Practice Driving in New Mexico

You must obtain a NM instructional permit to legally practice driving on New Mexico roads and highways. If you are younger than 18 you must hold your permit for six months. If you are 18 or older, you can directly apply for a drivers license when you feel prepared to pass the eye, written and road tests.

A) Know Your Instructional Permit Restrictions

Anytime you get behind the wheel to practice driving, you must:

• Be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has been licensed for at least three years

• Maintain a clean driving record for the 90-day period before applying for a provisional license (Stage 2)

• Avoid drinking and driving; even consuming one drink (.02% concentration of alcohol) could result in a six-month revocation of your driving privileges if you are younger than 21 years old

If you haven’t already completed drivers ed, you must do so before taking your road test.

B) Get on the Road

During Stage 1, NM teens younger than 18 must also clock 50 hours of supervised driving practice. This includes ten hours of nighttime driving.

Keep track of your practice dates and times using the MVD’s GDL driving log. Your parent or guardian must sign this log before you submit it to the state when applying for your provisional license.

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