← Help in Grant County

Needs a driver's license to get a job

Use when a job requires a driver's license, or someone needs to drive to get to work, and they have never had a license or need a first New Mexico license.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.

1Find out where they stand

You can ask"Have you ever had a driver's license, in any state?"
You can ask"Was it suspended, or do you owe fines or have a DWI?"
You can ask"Does the job need you to drive for work, or just to get there?"

2Gather the papers

Bring
  • Original papers only: birth certificate or passport
  • Social Security card or proof of the number
  • 2 proofs of New Mexico address
At the Gospel MissionThe Mission can write an address letter for MVD. Ask the case worker.
No ID papers yet? See the guide "Has no ID at all".
UNM Continuing Education - None for the Road
DWI awareness course required for licensing (online)
505-277-6170
Albuquerque

3Take the tests

First-time drivers take an eye test, a written test and a road test.
Book an appointment at the Silver City MVD office.
NM Motor Vehicle Division - Silver City field office
State ID and driver's license
1-888-683-4636
1876 Hwy 180 E., Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-12pm and 1pm-4pm (state field office hours; call to confirm)
You can say"If you have never driven, practice with a licensed driver first. Ask MVD about a learner's permit."

4Need a CDL for the job?

Truck and bus jobs need a commercial license (CDL). Training money may help pay.
Western New Mexico University - Community and Workforce Development
Workforce programs: CDL, IT boot camps, Ed2Go online courses
(575) 538-6290
WNMU campus, Silver City
America's Job Center New Mexico - Southwestern Area (SAWDB / SCCOG)
WIOA tuition assistance (Individual Training Account) and supportive services
(575) 538-3737
420 W. Broadway Street, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, closed noon-1pm
See the guide "Wants to learn a skill or get a certificate to get hired".

5Get to work in the meantime

Corre Caminos Public Transit
Public bus
575-388-3180
3033 Highway 180 East, Silver City · Buses Mon-Fri about 7:35am-4:30pm; office Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm. No weekend or holiday service.
At the Gospel MissionAsk staff about a bus ticket from the stuff drawer.
You can ask"Is there a job that does not need driving while you work on your license?"

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

Know a better way? Is something out of date?

If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

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Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.