Getting your New Mexico Drivers License
If you want to operate a motorcycle in New Mexico, you will need to get a New Mexico driver’s license with the proper motorcycle endorsement. Riding without a license is illegal and can incur heavy fines and administrative penalties, so make sure your license is valid and up to date.
Meet the Age Requirements
In New Mexico, you can get your license as young as 13, but if you are under 18, you’ll have to complete a state-approved safety course and have your driver’s license for at least six months. Those 18 and older do not have to take a safety course.
Get a Motorcycle Permit
You have to have a motorcycle permit before you can get a full license. To get a permit, you must have a valid driver’s license, proof of state residency, and proof of identity, like a birth certificate or passport. Once you pass a written knowledge test, you will receive your motorcycle permit. You cannot ride at night or carry passengers with a permit, and you must ride under the supervision of a licensed operator who is at least 21 years old.
Pass a Knowledge Exam
After six months, you can apply for your license and take the practical skills part of the examination. You must bring a street-legal motorcycle with insurance to the test, where you will demonstrate your mastery of basic motorcycle operation and maneuvering. Once you pass the test, you can get a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license.
Pick Your Endorsement
New Mexico has three different motorcycle endorsements, each of which corresponds to a specific type of bike. The endorsements are:
- W endorsement. Two or three-wheel motorcycle with a 100cc engine or greater
- Y endorsement. Two or three-wheel motorcycles with engine size between 500cc and 100cc.
- Z endorsement. Two or three-wheel motorcycle with an engine size under 50cc
Unlike some other states that have separate endorsements for two and three-wheel bikes, New Mexico endorsements depend on engine size. Your endorsement must match the kind of motorcycle you will be riding, or else you can get in legal trouble.
Transferring Motorcycle License From Other State
If you already have a motorcycle endorsement from another state, you can transfer it to your New Mexico license without having to retake any tests. As long as your current motorcycle license is valid, you can transfer it by taking it to the DMV and filling out the right paperwork.
Recommended Safety Courses in New Mexico
Although optional for riders over 18 to get a motorcycle license, taking a motorcycle safety course is still highly recommended. Below are some recommended courses in New Mexico from the Law Tigers staff:
Contact New Mexico Law Tigers!
If you happen to be in a motorcycle accident, you need a legal team that understands the road as well as you do. New Mexico Law Tigers specializes in motorcycle accident injury cases, providing expert legal support to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t face this challenge alone—contact Law Tigers today for a free consultation and get back on the road with confidence.
Share
