NM Permit Practice Test

How to use this NM practice test

1. Take the full practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the New Mexico Driver Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at the score your state requires, book the real test.

NM practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable NM practice test with answer key

First 40 questions from the NM bank

Every question below comes from the New Mexico question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. When conditions are rainy, icy, or foggy, how should a driver treat a posted maximum speed?

   1. Treat it as a target speed that must be maintained
   2. Reduce speed when the conditions make the posted maximum unsafe
   3. Increase speed briefly to clear the bad weather
   4. Ignore the limit only when visibility is reduced
   Show answer

   Reduce speed when the conditions make the posted maximum unsafe. A posted maximum is based on ideal driving conditions, not a promise that the same speed is safe in every situation. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. At a four way stop, two vehicles arrive at the same time. Which vehicle should go first?

   1. The vehicle on the right
   2. The vehicle on the left
   3. The vehicle traveling faster
   4. The vehicle with more passengers
   Show answer

   The vehicle on the right. At a four way stop, every driver must first make a complete stop. Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. After a school bus stops flashing its red lights, what must a driver do before moving?

   1. Proceed immediately because the stop is over
   2. Wait for children to leave the roadway and confirm it is safe
   3. Pass the bus only after honking twice
   4. Continue only if another vehicle moves first
   Show answer

   Wait for children to leave the roadway and confirm it is safe. Ending the flashing red lights does not guarantee that children have reached a safe place. Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. How does the New Mexico manual describe the shape and color of a stop sign?

   1. Eight-sided and red with white letters
   2. Round and yellow with black letters
   3. Downward-pointing triangle with red letters
   4. Square and blue with white letters
   Show answer

   Eight-sided and red with white letters. The manual identifies a stop sign by its eight sides and red face with white letters. Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. A yellow signal is flashing at an intersection. What driving response does the manual call for?

   1. Slow down and proceed with caution
   2. Stop and remain stopped until a green light appears
   3. Speed up because the intersection has priority
   4. Treat the signal as permission to disregard pedestrians
   Show answer

   Slow down and proceed with caution. A flashing yellow light calls for reduced speed and cautious progress through the intersection. Full explanation in Test 1

6. 6. What two documents does the manual say a driver needs when renewing a New Mexico driver license?

   1. The current license and one other proof of identity
   2. A vehicle title and a recent fuel receipt
   3. A school transcript and a road test certificate
   4. Only a signed statement from an employer
   Show answer

   The current license and one other proof of identity. For renewal, the manual says to bring the current driver license plus one other proof of identity. Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. If a vehicle breaks down on a highway, what should the driver do when it is possible?

   1. Get the vehicle off the road and away from traffic
   2. Leave it in the travel lane with the engine off
   3. Stand behind it and wave at approaching vehicles
   4. Stop just beyond a hill so it is out of sight
   Show answer

   Get the vehicle off the road and away from traffic. For a highway breakdown, the manual's first protective measure is to get the vehicle off the road and away from traffic whenever possible. Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. Which condition can prevent a driver from receiving an unrestricted New Mexico license at the time of application?

   1. A traffic violation is still pending
   2. The driver held the provisional license for 12 months
   3. The driver completed the required vision screening
   4. The driver has no alcohol or drug offense during the provisional period
   Show answer

   A traffic violation is still pending. An unrestricted license applicant must not have any traffic violations pending at the time of application. Full explanation in Test 2

9. 9. How may a New Mexico driver's blood alcohol content ordinarily be determined?

   1. Only through a roadside balance exercise
   2. By a breath, blood, or urine test
   3. Only by asking the driver how many drinks were consumed
   4. By checking the vehicle's fuel gauge
   Show answer

   By a breath, blood, or urine test. The manual identifies breath, blood, and urine tests as the usual ways to determine BAC. Full explanation in Test 2

10. 10. What factors should a driver consider when adjusting speed?

    1. Adverse conditions, vehicle type, and accident prevention
    2. Only the posted number and the vehicle's color
    3. The time of day, regardless of road conditions
    4. The speed of the nearest vehicle only
    Show answer

    Adverse conditions, vehicle type, and accident prevention. New Mexico says speed should be adjusted for adverse conditions, the type of vehicle, and accident prevention. Full explanation in Test 2

11. 11. When an emergency vehicle approaches from any direction using a siren or flashing lights, where should a driver pull over?

    1. To the right edge or as near to the right as possible
    2. To the left edge, regardless of the roadway
    3. Into the nearest intersection and stop there
    4. Onto the shoulder only if the emergency vehicle is behind
    Show answer

    To the right edge or as near to the right as possible. The right-of-way guidance directs traffic toward the right edge, or as near to it as possible, so the responding vehicle can pass. Full explanation in Test 3

12. 12. With good tires, good brakes, and dry pavement, about how far may a vehicle traveling 50 mph need to react and stop?

    1. About 400 feet
    2. About 100 feet
    3. About 200 feet
    4. About 800 feet
    Show answer

    About 400 feet. The manual estimates about 400 feet for a vehicle at 50 mph to react to something seen and bring the vehicle to a stop when tires, brakes, a Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. The do-not-enter symbol shown is used at which location?

    1. A roadway opening that drivers should not enter, such as an exit ramp
    2. A legal parking space beside a fire hydrant
    3. The beginning of every two-way residential street
    4. A service area where vehicles must stop for inspection
    Show answer

    A roadway opening that drivers should not enter, such as an exit ramp. New Mexico describes this square sign with a white horizontal bar inside a red ball as a prohibition on entering. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. What does the crossed-out left-turn symbol tell a driver?

    1. A left turn is prohibited at that location
    2. A left turn is required from the marked lane
    3. A left turn is permitted only after midnight
    4. A left turn must be made from the shoulder
    Show answer

    A left turn is prohibited at that location. The manual identifies no left turn as one of the regulatory actions represented by a red slash over a symbol. Full explanation in Test 3

15. 15. What does the railroad crossbuck require at the tracks?

    1. Yield to crossing trains
    2. Stop 100 feet before every track even when no train is present
    3. Drive around a lowered gate if the crossing looks clear
    4. Shift gears while crossing to gain speed
    Show answer

    Yield to crossing trains. The white X-shaped crossbuck is located at the railroad crossing and has the same meaning as a yield sign. Full explanation in Test 3

16. 16. What does a New Mexico warning sign tell a driver about the roadway ahead?

    1. A special situation or hazard is ahead
    2. The roadway is guaranteed to be clear
    3. All traffic must turn around
    4. The posted speed no longer applies
    Show answer

    A special situation or hazard is ahead. The manual says a warning sign indicates that a special situation or hazard is ahead. Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. What subjects can regulatory signs address?

    1. Traffic direction, lane use, turning, speed, parking, and other special situations
    2. Only road construction worker locations
    3. Only the names of nearby towns
    4. Only the color of the pavement
    Show answer

    Traffic direction, lane use, turning, speed, parking, and other special situations. Regulatory signs provide rules for traffic direction, lane use, turning, speed, parking, and other special situations. Full explanation in Test 4

18. 18. What is the purpose of a warning sign for a special road situation?

    1. To alert the driver to a hazard ahead and prepare for a possible stop
    2. To replace every traffic signal at the next intersection
    3. To authorize the maximum speed regardless of road conditions
    4. To identify a destination and its distance from the vehicle
    Show answer

    To alert the driver to a hazard ahead and prepare for a possible stop. New Mexico says warning signs identify a special situation or hazard ahead and instruct drivers to slow down and be prepared to stop if nece Full explanation in Test 4

19. 19. An emergency vehicle approaches while you are already in an intersection. What should you do?

    1. Clear the intersection, then pull as far right as possible
    2. Stop in the intersection until the emergency vehicle turns
    3. Turn left immediately, regardless of traffic
    4. Keep driving at the same speed and remain in the lane
    Show answer

    Clear the intersection, then pull as far right as possible. New Mexico directs a driver in the intersection to continue through it before pulling over. Full explanation in Test 4

20. 20. You are beside a solid yellow line and a dashed yellow line. When is passing prohibited?

    1. When the solid yellow line is on your side
    2. When the dashed yellow line is on your side
    3. Only when both lines are white
    4. Only after a vehicle behind you signals
    Show answer

    When the solid yellow line is on your side. Passing is prohibited when the solid yellow line is on your side of the roadway. Full explanation in Test 4

21. 21. When may a driver turn right at a steady red light?

    1. After a full stop, if safe and no sign prohibits the turn
    2. Whenever the driver slows and sees no car nearby
    3. Only after the signal has been red for one minute
    4. Before stopping if the intended road is empty
    Show answer

    After a full stop, if safe and no sign prohibits the turn. A steady red requires a stop first. A right turn may follow only after the vehicle has fully stopped, the movement is safe, and no posted si Full explanation in Test 5

22. 22. What following interval does the manual use as the basic minimum space ahead?

    1. At least three seconds
    2. Exactly one second in every condition
    3. Two car lengths regardless of speed
    4. A five-second interval only on city streets
    Show answer

    At least three seconds. The basic spacing test is the three-second rule. Full explanation in Test 5

23. 23. What does a steady yellow traffic light indicate as you approach the intersection?

    1. The signal is about to turn red, so stop if safe
    2. The driver must accelerate before the red appears
    3. The driver may stop in the middle of the intersection
    4. The signal has the same meaning as a green arrow
    Show answer

    The signal is about to turn red, so stop if safe. A steady yellow warns that the signal is about to change to red. Stop when doing so is safe. Full explanation in Test 5

24. 24. How far ahead should safer drivers generally scan in city traffic?

    1. At least one block, or about 10 seconds ahead
    2. Only the pavement immediately beyond the hood
    3. About two car lengths ahead
    4. Only as far as the next traffic signal
    Show answer

    At least one block, or about 10 seconds ahead. Looking well ahead gives a driver time to recognize a developing problem, choose a lane, or brake smoothly instead of making a panic stop. Full explanation in Test 5

25. 25. Which headlights should a driver use in fog or during heavy snow or rain?

    1. Low beams
    2. High beams only
    3. Parking lights only
    4. No lights until visibility improves
    Show answer

    Low beams. Low beams are the safer choice in fog and heavy precipitation because high-beam light can reflect back toward the driver. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. What do blue service signs with white letters or symbols show?

    1. Locations of services such as rest areas, gas stations, campgrounds, or hospitals
    2. The posted minimum speed for a high-speed roadway
    3. A place where all traffic must make a U-turn
    4. A warning that a railroad crossing is immediately ahead
    Show answer

    Locations of services such as rest areas, gas stations, campgrounds, or hospitals. Blue service signs point drivers toward useful services, including rest areas, gas stations, campgrounds, and hospitals. Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. What shape and colors identify a yield sign?

    1. A downward-pointing triangle that is red and white with red letters
    2. An eight-sided red sign with white letters
    3. A blue circle with a white arrow
    4. A green rectangle with black lettering
    Show answer

    A downward-pointing triangle that is red and white with red letters. The manual identifies a yield sign by its downward-pointing triangle, red and white design, and red lettering. Full explanation in Test 6

28. 28. If a vehicle begins to skid, what steering response does the manual recommend?

    1. Steer in the direction the driver wants the vehicle to go
    2. Turn the wheel opposite the intended path and hold it there
    3. Lock the wheels with a hard brake application
    4. Close the eyes and wait for the tires to recover
    Show answer

    Steer in the direction the driver wants the vehicle to go. During a skid, the driver should stay off the brake and steer toward the desired path. Full explanation in Test 6

29. 29. A flashing red signal is equivalent to which control, and what must happen before proceeding?

    1. Make a full stop, then proceed when it is safe
    2. Slow briefly and continue without stopping
    3. Wait there until the signal becomes green
    4. Treat it as permission to turn in any direction
    Show answer

    Make a full stop, then proceed when it is safe. A flashing red light has the same meaning as a stop sign. Full explanation in Test 6

30. 30. What should a driver do if a posted minimum speed is too fast to travel safely?

    1. Use another road
    2. Drive below the minimum in the same lane
    3. Stop in the travel lane
    4. Increase speed beyond the posted minimum
    Show answer

    Use another road. New Mexico advises drivers to use another road if the minimum posted speed is too fast for them. Full explanation in Test 6

31. 31. What do orange work area signs warn drivers may be present near the roadway?

    1. Workers or equipment operating on or near the roadway
    2. A permanent hospital service area
    3. A guaranteed lane for high occupancy vehicles
    4. A railroad crossing with no roadway activity
    Show answer

    Workers or equipment operating on or near the roadway. Orange work area signs identify construction, maintenance, or emergency operations and warn that people may be working on or near the roadwa Full explanation in Test 7

32. 32. If you are in an intersection when the yellow light comes on, what should you do?

    1. Continue through the intersection
    2. Stop in the intersection and wait for red
    3. Reverse to the stop line behind the vehicle
    4. Turn around before crossing the intersection
    Show answer

    Continue through the intersection. Once a vehicle is already inside the intersection, the manual says to continue through when the yellow light comes on. Full explanation in Test 7

33. 33. After a railroad warning sign, what should a driver remember about the train's apparent speed?

    1. The train may be moving faster than it appears
    2. The train is stopped whenever its engine is hard to see
    3. The train must yield if the warning sign is round
    4. The train can be outrun when no gate is present
    Show answer

    The train may be moving faster than it appears. Railroad warnings deserve caution because a train can cover ground faster than its appearance suggests. Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. What must drivers do when a flagger controls traffic in a work area?

    1. Obey the person controlling traffic
    2. Follow only the painted lane lines
    3. Proceed unless a police vehicle is present
    4. Use the shoulder to pass the work crew
    Show answer

    Obey the person controlling traffic. In work areas, a person with a sign or flag may control traffic, and drivers must obey that person. Full explanation in Test 7

35. 35. Why can driving at the posted maximum still be unsafe during rain or icy conditions?

    1. The maximum assumes ideal conditions, so hazards may require a lower speed
    2. The maximum applies only after sunset
    3. Rain and ice improve tire grip at the posted speed
    4. A driver may ignore the limit whenever the road is slippery
    Show answer

    The maximum assumes ideal conditions, so hazards may require a lower speed. The posted maximum is based on ideal driving conditions, while rain and ice reduce traction and can make it harder to see or stop. Full explanation in Test 7

36. 36. What should a driver do before entering a railroad crossing?

    1. Slow down, look both ways along the tracks, and make sure there is room beyond the crossing
    2. Accelerate so the vehicle spends less time on the tracks
    3. Stop on the tracks if traffic beyond the crossing is backed up
    4. Shift gears while crossing to maintain engine power
    Show answer

    Slow down, look both ways along the tracks, and make sure there is room beyond the crossing. A railroad crossing demands a deliberate check of both directions and the space on the far side. Full explanation in Test 8

37. 37. What should you do if a tire suddenly goes flat while driving?

    1. Hold the steering wheel tightly, keep straight, and slow down gradually
    2. Turn sharply toward the shoulder and brake hard immediately
    3. Accelerate to keep the flat tire from touching the road
    4. Stop in the travel lane and leave the vehicle there
    Show answer

    Hold the steering wheel tightly, keep straight, and slow down gradually. A flat tire can pull the vehicle away from its path, so steering control comes first. Full explanation in Test 8

38. 38. What does a flashing red signal require at an intersection?

    1. A complete stop before proceeding when it is safe
    2. The same response as a green light
    3. A slow roll without stopping if no vehicle is visible
    4. Priority over all cross traffic
    Show answer

    A complete stop before proceeding when it is safe. A flashing red indication has the control effect of a stop sign. Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. Where must a driver stop when a sign or signal requires a stop near a crosswalk?

    1. Before reaching the stop line or crosswalk
    2. After the front bumper enters the crosswalk
    3. In the middle of the intersection
    4. Beyond the crosswalk so the vehicle is closer to traffic
    Show answer

    Before reaching the stop line or crosswalk. The required stopping point is before the vehicle reaches the stop line or crosswalk. Full explanation in Test 8

40. 40. What should an angry or excited driver do before continuing to drive?

    1. Give time to cool off and stay off the road until calm
    2. Drive faster to finish the trip sooner
    3. Use the horn to release frustration
    4. Follow another driver closely to make progress
    Show answer

    Give time to cool off and stay off the road until calm. New Mexico warns that strong emotions can interfere with safe driving. Full explanation in Test 8