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New Mexico Permit Hours: How Many You Need and How to Track Them
New Mexico teens need 50 hours behind the wheel with a supervisor before they can get a license. 10 of those hours must be after dark.
Requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total supervised hours | 50 |
| Night hours | 10 |
| Minimum permit age | 15 |
| Permit hold period | 6 months |
| Supervisor minimum age | 21 |
| Driver education required | Yes |
Night driving rules
New Mexico defines night as sunset to sunrise. That means the exact hours shift throughout the year. In winter, you might start logging night hours as early as 5 PM. In summer, you could be waiting until 8:30 or later. Check your local sunset time before heading out if you need night hours.
What your supervisor needs to know
Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. They need to sit in the front passenger seat and be ready to take over at any time.
Driver education
Driver education is mandatory in New Mexico. You’ve got to finish a state-approved course, which typically covers both classroom learning and some time behind the wheel with a professional instructor. Permit applicants under 18 must be enrolled in driver education.
Tracking your hours
You could track your hours on paper. But you won’t. Moda logs every session automatically and breaks it down by day, night so you’re never guessing how many hours you have left.
How many supervised driving hours does New Mexico require?
New Mexico requires 50 total supervised driving hours, with 10 of those at night.
What counts as night driving in New Mexico?
Night driving in New Mexico is defined as sunset to sunrise (varies by season and location). You’ll need 10 hours of night driving.
How long do I need to hold my permit in New Mexico?
You’ll need to hold your learner’s permit for at least 6 months before you can apply for your license.