Motorcycle License Requirements in New Mexico

Applying for a motorcycle endorsement to your current driver’s license is the same as applying for a regular New Mexico driver’s license. You have to supply all required documents and pass the written, vision and road skills test. To undertake the driving skills test, you have to schedule the test on your local MVD office and bring your license and provisional motorcycle license with you. When you take the riding or on cycle test, you will need to do it on the type of motorcycle you wish to be licensed for.

Getting Your Motorcycle License in New Mexico

The process to obtain a New Mexico motorcycle license involves several steps, depending on your age and the type of motorcycle you intend to ride.

Requirements for Applicants Under 18

1. General Requirements:

  • Written examination
  • Vision test
  • Signs and traffic laws examination
  • Scheduling a driving skills test

2. Specific Requirements for Applicants Under 18:

  • Provide a parent or guardian’s signature on the consent form.
  • Provide proof of completion of a driver’s education and driver training program or present your New Mexico driver’s license.
  • Provide proof of legal presence.
  • Provide proof of residency or two alternative documents.

Requirements for Applicants 18 and Older

The requirements for applicants 18 and older are identical to those for applicants under 18, including the written examination, vision test, signs and traffic laws examination, and scheduling a driving skills test.

Provisional Motorcycle License Restrictions (For Applicants Under 18)

Once you receive your provisional motorcycle license, you'll be subject to specific restrictions:

  • No driving on the highway.
  • No driving between midnight and 5 am except under certain conditions.
  • You are not allowed to ride with any passengers.

Motorcycle Endorsement Levels

The Class M motorcycle license comes with three endorsement levels, depending on your age and the type of motorcycle that you are riding.

  • W endorsement – for 100cc and larger motorcycles and issued to applicants who are 15 years old as long as you have completed a driver’s education course.
  • Y endorsement – for motorcycle between 50cc and 100cc and issued to applicants as young as 13.
  • Z endorsement – issued to applicants who are 13 years old and above and limits riders to motorcycle with a displacement of less than 50cc.