Testing

The ABQ 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. The exam includes: a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control skills testing and behind-the-wheel road observation.

Before you Schedule your Exam

Prior to setting up a time to take the CDL Exam, you must gather the following materials:

1. The New Mexico CDL Manual
   • Download the manual from MVD Online 
   • You must understand page 1-1 of the CDL Manual AND review chapters 11, 12 & 13
2. DOT Medical Card – you can get this from any medical professional on the National Registry of Medical Examiners.
3. Commercial Learner’s Permit
   • Know and verify what license/permit you are obtaining, and what restrictions and endorsements apply.
   • Go to the MVD and take the written examinations for your commercial learner’s permit.
   • Before leaving the MVD, verify that your commercial learner’s permit is correct, and that you have a valid driver’s license. Do not let the MVD take your driver’s license or punch a hole in it. You will need to have a current driver’s license until you pass the CDL Skills Exam.
   • You must hold your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for 14 days before you are eligible to take the CDL Skills Exam.
   • Keep your valid driver’s license and Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) at all times, and make sure they are not expired.
4. Obtain an unloaded representative vehicle of the CLD Class you are testing for.
   • CNM Ingenuity does not provide testing vehicles for the CDL Skills Exam.
     • We are not able to test any vehicles that have a School Bus plate, HazMat placards, or tanker vehicles used to transport materials such as propane.  We can test water tankers.
     • You cannot test for a Class B in a tractor without a trailer since it is classified as a power unit and not a true representative Class B vehicle.
   • Know your vehicle to include the class of vehicle, any restrictions that may apply, the gross vehicle weight rating, the required documentation, and its working condition.  Your vehicle needs to be equipped with functioning Emergency Equipment to include fuses, 3 triangles, and a working fire extinguisher.
   • If you are driving the testing vehicle to the exam site, you must have a licensed Commercial Driver in the vehicle with you.  It is illegal to operate the vehicle alone until you have passed the CDL Skills Exam and received  your license.
   • Must have valid proof of insurance for vehicle.
   • Must have valid proof of registration for vehicle and trailer.
   • Must have a valid DOT Safety Inspection sticker/paperwork for vehicle and trailer.
   • Government vehicles ARE NOT exempt from providing valid insurance, registration, and DOT Safety Inspection paperwork.
   • Class C vehicles ARE NOT exempt from providing valid insurance, registration, and DOT Safety Inspection paperwork.

Scheduling Your Exam

Exams are scheduled by appointment only and must be scheduled at least one week in advance. To schedule an exam, you must provide the following:

1. New Mexico Driver’s License
2. New Mexico Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
3. Valid Medical Card
4. CDL Skills Exam Registration Form
5. Exam fee of $200 (required at scheduling).

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

Call (505) 224-5206 for additional information on how to schedule your CDL Skills Exam.

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

Cancellations and Rescheduling

Exams require one week advance notification to cancel or reschedule.

Late Policy

You must arrive at the test 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.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:  In an effort to take all reasonable precautions regarding COVID-19, we are following the CNM response. We have opened the CDL Testing Site effective June 3 and are currently scheduling exams. Safety measures are in place for our driving candidates and examiners. Please plan ahead so we can best accommodate your testing needs.

If CNM Ingenuity cannot meet your testing needs, please visit the New Mexico MVD website for alternate testing locations:

http://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/commercial-drivers-licenses.aspx 

Testing Site

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Park