New Mexico · MVD

How to get your CDL permit in New Mexico

In New Mexico you get your CLP at an MVD CDL Test and License field office by passing the knowledge tests for your class. Your permit lasts one year, and you must hold it 14 days before the skills test.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official MVD sources

Start the free New Mexico permit classroom Official New Mexico CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in-state only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $10
Permit valid for: 1 year; renewing means retaking all knowledge tests
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Hold a valid New Mexico Class D license (or a valid out-of-state CDL).
2Get a DOT physical from a National Registry certified medical examiner if your driving type requires one.
3Gather your identity, Social Security and New Mexico residency documents (originals).
4Go to an MVD CDL Test and License field office. Not every MVD office handles CDLs.
5Self-certify your driving type and pass General Knowledge plus the tests for your class and endorsements.
6Practice only with a qualified CDL holder beside you, and hold your CLP at least 14 days.
7Finish Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before your skills test.
8Take the skills test with an approved CDL examiner, then bring your sealed results to MVD.

What to bring

Original proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence
Your Social Security card or other proof of your SSN
Two proofs of your physical New Mexico address
Your current New Mexico driver license (or out-of-state CDL)
Your DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate or a medical exemption waiver

Medical card

When you apply, you self-certify which of the four commerce types you drive in. If you need a DOT medical card, bring the original certificate from a National Registry examiner to a CDL Test and License field office.

Fees

Commercial learner's permitListed as 'Commercial Permit' on the MVD fee schedule	$10

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with MVD before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (Class A and Class B)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsement tests (only the ones you want)

Testing in New Mexico

You can take the written tests up to twice a week.
Only designated CDL Test and License field offices issue CDLs and CLPs.
Skills tests are given by approved third-party CDL examiners, who set their own prices.

Study for these tests in the New Mexico classroom

Good to know in New Mexico

Drivers 18 to 20 get a 'K' restriction, which keeps them inside New Mexico.
Every CLP renewal means retaking all of your knowledge tests.
A HazMat endorsement needs a written test, fingerprints and a TSA background check.
Questions? MVD runs a CDL help desk at NMCDL.HelpDesk@state.nm.us.

Non-domiciled applicants

Since September 29, 2025, MVD no longer issues non-domiciled CLPs or CDLs to applicants using a work permit (EAD). Since March 16, 2026, federal rules limit new non-domiciled permits to certain visa holders (H-2A, H-2B, E-2).

Confirm with MVD before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

The CLP fee comes from a 2021 MVD fee schedule — confirm the current amount with MVD.
Knowledge test, retest and CDL license fees — ask MVD before you go.
Which languages the knowledge tests are offered in.
Whether you need an appointment for knowledge testing.
The vision standard for the eye test.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

Ready to study?

Short lessons with diagrams, a quick check after each one, and a practice test for every permit exam New Mexico gives. Free.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division. Rules and fees change, so always check with MVD before you apply.