New Mexico Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your New Mexico learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official MVD pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-14 · Source: New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division — New Mexico Driver Manual ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in New Mexico
- Apply for the New Mexico instruction permit at age 15
- Drive only while accompanied by the supervising licensed driver required by the permit restrictions
- Hold the permit at least 6 months and complete 50 supervised practice hours, including 10 at night
- Move into the graduated-license phase and follow the first-year passenger and late-night restrictions
- Qualify for the full New Mexico license at age 16 after completing the GDL requirements
New Mexico GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Passenger rule: During the first year of the graduated license, no more than one non-family passenger under 21 is allowed
- Curfew: During the first year of the graduated license, no driving is allowed from midnight to 5 a.m.
- Permit supervision: Instruction-permit holders must be accompanied at all times by the supervising licensed driver required by the permit restrictions
The details
- Permit eligibility: New Mexico's driver manual says you can apply for an instruction permit at age 15
- Practice hour details: The New Mexico driver manual says the instruction permit must be held 6 months with 50 supervised hours, including 10 at night
- Knowledge test: 25 questions; 72% to pass; Web search: 25-question test, 18 correct (72%) to pass
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in New Mexico?
You can get a learner's permit in New Mexico at 15. New Mexico's driver manual says you can apply for an instruction permit at age 15.
How long do you have to hold your permit in New Mexico?
You must hold your New Mexico permit for at least 6 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does New Mexico require?
New Mexico requires 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 at night.
Where can I practice for the New Mexico permit test?
Right here — take a free New Mexico practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full MVD-format experience with a readiness score.
