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Commercial Driver's License
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$28
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
4 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT through an FMCSA-registered training provider
Required before first CDL, upgrading class, or adding HAZMAT/school bus/passenger endorsements
Obtain DOT Medical Certificate
Complete DOT physical with a provider on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
Apply for Commercial Driver Instruction Permit (CDIP/CLP)
Visit an MVD CDL Field Office. Pass knowledge tests on kiosk machine. Knowledge tests can be taken up to twice per week.
All CDL knowledge tests are administered on kiosk machines; scores accessible at any MVD office
Fee: $10Practice with CLP
Hold CLP for at least 14 days. Practice driving supervised by a licensed CDL holder in the front seat.
CLP valid for 6 months
Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule and pass the three-part skills test with an MVD-approved CDL examiner: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
Fee varies by examiner; candidates may take the exam up to 3 times before a 1-year waiting period
Fee: $50–$250Receive CDL
After passing the skills test, pay the CDL fee at an MVD CDL Field Office and receive your New Mexico CDL
4-year license; $34 for 8-year license
Fee: $18Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($10) + CDL ($18) + state skills test (varies, not included)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Community colleges: $3,000-$5,000; private schools: $5,000-$7,000
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
Three-Part Exam
All skills tests are administered by MVD-approved CDL examiners at various locations
Third-party fee: $50–$250 (Varies by testing center; all skills tests administered by approved examiners)
Scheduling Note
Contact approved CDL examiner directly to schedule. Not all MVD Field Offices issue CDLs.
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
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Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
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Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of New Mexico
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $5 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $5 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $5 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $10 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$10
Commercial driver instruction permit (CDIP)
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
New Mexico has 20% below average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
New Mexico has below-average cdl truck drivers density — strong demand for new cdl truck drivers.
New Mexico ranks #40 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$18
4-year renewal; $34 for 8-year; free for age 75+
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
$18 for 4-year; $34 for 8-year; HAZMAT holders cannot get 8-year license; drivers 75+ renew yearly at no cost.
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
Visit an MVD CDL Field Office with required documents. Surrender your out-of-state CDL. A DWI records check is required for all out-of-state transfers, adding $15 to the base fee. Written tests are not required to exchange a valid out-of-state CDL for a New Mexico CDL with the same class and endorsements.
Transfer Fee
$33
$18 CDL fee + $15 DWI records check; $49 for 8-year license
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing New Mexico residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedWritten tests not required to exchange valid out-of-state CDL for NM CDL with same class/endorsements; HAZMAT requires written test, fingerprinting, and background check
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
New Mexico's 'Heroes to Highways' program waives the CDL skills test for eligible military personnel. Applicants must be NM residents, currently enlisted or discharged within 90 days, and have at least 2 years of CMV equivalent experience.
Eligibility
NM resident, currently enlisted or discharged within 90 days, with at least 2 years of equivalent CMV driving experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in New Mexico.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in New Mexico range from $3,000 to $7,000. Community colleges: $3,000-$5,000; private schools: $5,000-$7,000
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in New Mexico.
Start Your CDL Training in New Mexico
State-approved online courses you can start today.
Unique to New Mexico
New Mexico calls its CLP the 'Commercial Driver Instruction Permit (CDIP).' The state has a 'Heroes to Highways' military waiver program with a shorter 90-day separation window. A mandatory DWI records check adds $15 to all out-of-state CDL transfers. NM has among the lowest CDL fees in the nation at $18 for 4 years.
CDL Schools in New Mexico
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in New Mexico verified against New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: