New Mexico MVD License Tests & Permit Practice
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#1. When you approach a traffic signal displaying a steady yellow light, you must:
A steady yellow light means caution. It tells you the light is about to change to red. You must stop if it is safe to do so. If you are in the intersection when the yellow light comes on, do not stop but continue through the intersection.
#2. When can you legally park your car in front of a private driveway?
Parking is not allowed in front of a driveway, alley, private road, or area of the curb removed or lowered for access to the sidewalk.
#3. When passing a bicyclist, you should pass:
Leave at least five feet of space between your car and a bicyclist when passing.
#4. Which of the following must you obey over the other two?
Traffic control can be provided by law enforcement, highway personnel or school crossing guards. You must obey directions from these people.
#5. Looking at least 10 seconds ahead of your vehicle might help you to avoid:
To avoid last-minute braking or the need to turn, you should look well down the road. By looking ahead and being ready to stop or change lanes if needed, you can drive more safely, save fuel, help keep traffic moving at a steady pace, and allow yourself time to better see around your vehicle and alongside the road. Looking well down the road will also help you to steer straighter with less weaving. Safer drivers tend to look at least 10 seconds ahead of their vehicle.
#6. If there is an oncoming vehicle approaching head-on in your lane, your best escape path from a collision is:
If your vehicle is about to be hit from the front it is important to try and have a glancing blow rather than being struck head on. This means that if a collision is going to happen, you should try to turn the vehicle.
Avoid swerving to the left, into the oncoming lane or traffic. The other driver may wake up, realize the mistake, and turn back into their proper lane.
Pull to the right, brake, sound your horn and flash your headlights.
#7. Which is true about the right of way at a 4-way stop?
At a 4-way stop, the driver reaching the intersection first gets to go first, after stopping completely. If in doubt, give the right-of-way to the driver on your right.
#8. When you see a sign with this shape, color, and symbol, you must:
When you see this sign, do not drive onto the street or ramp in the direction you are heading.
You will see this sign at roadway openings that you should not enter such has exit ramps where you would be going in the wrong direction, in crossovers on divided roadways and at numerous locations on one-way streets.
If you enter, you will be going against traffic and most likely see a wrong way sign farther from the crossroad.
#9. What light beam should you use when driving at night in heavy fog?
Use the low beams in fog or when it is snowing or raining hard. Light from high beams will reflect back, causing glare and making it more difficult to see ahead.
#10. The four-sided diamond shape is used for which road signs?
Warning signs are usually yellow with black lettering or symbols and most are diamond shaped. These signs warn you to slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. They warn you that a special situation or a hazard is ahead.
#11. When turning right, you must:
When turning right, signal your turn at least 100 feet ahead. Yield to pedestrians and crossing bicyclists.
#12. The three-second rule is a way for you to determine:
There is an easy way to tell if you are following too closely. It is called the three-second rule, and it works at any speed.
The more space you allow between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead, the more time you will have to see a hazard, and stop or avoid that hazard.
Remember, avoid tailgating. Most rear end collisions are caused by tailgating.
#13. Under the GDL system, how long must you hold a permit before you can get a provisional license?
You must retain the permit for six months.
#14. When is driving around or under a lowered gate at a railroad crossing legal?
Never drive through, around or under a crossing gate or barrier at a railroad-highway grade crossing while the gate or barrier is closed or being opened or closed. It is dangerous and against the law.
#15. Any DWI conviction will remain on your driving record for:
Any DWI conviction will remain on your driving record for twenty-five years.
#16. An anti-lock brake system (ABS) mainly provides drivers with the ability to:
The main aspect of having ABS is that you can steer your vehicle while braking without skidding.
One misconception concerning the effectiveness of the ABS is that it will stop a vehicle in a much shorter distance than regular brakes. This is only partially true.
#17. When may you drive faster than the maximum speed limit?
You must comply with speed limits.
Remember, the maximum limit should be driven only in ideal driving conditions and you must reduce your speed when conditions require it. For example, you should reduce your speed when the roadway is slippery, during rain, snow, icy conditions, or when it is foggy and difficult to see clearly down the road.
#18. When a school bus with flashing red lights stops on the other side of a road with five or more lanes and a shared center turn lane, you should:
You must stop for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road or at an intersection you are approaching. You are not required to stop if the bus is traveling towards you and the roadway is separated by a median or other physical barrier.
#19. Before turning left or right, you must signal during the last:
Get into the habit of signaling every time you make a change. Signal at least 100 feet before you plan to turn.
#20. People who use marijuana often:
Studies have shown that people who use marijuana make more mistakes, have more trouble adjusting to glare, and get arrested for traffic violations more than other drivers.
#21. A traffic signal showing a steady red light means:
A steady red circular signal means stop. You must come to a complete stop at a clearly marked stop line or before entering the crosswalk and if there is no crosswalk then before entering the intersection.
You may turn right on red unless prohibited. You may also turn left from a one-way street into another one-way street unless prohibited.
#22. Which is true about large trucks?
In general, large vehicles are more difficult to maneuver, have longer stopping and acceleration distances, take wider areas to turn, and weigh much more than cars. Trucks have large areas they cannot see. These are known as their blind spots or the no zone.
#23. What does this sign mean?
The sign marks a shared two-way left turn lane.
#24. What should you do at the first sign of rain, snow, or sleet?
Slow down at the first sign of rain, snow, or sleet. Increase the distance from the car ahead of you. Turn on your windshield wipers, headlights, and defroster, as needed.
#25. If the pavement is wet when you approach this sign, you can lose control of your vehicle if you:
Slippery when wet.
All pavement is slippery when wet, but this sign warns of extreme conditions. If you brake hard or quickly, you could skid and lose control of your vehicle.
| This New Mexico MVD Sample Test | |
|---|---|
| Questions on each practice test: | 25 |
| Question pool: | 500+ |
| Type of test: | Randomized multiple-choice |
Facts about Your New Mexico MVD Knowledge Test
| New Mexico Written Knowledge Test for a Permit or Driver’s License | |
|---|---|
| Number of questions on exam: | 50 questions |
| Passing score: | 70 percent |
| Correct answers to pass: | 35 |
| Allotted time to complete test: | No limit |
| Wait time before retest: | 2nd test same day, but no more than two tests in same week |
The New Mexico Practice Test
This NM practice test for a driver’s license or learner’s permit has 25 random multiple-choice questions from an extensive database (the real exam has 50 questions).
After each question, the instant feedback tells you whether your answer is correct. When you miss a question, there is also a short explanation that can help you understand the correct answer. You will see your final score at the end of the test.
The test is a learning tool that only includes some questions that can appear on your official MVD exam. However, with the extensive database, the test will cover all essential items on the test and will match the contents of the New Mexico Driver Manual.
Before practicing, you should get the latest New Mexico Driver Manual version. You can get it from your driver education course provider, a local MVD office, or download it online from http://mvd.newmexico.gov.
NM MVD updates the manual sparingly, but you should ensure you have the latest version.
With a passing score of a mere 70% on the actual exam, it is tempting to stop practicing when you reach the passing score. We recommend that you aim higher than 70% on the practice test. The failure rate on the knowledge test in New Mexico is still high.
You can take this random practice test repeatedly; there is no limit. Take as many tests as you need to feel confident with all questions and answers.
The article about risky study tactics can help you avoid some less successful study habits.
Who Must Take the Knowledge Exam?
New drivers.
All persons applying for a first-time New Mexico driver’s license must pass the knowledge test.
Drivers with a license expired 5 years or more.
If you let a New Mexico or out-of-state Driver’s License expire for five years or more, you must apply for a new license and retake all tests.
Drivers with a foreign license.
All applicants that hold a license from a country other than the United States and Canada must pass the written knowledge test and a road skills test before MVD issues a New Mexico Driver’s License.
Drivers with a revoked license.
If you had your driver’s license revoked or suspended for more than five years, you must take the written knowledge test again. It includes a revocation due to a DWI conviction unless you maintain the driving privilege with an ignition interlock license during the revocation period. If a license revocation due to a DWI conviction is less than one year, MVD will not require a new test.
Who are Exempt from Taking the Knowledge Exam?
MVD will not ask you to take the written test if you move to New Mexico and have a valid out-of-state or valid license from Canada. Out-of-state licenses include the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories.
The Official New Mexico Written Test
The official New Mexico knowledge test now has 50 questions, and you must correctly answer 35 questions (70%).
Test questions are from the New Mexico Driver Manual and administered on computer-based kiosk machines. You have two hours to complete your test. Note: you are typically not allowed to start the test after 3 p.m. It is to make sure you have enough time to complete the test.
The test is available in the following languages:
English
French
Italian
Spanish
Vietnamese
You can take the test at an MVD location or as part of your driver education course.
Some driver education schools are licensed and contracted with MVD to issue learner permits.
If you visit an MVD office for your permit or license, you should schedule an appointment here
The knowledge test is closed-book; you cannot bring your manual or any notes or use electronic devices during the exam.
What Happens if You Fail the First Time?
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day, but not more than twice during the week. You can, for example, take it twice on a Friday and then again on a Monday.
But if you fail your New Mexico knowledge exam three times, you must wait six months (from the date of the first test attempt) before you can take a new test.
What Happens after You have Passed the Test?
If you are at least 15 years old and under 18 years old, you must participate in a 3-step Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program until you meet the requirements for an unrestricted license. A driver education course approved by the Traffic Safety Bureau is mandatory if you are under 18. Such a course includes DWI education and practice driving. When you apply for a license, you must also have a consent form signed by your parent or guardian.
After passing the vision screening and the knowledge test, MVD will issue your first learner’s permit, also known as an instructional permit.
A permit allows you to practice driving while supervised by another driver at least 21 years old and licensed to drive that vehicle. The supervising driver must always sit in the front seat beside you when you drive.
You must hold your instructional permit for at least six months.
Step 2: Provisional License
The minimum age to receive a provisional license is 15 years and six months if you have held an instructional permit for six months.
MVD will check that you have completed at least 50 hours of driving, of which 10 hours must be nighttime.
You cannot have been convicted of a traffic violation in the 90 days before applying for a provisional license.
With a provisional license, you can drive without a supervising driver, but not at night. With a few exceptions, there is a night curfew between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
Step 3: Unrestricted License
To be eligible for the full and unrestricted license under the GDL program, you must:
- Have held a provisional license for 12 months immediately before applying.
- Not have been convicted of a traffic violation 90 days immediately before applying.
- Have no traffic violations pending.
- Not have been adjudicated guilty or have an offense pending involving the use of alcohol or drugs during the provisional period.
If You are 18 Years or Older
If you are 18 years old, the GDL program does not apply. After receiving a permit, you can schedule the road skills test. There is no specific wait time.
A permit is unnecessary if you hold a valid license from another country.
All applicants between 18 and 24 years must enroll in and complete a DWl Awareness Program before MVD issues a license.
