Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What about insurance?
A: The state of New Mexico does not require you to notify your insurance company about a permitted driver. High risk policies may have further restrictions and it's best to check with your individual agent. You MUST carry insurance once you have a provisional or unrestricted license.

Q: How old do you have to be to take Driver Education?
A: You must be or turn 15 within 30 days of taking the class course.

Q: What if I miss a class?
A: By State law you cannot miss more than two (4) hour classes or three (3) hour classes. State Law requires you to write a one page report to make up for the classes missed and also makeup any missed tests.

Q:What if I'm over the age of 18?
A: Anyone age 18-24 may apply for a first-time New Mexico driver's license at the State of New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department after completing the "None for the Road" alcohol awareness program. You must then take the state written & state road test at the MVD. Keep this in mind: Taking a state certified Driver Education course will significantly reduce your insurance rates now and over the course of your lifetime.

Q: How do I enroll in one of your classes?
A: You may pre-register for any of our classes in person at one of our offices, over the phone or by using the registration form on this website. We do not require a down payment and you are welcome to make payment over the duration of the classroom segment.

Q: My friends tell me I can have extra passengers in the car if I'm just going to and from school even though I still have my provisional license. Is this true?
A: NO! It does not matter where you are going or why. The law is the law and you cannot have more than one passenger under the age of 21 unless they are immediate family members.

Q: Does my leaner's permit allow me to drive in another state?
A: Yes. As long as there is a licensed driver over the age of 21 in the front passenger seat, you may drive in any state in the country.

Q: I heard that I can drive alone on my learners permit as long as I only drive from school and back, is there such a permit?
A: NO. there is no such permit. You must ALWAYS have a licensed driver over the age of 21 while driving on the learners permit.

Q: Even though I have had drivers education at my high school, can I still take your course?
A: Yes. Many of our students take driver education at their high school. They then take our course and realize the benefit of the in-car instruction as well as reduced insurance rates.

Q: I've finished my classroom phase, driving with an instructor, controlled driving environment and my 50 hour log. Now what do I do?
A: You were issued the Certificate of Completion at the Controlled Driving Environment. After you have had your learner's permit for a minimum of six months, you may then go to MVD to apply for a provisional license.

Q: What documentation do I have to take to MVD when I apply for my provisional license?
A: You will need a state certified birth certificate, (or other legal proof of age), your social security CARD, your learner's permit, written proof of 50 hours of driving, TSB Certificate of Completion, 1 proof of NM residency and a parent or guardian if you are under the age of 18. This list is also provided to you in the notebook we gave you on the first day of class.

Q: Does my learner's permit expire?
A: Yes. The learner's permit is issued for a period of 6 months. The learner's permit may be renewed for an additional 6 months should you or your parents decide to take the extra time to complete the course requirements.

Q: Do you provide transportation to and from classes or pick up students for their driving times?
A: No. You must provide your own transportation to and from both class and driving instruction. All of our locations are located on main bus routes as an alternative.

Q: I am over 18, do you have a program that offers just the state written and road exams?
A: No. You should take the written test at the NM Motor Vehicle Department after which they will schedule your driving test. We can provide the road test if the MVD is booked up. You must come in person to the 2745 San Mateo location with your written exam results and the same identification you used at MVD, and we will schedule the test by appointment. We cannot accomodate walk-ins for testing. There are also other contractors that provide testing services. You should be able to find them in the yellow pages.

Q: Do I have to have my 50 hours of supervised driving completed in order to attend the Controlled Driving Environment?
A: No, however you must have passed your driving with an instructor behind-the-wheel phase with a B+ or better AND have had your learners permit for a least 5 months.

Q: I am over 18, do I have to have a Learners Permit to drive even though I am driving with an instructor or a licensed driver over the age of 21?
A: Yes. ANYONE who is not otherwise licensed to drive a motor vehicle MUST have a valid Learners Permit in order to be legally behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. You MUST also abide by the provisions of the Learners Permit, i.e. there must be a licensed driver over the age of 21 in the front passenger seat.

Contact us:

info@mcginnisschoolofdriving.com
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