TRAFFIC SCHOOLS

In the state of New Mexico, people enroll in driving safety schools or driver improvement schools for the following reasons:

• After a traffic violation where demerit points were awarded, the court will orders the driver to take a course at a traffic/driving school to improve their safe-driving skills.
• To receive insurance discounts.
• To reduce points on their driving records.

These programs are designed to help you to learn defensive driving techniques that will make you a safer driver. There are many driver improvement courses being offered in New Mexico but before you enroll in one make sure that it is an approved one. Click here for a list of Department of Transportation approved safety schools or contact your local MVD office.

BENEFITS

Any driver can enroll in a Driver Improvement Program at any time to receive the following benefits:

• Insurance Benefits - some insurance companies may offer premium discounts. Please check with your insurance representative to see if you qualify for this discount.
• Point reduction on driving records - you may get points deducted from your driving record if you complete a driver program depending on your offence and your past record. You may even be able to dismiss traffic tickets by doing a driver program.

Note: If the course has been court ordered you may not be eligible for the insurance premium discount.

WHEN IS IT MANDATORY?

Either the court or the MVD (when notified by the courts) may order you to successfully complete a driver improvement program when you have been convicted of a moving or traffic violation. It is under the court's discretion as to whether or not you will be mandated to take one of these courses.

FEES

Contact the course providers for information on fee, schedule and locations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• If you are looking for information on how to get your license or permit, see Driver's Education.
• Please click on defensive driving schools for details about other safe driving courses.
• When studying for your driver's license/permit, use the driver's manual to help you learn about safe driving techniques and traffic laws.
• For more licensing and safe-driving information for beginning drivers, see learner's permits.