CDL Skills Exams​

ABQ CDL is an approved examiner for the New Mexico MVD. The CDL exam fulfills the state and federal requirement to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL). The skills test is administered by a state-certified examiner in accordance with New Mexico state regulations.

Exam includes:

  • Vehicle Inspection 
  • Basic Control Skills (backing) 
  • Road Test 

ENTRY LEVEL DRIVER TRAINING

Beginning February 7, 2022, to be eligible to take required skills or knowledge tests, commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants must have completed applicable entry-level driver training from a registered training provider. The new Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations require that all entry-level drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) receive training from a provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry. You must complete the training requirements for theory, range, and behind the wheel to complete this training.

ELDT for CDL Applicants

Entry Level Driver Training Fact Sheet

Prior to Scheduling your CDL Skills Exam

Prior to scheduling a time to take the CDL Skills Exam, you must obtain the following materials. Please visit the New Mexico MVD website for more guidance on preparing for your CDL written and skills exams.

To schedule an exam, you must provide the following:

  • New Mexico Driver’s License
  • New Mexico Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
  • Entry Level Driver Training Certification submitted by your Certified Training Provider
  • Valid Medical Card
  • Exam fee of $200 (required at scheduling).
  • A vehicle that meets the following requirements:
    • Must be unloaded and in safe, operable condition
    • Have valid insurance
    • Have valid registration for vehicle and trailer
    • Have valid DOT Safety Inspection paperwork for vehicle and trailer
    • Have safety equipment: fire extinguisher, 3 reflective triangles, and fuses

Scheduling your CDL Skills Exam

Exams are scheduled by appointment only and must be scheduled at least one week in advance.

Scheduling Process: 

  1. Register and Pay for your test using the link below. 
  2. You will receive an email to schedule the date and time of your exam within 2-4 business days.
  3. You will receive a confirmation email with day of exam information.

Debit card, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, check, money order or purchase order accepted and made payable to CNM Ingenuity (Cash not accepted).

Call (505) 224-3000 for additional information on how to schedule your CDL Skills Test.

Notice to examinee: your CDL Skills Exam may be audio or video recorded for quality assurance purposes.

Cancellations and Rescheduling

  • Exams require one week advance notification to cancel or reschedule.
  • If you arrive missing any of the required documents, your exam will be cancelled and is not eligible for a refund or reschedule.
  • If CNM Ingenuity cannot meet your testing needs, please visit the New Mexico MVD website for alternate exam providers.  

Late Policy

You must arrive at the exam site at least 15 minutes before your test time. Your exam will be cancelled with no refund if you arrive 15 minutes after your scheduled test time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I study for the CDL Skills Exam?
Information on how to prepare for the CDL Skills Exam is in the CDL Manual Chapters 11-13. 

How many times can I take the CDL Skills Exam?
Candidates are allowed to take the CDL Skills Exam three times. After the third attempt, they must wait one year from the initial exam before they are eligible to test again.

How long do I have to wait before scheduling a retest?
Candidates must wait at least three business days to schedule a retest. The retest must be at least one week after the initial exam

How long do the tests usually take?
The exam typically takes about 2 – 2.5 hours to complete. There is no time limit on the test.

Can I request an examiner for exam?
We do not allow candidates to request an examiner for their test. All of our examiners follow the state scoring regulations and are equally ethical.

What happens if my exam is cancelled due to inclement weather?
The CDL Exam Scheduler will call you if your exam is cancelled due to weather. The exam will be rescheduled for the next available exam date. You will not be charged an additional fee.

Can you send a CDL Examiner to conduct the exam in my city? 
No, the CDL Skills Exam must be conducted at a state approved test site on an approved route. 

Who can I speak to about filing a complaint? 
Please submit a detailed email to [email protected] within two weeks. We will conduct a full investigation into your complaint by reviewing all exam materials. 

How do I remove restrictions from my license?
The following restrictions require a full CDL Skills Exam in a representative vehicle to remove:
E – automatic transmission. You must test in a vehicle with manual transmission to remove.

O – truck trailer. You must test in a tractor trailer to remove.

L – non air brake. You must test in a vehicle with air brakes to remove.
 

Scheduled Maintenance

CNM Ingenuity will be performing scheduled maintenance on Saturday, January 20 from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. Students will not be able to submit or modify any forms during this time. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please contact us with any questions.