Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
If you’re a young adult under the age of 18, then you’re most likely eager for the freedom a vehicle provides and the new world it can open up for you! You just have to remember that there are some conditions and stages that you may need to go through that are not only legally enforced, but part of driver safety as well. But don’t worry, In & Out MVD can help you understand these conditions and stages to help you get on the road safely and make your MVD experience a pleasant one!
If you are applying for your first New Mexico Driving Credential (Permit or License) and are under the age of 18, you must go through the New Mexico Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system to get your Driving Credential. There are three (3) stages in the GDL system which are there to ease beginning drivers into traffic by limiting their exposure to driving situations proven to be particularly dangerous. These three stages are:
- Stage 1: Instructional Permit
- Stage 2: Provisional License
- Stage 3: Full License
In these three stages, teens begin driving with certain conditions that are gradually relaxed as drivers mature and develop greater driving skills as they advance through each stage. Regardless of the stage, there are some standard documents you will need. There are two (2) types of driving credentials, REAL ID and Standard. (For more information on these two types of credentials click HERE.) Documents required will vary depending on the type of credential you are applying for and are as follows:
- For a “REAL ID” Driving Credential:
- One (1) proof of Identification Number
- One (1) proof of Identity and Age
- Two (2) proofs of New Mexico Residency
- For a “REAL ID” Driving Credential:
- For a “Standard” Driving Credential:
- One (1) proof of Identity and Age
- Two (2) proofs of New Mexico Residency
- For a “Standard” Driving Credential:
Click HERE for the most recent list of acceptable documents by New Mexico MVD related to the required documents listed above. Once you’ve gathered these standard documents, you will also need to provide additional documentation required by each stage of the GDL system.
GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSING (GDL) – 3 STAGES
STAGE 1: Instructional Permit
To get an Instructional Permit, a teen must be at least 15 years old, and come to an In & Out MVD office with the following:
- Proof of having completed or of being enrolled in a state-approved driver education program
- Pass a Vision Test
- Pass the MVD Knowledge Exam (The exam may also be provided by an MVD contracted Driver Education School)
- Provide a referral card from a TSB approved Drivers Education School
Once the teen gets the instructional permit, the teen must:
- Hold the instructional permit for at least six months
- Complete and pass a TSB approved driver education program which includes a 3-hour DWI component
- Complete and pass a state-approved driver education program
- Drive with an adult 21 or older who has been licensed for a minimum of 3 years
- Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night
- Maintain a clean driving record for the 90 days preceding application for Stage 2
- Not drink and drive. Even a .02 percent concentration of alcohol (barely one drink) could result in a 6-month license revocation for drivers under age 21
STAGE 2: Provisional License
To get a Provisional License, a teen must be at least 15 ½ years old and have successfully completed Stage 1. At In & Out MVD, the teen and the parent/guardian will complete and sign a Provisional License application. In signing the Provisional License application, the teen and the parent/guardian verify that the teen:
- Has completed Stage 1 successfully
- Has been driving only with an adult 21 years or older who has been licensed for at least 3 years
- Has not been convicted of a traffic violation in the 90 days preceding application for a Provisional License
- Has not been drinking and driving
Then, the teen must:
- Provide a TSB “Certificate of Completion” that clearly shows the applicant achieved a passing score from a TSB approved Driver Education School that includes a 3-hour DWI component
- Provide the GDL Driving Log (Any document that records the necessary information handwritten or typed) that shows the teen has completed the practice driving component of 50 hours behind the wheel training, 10 of which are at night (The driving log must be signed by the parent or guardian)
- Pass the MVD Road Skills Exam (If the teen has taken the approved MVD Road Skills Exam with an MVD contracted Driver Education School, the teen must provide the completed MVD Record of Completion with the passing test scores)
Once the provisional license is issued, the following conditions apply:
- The teen driver must hold the Provisional License for at least 12 months
- Unless a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the vehicle, a Provisional License holder may not have more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not an immediate family member.
- The teen driver may not operate a motor vehicle between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older (Exceptions are permitted for school, employment, family and medical need, or religious functions, however, licensees must carry a statement from the appropriate school, or religious official, employer, doctor, or parent/guardian)
Stage 3: Full License
To get a Full-Unrestricted License, the teen and the parent/guardian must complete and sign a Driver License application at In & Out MVD. (If the teen is 18 years of older, only the teen needs to sign the application) In signing the Driver License application, the teen and the parent/guardian verify that the teen:
- Has completed Stage 2 successfully
- Has not been convicted of a traffic violation 90 days preceding application for a Full License
- Has not been found guilty or have an offense pending involving the use of alcohol or drugs during the provisional period
- Does not have any of the following traffic violations pending at the time of application for a Driver License:
- Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device or Signal
- Speeding
- Homicide by Vehicle
- Injury to Pregnant Woman by Vehicle
- DWI or Drugs
- Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test
- Reckless or Careless Driving
- Racing on Highways
- Failure to Yield
- Child not in restraint device or seat belt
- Failure to properly fasten safety belt
- Using a mobile communication device while driving a motor vehicle (Unless the driver holds a valid, FCC-issued amateur radio operator license and is operating an amateur radio)
- Buying, attempting to buy, receiving, possessing or permitting oneself to be served alcoholic beverages
ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- An applicant for a Provisional License who cannot drive at night due to low nighttime vision may be exempted from the night driving requirement, provided that the applicant submits to the division an Ophthalmologic or Optometric Report from a licensed Ophthalmologist or Optometrist who attests to the applicant’s visual condition and its effect on the applicant’s driving ability. The applicant’s parent or guardian shall certify that the applicant has completed the practice driving component.
- The six-month minimum period for which an individual is required to hold an Instructional Permit before obtaining a Provisional License is extended by 30 days for each traffic violation, committed during the time the individual was driving with the Instructional Permit, for which the individual was convicted or adjudicated delinquent.
- The 12-month minimum period for which an individual is required to hold a Provisional License before obtaining a Full License is also extended by 30 days for each traffic violation, committed during the time the individual was driving with the Provisional License, for which the individual was convicted or adjudicated delinquent.
We are always just a call away!
We understand the Graduated Driver Licensing stages and their related requirements may be confusing but don’t worry, In & Out MVD is always just one call away to promptly answer any questions you may have about the GDL system for new and young adult drivers.
Please know that we are committed to giving you the best MVD customer service experience in New Mexico and would love the opportunity to be your MVD of choice when getting your first Driving Credential! We are looking forward to guiding you through this process and hopefully earning your business as well for years to come.
Visit or call us today, we are here for YOU!
