What Is the Legal Driving Age in New Mexico?
July 17, 2024 | New Mexico Law
When teens apply for a driver’s license, they need to understand that driving is a privilege that comes with responsibilities. Those who fail to follow the rules of the road are at higher risk for accidents like rear-end crashes that could cause harm and delay the licensing process. This is why states have a minimum driving age, such as the driving age in New Mexico, along with rules and restrictions for new drivers.
In New Mexico, teens can get behind the wheel at the age of 15 to start learning to drive, but they must go through Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) to obtain a full license. How does the process work?
Graduated Driver Licensing
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading cause of death among teens is motor vehicle accidents. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that GDL systems that delay licensing and impose other safety restrictions have helped reduce car accidents among teens.
To date, every U.S. state and the District of Columbia have enacted some form of GDL program, although the parameters vary from one state to the next. In New Mexico, new drivers must go through three stages:
- Instructional permit
- Provisional license
- Full license
What are the requirements for each stage, and what privileges and restrictions should young drivers expect?
Instructional Permit
At the age of 15, your teen may apply for an instructional permit by visiting a Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office and providing proof of identification number, proof of identity, and evidence of residency in the State of New Mexico. They must also bring documents showing enrollment in or completion of a state-approved driver education program.
During this visit, a parent or guardian must be present to complete and sign the application. If your teen does not have their records from a completed driving class (including three hours of instruction on driving while intoxicated), a written test will be administered. They must also take a vision test.
Before teens can move up to a provisional license, they must hold an instructional permit for at least six months and complete their state-approved driver education program. During this time, they may only drive with an adult over the age of 21 who has been licensed for at least three years.
They must also complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night. It is especially important they obey all laws during this period, as infractions like driving under the influence can lead to license revocation for up to six months.
Provisional License
Drivers aged 15 and a half who have met all requirements of an instructional permit may apply for a provisional license.
The teen and a parent or guardian must complete and sign the application at an MVD office, provide a log showing completed driving hours, and pass a road skills exam (or provide proof of a finished road skills exam from an approved driver education program).
Next, they must hold a provisional license for at least 12 months before applying for a full license. During this time, they may not have more than one passenger under 21 without another passenger over this age who has held a license for at least three years.
Restrictions apply to driving between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m., also.
Full License
Drivers over the age of 16 may apply for a full license if all the requirements of a provisional license have been fulfilled and there are no pending violations. Teens under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign the application, but those over 18 may sign themselves.
Why GDL Programs Are Important
New drivers lack the experience older drivers have, which puts them at higher risk for mistakes that could lead to distracted driving, intersection crashes, and other incidents. GDL programs use phases to ease teens into driving with reduced risk factors. This system helps to keep all New Mexico residents safe.
Contact the New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyers at Runion Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you were injured in an accident in Albuquerque, NM, and need legal help, contact our Albuquerque personal injury attorneys at Runion Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
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400 Gold Avenue SW, Suite 650
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 594-3621