Licensing / Helpful Information
License Progression
Provisional Licensing is a multi-stage licensing program from the ages of 15 and 17 which gives privileges based on age and experience. And so, Provisional Licensing begins at the age of 15 with the learner’s permit.
Learners Permit
The student must hold a learner’s permit for a minimum of 6 months. Therefore, the learners permit allows the student to drive with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older who has had a license in any state for more than 3 years.
The learners permit can be renewed one time for an additional 6 months for a total of 12 months. Also, to graduate to a provisional license, the student must drive at least 50 hours with a licensed adult driver or the instructor: For example, 40 hours during daylight and 10 hours during the night. Moreover, the student must hold a driving log and the parent must certify the log as true via signature. In addition to this, the pupil must not pick up any violations for 90 days before applying for a probationary permit.
Provisional License
In general, at the age of 15 years and 6 months, completing the above requirements for a learners permit and the successful completion of OLD School of Driving in Rio Rancho’s class, the student may apply for a probationary permit. The Provisional License allows for the student to drive normally by themselves, except for the following exceptions:
- The driver must not drive with more than one person under the age of 21 who is not in their immediate family.
- The driver may not operate the vehicle on public roadways between the hours of 12:00 am and 5:00 am.
- The provisional License will be offered for a minimum of 1 year. As a rule, the driver must remain violation free for 90 days before applying for the unrestricted, full driver’s license.
Full Driver's License
Starting at the age of 16 years and 6 months, the driver may apply for a full driver’s license with no restrictions. For the most part, the driver must have held a probationary license for at least six months, during which time they should have completed a specified number of supervised driving hours. Additionally, the applicant must have a clean driving record, free from any major traffic violations or accidents. This transitional period from a probationary license to a full license is designed to ensure that new drivers gain sufficient experience and demonstrate responsible behavior on the road. It allows them to gradually adapt to the complexities of driving, promoting safety for both the driver and others on the road. The completion of the probationary period signifies that the young driver has met the necessary requirements and is deemed ready for the privileges and responsibilities that come with a full driver's license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.) "Do I still have restrictions even if I'm just driving to school or work?"
A.) Yes! Anytime you are driving anywhere, you must abide by the restrictions of the permit / license you currently hold. IT IS NEVER LEGAL TO DRIVE UNSUPERVISED ON A LEARNERS PERMIT.
Q.) "I am over 18. Do I have to have a learners permit?"
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 age 21 in the front passenger seat.
Q.) "Can I drive with my permit in another state?"
A.) Yes, provided there is a licensed driver over age 21 in the front passenger seat.
Q.) "What documents do I need when applying for my provisional license?"
A.) Take your Learners Permit, the Certificate of Completion (OLD School of Driving in Rio Rancho), and your 50-hour driving log. If you’re under age 18, you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Applicants over age 18 will be issued a four (4) or eight (8) year license, not a Provisional License and do not have to complete the 50-hours of practice driving.