New Mexico MVD License Tests & Permit Practice
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#1. When driving at night on well-lighted streets, you should use:
Use low beams:
- Within about a one-block distance of an oncoming vehicle.
- Within 200 feet when following another vehicle.
- When in heavy traffic.
- On well-lighted streets.
- In fog.
- When it is snowing or raining hard.
#2. What is the best thing to do if you feel tired while driving?
Never drive if you are sleepy. It is better to stop and take a nap than to take a chance thinking you can stay awake. If possible, switch driving tasks with another driver so you can sleep while they drive.
#3. An important reminder for safe night driving is to:
Overdriving headlights is a common and dangerous practice. You must be able to stop within the distance you can see ahead with your headlights.
#4. 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.
#5. How do you check your blind spots while driving?
Turn your head briefly. Mirrors should be adjusted before you start driving and will always have blind spots. These blind spots can hide a motorcyclist or a bicyclist. Do not drive in another driver’s blind spot.
#6. This hand signal means:
Slowing or stop – left arm extended downward, with the palm to the rear.
#7. The percentage of all traffic deaths in the United States caused by alcohol is approximately:
Alcohol is involved in about 40% of the traffic crashes in which someone is killed.
#8. The following are true about large trucks except:
It is not true that trucks need shorter stopping distance.
An average car going 55 mph can stop in about 400 feet. But a large truck could take almost 800 feet to stop.
#9. When an emergency vehicle using flashing lights approaches you from behind, you must:
You must yield the right-of-way to a police vehicle, fire engine, ambulance or other emergency vehicle using a siren, air horn or a red or blue flashing light. Pull over to the right edge of the road or as near to the right as possible when you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction.
If you are in an intersection, drive through the intersection before you pull over.
#10. 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.
#11. With conventional brakes (non-ABS), what is first thing you should do if brakes fail?
Try to get some brake pressure by pumping the brake pedal.
If you cannot get your brakes to work, shift to a lower gear and use your parking brake.
#12. This sign means:
Low clearance / Low bridge.
The overpass has a low clearance. Do not proceed if your vehicle is too tall to pass under.
#13. What does this sign mean?
Left turn only. This sign tells you that you can only a make left turn from this lane.
Lane-Use Control signs are used where turning movements are required or where turning movements are permitted from lanes as shown.
#14. Where is passing another vehicle on a two-lane road not allowed?
Passing another vehicle by driving to left of the center is not allowed at the crest of a grade or upon a curve where your view is obstructed.
You have to be able to see at least one-third of a mile or about 10 seconds ahead.
#15. If your car gets hit from the side and you are not wearing a seat belt, your body will move in what direction?
If your vehicle is hit from the side, your body will be thrown towards the side that is hit.
When a vehicle is struck from the side, it will move sideways. Everything in the vehicle that is not fastened down, including the passengers, will slide toward the point of crash, not away from it.
#16. The round shape is used for which road signs?
A round yellow warning sign with an X symbol and black RR letters is placed along the road before you get to a railroad crossing.
#17. What should you do if you are involved in a traffic crash, and someone is injured?
Render all aid possible to the injured. First help anyone who is not already walking and talking. Check for breathing then check for bleeding. Do not move the injured unless they are in a burning vehicle or in other immediate danger of being hit by another vehicle. Keep them lying down.
#18. Under the GDL system, the first step for anyone less than 18 years is to obtain:
The three different levels of Graduated driver’s license (GDL) are:
- Instructional Permit
- Provisional License
- Unrestricted Driver’s License
#19. When approaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights at a four-way intersection, you must stop when approaching from:
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.
#20. When you park your car on the same side as an entrance to a fire station, you must keep this distance from the driveway entrance:
It is illegal to park within 20 feet of a fire station driveway on the same side of the street or within 75 feet of a driveway on the other side of the street.
#21. 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.
#22. The three-second rule refers to how you should:
The three-second rule refers to a following distance.
Watch when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a sign, pole, or any other stationary point. Count the seconds it takes you to reach the same spot. You are following too closely if you pass the mark before you reach three seconds.
#23. On a road with yellow center lines:
Lines separating traffic moving in opposite directions are yellow. A dashed yellow line between opposing lanes of traffic means that you may cross it to pass if it safe to do so.
Where there is both a solid and a dashed yellow line between opposing lanes of traffic, you may not pass if the solid yellow line is on your side. If the dashed line is on your side, you may pass if it is safe to do so.
Two solid yellow lines between lanes of traffic means neither side can pass.
#24. In what type of lane are you allowed to drive for any distance to the left of a yellow line?
Reversible lanes.
Some travel lanes are designed to carry traffic in one direction at certain times and in the opposite direction at other times. These lanes are usually marked by double-dashed yellow lines.
#25. When you have a green light at an intersection, and a blind pedestrian enters the intersection in front of your car, you should:
Pedestrians using a guide dog or carrying a white cane should always be given the right-of-way. Stop, and do not use your horn as it could confuse or frighten a blind pedestrian.
| 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.
