Learner’s Permit Restrictions and Regulations in New Mexico

1. What is the minimum age to apply for a learner’s permit in New Mexico?


In New Mexico, the minimum age to apply for a learner’s permit is 15 years old.

2. How many hours of supervised driving must be completed before applying for a driver’s license in New Mexico?


In New Mexico, you must complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving, with ten of those hours being at night, before applying for a driver’s license.

3. Does New Mexico require a vision test for a learner’s permit?


Yes, New Mexico requires a vision test for a learner’s permit.

4. How long is a learner’s permit valid for in New Mexico?


In New Mexico, a learner’s permit is valid for one year.

5. Are there any restrictions on nighttime driving with a learner’s permit in New Mexico?


Yes, in New Mexico, a driver with a learner’s permit is not permitted to operate a motor vehicle between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver, age 21 or older.

6. Are there any limitations on passengers when driving with a learner’s permit in New Mexico?


Yes, there are limitations on passengers when driving with a learner’s permit in New Mexico. For the first six months of holding a learner’s permit, drivers are not allowed to have any passengers in their vehicle other than their parent or legal guardian. They are also not allowed to drive between 11 pm and 5 am unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years of age or older.

7. What documents must be presented to apply for a learner’s permit in New Mexico?


To apply for a learner’s permit in New Mexico, applicants must present:
– A valid New Mexico driver’s license or ID card
– Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
– Proof of Social Security number
– Two documents showing New Mexico residency
– A parent or guardian with a valid ID, if the applicant is under 18
– A completed and signed application form

8. Is there an additional fee for a learner’s permit in New Mexico?


Yes, there is an additional fee for a learner’s permit in New Mexico. The fee is $10 and can be paid at the time of application.

9. What is the process to renew a learner’s permit in New Mexico?


In order to renew a learner’s permit in New Mexico, the process is as follows:

1. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to begin the renewal process by calling 888-683-4636 or visiting your local MVD office.

2. Submit the appropriate paperwork and payment for any applicable fees. You may be required to bring a completed application for renewal and proof of identity, such as a valid driver’s license or state ID card.

3. Take and pass a vision exam if requested by the MVD.

4. Pass the written knowledge test.

5. Take and pass a driving test if required by the MVD.

10. What are the requirements for taking the written exam when applying for a learner’s permit in New Mexico?


In order to take the written exam when applying for a learner’s permit in New Mexico, applicants must be at least 15 years old and have a valid form of identification. They must also show proof of School Enrollment and Completion (SEC) or have a valid driver’s license or ID card issued by another state.

11. Are there any restrictions on cell phone use while driving with a learner’s permit in New Mexico?


Yes, there are restrictions on cell phone use while driving with a learner’s permit in New Mexico. Drivers with a learner’s permit are not allowed to use a cell phone while driving, even if it is hands-free. This includes all activities related to the phone, such as texting, talking, and browsing.

12. Are there any restrictions on seatbelt usage while driving with a learner’s permit in New Mexico?


Yes. Any person under the age of 18 who holds a valid learner’s permit must wear a seat belt while driving in New Mexico, regardless of whether they are in the front or back seat.

13. How long is an applicant required to hold a learner’s permit before applying for a driver’s license in New Mexico?


In New Mexico, applicants must hold a learner’s permit for a minimum of six months before applying for a driver’s license.

14. Does New Mexico offer any type of driver education courses to help applicants prepare for a learner’s permit exam?


Yes, New Mexico offers driver education courses to help applicants prepare for the learner’s permit exam. These courses are available through private driving schools or can be taken online.

15. What are the rules regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs while driving with a learner’s permit in New Mexico?


In New Mexico, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle with any amount of alcohol in their system or while under the influence of drugs. Any driver, regardless of age, with a learner’s permit is not allowed to operate a vehicle while under the influence or while carrying any open container of alcohol.

16. Does New Mexico require applicants to take an actual driving test before being issued a driver’s license?


Yes, New Mexico requires applicants to take an in-person driving test before being issued a driver’s license.

17. Is insurance required to obtain or renew a learner’s permit in New Mexico?


No, insurance is not required to obtain or renew a learner’s permit in New Mexico.

18. Are there any special requirements when applying for a learner’s permit if the applicant is under 18 years old in New Mexico?


Yes, in New Mexico, applicants under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian sign the permit application. They also must pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test. Applicants must present proof of identity, residency, school enrollment, and parental consent.

19. Is formal driver training required before applying for a driver’s license in New Mexico?


Yes. All first-time applicants for a New Mexico driver’s license must complete a formal driver training program that is approved by the Motor Vehicle Division of the New Mexico Department of Transportation.

20. Is there an age restriction on digital device use while driving with a learner’s permit in New Mexico?


Yes. According to New Mexico’s Graduated Driver Licensing Program, drivers with learner’s permits are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle while using any type of digital device, including cell phones, tablets, and laptop computers.