Learning something for the first time is always a challenge, and driving is no exception.
However, receiving proper education and training can help you overcome the difficult first steps.
Now, in New Mexico, driver’s ed is required for teens below 18. But, you have to take the course through your high school or a commercial driving school.
If you’re homeschooled (or if you have a good reason for not being able to attend any of the above), then you can take it online.
With that, let’s review some of the best driving schools in Albuquerque, NM. We’ll look into both online and in-person schools so that there’s something for everyone here.
Let’s begin!
Best Online Driving Schools in Albuquerque, NM
As we said, if you’re homeschooled, or if you, for some good reason, cannot attend driver’s ed through your high school or a commercial driving school, then you can take it online.
That’s great news!
Of course, you need to be sure that the online driving school you choose is approved by the New Mexico Traffic Safety Bureau (TSB).
With that in mind, here are the best online driving schools in New Mexico:
- Cordura Correspondence Driving Course
- Driver Ed in a Box
- A+ Correspondence School
- DriverEdToGo
- DriversEd
Let’s review each one.
Cordura Correspondence Driving Course
Cordura is a state-approved driver education provider that offers an affordable and easy-to-follow self-paced course. It helps New Mexico teens be behind-the-wheel ready by imparting with them the importance of prudence, judgment, and common sense.
Its course offering is also well designed for the parents who will be guiding their teens through the journey. This will enable the teens to get proper instruction to help them build confidence as they learn the basics of driving.
The Cordura correspondence driving course costs around $135.
Driver Ed in a Box
Driver Ed in a Box is a correspondence driving course provider that is certified in New Mexico. It was founded by Patrick Barrett, a driver education guru with almost 4 decades of teaching experience.
Many previous students agree that the course is detailed and highly informative. Parents also loved that they were able to supervise their kids and had insights into their learning progress.
Many teens do not feel comfortable getting instruction from strangers, so taking the correspondence driving course from Driver Ed in a Box helped them be at ease.
Apart from Driver Ed in a Box’s comprehensive course, the provider also offers plenty of additional resources, including instructional videos, audio clips, driver’s journals, and many more.
A+ Correspondence School
A+ Correspondence is owned by Abel Romero, a certified driver’s ed instructor who has been in the education sector for 3 decades. He worked as a high school coach for athletics teams such as baseball, track, and wrestling.
A+ Correspondence School’s course fees cost around $120. It includes correspondence book rental and mailing charges.
Click here for a list of other approved driver’s ed providers in Albuquerque, NM.
The following online driving schools are not yet approved in New Mexico. However, you can still sign up for their courses for supplemental learning, or you may try to seek permission from the TSB if it will satisfy state requirements for online learning.
DriverEdToGo
DriverEdToGo may not have the most interactive online courses. However, its offerings are still engaging.
If you prefer visual learning, you will enjoy DriverEdToGo’s game corner. It includes several drag-and-drop games, word puzzles, and other fun activities that will help you learn while you play.
The course also includes plenty of informative videos and simulations that help explain the lessons better.
It is available in a quick and accessible format. This way, you can comfortably study using your laptop or even your smartphone.
DriverEdToGo’s online driver’s ed for New Mexico costs around $40.
DriversEd
Finally, we can’t forget America’s number one driving school, DriversEd.
DriversEd is known for its highly engaging and interactive courses. They contain plenty of multimedia elements such as animations, videos, and games. They feature 3D simulations that help explain different topics thoroughly and in a rather entertaining manner.
Here, you are sure to have fun while learning.
And, since it is America’s leading online driving school, the TSB just might accept it to satisfy state requirements.
Best In-Person Driving Schools in Albuquerque, NM
Now, if you’re not homeschooled and your high school doesn’t offer driver’s ed, then you need to apply to a commercial driving school. That is a traditional driving school.
If so, here are the best ones right in the city of Albuquerque.
Best Priced Driving School
Address: 7421 Menaul Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
Contact Number: 505-347-4767
Best Priced Driving School offers some of the most affordable driver’s education courses in Albuquerque, NM.
Apart from in-person classes, it also offers online driver’s ed via Google Meets. The course fees start at around $250 per person.
According to previous students, classroom instruction is fun but educational. The lessons are informative and engaging. The instructors use visual learning, which the students found helpful and easy to understand.
Its complete driver ed package for New Mexico teens starts at only around $310 per person. That already includes classroom instruction and private behind-the-wheel lessons.
Achievement Driving School
Address: 4040 Saint Joseph’s PL NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
Contact Number: 505-459-7412
Achievement Driving School is an approved driver education provider that offers a one-price program for New Mexico teens. All packages include 30 hours of classroom instruction, DWI education, Range/Simulator training, and one-on-one driving lessons.
The course fees also already cover the MVD’s written and road tests.
The professional instructors at Achievement Driving School are known for going above and beyond their jobs.
They will gladly explain topics and processes thoroughly. They will accommodate students who are not familiar with some of the technology used. They also inspire confidence in rookie drivers through excellent communication and support.
Coach Al’s Driving School
Address: 1776 Montano Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107
Contact Number: 505-771-8334
Coach Al’s Driving School has been providing quality driver’s ed in Albuquerque since 2003.
Coach Al’s driver education package costs around $375. It includes state-mandated 30-hour classroom education, DWI instruction, and in-car training. The price also covers the fees for the knowledge and skills tests.
Civil Servants are entitled to a $30 discount upon submission of proof of service.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions that we’ll answer.
Is driver’s ed required in Albuquerque, NM?
Driver’s ed is mandatory in New Mexico for first-time drivers under the age of 18. Teens must take it through their public schools or from a state-certified driving school.
What are the approved driver education programs in Albuquerque, NM?
New Mexico allows the following 3 types of driver education programs for first-time drivers:
- 30 hours of classroom instruction and 7 hours of in-car training at a private driving school
- 56 hours of classroom instruction at a New Mexico high school
- 56 hours of New Mexico DOT-approved home-based education program
What are the driver’s license requirements for teens in Albuquerque, NM?
The following are the steps to obtaining a driver’s license in Albuquerque, NM:
Obtain a learner’s permit:
- Be at least 15 years old at the time of your application.
- Enroll in an approved New Mexico driver’s ed course.
- Pass the written and vision exams and pay the permit fees.
Obtain your provisional license:
- Be at least 15 and ½ years old at the time of your application.
- Complete a driver’s ed course at an approved provider.
- Pass the road and vision tests and pay the license fees.
You will get your full license once you have held your provisional license for one year.
Conclusion
Completing a driver’s education course in Albuquerque, NM, will not only teach you how to drive a car. It will also impart with you the essential knowledge and skills you need to know to become a safe and responsible driver.
So, if you choose any of these schools, you’re sure to be in great hands.
Pick your school today and get started!