applicant has difficulty in executing some maneuver, you should be ready to assist and to advise. Never compel your applicant to perform a task he does not wish to do, and do not rush him.
9. Watch for traffic conditions that the applicant may not see and warn him of these if you think he does not see them.
10. Watch everything the driver does. Record only what you see. Never score on operation as good unless the performance was actually watched and no errors were noted. Items on the score sheet which are not observed should be left blank.
11. Give the complete test to every driver, unless it is necessary to stop the test for safety reasons.
12. Score as you go along and do not depend on your memory.