New Mexico CDL Test Requirements and CDL Endorsement Test Info

Do I Need A Commercial Driver License?

If you live in New Mexico and drive a Class A, B or C commercial vehicle, you must have a New Mexico Commercial Driver License (CDL).

CDL Endorsements are required for double/triple trailers, tanker vehicles, passenger vehicles and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials.

What Tests Do I Need To Take?

Don't know which endorsement you need? Just answer this question:

To operate a commercial vehicle in one of the following classifications, you must have a New Mexico CDL Endorsement.

CLASS A - This classification applies only to "combination" vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds, provided the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds.

CLASS B - This class includes single or combination vehicles where the GVWR of the single vehicle exceeds 26,000 pounds. The vehicle in tow must not exceed 10,000 pounds.

CLASS C - Vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials, that do not meet the criteria for Class A or B above fall under this classification.

About the CDL Knowledge Tests

You will have to take one or more knowledge tests, depending on what class of license and what endorsements you need. All CDL applicants must take the general knowledge test. The table below will tell you what additional tests you must take, if any.

Test Name Take If...
Passenger Transport ...you want to drive a bus
Air Brakes ...your vehicle has air brakes
Combination Vehicles ...you want to drive combination vehicles
Hazardous Materials ...you want to haul hazardous material or waste in amounts which require placarding
Tankers ...you want to haul liquids in bulk
Doubles/Triples ...you want to pull double or triple trailers

Skills Tests

If you pass the required knowledge test(s), you can take the CDL skills tests. The skills tests generally take about two hours. There are three types of general skills that will be tested: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must take these tests in the type of vehicle for which you wish to be licensed.

  1. Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection: You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why.
  2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be tested on your skill to control the vehicle. You will be asked to move your vehicle forward, backward, and turn it within a defined area. These areas may be marked with traffic lanes, cones, barriers, or something similar. The examiner will tell you how each control test is to be done.
  3. On-road Test: You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations. The situations may include left and right turns, intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and down grades, and single or multi-lane roads, streets, or highways. The examiner will tell you where to drive.

Fees for the skills tests are as follows:

$50 per hour at a central location if the applicant furnishes the vehicle.

$75 per hour at a non-central location if the applicant furnishes the vehicle.

If the applicant is unable to provide a vehicle for testing, the vehicle may be rented at an additional cost.

What Are The Other Requirements For A CDL?

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require drivers to pass a physical examination once every 2 years. The main physical requirements include good hearing, 20/40 vision with or without glasses or corrective lenses, and a 70-degree field of vision in each eye. Drivers must not be colorblind.

What Should I Bring To The Department Of Motor Vehicles?

Bring your current driver license, a Department of Transportation Physical Examination Form, and your social security card.

Where Can I Get More Information?

To view the New Mexico CDL Manual: http://www.state.nm.us/tax/pubs/cdlman.htm

For federal requirements for a CDL: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyprogs/cdl.htm

For medical requirements: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/regs/391.43.htm

New Mexico Division of Motor Vehicles: http://www.state.nm.us/tax/mvd/mvd_home.htm

New Mexico Department of Transportation: http://www.nmshtd.state.nm.us/

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