ELDT Training in New Mexico — FMCSA-Registered Online Course

New CDL applicants in New Mexico, from Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho and Santa Fe, need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider before New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will give them the skills test. Lowest Cost ELDT is on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so the NM theory portion is done online for $20 and your New Mexico record is reported automatically.

How to get your CDL in New Mexico

  1. Get your CLP from New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD)

    Pass the CDL knowledge tests, plus any endorsement tests, at a NM licensing office.

  2. Complete ELDT theory online

    Finish the Class A or Class B theory course here, $20, at your own pace from anywhere in New Mexico; bus drivers add the passenger course and school bus drivers both the passenger and school bus courses.

  3. We report it to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry

    Your completion is submitted automatically, usually within minutes; the NM licensing agency checks the registry electronically before your skills test.

  4. Finish behind-the-wheel training in New Mexico

    Range and public-road training is done in person with one of the registered NM providers listed below, for example in Albuquerque; it can be a different provider from your theory course.

  5. Pass the CDL skills test in New Mexico

    Federal rule 49 CFR 383.25 requires you to hold the NM CLP at least 14 days first; then book the pre-trip, basic control and road test with New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

New Mexico licensing details

CLP fee
Varies; check the current fee on the New Mexico MVD site
CDL fee
Varies; check the current fee on the New Mexico MVD site
  • Not every MVD field office issues CDLs, so check the MVD's list of CDL field offices before you go; written tests can be attempted up to twice a week.
  • You need a regular New Mexico Class D license, two proofs of New Mexico residency, and a medical certificate from a National Registry examiner.

These NM fees and procedures are set by the agency and change without notice; confirm them on the official site before you go. Training costs are separate from New Mexico fees: see what ELDT costs in 2026.

Behind-the-wheel schools in New Mexico

NM has 53 registered training locations across 36 cities on the FMCSA registry: 31 registered for Class A, 46 for Class B, 40 for the passenger endorsement and 28 for school bus. 16 of the 53 (30%) publish a website, and the newest NM registry record dates from September 2026.

Browse by city: Albuquerque CDL schools, Las Cruces CDL schools and Rio Rancho CDL schools, or open the full New Mexico school directory with phone numbers and the classes each location teaches.

Counts come from the FMCSA registry export. We do not endorse any NM school; confirm courses, schedules and prices with the provider.

Hazmat endorsement in New Mexico

22 of the 53 registered New Mexico locations are hazmat (H) theory locations. Hazmat ELDT is theory only, so NM drivers can take the $20 hazmat endorsement course online, warm up with the free hazmat practice test, then pass the New Mexico hazmat knowledge test and complete the TSA security threat assessment.

Courses accepted in New Mexico

Each course is the federal curriculum, reported to the Training Provider Registry when a NM driver passes.

Class A

CLASS A CDL

For combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001+ lbs, where the towed vehicle is over 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class A applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class A application. Already hold a Class B CDL and want Class A? Choose the Class B to Class A Upgrade course instead.

30 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class B

CLASS B CDL

For single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001+ lbs, or towing vehicles under 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class B applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class B application.

29 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class A

CLASS B TO CLASS A UPGRADE

Class B to Class A upgrade theory curriculum covering advanced commercial vehicle operation, safety procedures, inspections, control skills, and compliance requirements for drivers moving from Class B to Class A CDL.

Class B to Class A upgrade. Reported to FMCSA as an Upgrade. Only for drivers who currently hold a valid Class B CDL.

3 hours
22 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
School Bus

SCHOOL BUS ENDORSEMENT

Required endorsement for all school bus drivers, covering safety protocols and procedures.

11 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Passenger

PASSENGER ENDORSEMENT

Required for drivers operating vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers.

5 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Hazmat

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ENDORSEMENT

Required theory training for transporting hazardous materials safely and legally.

12 hours
13 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll

New Mexico ELDT questions

Can I get a CDL at any New Mexico MVD office?
No. Only designated CDL field offices handle the full CDL application, so use the MVD's CDL field office list to find one near you.
Is online ELDT accepted by New Mexico MVD?
Yes. The MVD verifies training in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, and theory from a registered online provider is accepted.
How often can I retake the New Mexico CDL written test?
MVD allows CDL written tests up to twice a week, so a failed attempt does not set you back long.
Where can I do behind-the-wheel training in New Mexico?
With one of the 53 New Mexico locations on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, including locations in Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Rio Rancho; 31 are registered for Class A training and 46 for Class B. Theory and behind-the-wheel training can come from different registered providers, so you can finish the online theory first and then choose a school. Each school sets its own schedule and pricing, and some registered providers, such as school districts and transit agencies, train only their own drivers, so confirm before you enroll; we do not endorse any of them.

Start your NM CDL training today

$20 online theory, accepted in New Mexico and reported to the FMCSA registry automatically.

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