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New Mexico CDL License Requirements
To begin a career as a truck driver in New Mexico, you must first obtain a New Mexico commercial driver’s license (CDL). The State of New Mexico uses the following criteria to determine whether or not a CDL is required to drive a commercial vehicle.
- Class A: Combination vehicles weighing over 26,001 lbs. with trailers weighing over 10,000 lbs.
- Class B: Vehicles weighing over 26,001 lbs. with trailers less than 10,000 lbs.
- Class C: Vehicles under 26,001 lbs. carrying sixteen or more occupants (including the driver) or trucks transporting hazardous materials
To qualify for a CDL in New Mexico, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid New Mexico driver’s license and obtain a medical certificate. Transportation of cargo across state lines is regulated by the federal government and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). USDOT requires all drivers who transport materials across state lines to be at least 21 years old. CDL applicants must then pass a written knowledge exam and a three part skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control skills test and an on-road driving exam. The State of New Mexico requires that you test in a vehicle that matches the class of CDL you are trying to obtain--for example, you must test in a Class A vehicle if you wish to obtain a Class A CDL.
Additional knowledge and skills tests may be required depending on the endorsements you need. For example, endorsements are needed to drive a truck with air brakes, a tanker or a school bus. They are also needed to transport passengers or to haul hazardous materials. A background check by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is required to transport hazardous materials (also referred to as a Hazmat endorsement). Truck driving schools will provide the training and education needed to pass the CDL requirements in New Mexico.
Resources for New Mexico CDL Requirements
Visit the State of New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Motor Vehicle Division website for more information.
Directory of New mexico Truck Driving Schools
Albuquerque: Central New Mexico Community College
Address: 525 Buena Vista Dr SE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
Phone: 505-224-3730
Albuquerque: Rocky Mountain Truck Driving School
Address: 2705 Princeton NE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
Phone: 505-888-5182
Artesia: Artesia Training Academy LLC
Address: 3205 W Main Artesia, New Mexico 88210
Phone: 505-748-9766
Deming: International Schools
Address: 226 S Alameda St Deming, New Mexico 88030
Phone: 505-523-2266
Farmington: San Juan College
Address: 4601 College Blvd Farmington, New Mexico 87402
Phone: 505-326-3311
Gallup: Gallup CDL Training
Address: 200 College Rd Gallup, New Mexico 87301
Phone: 505-863-7744
Hobbs: New Mexico Junior College
Address: 5317 Lovington Hobbs, New Mexico 88240
Phone: 505-392-5248
Las Cruces: Dona Ana Community College
Address: 3400 S Espina St Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003
Phone: 575-527-7500
Las Cruces: International Schools
Address: 101 N Alameda, Ste 18 Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005
Phone: 505-523-2266
Las Cruces: Mesilla Valley Training Institute
Address: 3530 W Picacho Ave Las Cruces, New Mexico 88007
Phone: 575-541-7983
Las Vegas: Luna Community College
Address: 366 Luna Dr Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701
Phone: 505-454-2530
Los Lunas: University of New Mexico
Address: 280 La Entrada Los Lunas, New Mexico 87031
Phone: 505-925-8974
Roswell: Eastern New Mexico University
Address: 52 University Blvd Roswell, New Mexico 88201
Phone: 505-624-7161
Santa Fe: Jaguar Express Truck Driving School Of Santa Fe
Address: 7034 Camino Rojo Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
Phone: 505-804-3500
Socorro: New Mexico Tech
Address: NM Tech Physical Plant, Buck Wolfe Socorro, New Mexico 87801
Phone: 575-835-6581
Sunland Park: International Schools
Address: 141 Quinella Rd Sunland Park, New Mexico 88063
Phone: 800-743-1414
Tucumcari: Mesalands Community College
Address: 911 S 10th St Tucumcari, New Mexico 88401
Phone: 505-461-4413
Find Local Truck Driving Schools
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