Learn more about NMDOT approved Correspondence Schools
New Mexico Driver Education Requirements
The New Mexico Department of Transportation, Traffic Safety Division (TSD) retains authority over all New Mexico driver education schools. As such, preference is given to traditional, face-to-face driver education instruction such as offered by public high school and private driver education school programs.
However, correspondence driver education schools may offer a solution for students in New Mexico who have specific reasons for being unable to attend a traditional, face-to-face driver education school program.
The New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC 18.20.3) establishes the eligibility criteria for students seeking enrollment in a correspondence driver education school program. An application to enroll in a correspondence driver education school will be examined to determine eligibility.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be 15 years of age on or before the date the correspondence course will be completed. (Students are provided a maximum of 1 year to complete the course)
- There is not a driver education school program offered at the student’s high school. (Applicants must provide an official letter from the student’s high school indicating that Driver Education is not offered at that school.)
- There is not a private driver education school within twenty-five (25) miles of the person’s home.
Eligibility Exceptions (Supporting documentation must be submitted with any exception listed below.)
Home School Exception
Students who are homeschooled may qualify for this exception if the parent or legal guardian submits supporting documentation with the application.
The supporting documentation must:
- Be official verification or a homeschool notification from the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED).
- Verify the student’s homeschool enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year.
Please Note:
- You can register or obtain your homeschool verification through the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) at: https://homeschool.ped.state.nm.us/Login.aspx
Scholastic / School-Associated Activity Exception
Students participating in a scholastic or school-associated activity during the 2026–2027 school year may qualify for this exception if the parent or legal guardian submits supporting documentation with the application.
The supporting documentation must:
- List the exact days and times the student participates in the activity during the 2026–2027 school year.
- Demonstrate a direct scheduling conflict with the days and times of a public school driver education program or a private, in-person driver education school.
- Be printed on the school’s official letterhead.
- Be signed in ink by a school official.
- Include the student’s full name.
- Identify the specific scholastic or school-associated activity.
Please Note:
- Activities that are not sponsored or recognized by the school district (extracurricular or private activities) do not qualify for this exception.
- Generic form letters or letters that do not include the required student-specific information will not be accepted.
Student Employment Exception
Students who are employed while attending school may qualify for this exception if the parent or legal guardian submits supporting documentation with the application.
The supporting documentation must:
- Be an official employer confirmation letter with employer contact information.
- List the exact days and times the student is scheduled to work.
- Demonstrate a direct scheduling conflict with the days and times of a public school driver education program or a private, in-person driver education school.
Please Note:
- Work schedules must be specific to the individual student. Unofficial employer letters that do not include the required information will not be accepted.
Extenuating Circumstances Exception
Extenuating circumstances are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The supporting documentation must:
- Identify the specific circumstance preventing the student from attending a public school driver education program or a private, in-person driver education school.
- Include supporting documentation from an appropriate source, such as:
- A physician or healthcare administrator for medical or health-related circumstances.
- An official employer letter for parent/legal guardian that demonstrates employment schedule conflicts.
- Include exact days and times of a parent/legal guardian work schedule that demonstrates conflict and prevents the student from attending an available driver education program.
Please Note:
The following are NOT considered extenuating circumstances:
- Being placed on a queue or waitlist for a high school driver education class.
- The cost of private driver education fees.
- Personal preference.
- Activities that are not associated with the student’s high school.
Teen Drivers Guide to New Mexico’s Graduated License
Please allow 7 business days for processing online application submissions.
Notifications will be emailed from noreply@edac.unm.edu