What to do, what to bring, and what to expect at the MVD office — start to finish.
In New Mexico the motorcycle privilege is a Class M license carried with an engine-tiered endorsement - Z for under 50cc, Y for 50 to 99cc, and W for 100cc and up. Younger riders begin through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse, and every applicant must pass the written knowledge test. The exact rules are set by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
At 13 you may earn a Y or Z endorsement after the MSF Basic RiderCourse; a 13 to 17 year old on a motorcycle of 100cc or less must take that course. At 15+ you may add W, Y, or Z; at 18+ no course is required but you take a road test. Under 18 needs a parent or guardian signature.
Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number, and proof of New Mexico residency. The MVD lists the exact accepted documents.
New Mexico has no stand-alone motorcycle manual - study the motorcycle section of the New Mexico Driver Manual and the MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual. Score 18 of 25 (70%) to pass the knowledge test.
Apply in person, pass the vision screening and the 25-question motorcycle knowledge test, pay the fee, and have your photo taken.
Riders 18+ pass an on-cycle road test on a motorcycle of appropriate size, or complete the MSF Basic RiderCourse, which waives the road test (the written test is still required).
A first-time licensee under 18 may not carry a passenger. Carry passengers only later, on a motorcycle with a passenger seat and footrests.
Check the official MVD page for current fees and accepted forms of payment.
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).