Please note that the State of New Mexico does NOT approve or accept online driver education so you must attend a physical driver education classroom.
So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Santa Fe New Mexico? Congratulations!
As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Santa Fe New Mexico has implemented a graduated driver license program for Santa Fe New Mexico drivers who are between the ages of 15-18.
We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Santa Fe New Mexico.
Santa Fe New Mexico Instruction Permit (Learners Permit)
You can apply for your instruction permit at age 15 provided you have enrolled in a state-approved drivers education course. Please note that the State of New Mexico does NOT approve or accept online driver education so you must attend a physical driver education classroom.
When you go down to the local drivers license office, please take the following items with you:
- Proof of enrollment in a state-approved driver's ed course
- Valid form of ID (for a list of acceptable ID documents, please visit the Santa Fe New Mexico MVD website)
- Proof of residency in Santa Fe New Mexico
- $10 to cover the processing fee
You will be given a vision screening exam, and then a written test which written test will include material from the Santa Fe New Mexico driver handbook. You may opt out of the written test if you provide a certificate of completion from a state-approved drivers education course which includes a 3-hour DWI component.
With an instruction permit, the following restrictions apply:
- Whenever you drive, you must be accompanied by a licensed adult driver who's at least 21 years old who actively supervises your driving from the front passenger seat. This person must have been licensed for at least 3 years.
- All passengers (including you) must wear seatbelts.
Warning--if you drive with blood-alcohol content of .02 or higher, your instruction permit will be revoked for 6 months.
Santa Fe New Mexico Provisional License
After you've had your instruction permit for 6 months, you can apply for your Santa Fe New Mexico provisional license if you meet the following prerequisites:
- Be at least 15 years and 6 months old
- Completed a state-approved driver education course
- Completed 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 of which must be at night) outside of your drivers ed course. Keep a log of the dates/times you drive.
- Keep a clean driving record for at least 90 days prior to when you apply.
When you're ready, head back down to the local driver's license office with the same ID documents you took last time and be sure to bring your instruction permit, also. The fee is $18. You will need to pass a road test before you can be issued a provisional license (unless you already took a road test as part of your state-approved drivers education course).
With a provisional license, there are still some restrictions you will need to follow:
- No driving between the hours of 12 midnight and 5am unless driving to or from your job or a school-sponsored activity
- Only 1 non-family passenger may ride with you
- You may not use cell phones or any other type of electronic device while you are driving.
After you've had your provisional license for 12 months and kept a clean driving record, you can go back to the driver's license office and apply for your full driver's license. The fee ranges between $18 and $34.
New Mexico Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws
The State of Santa Fe New Mexico requires that you maintain a certain amount of liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum required coverage is as follows:
- $25,000--personal injury (1 person) per accident
- $50,000--personal injury (2 or more persons) per accident
- $10,000--property damage
Driving while uninsured is a crime! If you drive without the required insurance coverage, you will face having your license suspended, plus a hefty fine.
Santa Fe New Mexico Drunk Driving Laws
Drinking while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Santa Fe New Mexico, and the law is strictly enforced.
Upon your FIRST New Mexico DUI conviction, you will face the following penalties:
- 90 days in Jail
- Community service
- 1-year suspension of your license
- Installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle
- Enrollment in DUI school
Further DUI convictions will result in even more severe penalties, including extended jail time, community service, and the revocation of your driver's license.
Santa Fe New Mexico Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws
Although there is no statewide law regulating cell phone use while driving, the cities of Albuquerque and Santa Fe do not allow them to be used while driving. Albuquerque allows cell phone only with a hands-free device, but Santa Fe does not allow cell phone use at all.
Santa Fe New Mexico Drivers Education
For more information on drivers education including a list of approved drivers ed courses in Santa Fe New Mexico, please visit the Santa Fe New Mexico MVD website.