The steps
- Get a DOT medical card. A commercial driver must pass a physical with a medical examiner listed on FMCSA’s National Registry (49 CFR 391.41, 391.43); the certificate lasts up to 24 months.
- Pass the knowledge test and get a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). The CLP lets you practise with a qualified CDL holder beside you and is valid for no more than a year (49 CFR 383.25).
- Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test (383.25(e)).
- Complete entry-level driver training with a provider on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry, if this is your first Class A or B CDL, an upgrade, or a first passenger, school bus or HazMat endorsement (49 CFR 380.609). 55 registered providers have a training location in New Mexico, 51 of them offering behind-the-wheel training.
- Take the skills test: vehicle inspection, basic control skills and an on-road test, in a vehicle of the class you want (49 CFR 383.113). New Mexico names 35 places as CDL skills test sites.
- Age. Driving across state lines requires being at least 21 (49 CFR 391.11(b)(1)); a state may license drivers from 18 for driving inside the state only.
Where to take the CDL test in New Mexico
77 offices and test sites in New Mexico are on the official lists, and 35 are named by the state as CDL skills test sites. The most are in Albuquerque (7), Las Cruces (4), Aztec (2), Farmington (2), Hobbs (2), Portales (2), Reserve (2), Roswell (2), Springer (2), Tucumcari (2). See all CDL testing and DMV offices in New Mexico, with a map and search by city or ZIP.
CDL schools in New Mexico
55 training providers registered with FMCSA list a location in New Mexico. The most are in Albuquerque (5), Hobbs (5), Portales (4), Roswell (3), Farmington (2), Las Cruces (2), Las Vegas (2), Dexter (2), Santa Fe (2), Clayton (1). See all CDL schools in New Mexico.
Adding HazMat
The hazardous materials endorsement needs a TSA security threat assessment with fingerprints (49 CFR 1572). 4 TSA enrollment centers in New Mexico take HazMat applications. See the enrollment centers in New Mexico.