Why DWI education comes first
Most states fold alcohol rules into the general handbook. New Mexico builds DWI education into the driver ed course you must be enrolled in before the permit. Expect alcohol questions: .08 is the adult limit, and drivers under 21 can be arrested at .02.
Permit to unrestricted license
Instructional permit (15)
Drive only with a licensed driver 21+ in the right front seat. The manual also mentions a version of this rule requiring the supervisor to have been licensed 3 years in any state, so if your supervisor is newly licensed, check with MVD.
Provisional license (15½ at the earliest)
After six months on the permit, with 50 parent-certified hours (10 at night), passing written, road and vision tests, and no traffic convictions in the past 90 days:
- No driving midnight–5 a.m., unless a licensed 21+ driver is with you or it's for family or medical necessity, work, or a school or religious event.
- At most one non-family passenger under 21, unless a licensed 21+ driver is present.
Unrestricted license
After 12 months provisional, with no violations in the past 90 days and no alcohol or drug offenses.
Default speed limits
15
school zone
30
business/residential
55
public highways
75
rural interstates
These apply unless a sign says otherwise. On slippery roads, behind motorcycles or when towing, keep a four-second following distance.
More from the manual
- School buses: stop for red lights whether the bus is on your side, the opposite side or at an intersection. The only exception is an oncoming bus on a divided roadway.
- Railroads: school buses, taxis and hazmat trucks stop at least 15 feet from the crossing.
- Children under 24 months or under 60 pounds ride in an approved safety device in the rear seat.
- Insurance: at least 25/50/10.
- Lanes and circles: HOV 3 means at least three people in the car. In a traffic circle, drive on the right side of the island.
- Emergency vehicles: clear the intersection, then pull right. A slow-moving triangle means under 25 mph.