Graduated licensing is intended to decrease the number of crashes caused by teens. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death among teens in the United States. Graduated licensing laws restrict driving privileges based on age and experience. As drivers mature, restrictions are removed.

The new Graduated Driver licensing (GDL) law goes in effect on January 1, 2000.

1. Instructional Permit
2. Provisional License
3. Driver License

What are the requirements and restrictions for an Instructional Permit?

Requirements include the following:

1. The minimum age for an instructional permit is 15 years of age.
2. A person fifteen years of age or older must be enrolled in and attending a driver education course that is approved by Traffic Safety Bureau and which includes DWI education and practice driving.

Restrictions allow the driver to complete the practice-driving component if:

1. An approved instructor is occupying the seat beside the driver; or,
2. Is driving with a licensed driver twenty-one year of age or older who has been licensed for at least three years in this state or any another state.

Successful completion of a practice driving component shall include not less than fifty (50) hours of actual driving by the applicant, including not less that ten (10) hours of night driving. The applicant’s parent or guardian shall certify that the applicant has completed the practice driving component.

The driver must hold an instructional permit for at least six months.

The minimum age to receive a provisional license is 15 years and 6 months.

Requirements include the following:

1. A driver must have completed the practice driving component.
2. The driver must have held an instructional permit for at least six months.
3. The driver has not been convicted of a traffic violation* in the ninety days prior to applying for a provisional license.

Restrictions include the following:

1. No more than one passenger under the age of twenty-one who is not a member of the licensee’s immediate family.
2. The driver may not operate a motor vehicle upon public highway between the hours of midnight and 5:00 a.m. A provisional licensee may drive at any hour if:

1. Accompanied by a licensed driver twenty-one years or older.
2. Required by family necessity as evidenced by a signed statement of a parent or guardian.
3. Required by medical necessity as evidenced by a signed statement from medical personnel.
4. Driving to and from work as evidenced by a signed statement from the licensee’s employer.
5. Driving to and from school or a religious activity as evidenced by a signed statement of a school or religious official or a parent or guardian.
6. Required due to a medical emergency.

What are the requirements and restrictions for a Driver license?

Requirements include the following:

1. Must have held a provisional license for the twelve-month period.
2. Must not have been convicted of a traffic violation* during the ninety days prior to applying for a driver’s license.
3. Must not have been cited for a traffic violation* that is pending at the time of application.
4. Must not have been adjudicated for an offense involving the use of alcohol or drugs during that period and that there is no pending adjudication alleging an offense involving the use of alcohol or drugs at the time of the application.

Note: Violations* listed below.

What fees are associated with Graduated licenses?

1. Failure to obey traffic-control device
2. Failure to obey traffic-control signal
3. Speeding
4. Homicide by vehicle
5. Injury to pregnant women
6. DWI or Drugs
7. Implied Consent violation
8. Reckless driving
9. Careless driving
10. Racing on highways
11. Failure to yield

Can a driver still enroll in driver’s education at their school?

Yes, a driver is still required to complete classroom and behind the wheel training as approved by the Traffic Safety Bureau.

Can a driver still attend a commercial driving school?

Yes, as long as the Traffic Safety Bureau approves the course.

What agencies will administer the Graduated License program?

The Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division and the Highway Department, Traffic Safety Bureau.

What happens when a driver turns eighteen years of age?

When a driver turns eighteen years of age, they may obtain a full license without meeting the GDL provisions.

If a driver already has a driver license, does Graduated licensing affect them?

If a driver is fully licensed in the State of New Mexico prior to January 1, 2000, the new law does not affect them.

Will a driver still be required to take a road test and vision screening?

Yes.

If a driver has a provisional license can their driving privileges be revoked or suspended?

Yes, driving privileges can be revoked or suspended in accordance with New Mexico statutes and regulations.

Where can I call for answers regarding the Graduated Licensing program?

Call Driver Services Bureau, at (505) 827-0519.

Fred Cabbage

Driver Services

Bureau Chief-MVD