New Mexico 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. Come back on a later day and retake the questions you missed. A score on questions you have not seen before tells you more than a repeat.

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
10. Test 10
11. Test 11
12. Test 12
13. Test 13
14. Test 14
15. Test 15
16. Test 16
17. Test 17
18. Test 18
19. Test 19
20. Test 20
21. Test 21
22. Test 22
23. Test 23
24. Test 24
25. Test 25

Printable NM practice test with answer key

40 sample practice 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. 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 1

   Study this in the handbook: Warning, regulatory and guide signs

2. 2. A learner with a New Mexico instructional permit is practicing in a car. Where must the supervising licensed driver sit?

   1. In the back seat behind the learner
   2. In the right front seat
   3. In any seat as long as the supervisor is awake
   4. Outside the vehicle giving directions
   Show answer

   In the right front seat. For a vehicle other than a motorcycle, the licensed supervising driver must occupy the right front seat beside the permit holder. Full explanation in Test 2

   Study this in the handbook: Permits and the graduated license

3. 3. What do red circle-and-slash signs such as the one shown generally do?

   
   1. Prohibit the pictured action, such as a U-turn
   2. Recommend the pictured action during heavy traffic
   3. Identify a route number for a state highway
   4. Mark a service available at the next exit
   Show answer

   Prohibit the pictured action, such as a U-turn. A red circle and slash over a symbol is a regulatory prohibition. Full explanation in Test 3

   Study this in the handbook: Warning, regulatory and guide signs

4. 4. In a heavy rain, at about what speed can your tires lose all traction with the road?

   1. About 15 mph
   2. About 25 mph
   3. About 80 mph
   4. About 50 mph
   Show answer

   About 50 mph. The manual says that in a heavy rain tires can lose all traction with the road at about 50 mph, riding up on the water like water skis. Full explanation in Test 4

   Study this in the handbook: Road conditions, sight distance and wildlife

5. 5. In a reversible lane, what does a steady yellow X mean?

   1. The lane is open for travel in either direction
   2. The lane use is changing, so move out when safe
   3. The lane is reserved only for buses
   4. The lane is closed permanently for road repairs
   Show answer

   The lane use is changing, so move out when safe. A steady yellow X over a reversible lane warns that use of that lane is changing. The driver should move out of it as soon as it is safe. Full explanation in Test 5

   Study this in the handbook: Pavement markings and special lanes

6. 6. A driver turning left at an intersection faces an oncoming vehicle going straight. Who yields?

   
   1. Neither driver when both have a green light
   2. The oncoming driver going straight
   3. The driver who entered the intersection second
   4. The driver turning left
   Show answer

   The driver turning left. The left turning driver must yield to an oncoming vehicle that is continuing straight. Full explanation in Test 6

   Study this in the handbook: Right of way at intersections

7. 7. How fast do farm tractors, animal-drawn vehicles, and roadway maintenance vehicles usually travel?

   1. 25 mph or less
   2. About 45 mph
   3. The posted limit in every case
   4. At least 55 mph
   Show answer

   25 mph or less. These vehicles usually travel at 25 mph or less, which is why a driver should identify them early, reduce speed smoothly, or change lanes on Full explanation in Test 7

   Study this in the handbook: Road conditions, sight distance and wildlife

8. 8. How does New Mexico handle a ticket for driving without insurance or without vehicle registration?

   1. It adds 12 points and an automatic one-year suspension
   2. It carries no points but requires the driver to appear in court
   3. It adds points, the same way a speeding ticket does
   4. It is a warning only and never goes to court
   Show answer

   It carries no points but requires the driver to appear in court. New Mexico uses points for common violations such as speeding or not wearing a seat belt, but offenses like driving without insurance or reg Full explanation in Test 8

   Study this in the handbook: Renewal, points, seat belts and insurance

9. 9. After a drink, about how long does alcohol take to reach the brain?

   1. 1 to 2 minutes
   2. About 2 hours
   3. About 6 hours
   4. 20 to 40 minutes
   Show answer

   20 to 40 minutes. The manual says alcohol goes from the stomach into the blood and reaches the brain in 20 to 40 minutes. Full explanation in Test 9

   Study this in the handbook: Alcohol, drugs and DWI

10. 10. 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. Increase speed briefly to clear the bad weather
    3. Reduce speed when the conditions make the posted maximum unsafe
    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 10

    Study this in the handbook: Speed limits

11. 11. Work area warnings include which set of changing conditions?

    1. Only lane closures during nighttime hours
    2. Wider lanes with freshly painted lane lines
    3. Reduced speed, detours, slow equipment, and changing surfaces
    4. Smooth new pavement with higher speed limits
    Show answer

    Reduced speed, detours, slow equipment, and changing surfaces. Work-area warnings can indicate reduced speed, detours, slow construction equipment, and poor or suddenly changing road surfaces. Full explanation in Test 11

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, regulatory and guide signs

12. 12. You need glasses or contacts for driving. When must you wear them?

    1. Wear them whenever you drive
    2. Wear them for the license test but not ordinary trips
    3. Wear them on highways at night but not other roads
    4. Wear them when a passenger asks but not otherwise
    Show answer

    Wear them whenever you drive. The manual gives one clear instruction for a driver who needs glasses or contact lenses: wear them whenever driving. Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: Vision, fatigue, health and distraction

13. 13. A very heavy downpour leaves you unable to see well enough to drive. What should you do?

    1. Continue at the posted limit.
    2. Drive the shoulder slowly toward home, following the edge.
    3. Follow the taillights of the vehicle ahead closely.
    4. Pull off the road in a safe place and wait until it clears.
    Show answer

    Pull off the road in a safe place and wait until it clears.. If a very heavy downpour prevents the driver from seeing well enough to drive, the manual says to pull off in a safe place and wait until th Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Road conditions, sight distance and wildlife

14. 14. After stopping at a stop sign, when may you pull forward into the intersection?

    1. After crossing traffic clears, proceed only when safe.
    2. Pull forward immediately after making a full stop at the sign.
    3. After the vehicle behind you stops.
    4. When the car behind you honks.
    Show answer

    After crossing traffic clears, proceed only when safe.. After stopping at a stop sign, the driver must wait until crossing vehicles and pedestrians have cleared and then pull forward only when it Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, regulatory and guide signs

15. 15. How do the left-turn arrows appear inside a shared center lane?

    1. Arrows alternate between the two directions
    2. All arrows point in one direction only
    3. Arrows point toward the nearest exit ramp
    4. No arrows are painted in the lane
    Show answer

    Arrows alternate between the two directions. In a shared center lane, left-turn arrows for one direction alternate with arrows for traffic coming from the other direction. Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement markings and special lanes

16. 16. A driver ahead starts drifting into your lane while you pass. How does the manual say to use the horn?

    1. Tap the horn only after you have stopped
    2. Stay silent until contact is certain
    3. Hold a long blast for ten full seconds
    4. Give a light tap as they drift toward you
    Show answer

    Give a light tap as they drift toward you. A light tap fits moments with no instant danger, like a passing target drifting toward your lane. Full explanation in Test 16

    Study this in the handbook: Headlights, horn and turn signals

17. 17. What happens if you fail to appear for a re-examination requested by the MVD?

    1. You can lose driving privileges
    2. You gain thirty extra days automatically
    3. Only a small fine applies, nothing more
    4. The request expires after one week
    Show answer

    You can lose driving privileges. Ignoring an MVD re-examination request can cost the driving privilege itself. Full explanation in Test 17

    Study this in the handbook: Permits and the graduated license

18. 18. After completing a motorcycle turn, why must you confirm the signal is off?

    1. A driver may enter your path if the signal stays on.
    2. Signals cancel automatically after every turn.
    3. Blinking drains the battery quickly during a ride.
    4. Police ticket every driver with a lit signal after a turn.
    Show answer

    A driver may enter your path if the signal stays on.. After a motorcycle turns, the rider must make sure the signal is off. Full explanation in Test 18

19. 19. What license risk follows giving false information on a driver license application?

    1. Only a corrected form is required later
    2. A warning letter is the maximum result
    3. Loss of driving privileges
    4. The false entry becomes legal after renewal
    Show answer

    Loss of driving privileges. False information on the application can cost the driving privilege. Full explanation in Test 19

    Study this in the handbook: Permits and the graduated license

20. 20. Which drugs can affect driving in ways similar to alcohol?

    1. Illegal drugs and nothing available legally
    2. Only drugs taken together with alcohol
    3. Many prescription and nonprescription drugs
    4. Only drugs whose labels mention sleep
    Show answer

    Many prescription and nonprescription drugs. Prescription medicines and products sold without a prescription can slow reflexes, blur vision, and dull judgment much as alcohol does. Full explanation in Test 20

    Study this in the handbook: Alcohol, drugs and DWI

21. 21. What must be done with the parking brake before starting the vehicle?

    1. Release the parking brake before starting.
    2. Use it only after starting.
    3. Make sure the parking brake is on before starting.
    4. Set it only on steep hills.
    Show answer

    Make sure the parking brake is on before starting.. The manual says to make sure the parking brake is on before starting the vehicle. Full explanation in Test 21

    Study this in the handbook: Renewal, points, seat belts and insurance

22. 22. How do you know it is safe to return to the driving lane after passing?

    1. When both headlights show in your mirror.
    2. When the passed car horn sounds.
    3. After counting to three aloud.
    4. When another driver waves you back into the lane.
    Show answer

    When both headlights show in your mirror.. The manual uses both headlights of the passed vehicle in the rear-view mirror as the cue that the passing driver has enough separation to re Full explanation in Test 22

    Study this in the handbook: Following distance, passing and sharing the road

23. 23. When turning right or left at a signal, whom must you watch crossing in front?

    1. Only bicyclists traveling in marked bike lanes.
    2. Only children crossing near a school.
    3. Watch for pedestrians crossing in front of the vehicle.
    4. No one once the turn is legally underway.
    Show answer

    Watch for pedestrians crossing in front of the vehicle.. When turning either right or left at a signal, the driver must watch for pedestrians crossing in front of the vehicle. Full explanation in Test 23

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and arrows

24. 24. Why does keeping pace with traffic beat constant passing?

    1. Passing never creates risk.
    2. Keeping pace with traffic is legally required.
    3. Each pass brings a collision chance, from lane changes or sudden oncoming vehicles.
    4. Passing is safer because it removes the need to follow other vehicles.
    Show answer

    Each pass brings a collision chance, from lane changes or sudden oncoming vehicles.. Driving faster than traffic forces repeated passes, and each pass creates a chance for a collision. Full explanation in Test 24

    Study this in the handbook: Road conditions, sight distance and wildlife

25. 25. Approaching an intersection on a motorcycle, how do you cut reaction time for trouble?

    1. Cover the clutch and both brakes at intersections.
    2. Rest both hands away from the controls before entering.
    3. Speed up as you pass through the intersection.
    4. Look only at the signal head before crossing.
    Show answer

    Cover the clutch and both brakes at intersections.. A rider nearing an intersection can reduce reaction time by covering the clutch and both brakes, keeping the controls ready in the hands. Full explanation in Test 25

26. 26. How long does a DWI conviction remain on a New Mexico driving record?

    1. Three years
    2. Seven years
    3. Twenty-five years
    4. Ten years
    Show answer

    Twenty-five years. The manual says any DWI conviction stays on the driving record for twenty five years. Full explanation in Test 1

    Study this in the handbook: Alcohol, drugs and DWI

27. 27. What does a red arrow at a New Mexico traffic signal require a driver to do?

    1. Continue straight without stopping
    2. Turn after yielding to oncoming traffic
    3. Stop and wait without traveling in the arrow's direction
    4. Treat it as a flashing yellow signal
    Show answer

    Stop and wait without traveling in the arrow's direction. A red arrow requires a stop and prohibits movement in the direction shown by the arrow. Full explanation in Test 2

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and arrows

28. 28. What is the lowest BAC threshold for New Mexico's under-21 alcohol driving rule?

    1. .02%
    2. .05%
    3. .08% only
    4. .12%
    Show answer

    .02%. The manual says a driver under 21 can be arrested in New Mexico for a BAC of .02%. The . Full explanation in Test 3

    Study this in the handbook: Alcohol, drugs and DWI

29. 29. On a road the State has made one-way, in which direction may you drive?

    1. Only in the direction the signs show
    2. Either direction at night
    3. Either direction if traffic is light
    4. Against the arrow to reach a driveway
    Show answer

    Only in the direction the signs show. The State has the right to turn any public road into a one-way road, and when it does, it must post signs telling drivers the road is one-wa Full explanation in Test 4

    Study this in the handbook: School buses, emergency vehicles and trains

30. 30. If your headlights suddenly fail at night, what should you try first?

    1. Try the headlight switch a few times
    2. Keep driving with only the parking brake ready
    3. Turn off all vehicle lights immediately
    4. Brake hard in the travel lane
    Show answer

    Try the headlight switch a few times. For sudden headlight failure, the first listed action is to try the headlight switch several times. Full explanation in Test 5

    Study this in the handbook: Vehicle emergencies and skids

31. 31. What extra document is required for an instructional permit applicant under 18?

    1. A work schedule signed by an employer
    2. A notarized statement from every passenger
    3. A consent form signed by a parent or guardian
    4. A court order authorizing night driving
    Show answer

    A consent form signed by a parent or guardian. An applicant under 18 must have a consent form signed by a parent or guardian when applying for an instructional permit. Full explanation in Test 6

    Study this in the handbook: Permits and the graduated license

32. 32. What should a driver do during a sudden stop in a vehicle equipped with ABS?

    1. Use only the parking brake
    2. Pump the pedal rapidly until the vehicle stops
    3. Release the pedal whenever it vibrates
    4. Press the brake pedal hard and keep pressing it
    Show answer

    Press the brake pedal hard and keep pressing it. With an antilock braking system, the manual directs the driver to press the brake pedal as hard as possible and keep pressure on it. Full explanation in Test 7

    Study this in the handbook: Vehicle emergencies and skids

33. 33. What do destination signs show drivers?

    1. Whether a vehicle has liability insurance
    2. Only the speed that applies in a work zone
    3. The exact place where passing becomes illegal
    4. Directions and distance to places such as cities, airports, or state lines
    Show answer

    Directions and distance to places such as cities, airports, or state lines. Destination signs give route guidance by showing directions and distances to locations such as cities, airports, state lines, parks, histori Full explanation in Test 8

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, regulatory and guide signs

34. 34. How long should a person with epilepsy be stable and seizure free before being issued a New Mexico driver license?

    1. 1 month
    2. 3 months
    3. 6 months
    4. 5 years
    Show answer

    6 months. The manual says people with epilepsy should have frequent check ups, manage their medicine carefully, and be stable and seizure free for a 6 Full explanation in Test 9

    Study this in the handbook: Vision, fatigue, health and distraction

35. 35. What can happen in New Mexico if a vehicle is driven without the required liability insurance?

    1. Nothing, if the driver pays for damages later
    2. Non-issuance or suspension of the registration, surrender of the plates, and possible criminal penalties
    3. A written warning only
    4. Two points and no other action
    Show answer

    Non-issuance or suspension of the registration, surrender of the plates, and possible criminal penalties. The manual says failure to have insurance could result in non issuance or suspension of your vehicle registration, surrender of the license Full explanation in Test 10

    Study this in the handbook: Renewal, points, seat belts and insurance

36. 36. What minimum bodily injury coverage applies for one person in one accident?

    1. $10,000 for one person in one accident
    2. $50,000 for one person in one accident
    3. $100,000 for one person in one accident
    4. $25,000 for one person in one accident
    Show answer

    $25,000 for one person in one accident. The minimum coverage table lists $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident. Full explanation in Test 11

    Study this in the handbook: Renewal, points, seat belts and insurance

37. 37. What are sharrows on the pavement telling road users?

    1. Bicycles are banned from this stretch of road
    2. Cars may park over the marking at the curb
    3. Shared lanes where cyclists may take the lane and motorists yield
    4. Trucks gain priority over bicycles at the marking
    Show answer

    Shared lanes where cyclists may take the lane and motorists yield. Sharrows indicate that bicyclists are encouraged to take the whole travel lane and that motorists must yield to the bicyclist as needed. Full explanation in Test 12

38. 38. Who must have a driver license when operating on a New Mexico public roadway?

    1. A person operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle.
    2. Only a New Mexico resident who owns the vehicle must have a license.
    3. Only drivers under thirty must have a license.
    4. A borrowed vehicle may be driven without a license.
    Show answer

    A person operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle.. Anyone operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle on New Mexico public roadways must have a driver license. Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Permits and the graduated license

39. 39. Besides pavement paint, how else are reversible lane directions communicated?

    1. By cones placed along the lane edges.
    2. By flaggers posted at each entrance.
    3. Roadside or overhead signs, often with special lane lights.
    4. No signs or special lights communicate the direction of the reversible lane.
    Show answer

    Roadside or overhead signs, often with special lane lights.. Reversible lane directions may be shown by roadside or overhead signs, and special lights are often used above the lanes. Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement markings and special lanes

40. 40. If you cannot see 400 feet ahead, what does that mean about driving at 50 mph?

    1. You may not be driving safely at 50 mph
    2. You are safe if your headlights are on bright
    3. Visibility matters only below 30 mph
    4. You should speed up to shorten the trip
    Show answer

    You may not be driving safely at 50 mph. At 50 mph a vehicle needs roughly 400 feet to react and stop on good pavement, so a shorter view leaves an obstacle inside your stopping dis Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Road conditions, sight distance and wildlife