N.M. Admin. Code § 18.20.8.16 - INITIAL CERTIFICATION OF DRIVING SAFETY INSTRUCTORS

A. Certification required. No person or licensee may serve as a driving safety instructor without first having obtained a certificate from the Bureau.

B. Application requirements. A person wishing to obtain a certificate as a driving safety instructor must file an application with the Bureau. A person may obtain an application by contacting the Bureau or accessing the Bureau's website at http://www.nmshtd.state.nm.us.

C. Contents of application. The application must be accompanied by:

(1) a copy of the applicant's limited history driving record from the Motor Vehicle Division, Driver Services Bureau dated no earlier than sixty (60) days before the date the application is filed with the Bureau;

(2) a state police background check dated no earlier than sixty (60) days before the date the application is filed with the Bureau, or verification that the applicant submitted a request for a state police background check to the department of public safety at least sixty (60) days before the date the application is filed with the Bureau;

(3) a copy of the applicant's health certificate signed by a physician and dated no earlier than sixty (60) days before the date the application is filed with the Bureau stating that the applicant is free from all communicable diseases. Distance learning driving safety instructor applicants do not need to submit a health certificate.

(4) the name, address, and telephone number of three (3) character and employment references who are not family members; and

(5) the applicant's resume or curriculum vitae.

(6) transcripts from any post secondary educational or training institutions the applicant has attended.

D. Completeness check. When the Bureau receives an application for certification as a driving safety instructor, the Bureau shall check the application for completeness.

(1) If the application is incomplete, the Bureau shall contact the applicant for additional information.

(2) If the application is complete, the Bureau shall review the application.

E. Standards for issuance of driving safety instructor certificate. In reviewing applications for driving safety instructors, the Bureau shall consider whether:

(1) the information provided is accurate and valid;

(2) the character and employment references provided by the applicant report that the applicant is fit to be a driving safety instructor;

(3) the applicant is at least twenty-one (21) years of age;

(4) the applicant has a high school diploma or equivalent;

(5) the applicant holds a valid driver's license;

(6) the applicant has not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; and

(7) the applicant has a clean driving record.

F. Approval for training.

(1) If the Bureau determines that the applicant meets the standards in subsection E of this section, the Bureau shall grant approval to proceed with instructor training. An applicant must complete a Bureau sponsored or approved Instructor Training Course designed to teach instructional strategies, classroom management, or acquisition of teaching competencies.

(2) If the Bureau determines that the applicant does not meet the standards in subsection E of this section, the Bureau shall issue a letter stating the reasons it is not granting approval to proceed with instructor training.

G. Final review.

(1) If the Bureau determines that an applicant has successfully completed the instructor training course and is otherwise fit, the Bureau will issue a certificate upon payment of the $50.00 instructor certification fee.

(2) If the Bureau determines that an applicant has not successfully completed the instructor training course or is otherwise not fit, the Bureau shall issue a letter stating its reasons for denial of certification.

H. Term. A driving safety instructor certificate shall be valid until June 30 of each year, unless suspended or revoked for cause before that date. Initial certificates shall be valid from the date of issuance to the next June 30. Renewal certificates shall be valid from July 1 of the year of renewal to June 30 of the following year.

Notes

N.M. Admin. Code § 18.20.8.16

18.20.8.16 NMAC - Rp, 18 NMAC 20.8.13, 20.8.14, and 20.8.15, 1-1-03