Graduated Licensing Program for Teens

For teens between the ages of 15 – 17, driver’s education is required to obtain a license.

Step 1

–

State issued permit 

  • Must present proof of enrollment in driver’s education (card issued by school)
  • Primary identification 
  • Secondary identification 
  • Passing score for written exam
  • Must be accompanied by Parent/Guardian
  • Residency is obtained thru Parent/Guardian
Permit must be held for a minimum of 6 months and may be extended for an additional 6-month period if requested by parent/guardian.

** If the teen obtained a driver’s permit from a certified driving school, most providers will issue the permit.

Step 2

–

Provisional License

  • Permit (state issued or private instruction) – must have been held for a minimum of six (6) months
  • Passing Score for Road Exam – State administered road exams are by appointment only
  • 50 hour driving log (40 daytime hours, 10 nighttime hours)
  • Complete and valid Traffic Safety Bureau Certificate of Completion
  • Must be accompanied by parent/guardian
Provisional license must be held for a minimum of one year. The provisional license restricts the teen to one teen passenger when driving without a licensed adult. Exceptions may apply under certain circumstances, such as a medical emergency.

** If the teen obtained a driver's permit from a certified driving school they must also present Primary ID (Birth Certificate) and Secondary ID (Social Security Card) at the Provisional stage, step 2.

Step 3

– Once the Provisional license has been held for one year – a teen may obtain an unrestricted NM Driver’s license. The teen must be accompanied by parent/guardian if under age 18.