Driver education, also known as driver ed, is offered through various high schools and independent agencies. It is intended to inform first-time and teenage drivers about road safety and the fundamentals of driving.

During driver education, the student will complete classroom study and training behind the wheel. Although it isn't required that a student take a driver ed course through their high school, the course must be approved by the Traffic Safety Bureau (TSB).

Driver Education in New Mexico

In the state of New Mexico, anyone under the age of 18 must follow the guidelines of the Graduated Licensing Law. This law was implemented by the state as a means of increasing the safety of teen drivers.

A car accident is the most common way for a teenager to die in the United States, and New Mexico has an especially high rate of teen driver fatalities. To improve this statistic, anyone between the ages of 15 and 17 wishing to obtain a provisional driver's license or learner's permit must complete a driver education course.

Course Requirements

In order to qualify for a learner's permit in New Mexico, you must complete 35 hours of classroom time. Driver education courses use New Mexico's driver handbook as the basis of study.

Topics covered in a typical driver education course include:

• Safety tips

• DWI awareness

• Residential and city driving

• State regulations

• Basic driving

• Hazardous road conditions

• Emergencies on the road

In addition to classroom time, at least 50 hours of supervised driving must be logged. Ten hours of that driving must be conducted at night.

After the classroom and behind-the-wheel training is finished, you will receive a certificate of completion. Before a learner's permit is issued, you must pass a written examination that covers what you have learned during your driver education course.

Fees

Driver education courses do cost money, but prices vary from one agency or school to the next. Some courses run into the thousands of dollars, while others offer financial assistance.

For more information about costs and general questions about driver education, you should contact a course provider directly. The TSB offers a comprehensive list of approved driver education providers.

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