Truck Driving Schools in New Mexico

In most states, candidates must meet the minimum age requirements to be truck drivers. The specific age requirement will depend on whether professionals aim to drive within the state or outside of it.

The same goes for New Mexico. In the sections below, we thoroughly analyze all the major requirements for becoming a successful truck driver in the state, including age, education, medical, and physical requirements, among others.

We also examine the licensing process, relevant fees, and top training institutions. Finally, the article concludes with a look at the relevant figures concerning the annual average salary for truck drivers in New Mexico.

How to Become a Truck Driver in New Mexico

All of the considerations below are needed to start a truck driving career in New Mexico.

Basic Requirements

The basic requirements to become a truck driver in New Mexico include meeting the age requirement of at least 18 to drive within the state and 21 to drive outside of the state. It is also required that candidates be at least 21 years old to work with hazardous materials.

Additionally, before they can start applying and training for a CDL, candidates must already have a Class D driver’s license.

Enrolling in a Formal Program

To improve their chances of success, prospective truck drivers typically stop at a training program before securing employment and completing their CDL examination. Training programs for prospective truck drivers are typically offered as CDL programs, with some focusing on specific license classes, while others cover a range of classes.

It is also common for candidates to receive more advanced education through CDL training programs, which include defensive driving skills and endorsements such as HAZMAT and school bus.

Passing the CDL Examination

The CDL examination tests a student’s knowledge of the major aspects of truck driving, including road rules and regulations, as well as specific driving skills. Students would have already completed a knowledge test when applying for a commercial learner’s permit, which will help them practice before their road test.

We discuss specific fees and requirements for participating in a CDL examination as a candidate in New Mexico below.

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The physical tests required to pass the medical examination for becoming a truck driver in New Mexico include hearing tests, vision tests, blood pressure tests, and urinalysis testing. Candidates who meet these requirements and can provide the necessary proof of identity are eligible to take the CDL examination.

For this, associated fees usually apply. These include a fee of $18 for a 4-year commercial driver’s license or $34 for an 8-year license.

Candidates must also pay a $127 fee to obtain a HAZMAT endorsement. This fee already includes the cost of a background check and fingerprinting.

Top Truck Driver Schools in New Mexico

Candidates may attend any of the following truck training programs in New Mexico to start their careers on a strong path.

Explore truck driving schools in New Mexico by City:

• Truck driving schools in Albuquerque

Salary & Career Outlook

Santa Fe, with an annual average salary of $110,9,39, is the highest-paying location for truck drivers in New Mexico when it comes to city averages. Other prominent places in the city are Rio Rancho, with an annual average salary of $109,613; Albuquerque, with an annual average salary of $105,083; and Roswell, with an annual average salary of $100,008.

Of course, as important as it is, location is not the only factor considered as a prospective truck driver in New Mexico. Endorsements, professional credentials, and experience are among other notable factors.

On a general note, truck drivers in the state earn an annual average salary of $52,820 in the lower category and $182,460 in the highest category. In the median bracket, the annual average salary to expect is $98,171.