Driving Tests

New Mexico Driver's Ed Requirements: Approved Courses and DWI Class

informational·how to guide·Published May 31, 2026

Does my teen need driver's ed in New Mexico?

Yes. A teen who applies for a first New Mexico license under age 18 must show an approved driver education course that includes a DWI component. At 15, the teen can apply for the instructional permit while enrolled in the course. For the provisional license, the teen must have completed it. The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) says the course includes a 3-hour DWI component.

Where these New Mexico driver's ed facts come from

The permit and provisional license steps come from the MVD instructional permit page and the MVD driver education, DWI program, vulnerable road user and Driver Procedures Manual pages. The law texts are 2011 Senate Bill 9 (bill text on nmlegis.gov) and 2026 Senate Bill 73 (Laws 2026, Chapter 57). The school contract rule is 18.19.5 NMAC. All facts are as of 2026, and the bill texts may differ from the current statutes. Confirm the rules with the New Mexico MVD (mvd.newmexico.gov) before you drive.

When your teen needs driver's ed: permit and provisional license

When your teen needs driver's ed: permit and provisional license
Step	Driver's ed status	What else the teen does
Instructional permit (minimum age 15, at an MVD field office)	Enrolled in and attending, or completed, a state-approved course with a DWI component	Pass the MVD knowledge exam. A contracted driver education school may also give it.
Provisional license	Course completed, with a Traffic Safety Bureau certificate that shows a passing score and a 3-hour DWI component	Hold the permit at least six months, log 50 hours of supervised practice (10 at night) and pass the road skills exam

Who approves New Mexico driver education schools

The Traffic Safety Bureau (TSB) of the New Mexico Department of Transportation licenses driver education schools. To find licensed schools and their courses (Driver Ed, Driver Safety or DWI School), call TSB at 800-541-7952.
Many TSB-licensed schools also hold an MVD contract. Under rule 18.19.5 NMAC, only public educational institutions and commercial driving schools licensed by the Department of Transportation can hold this contract. A contracted school can give the MVD knowledge exam and the road skills exam. Your teen applies for the permit at an MVD field office. Our New Mexico instructional permit guide has the steps.

What the approved course must include

A DWI prevention and education component. 2011 Senate Bill 9 requires it for the permit, the provisional license and a first license under 18.
3 hours of DWI instruction, according to MVD. 2026 Senate Bill 73, which takes effect on January 1, 2027, lists a bureau minimum of at least 2 hours of DWI prevention and education training.
Classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training in the safe operation of the vehicle.
A certificate of completion. MVD accepts a certificate from an approved driver education course, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or None for the Road as proof of an approved DWI program.

School attendance form for the New Mexico permit

Rule 18.19.5 NMAC also asks a minor who applies for an instruction permit for a school compliance verification form. A school official certifies it and a parent signs it. The form shows 90 percent attendance in ninth grade and at least near-proficient eighth-grade reading and math scores. Proof of high school graduation or a GED certificate can replace the form. Ask your MVD field office which papers your teen must bring.

Out-of-state driver's ed courses

2011 Senate Bill 9 lets the bureau accept another state's course if it substantially meets New Mexico requirements. Under MVD procedure, MVD may accept a certificate from a high school, or from a commercial school with at least 30 hours of class and 6 hours behind the wheel. Always bring the certificate or transcript. A high school course with classroom instruction only may be accepted for the permit, because the road test is needed only for the provisional license.

Which path fits your situation

Your teen is 15 and has not started a course.

Choose a TSB-licensed school, and ask if it holds an MVD contract to give the knowledge and road skills exams. Then your teen can take both exams at the school. Try a free practice question on the permit tests.

Your teen took driver's ed in another state.

Bring the certificate or transcript to an MVD field office. MVD decides if the course is accepted and if the DWI part is documented.

The new driver is 18 to 24 and gets a first license.

MVD asks for a None for the Road certificate. A driver education certificate from an approved driving school may substitute for it. See None for the Road and the DWI class.

The applicant is over 18 and enrolled in an approved course.

The applicant may apply for a permit before the certificate of completion arrives.

What changes on January 1, 2027

2026 Senate Bill 73 (Laws 2026, Chapter 57, signed March 9) will require approved driver education courses to include at least 3 hours of education and training on driving with vulnerable road users. The change takes effect on January 1, 2027, and MVD lists it on its vulnerable road users page. A vulnerable road user is a pedestrian, bicyclist, motorcyclist or other person who travels without the protection that the body of a car or truck gives.

Key Takeaways

A first license under 18 needs an approved driver education course with a DWI component: enrollment is enough for the permit at 15, and the provisional license needs the completed course.
The Traffic Safety Bureau licenses schools. Call 800-541-7952 to find them.
MVD says the course has 3 hours of DWI instruction; 2026 Senate Bill 73 lists a 2-hour minimum.
From January 1, 2027, approved courses must include 3 hours on vulnerable road users.
Next step: practice on the free New Mexico Class D practice test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my teen take the road test at the driving school?

Yes, if the school holds an MVD contract. Only public educational institutions and commercial driving schools licensed by the Department of Transportation can hold one. The school records the road test scores, and your teen gives the MVD Record of Completion with the passing scores when applying for the provisional license.

Can a driving school give my teen the permit?

Plan to apply at an MVD field office. One MVD page says contracted schools may issue learner permits, but the MVD Driver Procedures Manual says driver education schools may not issue new or renewal instruction permits. Ask the MVD before you rely on a school for the permit.

Does a public school driver's ed class count?

Yes. Under rule 18.19.5 NMAC, a minor who applies for the permit gives proof of attendance in or completion of a driver education course with a DWI prevention and education program that the bureau approved or that a public school offers. The provisional license needs the completed course.

What if my out-of-state course had no DWI section?

MVD does not assume that an out-of-state course had a DWI section. If the certificate or transcript does not show an approved DWI prevention and education program, the minor must give other proof of it or take None for the Road, the DWI awareness class from UNM Continuing Education.

How long must my teen hold the permit before the provisional license?

At least six months. Each traffic violation adjudication or conviction while your teen drives on the permit adds 30 days. Use this time to finish the driver education course and the 50 hours of supervised practice, 10 of them at night. Try the free practice question on the permit holding period.