New Mexico Car Permit With a Motorcycle License: No Waiver, Separate Exam Required

A New Mexico motorcycle license does not cover car driving and does not waive any part of the Class D permit process. You must get a separate Class D instructional permit, which requires a 20/40 or better vision screening in at least one eye, and pass the full Class D knowledge exam, hold the permit for at least 6 months, and pass a behind-the-wheel road test. Motorcycle riding time does not count toward the 6-month car permit holding period or the required 50 supervised hours.

Do You Need a Car Permit If You Have a New Mexico Motorcycle License?

Yes. A Class M license authorizes operation of motorcycles only. To drive a car, you must obtain a Class D instructional permit separately. No exemption exists, a motorcycle license does not waive the car permit, holding period, or road test.

• Class M Limits: Authorizes operation of motorcycles only under New Mexico law. See definitions at mvd.newmexico.gov/chapter-1-definitions.
• Class D Permit Required: To drive a car, obtain a Class D instructional permit, complete the holding period, and pass the road test.

Do Motorcycle Riding Hours Count Toward New Mexico Car Permit Practice Hours?

No. The teen Class D progression requires supervised driving practice for the car-license path. Motorcycle riding time does not substitute for the required supervised Class D practice hours.

How to Add a Class D Car Permit With a New Mexico Motorcycle License

Visit an MVD field office with your Class M license. Pass the Class D knowledge exam, no waiver exists for motorcycle license holders. Download and pre-fill the MVD Driver Application (Form 90-5-23) at mvd.newmexico.gov before your visit to speed up processing. Call your specific MVD office to verify current contact details at mvd.newmexico.gov/mvd-field-offices, phone numbers change.

A rider in Albuquerque with a Class M license for 5 years still had to take the full Class D written test at the Montgomery office. He assumed his motorcycle test covered all road rules, it does not. Car-specific questions about four-way stops, parking, and pedestrian rights appear in the exam and are not covered by the motorcycle knowledge test.

Full New Mexico permit rules are at the New Mexico learner's permit guide.

Under 18 applicants must also provide proof of enrollment or completion in a TSB-approved driver education program with a DWI component, and provide a referral card from the approved school before testing.

Do you pay one fee or separate fees when adding a Class D permit to a motorcycle credential? MVD lists the state instructional-permit fee as $10. If the transaction also changes a motorcycle endorsement or is handled by a municipal partner office, ask that office whether any additional transaction or local service fee applies.

Can You Hold Both Car and Motorcycle Permits Simultaneously in New Mexico?

Yes. You can hold both a Class D and Class M instruction permit at the same time, both endorsements will appear on a single four-year permit card. When applying for both classes together, one $10 fee typically covers both. You must pass separate written knowledge tests for each class.

Car and Motorcycle Testing Rules in New Mexico

Car and motorcycle driving privileges have separate testing requirements. For vehicle-condition checks, car road-test technique, and other road-test preparation, use the dedicated Road Test & License guide.

Does an MSF Motorcycle Course Waive the Class D Car Test?

No. An accepted MSF Basic Rider Course can waive the motorcycle road test for the matching motorcycle endorsement, but it does not waive the separate Class D car road test.