What a motorcycle endorsement is, who needs one, and how to add it to your New Mexico driver license.
In New Mexico the motorcycle privilege is a Class M license, and the specific endorsement letter depends on engine size: W covers any motorcycle of 100cc or more, Y covers 50 to 99cc, and Z covers under 50cc. Most riders who already hold a Class D license simply add the endorsement that matches their motorcycle.
| Endorsement | Motorcycle-Only License | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Drivers who already hold a New Mexico license | Riders without a regular driver license |
| Added to | Your existing license | Issued as its own license |
| Knowledge test | Motorcycle knowledge test | Motorcycle knowledge test |
| Lets you drive a car | Yes — keeps your car privileges | No — motorcycle only |
Completing an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse waives the on-cycle road (skills) test. It does not waive the written knowledge test, which is still required unless you already hold a valid New Mexico Class D permit or license. Riders aged 13 to 17 must complete the course to be licensed.
The endorsement or Class M license fee is set by the New Mexico MVD and is typically modest. Once added, the motorcycle endorsement renews together with your driver license - there is no separate motorcycle renewal cycle. Confirm the current fee on the official MVD page.
Source: Some test details are confirmed by the state agency; the rest reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources. The official page states Class D and M tests must score 70%+ — the only state below 75%. The question count is an estimate (70% of 25 ≈ 18).