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Starting the Journey Welcome to the world of driving in New Mexico! Obtaining your license is one of the most gratifying moments in your life. Our purpose through this guide is to make sure you get to that moment with as little stress or complications as possible. Getting your driver license in New Mexico is a smooth sailing process that only requires that you prepare slightly before embarking on the adventure. That is where we come in, we are here to help you know exactly what it is you need to prepare and how to prepare it properly. This is a process that will only take a small amount of your time; in fact, the guide is specifically organized towards ensuring that you are able to get through things as quickly as possible. Jam packed with information regarding everything from obtaining your learner permit, driver license, or ID card all the way to how to renew, replace, or change these items. We will make getting ready to drive on the friendly New Mexico roads fast and easy. So, enjoy as we make life a bit less complicated. All Drivers You must also remember that the roads aren t always safe; therefore, it is in your best interest to fully prepare for whatever may your way before you begin driving. When you begin driving, you not only take on the responsibility for your safety, but you also take on the responsibility of the safety of your passengers and all passengers in the vehicles around you. So, in order to best prepare yourself to take on that responsibility, it is always wise to first obtain your learner s permit to be able to learn to drive properly. In order to obtain your learner permit if you are between 18 to 24 years old you have to complete a None for the Road class which is an individual study DWI awareness class. You can find information and apply by calling 505-277-0051 or their toll free number at 877-663-7465 during their office hours of Monday to Friday from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. You are also able to get information and apply at any local MVD office near you. However, if you are 25 years or older you only have to take a None for the Road class if you have been convicted of a DWI, otherwise you are free to go straight to obtaining a driver license. Vision Exam Getting your vision checked before you obtain your learner s permit or driver s license is essential to ensure that you are physically capable of driving. The exam is very straight forward and will require that you have a minimum vision of 20/40. Otherwise, if you 5

fail your vision exam you will be required to get a statement from an eye doctor to specify any vision problems you may have and restrictions that should be imposed on your license. If the MVD needs to review your vision, they will ask you to have an eye doctor fill out a vision report which will become a part of your record and fax it to the Santa Fe Medical Unit at 505-82700977. If you have any questions regarding the vision screening test, please take a look at the Restriction License section of the New Mexico Medical Procedures Manual or the New Mexico Driver Handbook. Written Exam When it comes to obtaining your learner s permit, you need to take a written exam first before receiving your permit. At first it may seem intimidating to take the exam, but once you understand how the process goes, it will be less frightening to you. In order to prepare for the written exam you will need to review all information regarding driver safety, traffic laws, and all New Mexico laws. The exam is available in multiple languages for those who are not fluent in English and require language assistance. All the information you need to study to prepare for the test can be found in the New Mexico Driver Handbook. Driving Test Taking a driving test is necessary in order for the MVD to determine your driving skills level. The first part of the exam, which includes a safety check, will show the examiner that you have an acceptable level regarding your vehicle. When you go to take your driving test, you are required to provide a vehicle that is both insured, and passes the safety requirements. You also need to make an appointment with the MDV office in order to take the driving test, which you can do online here. Continue to read the points below to understand better what will happen during your test from start to finish! On the first part of the driving test, in which the examiner inspects and makes sure that all of the necessary parts of your vehicle function properly and are not a risk to you or any passengers both in the car and on the road, things that must work on the car include: All Lights Tires Brakes Windows Windshield Wipers 6

Exhaust System Speedometer Horn Mirrors Defroster Safety Belts Once the road test begins the examiner will judge and grade you based on your ability to obey instructions and perform the tasks, such as: Driving Posture Changing Lanes Making Left and Right Turns Parallel Parking Parking On Hills and In Between Vehicles Backing Up Passing Making a U-Turn Pulling Over Starting and Stopping the Vehicle As well as any other instructions the examiner gives you during the test. Overall, the driving test will take up to an hour depending on the weather conditions and how well prepared you are to take the test. You won t be required to know anything beyond the standard knowledge and skill on how to operate a vehicle. To better prepare yourself for the necessary skills you need to showcase during the test please take a look at the New Mexico Driver Handbook. Teen Drivers If you re a teenager on the brink of entering adulthood, chances are you re currently dreaming of obtaining your driver s license. Well, we are here to help you to make that dream a reality! In each step moving towards obtaining your license, we will outline and help you to better understand each procedure you must complete. As a new driver, it is important that you carefully read through each step and fully understand 7

how everything operates. This is to ensure that you avoid any complications, but also to be sure that you are well prepared to take on your responsibilities on the road. By completing these steps and obtaining your license, you will take those first steps towards proving you are a well prepared driver. So, let s begin the journey! Step 1: Driver s Education In order to begin your journey of attaining your license as a teen, you must first attend a driver education course. You need to be at least 15 years old and enroll in a driving course that includes 30 hours of in classroom instruction and seven hours of behind the wheel practice. You must make sure that the driver education school is certified and licensed by the Traffic Safety Bureau (TBS) to ensure your certification is approved. You can find a list of TSB certified schools here and if you would like, you can also contact the TSB at 800-541-7952 to find out what courses are offered. You are able to choose where to take the course though, depending on your location and what each course offers in terms of instructions. Some TSB certified schools may also be contracted by the MVD, which would allow you to take your written and vision exams as well as obtain your learner s permit there. To find certified schools that are also contracted by the MVD take a look at the list here. Step 2: Learner s Permit When you have completed your driver s education course, you will be ready to move on to the next step, which is to obtain your learner s permit. You must be at least 15 years old before you are allowed to apply for your learner s permit. To obtain your learner s permit, follow the steps below: Documents Visit the MVD office Provide ONE proof of a TSB certified driver education school referral card. Provide ONE proof your identity: Birth Certificate Valid U.S. Passport Provide ONE proof of identification number: Social Security Card 8

Government Issued Medical Card Provide two proofs of your New Mexico residency: Utility Bills Insurance Bills Pass the written test. Pay the $10 fee. All other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. Step 3: Provisional Driver License After you have fully completed every step of your driver education course, you will be fully prepared to apply to obtain your provisional driver license which acts more as a license rather than simply a driving permit. This license will allow you to continue practicing to drive behind the wheel until you are officially ready to obtain your adult driver s license. This process is fairly simple and will take only a small amount of preparation on your part. The first thing you must make sure of is that you meet the following standards. You must: Be at least 15 and half years old. Have held your learner s permit for at least six months. Have completed a TSB certified driver education program. Provide ONE proof of having completed 50 hours of behind the wheel practice, including ten hours at night, with a log. Not have had any traffic violations 90 days prior to applying for a provisional license. Every traffic violation you receive will add an additional 30 days to your wait period. Not drink and drive, which may result in a six month suspension for those younger than 21 years old with an alcohol level of.02 or higher. If you meet these requirements, you are ready to begin the process of getting your driving permit by taking the steps below to begin the application process: Visit the MVD office. Present your driver education certificate of completion. Provide ONE proof of having passed and completed a TSB certified 9

driver school. Make an appointment with the MDV office to take the driving test. Make the appointment online here. Pass the driving test. Pay the $18 fee. Part 4: Full Unrestricted Driver License Now that the time has come for you to obtain your driver license, you simply need to make sure you fulfill the necessary criteria before you take your road test. These requirements mainly address your age, length of practice with your current license, and any past violations you may have had before applying. To be eligible for a driver s license you: Must have held your provisional license for at least 12 months. Must not have had any traffic violations within the last 90 days. Must not have had alcohol or drug related offenses while holding your provisional license. Only when you have met the above requirements will you be allowed to apply for your unrestricted driver license. In order to apply though, you have to take the following steps: Visit the MDV office. Fill out the application. If you re younger than 18 years old, your parent or legal guardian must also sign the application. Pay the necessary fee. After you complete the above steps, you will receive a temporary driver license from the DMV office. Your permanent driver license should arrive in the mail within a few weeks, otherwise please contact the DMV office. Fees You also have to pay a fee(s) depending on the type of license you wish to obtain: License valid for four years $18 License valid for eight years $34 10

Restrictions During the time you hold your learner permit you are only be allowed to drive when accompanied by an adult driver 21 years or older who has held a valid driver license for at least three years. While you hold your provisional driver license, you have to abide by certain restrictions until you turn 21 years old. Under these restrictions you will not be allowed to drive in the following circumstances: You cannot have more than one passenger under 21 years old in your vehicle, unless they are your immediate family member(s). You cannot drive between the hours of 12 A.M. to 5 A.M. The only exceptions to these restrictions are if you are accompanied by an adult 21 years old or older with a valid driver license or if you are traveling to or from school, employment, religious, family, or emergency needs. Regardless, you will be required to have a letter on hand stating your purpose for traveling during hours or under circumstances that violate your restriction. Tip Make sure you verify your address on your documents or temporary license/id before you leave the BMV, and if it is incorrect notify a BMV representative immediately before you leave. 11

Getting Your First New Mexico License Congratulations! If you have gone through the steps of getting your Driver s Permit in New Mexico, you are now only one step closer to of obtaining your driver license. And we re sure you are more than ready to finish the process. Well, no need to worry because the process is almost over! Now it s only a matter of mastering the art of driving to get your license. All that is required now is that you follow the steps below that best fit your situation to officially hold that brand new license. Adult Drivers: Never Had a Driver License If you are 18 years old or older, have never had a license and are now looking to obtaining one then, you have come to the right place. Getting a license for first-time drivers is a very simple process through the state of New Mexico by first following the steps on how to apply. Documents Visit the MVD office. Take the vision test. Provide ONE proof that you have completed a None for the Road program. Only required if you are between the ages 18 to 24 years old, or are 25 years or older and have been convicted of a DWI. Provide ONE proof your identity: Birth Certificate Valid U.S. Passport Provide ONE proof of identification number: Social Security Card Government Issued Medical Card Provide two proofs of your New Mexico residency: Utility Bills Insurance Bills Pass the written test. Make an appointment with the MDV office to take a driving test. Pass the driving test. Pay the necessary fee. 12

After you complete the above steps, you will receive a temporary driver license from the DMV office. Your permanent driver license should arrive in the mail within a few weeks, otherwise please contact the DMV office. All other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. Adult Drivers: New Resident If you already hold a license from another state and have become a new resident of New Mexico, you need to obtain a New Mexico license as soon as possible. Take a look below to begin the steps to obtaining your license once you re ready: Documents Visit the MVD office. Fill out a Driver License Surrender Form (MVD10231 Form) Pass a vision test. Provide ONE proof that you have completed a None for the Road program. Only required if you are between the ages 18 to 24 years old, or are 25 years or older and have been convicted of a DWI. Provide ONE proof your identity: Birth Certificate Valid U.S. Passport Provide ONE proof of identification number: Social Security Card Government Issued Medical Card Provide two proofs of your New Mexico residency: Utility Bills Insurance Bills Pass the written test. Make an appointment with the MDV office to take a driving test. Pass a driving and driving test. Only required if your out-of-state license is expired. Pay the necessary fee. 13

Renewing Your License Oh no, my license has expired! That is something no one ever wants to have to say, as it means you no longer hold a legal license to drive. This means a loss of freedom and the risk of getting a ticket, so it is best to renew your license as soon as you notice the expiration date creeping up on you. But, before you renew your license, it is best that you thoroughly comprehend the process so that you can avoid any error or issues that may occur. To begin, you must remember that depending on the type of license you choose, your New Mexico driver license will expire every four or eight years. Though if you are 75 years or older, you will be required to renew your license every year. Thankfully, New Mexico allows you to renew your license in person or online. Be aware that if you allow your license to remain expired for over a year, you are required to retake your written test; and if it remains expired for more than five years, you need to retake your driving test when you go get it renewed. To renew your license in person you have to take the following steps: Documents Visit the MDV office. Provide ONE proof of your identity: Birth Certificate Valid U.S. Passport Pass the vision test. Pass the written and driving test, if necessary. Pay the necessary fee. After you complete the above steps you will receive a temporary driver license from the DMV office. Your permanent driver license should arrive in the mail within a few weeks, otherwise please contact the DMV office. Renewing Online However, if you would like to renew online you need to first make sure you qualify the requirements: 15

Must be between 18 to 74 years old. Must have renewed in person last time. Must have your Social Security number on file at the MDV office. Must not have had any changes to your vision or medical condition since the last renewal. Must not have any traffic tickets or arrest warrants outstanding. Must have a license that expires either within one year or has been expired for less than two years. If you are able to meet the above criteria, you are allowed to renew your driver license online and can begin by simply taking the following steps: Visit the MDV site here. Insert the necessary information: License Number Last Four Digits Social Security Number Date of Birth Pay the necessary fee. Print your temporary driver license. Your permanent driver license should arrive in the mail within a few weeks, otherwise please contact the DMV office. All other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. Fees You also have to pay a fee(s) depending on the type of license you wish to obtain: License valid for four years $18 License valid for eight years $34 Tip All fees paid to the DMV office must be paid with cash, check, or a valid credit/debit card such as Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. All online services must be paid with a valid credit or debit card. 16

Updating Your License Information Now your life may be coming to a turning point, which can mean changes both as big as changing your name to a more subtle change such as moving neighborhoods. Either way, this information is essential to your identification, which includes your driver licenses. So, how can you ensure that these changes are made to your driver license should you ever need them to be made? Well, you only need to inform the New Mexico MVD. To better understand the process and steps you have to take, you must follow the steps that best fit your situation below. Changing Your Name Making the decision to change your name is not only a big personal decision, but it will also greatly affect your documents and general information in regards to your identity. If you have officially changed your name, you will surely be required to change your name on all of your identification documents and cards, including your driver license. How to do this is very simple, all you must do is follow the steps below that best apply to your situation: Go to the Social Security Administration office. Change your name on their files. Wait up to three days. Visit the MDV office. Provide ONE proof of any name changes, if necessary: Marriage Certificate Divorce Decree Court Order Follow the steps to obtain in the Replacing Your License section to get a new license. After you complete the above steps, you will receive a temporary driver license from the DMV office. Your permanent driver license should arrive in the mail within a few weeks, otherwise please contact the DMV office. All other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. Changing Your Address In the case that you may have recently moved to a new address, it is essential that you update the address on your driver license. 17

All you must do is, notify the MDV within ten days of your change of address and follow the steps below that outline the process. You can either update your address on the MDV file only by filling out the Change of Address Request Form (MVD10231 Form) and either: Mail it to the following address: MVD Data Entry Unit P.O. Box 630 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-0630 Fax it to 505-827-097 Scan and email it to AnthonyL.Montano@stae.nm.us In the case that you would like for your new address to be stated on your license as well, you have to take the following steps: Visit the MDV office. Fill out the Change of Address Request Form (MVD10231 Form). Follow the steps to obtain in the Replacing Your License section to get a new license. After you complete the above steps, you will receive a temporary driver license from the DMV office. Your permanent driver license should arrive in the mail within a few weeks, otherwise please contact the DMV office. All other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. Tip In the case that you have any further questions or your situation does not fit into the explanations given above, please contact the MDV office at 8880-683-4646 before visiting the DMV office or changing your address or name on your license. 18

Replacing Your License Oh my, something s happened to your license! What can you do now? Well, the New Mexico MVD will help you in obtaining a new driver license as soon as possible in the case that your license may have been lost, stolen, or destroyed. In any case, you will be able to effortlessly replace it with a new duplicate license. All it requires of you is to do a few things. Documents Visit the MVD office. Provide ONE proof your identity: Birth Certificate Valid U.S. Passport Provide ONE proof of identification number: Social Security Card Government Issued Medical Card Provide two proofs of your New Mexico residency: Utility Bills Insurance Bills Pay the necessary fee. After you complete the above steps, you will receive a temporary driver license from the DMV office. Your permanent driver license should arrive in the mail within a few weeks, otherwise please contact the DMV office. Replacing Online However, if you would like to replace your license online, you need to first make sure you meet the following requirements: Must be between 18 to 74 years old. Must have your Social Security number on file at the MDV office. Must not have had any changes to your vision or medical condition since the last renewal. 19

Must not want a new license number. If you are able to meet the above criteria, you are allowed to renew your driver license online and can begin by simply taking the following steps: Visit the MDV site here. Insert the necessary information: License Number Last Four Digits Social Security Number Date of Birth Pay the necessary fee. Print your temporary driver license. Your permanent driver license should arrive in the mail within a few weeks, otherwise please contact the DMV office. All other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. Fees You also have to pay a fee(s) depending on the type of license you wish to obtain: License valid for four years $18 License valid for eight years $34 If you are 75 years or older Free 20

Reinstating Your Driver s License In order to qualify to reinstate your license, you need to have completed all of the required time for your restraining order. The MVD department will only reinstate your driver s license if you complete all of the necessary requirements to remove any restraining orders from your license. There are many reasons you might have a suspended driver s license which, therefore, means there are multiple ways to reinstate your driver s license, it all depends on the situation. In most cases, you may request a hearing to appeal your suspension, but you have to take the following steps: Fill out the Request for Hearing Form (MVD1792 Form). Pay the $25 fee, only required if your revocation was due to a DWI implied consent. Mail the form and fee to the following address: Driver Services Bureau 1100 South St. Francis Drive, Room 2092 P.O. Box 1028 Santa Fe, NM 87504-1028 If you need any information or clarification regarding your suspended license or under what condition it falls under, please contact the MVD at 888-683-4636. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Being convicted of a DUI is very serious in the state of New Mexico, which is why if you are 21 years or older with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of.08% or under 21 years with a BAC of.02%, you will be convicted of a DWI and have your license revoked and taken away. If you are a lightweight drinker the officer can still convict you of a DWI if you appear to be too impaired to drive, even if you are below the BAC limit. The court will also impose penalties on you which you must complete in order to be able to reinstate your license, such as: Jail Time Community Service 21

Fines and Court Fees Alcohol and/or Drug Treatment Typically, the amount of time you need to wait before being able to drive again is defined by the number of times you have been convicted of a DUI by a judge. In every single case, your license will be revoked. The revocation periods 25 Years or Older First Offense Failed Chemical Test 6 Months Refused Chemical Test - One Year Second or More Offense(s) Failed or Refused Chemical Test One Year Younger than 25 Years Old All Offenses Failed or Refused Chemical Test One Year Criminal Convictions in Court for DWI First Offense- One Year Second Offense Two Years Third Offense Three Years Fourth or More Offense Indefinitely You are able to request a hearing to appeal your case by following the steps above in the Reinstating Your License. You have to pay a $25 fee to request a hearing. Tip If you need any information or clarification regarding your suspended license or under what condition it falls under please contact the MDV at 888-683-4636. 22

Getting a New Mexico ID Card If you are not able to or not interested in obtaining a driver s license, it is then important that you consider getting an ID card instead. An ID card is essential because it is the easiest manner in which someone else can identify you when necessary, whether it be an authority figure, such as the police, or if you simply need to provide one proof of your identity, such as at the MVD office. In order to obtain your first New Mexico ID card, you will have to take the following steps: Documents Visit the MDV office. Present your ID card. Provide ONE proof your identity: Birth Certificate Valid U.S. Passport Provide ONE proof of identification number: Social Security Card Government Issued Medical Card Provide two proofs of your New Mexico residency: Utility Bills Insurance Bills Take a photograph. Provide your finger print. Provide your signature. Pay the necessary fee. To renew your ID card you only need to simply: Visit the MDV office. Hand over your ID card Pay the necessary fee. 23

While in order to get a duplicate ID card if you have had your original ID card stolen, lost, or damaged, you have to take the following steps: Visit the MDV office. Provide ONE proof your identity: Birth Certificate Valid U.S. Passport Pay the necessary fee. After you complete the above steps, you will receive a temporary driver license from the DMV office. Your permanent driver license should arrive in the mail within a few weeks, otherwise, please contact the DMV office. All other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. Fees You also have to pay a fee(s) depending on the type of license you wish to obtain: ID card valid for four years $10 ID card valid for eight years $18 If you are 75 years or older Free 24

Vehicle Safety Tips Before getting behind the wheel, it s important that the vehicle is prepared for any trip. This means checking the safety features and making any needed changes to your vehicle to guarantee a safe drive. Emergency Kit One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid kit, matches and a whistle. During the winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, extra gloves and socks, and a shovel. Winter Driving One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that snows or is prone to ice. Consider these tips below to drive safely during the winter. Don t Rush! Roads are often covered in snow and ice after it snows. Instead of driving fast and risking an accident as you hurry to get to your destination, try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and avoid other dangerous drivers without being late for your appointment. Don t Panic If You Skid or Slip In the event that your vehicle does skid or slip while driving, make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control. Check Your Vehicle Before you leave your house make sure your vehicle s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze, and exhaust are all in working order. It is also important that you remove any ice and snow from your car before you begin driving; this prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive, or worse, flying off and hitting someone while in motion! 25

Drinking and Driving Every year thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. These events can be prevented; it only requires that you plan ahead of time by taking certain steps. Before you begin drinking, arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. If they also become intoxicated, it is important that you take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive, instead take away their keys and call for alternative transportation. If you see someone who you suspect is drunk and showing signs of intoxication while driving such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, breaking erratically or turning abruptly call 9-1-1 and contact authorities immediately. Also make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety. This could mean you pulling over until they are at a safe distance from your car. Using Your Phone Driving while using your cell phone is one of the most dangerous things you can do. During those few seconds that your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. Make sure you don t text, use the internet on your phone, or receive calls while you drive to prevent accidents as best as possible. Things to Avoid Driving isn t always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while driving on the road. These things are often avoidable if you make sure to take the necessary steps towards preventing them, as well as stopping them after you discover them to be occurring. Car Accidents One way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and will not cause you any problems. To do this, regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly, your tires are inflated and not worn out, and that the steering and suspensions are checked by a mechanic. Wasting Gas If you drive often, start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Saving on gas is something that is possible if you take a few steps towards ensuring you save some money in the long run. Some of the ways that you can start saving gas are turning off the air conditioning, not leaving your engine running or speeding above 60 mph. These things are preventable 26

and not necessary for you to drive, therefore you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste. Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. You can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well-tuned, and that your octane level is the correct amount to your vehicle s needs. Aggressive Driving Aggressive driving and drivers are both things that should be avoided to prevent onroad aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, verbal or physical harassment towards another driver, or preventing another driver from merging or passing. If you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you do any of the above behaviors. When you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment, breathe, and continue moving. 27

MVD Hours and Locations The MVD has offices conveniently located across the state. Click here to learn more about MVD office locations, schedules, and waiting times. Have you ever visited the MVD and realized that you forgot a document? Now you can avoid that and save the trip by using the online services. You will be able to: Pay a Citation Renew/Replace Your License or ID Check the Status of Your Temporary or Permanent License Schedule an Appointment Online Complete a Voter Registration If you have any questions, you can call the MVD at 888-683-4636 or 888-MVD-INFO. For general inquiries, you may contact customer service by filling out the form available here. 28