New Mexico Written Test – Learner’s Permit & Driver’s License
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#1. Why should you use special caution when driving in rural areas at dawn, dusk, and in the first few hours after darkness falls?
Use caution when driving at dawn and dusk. This is when animals are most active. Deer/vehicle crashes occur most frequently from October to December.
#2. What does the three-second rule mean?
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.
#3. When should you always avoid sounding your horn?
Never sound your horn when approaching or passing a horse.
#4. What does this sign mean?
Low clearance / Low bridge.
The overpass has a low clearance. Do not proceed if your vehicle is too tall to pass under.
#5. How far ahead should you look when you are driving in the city?
To avoid last-minute braking or the need to turn, you should look well down the road. Safer drivers tend to look 10 to 15 seconds ahead of their vehicle. In the city, 10 to 15 seconds is about one block. On the highway, 10 to 15 seconds is about 4 city blocks, or a quarter to one-third of a mile.
#6. What can you expect when driving on gravel roads?
You do not have as much traction on gravel or dirt roads as you do on concrete or asphalt roads. When driving on gravel or dirt, you must slow down. It will take you much longer to stop and it is much easier to skid when turning.
#7. The following are true about large trucks, except:
It is not true that trucks gain speed quicker than cars.
Watch for large trucks and small underpowered cars on steep grades or when they are entering traffic. They can lose speed on long or steep hills and it takes longer for these vehicles to get up to speed when they enter traffic.
#8. 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.
#9. After a train has passed a railroad crossing with more than one track, you should:
At crossings with more than one track, wait until the passing train is well down the track before starting to cross. Another train may be hidden by the one that just passed.
Crossings with more than one train track will often post a sign that shows the number of tracks. These signs warn you that there is more than one track and there may be more than one train crossing.
Remember, not all crossings with more than one train track will have these signs so it is important to check for more than one track before crossing.
#10. 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.
#11. With a learner's license, you may drive alone:
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.
#12. When you park on a hill headed downhill, and there is no curb, you should turn your front wheels:
Headed downhill with no curb, turn the wheels to the right or side of the road, so the car will roll away from the center of the road if the brakes fail.
#13. What can you do to help prevent injured persons from going into shock at the scene of an accident?
To prevent an injured person from going into shock, cover the individual with a blanket or warm clothing such as a coat or jacket.
#14. When a police officer is directing you to drive on the wrong side of the road, you should:
Traffic control can be provided by law enforcement, highway personnel or school crossing guards. You must obey directions from these people.
#15. 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.
#16. When driving on slick roads, you should:
To prevent skidding on slippery surfaces you should adjust your speed, avoid fast turns and quick stops.
Remember, skids are caused by drivers traveling too fast for the conditions.
#17. When you proceed straight ahead on a solid green light, you must:
A steady green traffic light means you can go through the intersection. If you are stopped and then the light turns green, you must allow crossing traffic to clear the intersection before you go ahead. Never block an intersection.
#18. 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 when approaching within one hundred feet of any intersection or railroad grade crossing.
Remember, it is dangerous to pass where a vehicle is likely to enter or cross the road. Such places include intersections, railroad crossings and shopping center entrances.
#19. What does the pavement marking (diamond symbol) in this lane tell you?
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.
#20. If you find yourself on a roadway marked with a yellow line on the right edge and a white line to your left:
If you ever find yourself with yellow to your right and white to your left, you are going the wrong way.
Remember, solid yellow lines are used on the left of the roadway edge of divided streets or roadways. When driving, a yellow line should always be to your left.
#21. Which road sign color indicates stop or prohibition?
All red signs are regulatory signs and must be obeyed. They indicate stop or prohibition and include signs like: stop, yield, do not enter and wrong way.
#22. When you approach a traffic circle:
When approaching, slow down to the posted advisory speed. Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. When entering a traffic circle or rotary, you must yield to drivers already in the circle.
#23. If you have been involved in an argument and are angry and upset before getting behind the wheel, you should:
Emotions can affect safe driving. You may not be able to drive well if you are overly worried, excited, afraid, angry, or depressed.
If you are angry or excited, give yourself time to cool off. Take a short walk if necessary, but stay off the road until you have calmed down.
#24. Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit on public highways?
The speed limit is 55 mph on public highways, unless posted otherwise.
#25. 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.
New Mexico MVD Written Test
Quick facts about your MVD driver’s license and learner’s permit test in New Mexico:
| Number of Questions: | 50 |
| Correct answers needed: | 35 |
| Passing score: | 70 percent |
| Time limit: | – |
| Earliest retest upon failure: | Same day |
500 Practice Questions for Your New Mexico License
This is a practice test for your New Mexico Driver’s License or Instruction Permit. It is a random multiple-choice test with 25 questions from a database with 500+ questions.
You can take the practice test as many times as you like. There is no registration and no hidden fees.
The test will help you cover all essential facts in the New Mexico Driver Manual and make it easier to pass the knowledge exam the first time.
A practice test should always be used as a learning tool to verify your knowledge, which means that it is not always the same as the actual written test. You cannot use this test as a certificate of a passed knowledge exam. Licenseroute.com is not affiliated with any State or Government Entity, and this is not an official test.
The Official New Mexico Knowledge Exam
The official knowledge examination in New Mexico consists of 50 questions. The passing score is 70%, meaning you must correctly answer 35 questions to pass the test.
New Mexico has one of the lowest passing scores in United States
You may take the knowledge test as part of your driver education or at any New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office. Remember, if you are under 18 years, you must enroll in an approved driver’s education and complete the 3-step Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.
The knowledge test is a closed book test, meaning you cannot bring your Driver Manual, any notes, or use digital devices like your cell phone. To avoid misunderstandings, it’s a good idea to turn off your phone during the test.
If you fail your test, you can retake it the same day, but only twice on one day or in one week. If you need a third attempt to pass the test, you must wait until the following week. After three failures, you must wait six months before MVD allows you to try again.
Is the New Mexico Written Test Hard?
Even if the failure rate on the New Mexico written exam is higher than expected (about 20%), the difficulty level is rated easy.
The Graduated Driver’s License Program
The purpose of the New Mexico GDL program is to gradually introduce young drivers to driving situations proven to be particularly dangerous and develop driving skills under the supervision of an experienced driver. Restrictions are gradually relaxed as young drivers mature and improve their driving skills.
GDL is a three-step program for all teenagers under 18 years. It includes these steps:
- Step I: Instructional Permit
- Step II: Provisional License
- Step III: Unrestricted Driver’s License
At age 15, a teen can apply for their first instructional Permit (learner’s Permit). After holding a permit for at least six months, the young driver can advance to step two and apply for a provisional license. Before going to step three, an unrestricted Driver’s License, the teen must hold a provisional license for at least 12 months.
New Mexico Instructional Permit – Requirements
Minimum age: 15 years.
You can apply for a New Mexico permit when you turn 15.
Signed consent form.
A teenager under 18 must provide a consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Pass vision screening and knowledge test.
Before MVD issues a permit, you must pass the knowledge test and vision screening.
Enrolled in and attending a driver education course.
The driver education course must be approved and include DWI education and behind-the-wheel practice. Read more here: Drivers Educational Info .
New Mexico Instructional Permit – Restrictions
You cannot drive alone.
Under no circumstances can you drive without being supervised by another driver.
The supervising driver must be an approved driving instructor or a licensed driver who is 21 years or older and has been licensed for at least three years in New Mexico or any other state.
A supervising driver must occupy the seat beside you.
You cannot drive without your permit.
When you drive, you must always have the Permit in your possession.
You cannot use your cell phone.
All electronic devices, including cell phones, are prohibited while driving – even in hands-free mode. The only exception is when you must summon medical or emergency assistance.
New Mexico Provisional License – Requirements
Minimum age 15 years and six months.
Held an instructional permit for six months.
Before applying for an instructional permit, you must hold an instructional permit for at least six months.
50 hours of driving practice.
During the permit phase, you must practice driving for at least 50 hours, of which 10 hours must be at night.
When applying for the provisional license, a parent or guardian must certify that you have completed your practice hours.
Pass the road skills test.
In addition to the vision screening and knowledge test, you must pass a behind-the-wheel test, also known as the road skills test.
No traffic violations,
You cannot have any traffic violations in the 90 days before applying for the provisional license.
New Mexico Provisional License – Restrictions
Night curfew
You cannot drive unsupervised on public highways between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
If you have a signed statement by a parent or guardian, you may drive during these hours if required by family or medical necessity.
With a signed statement from an employer, you may drive to and from work at night.
School or religious activity is exempt if evidenced by a signed statement of a school, religious official, or parent or guardian.
You can also drive at night if necessary due to a medical emergency.
No cell phone use.
Electronic devices, including cell phones, are prohibited while driving, even in hands-free mode.
Unrestricted Driver’s License – Requirements
Held a provisional license for 12 months.
Before applying for a full and unrestricted driver’s license, you must have held the provisional license for at least 12 months.
No traffic violations.
You must not have been convicted of any traffic violations 90 days before applying for the driver’s license or have any traffic violations pending.
No alcohol or drug offenses.
You must not have been convicted of alcohol or drug offenses during the provisional period or have such violations pending.
New Drivers 18 Years or Older
If you are 18 years or older, you don’t follow the GDL program and a driver education class is not mandatory. This means that you will bypass the provisional license phase.
If you are under 25 years old, you must enroll in the “None for the Road” program instead. This program includes a self-taught, self-paced DWI Awareness Class.
A DWI Awareness Class is also necessary if you are 25 years and have been convicted of DWI (DUI).
If you enroll in a private driver education school, the class will include 30 hours of classroom education and at least 7 hours behind the wheel. The school is often authorized to issue the learner’s Permit after you have passed the necessary tests.
