DMV New Mexico · Fees, age, and practice test
New Mexico Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Sourced procedural facts for New Mexico DMV, plus a free 180-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years old
Permit fee
Instructional Permit: $10.00
Initial license fee
Full-Unrestricted License: 4-year license $18.00; 8-year license $34.00 (Provisional License for graduated drivers $18.00)
Passing score
All class D and M written test scores must be 70% or better to pass
Supervised driving before road test
50 hours total, including at least 10 hours at night, certified in writing by a parent or guardian
Documents to bring
Proof of ID number, identity, and NM residency; proof of driver education enrollment/completion; proof of financial responsibility; vision and written test completion (or driver ed certificate)
Find an office / appointment
Book MVD appointments online via the appointments page or call 1-888-683-4636. Appointments are required for most offices.
REAL ID status
New Mexico is REAL ID compliant (gold star credential since Nov 14, 2016). Federal enforcement deadline was May 7, 2025; standard (non-compliant) license still available for state ID/driving.
Motorcycle license
Age 13 for M license with Y/Z endorsement (under 100cc) after MSF Basic Rider Course; age 15 for W/Y/Z endorsements (100cc+). Written test always required; road test waived if MSF course completed.
Commercial license (CDL)
Hazmat endorsement requires a written test, fingerprints, and a background check.
Official source: Apply for a Learner's Permit | Motor Vehicle Division NM
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division site.
How much is the New Mexico permit test?
Permit fee: Instructional Permit: $10.00 (official source).
New Mexico DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Permit fee | Instructional Permit: $10.00 | source |
| Initial license fee | Full-Unrestricted License: 4-year license $18.00; 8-year license $34.00 (Provisional License for graduated drivers $18.00) | source |
Studying for it? Take the free New Mexico DMV practice test (180 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a New Mexico driver license covers
Initial license fee: Full-Unrestricted License: 4-year license $18.00; 8-year license $34.00 (Provisional License for graduated drivers $18.00) (official source)
REAL ID status: New Mexico is REAL ID compliant (gold star credential since Nov 14, 2016). Federal enforcement deadline was May 7, 2025; standard (non-compliant) license still available for state ID/driving. (official source)
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official New Mexico DMV site for exact card timelines.
Getting a license in New Mexico
Getting your first permit
In New Mexico, the minimum permit age is 15 years old. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: proof of ID number, identity, and NM residency; proof of driver education enrollment/completion; proof of financial responsibility; vision and written test completion (or driver ed certificate). Book MVD appointments online via the appointments page or call 1-888-683-4636. Appointments are required for most offices.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
Before the road test, the state requires 50 hours total, including at least 10 hours at night, certified in writing by a parent or guardian.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
New Mexico is REAL ID compliant (gold star credential since Nov 14, 2016). Federal enforcement deadline was May 7, 2025; standard (non-compliant) license still available for state ID/driving. For a motorcycle license: age 13 for M license with Y/Z endorsement (under 100cc) after MSF Basic Rider Course; age 15 for W/Y/Z endorsements (100cc+). Written test always required; road test waived if MSF course completed. For a commercial license (CDL): hazmat endorsement requires a written test, fingerprints, and a background check.
The New Mexico bank has 180 questions across 9 topics
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