Graduated Driver’s License Program

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Easily Complete All the Necessary Steps

Obtaining your driver’s license can give you a new sense of freedom and excitement. However, there are a few different steps that you need to take before you can finally operate a vehicle without supervision. In the state of New Mexico, all new drivers are required to complete the graduated driver’s license program, and at MVD Express, we have all of the resources, services, and expertise you need to help you through the process. Stop by one of our locations today!

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In New Mexico, New Drivers Are Required To Pass A Series Of Classes And Tests Before They Can Obtain Their Standard License Or REAL ID. These Include:

  • Graduated Driver’s License Program - 3 Stages

  • The “None for the Road” DWI awareness class
  • Written driver’s test
  • Behind-the-wheel driver’s test

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At MVD Express, we offer a wide variety of MVD services, from VIN inspections to REAL ID. Our mission is to provide you with the service you need as quickly and stress-free as possible by offering consistently short wait times and the option to schedule an appointment in advance!

If you are starting the process of obtaining your standard or REAL ID driver’s license, then let MVD Express provide you with the resources and assistance you need. Once you’ve completed all of the necessary steps, schedule an appointment to take your driver’s test! Find an MVD Express near you to get started.

New Mexico’s Graduated Driver’s License Program

In order to receive your driver’s license, you must first complete the New Mexico graduated driver’s license program. This program consists of three stages: instructional permit, provisional license, and the full license. Throughout each stage, there are various rules and regulations with which you must comply. The rules and regulations for each stage are:

STAGE 1:
INSTRUCTIONAL PERMIT		 STAGE 2:
PROVISIONAL LICENSE		 STAGE 3:
FULL LICENSE
To obtain an Instructional Permit, a teen must be at least 15 years old, enrolled in a Driver’s Education Program or Driving School and present the following documents:

  • Driver Education Referral Card
  • Original state-issued Birth Certificate
  • Original Social Security Card (cannot accept laminated card) — can also get standard driver's license
  • Parent/legal guardian must accompany new teen driver
  • Two Proofs of New Mexico Residency
    • An Affidavit of Residency can be signed to prove residency for anyone under the age of 18 years old. Form can be obtained atMVD Express.
    • A document from an education institution, such as a transcript, report card or enrollment confirmation, provided it is dated within 60 days.

You’ll need to follow special rules to successfully complete this state of obtaining your license:

  • The permit must be held for at least six months.
  • The driver must drive with an adult 21 or older who has been licensed for a minimum of three years.
  • The driver must also complete a detailed log of 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night. A parent or guardian must certify in writing that these hours have been completed.
  • The driver will need to maintain a clean driving record for the 90 days preceding the application of Provisional License.
  To obtain a Provisional License, a teen must be at least 15 ½ years old, completed Stage 1 (Drivers Instructional Permit) of the GDL process and present the following documents:

  • Real ID or Standard Driver's Instructional Permit
  • Original state-issued Birth Certificate (If the applicant is applying for the REAL ID Provisional license for the first time)
  • Original Social Security Card (If the applicant is applying for the REAL ID Provisional license for the first time)
  • 50-Hour Driving Log including 10 hours at night
  • Certificate of Completion from driving school
  • Parent/legal guardian must accompany new teen driver
  • Two Proofs of New Mexico Residency: If the applicant if apply for the REAL ID Provisional for the first time.
    • An Affidavit of Residency can be signed to prove teen residency. For anyone under the age of 18 years old. Form can be obtained at MVD Express.
    • A document from an education institution, such as a transcript, report card or enrollment confirmation, provided it is dated within 60 days.

Standard driver's license holders do not need to provide any proof of Social Security Number.
In order to continue on to Stage 3 of the process, you’ll need to comply with the following:

  • The Provisional License will need to be held for at least one year or until teen reaches the age of 18. The teen driver may not have more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not an immediate family member.
  • The teen driver may not operate a motor vehicle between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older.
  • Exceptions are permitted for school, employment, family and medical need, or religious functions (licensees must carry a statement from the appropriate school, religious official, employer, doctor, or parent/guardian).
  • The driver will need to maintain a clean driving record for the 90 days preceding the application of Instructional Permit.
  To obtain a full unrestricted license, a teen must have held their Provisional License for at least one (1) year, completed Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the GDL process, and come to MVD Express with:

  • Real ID or Standard Provisional License
  • Original state-issued Birth Certificate (If the applicant is applying for the REAL ID Provisional for the first time)
  • Original Social Security Card (If the applicant is applying for the REAL ID Provisional for the first time)
  • Two Proofs of New Mexico Residency
    • An Affidavit of Residency can be signed to prove residency for anyone under the age of 18 years old. The form can be obtained at MVD Express.
    • A document from an education institution, such as a transcript, report card or enrollment confirmation, provided it is dated within 60 days.
  • Parent/Guardian if under the age of 18

Start the Graduated Driver’s License Program Today!

If you’re ready to begin the graduated driver’s license program, then MVD Express can help! We offer a variety of MVD services, and our friendly staff members are more than happy to help you get started. Find an MVD Express near you, and stop by or schedule an appointment today!

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