Take Drivers Education in New Mexico

Take a Drivers Education Course

New Mexico enlists a graduated driver license (GDL) system for teens younger than 18 looking to get their first drivers license. You can start by enrolling in and attending a driver education course approved by the Traffic Safety Bureau. If you pass a state-approved course that includes a three-hour DWI education component, you can skip taking the written exam when you apply for an instructional permit at the NM Motor Vehicle Division office.

Teens older than 18 are required to complete a DWI awareness class (see the next section), but aren’t required to complete drivers ed. However, taking a drivers education course could enhance your driving skills and knowledge and help you pass any license exams.

A state-approved drivers ed course covers:

• New Mexico traffic laws

• NM road signs

• Safe-driving practices and more

Once you complete drivers education, you’ll need to show proof that you passed to the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division. If you can provide a Certificate of Completion from a state-approved school that includes the three-hour DWI component, the state will waive your written test. Simply present the certificate to the MVD when you apply for your instructional permit.

Take a Self-Study DWI Awareness Class

All drivers license applicants younger than 25 must complete None for the Road, a self-study DWI awareness class. If you enrolled in a state-approved drivers course, this three-hour DWI component will be included. If you opted out of taking drivers ed, you can take this course separately before you apply for an instructional permit.

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