How to get a CDL in New Mexico

Fees and rules

Issued by

New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD)

Learner's permit (CLP) fee

$10 (MVD 'Commercial Permit' fee)

CLP is valid for

1 year

Minimum age (within the state)

18 (K restriction, intrastate only); 21 for interstate

Where the skills test is given

Third-party only: approved CDL examiners (mostly at public colleges/universities; also Operating Engineers Local 953, PED school bus, NMDOT)

Medical card

Current Medical Examiner's Certificate from a National Registry examiner

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Required since Feb 7, 2022 for first-time Class A/B, B-to-A upgrade and first-time S/P/H; provider on FMCSA Training Provider Registry

Official sources

“The Commercial Learner's Permit is issued for 1 year.” www.mvd.newmexico.gov

“Applicant must be 21 or older to drive interstate.” www.mvd.newmexico.gov

“is at least 18 years old and drives only within the boundaries of the state of New Mexico;” www.mvd.newmexico.gov

“CDL skills tests are given by four distinct groups of approved third-party examiners.” www.mvd.newmexico.gov

“Applicant must present a current Medical Examiner's Certificate” www.mvd.newmexico.gov

“attend training in compliance of Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a provider from the Training Provider Registry, as of 02/07/2022” www.mvd.newmexico.gov

“Commercial Permit $10” www.mvd.newmexico.gov