New Mexico MVD License Tests & Permit Practice
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#1. To prepare for hazards on the road ahead, you should:
To be a good driver, you must know what is happening around your vehicle. You must look ahead to the sides and behind the vehicle. Scanning helps you to see problems.
#2. This warning sign means:
Divided highway ahead (divided highway begins).
The highway ahead is divided into two one-way roadways. Prepare to change lanes or shift lane position.
#3. If the rear of your vehicle starts to skid left, you should:
Ease off the gas and stay off the brake. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid, which is the same as the direction you want your vehicle to go. As soon as the vehicle begins to straighten out, you might need to turn the steering wheel back the other way. Otherwise, you could start a new skid. Continue to correct your steering, left and right, until the vehicle is again moving down the road under your control.
#4. When you plan to exit a high-speed roadway, you should:
Keep up with the speed of traffic as long as you are on the main road. If the road you are traveling has exit ramps, do not slow down until you have moved onto the exit ramp.
#5. Wet roads are usually more slippery when the temperature is:
When the temperature is around the freezing point, ice can become wet. This makes it more slippery than at temperatures well below freezing.
#6. If you are in a roundabout when an emergency vehicle with flashing lights approaches from behind, you should:
If you are within an intersection, including a roundabout, clear it before you pull over.
Remember, do not block intersections.
#7. You are in the right-hand lane and approach this sign. What should you do?
Reduction of lanes. Right lane ends. Merge left.
Two lanes of traffic will soon become one lane of traffic. Right-lane traffic must yield when merging.
#8. A diamond symbol often mark high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) or carpool lanes. Such a symbol may also indicate that the lane is reserved for:
On various roadways, one or more lanes may be reserved for special vehicles. Reserved lanes are marked by signs stating that the lane is reserved for special use and often have a white diamond posted at the side of the road or painted on the road surface.
#9. You should not use your horn:
Use your horn whenever it will help prevent an accident. Do not use your horn when you want someone to change lane.
This question asked when you should not use your horn.
#10. What is true about Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)?
Be sure to read the vehicle owner’s manual on how to use the ABS. The ABS system will allow you stop without skidding. In general, press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep pressing on it. You might feel the brake pedal pushing back when the ABS is working. Do not let up on the brake pedal. The ABS system will only work with the brake pedal pushed down.
#11. Standing or parking a vehicle to quickly pick up passengers is not allowed if the curb is painted:
A red curb indicates a fire zone with no parking or standing permitted.
#12. When reaching the desired exit in a roundabout, you will always:
Remember, traffic moves in one direction, counterclockwise (to the right), around the center island. You will always enter a roundabout to the right, and continue circling to the right until you have reached the roadway onto which you want to turn. When reaching the desired road, you will always turn right.
#13. If you cannot get in the clear on the other side of a railroad crossing, you should:
Never start to cross if there is not enough room for your vehicle on the far side and if you will have to stop on the tracks. Wait until there is room for your vehicle on the far side.
#14. You may continue carefully against a yellow light if:
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.
#15. Proof of financial responsibility is needed:
Everyone who operates a motor vehicle in New Mexico must have a motor vehicle liability insurance policy. The Mandatory Financial Responsibility Act requires that proof of such insurance be carried in the vehicle at all times.
#16. What do you use the three-second rule for?
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.
#17. A truck driver's blind spots are more significant on:
There are several no-zones (blind spots) in which a driver cannot see other vehicles. These areas include rear, front, and both sides.
#18. When turning from a side street or driveway into a shared center lane, you must not:
Shared center lanes are reserved for making left turns from or into the roadway or when preparing for or making a U-turn where permitted by law. You cannot use the lane for passing maneuver or as a regular traveling lane.
This question asked what you should not do.
#19. When your car has an enabled front passenger airbag, a rear-facing infant seat must:
Infants should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side airbag. Remember, all children 12 and under should ride in a rear seat.
#20. A learner's license does not allow you to drive:
A permit allows you to operate a motor vehicle when supervised by another driver who is at least 21 years of age and who is licensed to drive that type of vehicle.
#21. When you drive through a construction zone, you should:
Adjust your speed to traffic conditions. Proceed with caution. Obey all instructions provided by signs, traffic signals and flaggers. Do not follow other vehicles too closely. Remember to be prepared for the unexpected when traveling through work zones.
#22. In general, which drink contains more alcohol?
It is not what you drink, it is how much. A single alcohol drink is considered 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor (one shot glass) straight or with a mixer, a 5-ounce glass of wine or a 12-ounce container of beer. Specialty drinks can have more alcohol and one drink may equal several normal drinks.
Note that it is 16 ounces of beer in the question.
#23. A pedestrian has entered a crosswalk where there are no signs or signals. Who should be given the right of way?
You must yield to pedestrians in or about to enter a crosswalk. Always yield to pedestrians before making a turn.
#24. You approach an intersection. Where should you stop if there is a stop sign but no stop line or crosswalk?
When required to stop because of a sign or signal, you must stop before your vehicle reaches the stop line or crosswalk. If there is no stop line or crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection.
#25. Backing a vehicle on controlled-access highways:
Do not back up on a controlled-access highway, under any circumstances.
| 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.
