The freedom to go wherever you want. The wind in your hair, home in the rear-view, new horizons ahead. Getting a driver’s license can be really exciting. It is often the first fully adult thing that we get to do. But getting a driver’s license is complicated, especially if you are under the age of 18. So, to make this process a bit easier, I’ll give you a simplified guide to getting your driver’s license.
The Basics
In New Mexico, and every other state in the union, want-to-be drivers under the age of 18 must complete a Graduated Driver’s License program, or GDL. There are 3 basic steps to the GDL:
1. Instructional Permit
This is your first step. It is essentially a practice permit, allowing you to practice on public roads with a parent/guardian.
2. Provisional License
Step 2, your provisional license. It is basically a regular license with a lot of asterisks, including limits on who can be in the car with you, and a curfew.
3. Full License
A fully fledged license! Full freedom at last!
So… How?
To go about acquiring your full license, you have to first obtain your instructional permit.
Getting your Instructional Permit
First, be 15 years old. Next, enroll in a Driver’s ED program. Cibola offers a Driver’s Ed program, but space is limited. I went through Achievement Driving School, and I can recommend it. Other schools in the metro include McGinnis, and Old School of Driving, Inc. These classes will either be 30 classroom hours, with 7 hours of behind the wheel training (of which 3 hours may be simulator), or 56 classroom hours without any behind the wheel training. After you complete the course, which should include your written test, you can get your Driver Education Referral Card from your driving school. You will need your social security card and 2 proofs of residency (if you don’t have any, you can read about an affidavit here). With your Driver Education Referral Card, proofs of residency, social security card, and parent/guardian, you can go to the MVD to obtain your Instructional Permit.
Instructional Permit Limitations
This is not a driver’s license. Rather, it is a permit to practice on the road. You MUST have a driver 21 years old or older with you, and they must have had their license for at least 3 years. You CANNOT drive alone.
Getting your Provisional License
To get your Provisional License, practice driving with a permit in hand (or, preferably, pocket), for 50 hours. 10 of these hours must be at night, and all hours must be logged. Depending on your driver school, you may need to complete behind the wheel hours with your instructor. Fill your log, take your road test, and get your Certificate of Completion. Then, at 15½, with your Certificate of Completion, Instructional Permit, completed driving log, 2 proofs of residency, and parent/guardian, go and get your Provisional License from the MVD.
Provisional License Limitations
Still, this is not a full driver’s license. You may not drive between midnight and 5:00 am without a driver 21 or older, unless it is for work or an emergency. You also cannot drive with more than one person under the age of 21 that is not immediate family.
Getting your Full Driver’s License
You will have your Provisional License for a year before being eligible for your Full Driver’s License. Keep a clean record for 90 days before applying for your full license. Then, with your Provisional, 2 proofs of residency, and a parent/guardian, go get your Full Driver’s License.
Freedom!
And that’s it! A not so simple guide to a very not simple system. It may take a while, but getting your license it is worth it. Enjoy the freedom and always remember: brake is left, gas is right!
Below are more resources for in depth information:
