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Get your New Mexico CDL — government fees ($28), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Most information on this page has been verified.
88% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$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
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
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.
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
| 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
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$18
4-year renewal; $34 for 8-year; free for age 75+
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
New Mexico CDLs can be issued for 4 or 8 years. HAZMAT holders cannot get 8-year licenses. Drivers aged 75+ must renew yearly but are not charged fees.
Regulatory Board
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 waived for valid out-of-state CDL transfers with same class and endorsements; HAZMAT requires written test and fingerprinting
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Mexico.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#51 of 51
Cost
#1 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$44,950
25th percentile
Median
$48,360
-16% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$58,410
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
10,850 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) | Motor Vehicle Division NM
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) | Motor Vehicle Division NM
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) | Motor Vehicle Division NM
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in New Mexico.