Class D is the most common driver’s license in New Mexico. It operates private vehicles, such as pickups, SUVs, sedans, you name it. It is a requirement to obtain a driver’s license in New Mexico in order to legally operate a motor vehicle. The process of obtaining a driver’s license in New Mexico is fairly straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps.

Driver Licenses Available in New Mexico — Graduated License System

Obtaining a driver’s license is a process that involves meeting certain requirements, such as passing a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test, and is part of the Graduated License System, which allows new drivers to gain experience and develop safe driving skills over time.

If you are under the age of 18, you must participate in the graduated driver’s license system until you meet the requirements for an unrestricted license.

The three different levels of graduated driver’s license (GDL) are:

1. Instructional Permit

Underage drivers are not allowed to operate any type of vehicle, including motorcycles, as it is illegal for anyone under the legal driving age to do so, and the consequences for doing so can be severe.

A permit allows you to operate a motor vehicle when supervised by another driver who is at least 21 years of age and who is licensed to drive that type of vehicle. In all vehicles except motorcycles, the licensed driver must sit in the right front seat.

On motorcycles, the licensed driver must follow the learner.To obtain an instructional permit you must be at least 15 years of age and pass the knowledge test and vision test.

If you are under the age of 18, you must have a family member present with you when you take the knowledge and vision tests for an instructional permit, as you must be at least 15 years of age to be eligible for one. You must also have a consent form signed by your parent or guardian. The driver must retain the permit for six months.

What you need for an Instructional Permit is as follows:

• The minimum age for an instructional permit is 15 years of age.
• A person 15 years or older must be enrolled in and attending a driver education course approved by the Traffic Safety Bureau and includes DWI education and practice driving.
• The driver must have an approved instructor occupying the seat beside the driver; or,
• The driver is with a licensed driver 21years of age or older who has been licensed for at least three years in this state or any other state.
• The driver must retain the instructional permit for at least six months.

2. Provisional License

A provisional license allows you to drive without the supervision of another driver — except during the hours of midnight and 5:00 am.

Unless a licensed driver that is 21 years old or older is in the vehicle, you may not have more than one other passenger under the age of 21 who is not a member of your immediate family in the vehicle.

The requirements and restrictions for a Provisional license are as follows:

The driver must complete not less than 50 hours of practice driving, including not less than 10 hours of nighttime driving. The parent or guardian shall certify that the driver has completed the practice driving part.
The driver must pass a written and road test in addition to a vision screening.
The minimum age to receive a provisional license is 15 years and 6 months if the driver has held an instructional permit for 6 months
The driver must have not been convicted of a traffic violation in the 90 days prior to applying for a provisional license.
The driver may not operate a motor vehicle upon public highways between the hours of midnight and 5:00 AM. A provisional licensee may drive at any hour if:
- Accompanied by a licensed driver twenty-one years or older.
- Required by family necessity as evidenced by a signed statement of a parent or guardian.
- Required by medical necessity as evidenced by a signed statement of a parent or guardian.
- Driving to and from work as evidenced by a signed statement from the licensee’s employer.
- Driving to and from school or a religious activity as evidenced by a signed statement of a school, religious official or a parent or guardian.
- Required due to a medical emergency.

3. Unrestricted Driver License

Exceptions may be made in certain circumstances, such as for those under the age of 18 who need to obtain an unrestricted driver license due to a medical emergency, or for those who have a parent or guardian who can vouch for them.

The requirements and restrictions for an unrestricted driver’s license are as follows:

The driver must have held a provisional license for the 12- month period immediately preceding the date of application for a driver’s license.
The driver must not have been convicted of a traffic violation 90 days prior to applying for a driver’s license.
The driver must not have any traffic violations pending at the time of the application for a driver’s license.
The driver must not have been adjudicated guilty or have an offense pending involving the use of alcohol or drugs during the provisional period.

First-Time Driver’s License Requirements

To obtain a Standard Driver’s License, you will need to bring the following documents to any MVD Field Office:

• One (1) proof of identity and age, and

• Two (2) proofs of New Mexico residency.

It is important to remember that, if evidence of legal standing cannot be offered, the only available option is the Standard License or ID card. The Motor Vehicle Code outlines a procedure for resolving any disagreements, including submitting a written protest within 30 days of receiving verbal or mailed notification of the department’s proposed action.

Further instructions and guidance can be found in Taxation and Revenue Department FYI-702. Additionally, if any documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by a certified translation in English from the translator. MVD agents are not allowed to accept documents in any language other than English without a certified translation.

Drivers who wish to obtain a driver’s license must attend a driver education school to learn the rules of the road and the proper safety procedures for operating a vehicle, and must pass a written and practical exam to demonstrate their knowledge before they can be issued a license.

Accidents can Happen and the First Step is to Get Help

Regardless of how long ago you obtained your driver’s license, if you are involved in a vehicular incident, know that you have certain legal rights. It is important to be aware of these rights in order to protect yourself and your property in the event of an accident. First and foremost, you have the right to remain silent.

You are not obligated to provide any information to the other driver or to the police. Contact us at Ornelas & Serna if you are involved in an accident and are unsure of what to do. Our experienced team of attorneys can provide you with the guidance and legal advice you need to navigate the aftermath of an accident.

A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and obligations, provide advice on the best course of action to take, and represent you in court if necessary, so that you can receive the compensation you deserve for the injuries and losses you have suffered as a result of the accident.

In order to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for the injuries and losses you have suffered as a result of the accident, it is important to build a strong case that will present your situation in the best light possible.

By asking the right questions and gathering evidence, such as photos, witness statements, and medical records, you can build a strong case that will present your situation in the best light possible and help you answer any questions that may arise during the process.

By providing a thorough assessment of the damages incurred, I am confident that I can present your situation in the best light possible and help you answer any questions that may arise during the process.

A personal injury lawyer can help you present your situation in the best light possible and provide the necessary legal advice to ensure you are able to answer any questions that may arise during the process of filing a claim for a personal injury.

We understand that this can be a stressful and confusing time, and it is important to take the right steps to ensure that you are able to recover from the incident as quickly and smoothly as possible.

It is natural to feel overwhelmed and anxious in stressful situations, but it is important to try to remain composed. Taking a few moments to pause and breathe deeply can help to slow down your racing thoughts and clear your mind. It can also help to ground you in the present moment and provide a sense of inner peace. Contact Ornelas & Serna Personal Injury Lawyers or a free consultation