COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE KNOWLEDGE EXAM

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE TAKING YOUR NEW MEXICO COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE KNOWLEDGE EXAM

There are a few things to know before taking your New Mexico CDL Knowledge Exam. There are various exams that you need to complete depending on the type of CDL that you are applying for. You are responsible for communicating to our MVD agents which exams you would like to take. Also, adding an endorsement to your CDL will require you to test for that specific endorsement. You must pass these exams before you can apply for a CDL Driving Permit, First-Time CDL, or add endorsements. The CDL Knowledge Exams are only available in English.

MVD Now can only issue CDL Knowledge Exams. We do not issue skills exams or CDL Driver’s Licenses. 

Please give yourself up to 2 hours to complete one CDL Knowledge Exam. If you wish to walk into our offices for the test, we recommend that you call ahead of time to ensure that the test station is available. The CDL Knowledge Exams are not open book tests. During the test, the applicant is not allowed to use any aids. If an applicant is caught cheating, their test will be canceled and they will not be able to test for 1 year from the date the test was canceled. All CDL Knowledge Exam scores must be 80% or better to pass. Once you pass your CDL Knowledge Exams, your passing scores will be saved in the MVD system for 5 years. If you do not apply for your CDL during those 5 years, you will have to re-test.

What if you do not pass your exam on your first try? No need to worry! You are able to take your test up to 2 times per week. If you fail the test a 2nd time, you will have to wait 1 full week before you can re-test. 

Keep these simple tips in mind before taking your New Mexico CDL Knowledge Exam.

• Review the New Mexico CDL Driver Manual (Download Manual Here)
• Get plenty of rest before your test
• Schedule an appointment for your exam, this guarantees that the testing station is available
• Read through each question carefully during your exam

COMMERCIAL KNOWLEDGE EXAM REQUIREMENTS

There is only 1 requirement in order to take your CDL Knowledge Exam:

• Present a valid US Driver’s License.

You will need to present your current US Driver’s License at the time of taking your exam. This will allow us to issue and save your exam score under your profile. Keep in mind that you can only apply for a CDL if you already have a valid US Driver’s License.

CDL SKILLS TESTING

MVD Now does not provide CDL Skills Exams. CDL skills tests are given by four distinct groups of approved third-party examiners.

Public Third-Party Examiners: Most CDL examiners are public third-party examiners associated with one of six New Mexico public colleges and universities. They are authorized to administer the CDL skills test to the general public, including all CDL applicants except school bus drivers. They can be contacted by anyone who requires a skills test for the issuance of a commercial driver’s license.

Operating Engineers Local #953: Local #953 of the Operating Engineers, a heavy equipment union, trains union members to operate heavy equipment, including commercial vehicles. Operating Engineers examiners are authorized only to administer the CDL skills test to their own members.

PED School Bus Transportation Division: The School Bus Transportation Division of the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) tests all school bus drivers. PED’s school bus examiners are not authorized to test any truck drivers or coach bus drivers. They may only examine yellow school bus drivers.

SD-1xx – New Mexico Department of Transportation: The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) tests state employees. NMDOT’s examiners are not authorized to test anyone who is not a New Mexico state employee.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT MVD NOW

Here at MVD Now, we want to make your MVD visit as seamless as possible. Walk-ins are welcome, but we encourage you to schedule an appointment so you can guarantee zero wait time. There are two ways you can schedule an appointment. You can call us at 505-341-2MVD and we can schedule your appointment and also verify your documents over the phone. You also have the option of scheduling your own appointment through our online scheduler. If you schedule online, one of our MVD agents will call you to verify your documents before your appointment date. This will ensure that you bring all the necessary documents and prevents the dreaded “multiple trip” headache.

When you arrive at any of our offices, you will be greeted by a friendly MVD agent at the front door. They will help you check in for your appointment, verify your documents, and answer any questions that you may have. One of our other MVD agents will promptly assist you, collect payment, and set up your exam in our testing station. Once completed you are on your way! MVD Now also partners with local charities throughout the year. Currently, we are working with Make-A-Wish New Mexico. You have the option of rounding your MVD total to the nearest dollar or donating any other amount to this great foundation. Our goal is to deliver the most secure, efficient, professional, and friendly MVD services in town.

WHY CHOOSE MVD NOW FOR YOUR CDL KNOWLEDGE EXAM?

We understand that your time is limited and valuable. That is why we strive to help you make one quick trip. We treat you like you would treat you! We invite you to come and experience our customer service, speed, and efficiency. We break the MVD stereotype!