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Special Licenses in New Mexico
Who Needs a Commercial License ?
You'll need to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) if you intend to drive any of the following:
- A vehicle whose actual, registered, or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is over 26,000 pounds and is towing a vehicle with an actual, registered, or GVWR of over 10,000 pounds (class A license)
- A vehicle whose actual, registered, or GVWR is over 26,000 pounds and is not towing another vehicle with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds (class B license)
- A vehicle weighing under 26,000 pounds and designed to either transport at least 16 people (including the driver) or carry hazardous materials (class C license)
If you need to apply for a CDL, be sure to check our informative articles on commercial driving.
Certain driving professions require having endorsements in addition to a CDL, while others don't require a CDL but do require an endorsement. We'll sort out some common scenarios below.
School Bus Drivers
School bus drivers must have a CDL along with a passenger ("P") and a school bus ("S") endorsement.
Shuttle Bus Drivers
Shuttle buses not only come in a variety of styles and sizes, but are used in many different ways. If you're driving 16 or more people, you'll need to obtain a CDL, along with a passenger or other endorsements. Check with the potential employer to find out what's needed.
Chauffeurs
Those interested in becoming a chauffeur need only have a current, basic New Mexico driver's license.
Taxi Drivers
To drive a taxi, you simply need to have a valid, standard New Mexico driver's license.
Sport Vehicles
You don't need a special license to operate an all-terrain or off-road vehicle.
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