The DRE certification training is broken apart into three phases.

Phase I: The DRE training consists of a pre-school (16 hours). This is a two-day classroom training in which students are introduced to the term ‘drug’ as it pertains to drug impaired driving. Students are also given a proficiency exam on Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, as well as a written test which they must pass to continue to the second phase of training.

Phase II: The 8-day school (which is taught immediately after the pre-school) is 64 hours of classroom training. During this classroom training, the DRE candidate is taught the techniques of the drug evaluation, each drug category and signs and symptoms associated with them and physiology. The student must pass a comprehensive test at the end of this section to move on to phase III.

Phase III: This phase includes the field certification, which will be done out of State. Evaluations are completed on ‘live’ drug impaired subjects, and the DRE candidate must formulate opinions on twelve subjects. After the live evaluations are complete, another comprehensive exam is given before the student can become a certified DRE. Field certifications will be scheduled a short time after the completion of phases I and II. Students who are successful in phases I and II will know the dates of their field certification trip prior to returning to their department. The student should plan to be away for 5 days (including travel days) for this portion of training. 

Class sizes for the DRE School are limited, and not all applications can be accepted. Selection is based on several factors, including prioritizing candidates from geographical areas with few or no certified Drug Recognition Experts.

To be considered for training, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria listed below (exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis):

• Be off probation with their agency

• Serve in an enforcement capacity within their agency

• Be proficient in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST)

• Hold current Intoxilyzer certification

• Have completed an ARIDE course prior to acceptance

Applicants who do not meet these criteria or who are from areas with sufficient DRE coverage may not be selected.

The New Mexico DRE Program is funded through a grant provided by the New Mexico Department of Transportation. As a result, there is no cost to the student or their agency to attend the DRE School.

For students who must travel to attend Phases I and II, hotel accommodations are covered up front by the program. This is also the case for all students in phase III. In addition, upon completion of training, the program provides a flat-rate per diem reimbursement check based on federal per diem rates. The student does not need to save receipts as this is a flat rate.

Please note: The student’s agency is responsible for covering the officer’s salary while they are in training.

To advance between phases of the DRE School, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 80% or higher on all end of phase written exams. Failure to meet this requirement will result in dismissal from the program.

If a dismissed candidate is traveling, they will be asked to check out of their hotel accommodations, and a per diem payment for the days attended will be mailed to them.

Throughout the academic portions of training, the New Mexico DRE Program closely monitors each candidate’s performance. If a pattern of unsatisfactory academic progress is identified, the program will proactively provide additional study resources and support to help the candidate succeed.

Yes. Candidates who are dismissed from the training due to not meeting academic requirements are eligible to reapply for a future DRE certification course if they wish to do so.

The New Mexico DRE Program is committed to certifying dedicated professionals passionate about removing impaired drivers from our roadways. Many individuals who were initially dismissed not only successfully completed the program upon their return but also went on to become highly successful and respected Drug Recognition Experts in their jurisdictions.

No. The New Mexico DRE Program directly covers the cost of hotel rooms and taxes for students traveling to attend Phases I and II, as well as for all students during Phase III.

However, please be prepared to present a credit card at check-in to cover any incidental charges.

Per diem payments are issued directly to the student, not the agency.

All travel arrangements for the DRE School are coordinated on your behalf, including purchasing airline tickets for out-of-state travel to field certification sites for those who successfully complete Phases I and II.

The personal information you provide, such as your birthday and address, is essential to secure accurate travel arrangements. It is important that this information matches your driver’s license to prevent any delays on your travel day.