NEW MEXICO CDL PRACTICE TEST - GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

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The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The New Mexico CDL test consists of 50 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 questions (80%). The general knowledge test covers the contents of the New Mexico CDL Manual. All CDL applicants (Class A, B and C) must study the following sections: Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes), Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, Road Test. In addition, the Class A CDL test will include questions based on the Combination Vehicles section. Take this CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual NM general knowledge test! To get your CDL, you must pass both the knowledge and skills tests. CDL knowledge tests include: General Knowledge, Passenger Transport, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazardous Materials, Tanker Vehicles, Doubles/Triples, School Bus, Firefighter. Depending on what class of license (A, B or C) and endorsements you need, you must take one or more knowledge tests. A special endorsement is also required to drive certain types of vehicles. The following endorsements may be used with a Class A, B or C CDL: HazMat (H), Tank Vehicles (N), Tank Vehicles Transporting Hazardous Materials (X) and Passenger Transport (P). The School Bus endorsement (S) is only available for Class A or B CDL, and the Doubles/Triples endorsement (T) is only available for Class A driver's licenses.
1. When driving in fog, drivers should:
use high beams.
use the windshield wipers.
use low beams.
2. You should reject a vehicle until which of the following gets rectified?
Faulty headlights
Faulty flashers
All of the above.
3. When you are involved in an accident and not seriously hurt, you need to:
care for the injured.
protect the area and notify authorities.
All of the above.
4. When driving on slippery surfaces, a lack of spray from other vehicles indicates that:
ice has formed on the road.
the pavement is dry.
there is no ice on the road surface.
5. To calculate how much space you should keep in front of you:
count off the seconds until you reach the vehicle ahead.
count off the seconds from when the vehicle ahead of you passes some clear landmark to when you reach that same landmark.
add 4 seconds for each 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph.
6. When preparing to make a right turn, you should NOT turn wide to the left as you start the turn. Why?
A following driver may try to pass you on the right.
Turning wide to the left can cause your vehicle to tilt.
It makes the turn harder.
7. A driver distraction is anything that takes your attention away from driving, such as:
adjusting the radio.
pedestrians.
All of the above.
8. Which of the following is checked in a pre-trip inspection?
Wiper blades
Steering wheel
All of the above.
9. The heavier the vehicle:
the more work the brakes must do to stop it.
the less work the brakes must do to stop it.
the higher the center of gravity will be.
10. To test the service brake:
gently try to pull forward with the trailer parking brake on, then release the brake.
push the brake pedal firmly while going about 5 mph.
shift your transmission to a low gear, pump the brake pedal three times, then hold it down for five seconds.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

If you are under 18, you must follow the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program. Here are the three phases of the program and the required age: 
  • For an instructional permit, you must be at least 15 years old.
  • For a provisional license, you must be 15 ½ years old and have held the permit for six months.
  • For a full license, you must hold the provisional license for 12 months.
If you are between 18 and 24, you can obtain your driver’s license (class D) after passing the required tests and completing the None for the Road - DWI Awareness Program.

You have the option of taking the MVD written test at a New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) location or a contracted driver education provider. Contact your driving school or schedule an appointment online at a MVD branch, choosing the date and time that suits you best. It's important to note that appointments can be scheduled up to 30 days in advance.

Bring the following documents:
  • One proof of identification number (for REAL ID drivers' license).
  • One proof of identity and age.
  • Two proofs of New Mexico residency.
  • Proof of being enrolled in a state-approved driver education program (for minors).
  • Proof that you have completed the None for the Road course, a self-taught DWI course (if you are between 18 and 24 years old, or if you are 25 or above convicted of DUI). 
If you are under 18, you and your parent/guardian must sign the application at the MVD office.

The MVD written test in New Mexico is offered in various languages, including English, Spanish, Tagalog, Italian, German, French, Vietnamese, and Chinese. Although language options are provided, it is advisable to have a basic understanding of English since road signs are always in English.

To prepare for the MVD written test, read the New Mexico Driver's Handbook. Study road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Test your knowledge with our free practice tests or sign up for DMV Premium to access additional resources. Once you are satisfied with your score, you are ready for the exam.

The New Mexico MVD written test comprises 25 questions. It is designed to evaluate your knowledge of road rules, safe driving practices, and traffic signs. You should study the manual carefully to ensure your success on the first attempt.

You must answer at least 18 questions correctly, and you can miss up to 7 questions to pass the MVD written test. The minimum score required to succeed in the exam is 70%. Take your time during the exam to make sure you understand the questions well.

When holding an instructional permit in New Mexico, new drivers must be accompanied by an approved driving instructor seated beside them or by an adult who is 21 years or older with a driver's license for at least 3 years. Upon obtaining a provisional license, drivers can drive alone, except between midnight and 5 a.m., unless:
  • under the supervision of a driver aged 21 or older. 
  • for family or medical emergencies.
  • for work/school/religious activities.

In New Mexico, an instruction permit is valid for 4 years and can be renewed by the MVD. This ensures you have enough time to practice driving and fulfill the necessary requirements before the road test.
If you do not pass your MVD written test on the first attempt, you have the opportunity to retake the test on the same day. However, if you do not succeed on the second try, you have to wait one week before making another attempt. In the event of a third unsuccessful attempt, a waiting period of six months is required before you can retake the exam.

NM CDL Practice Test

Number of questions: 50
Correct answers to pass:40
Passing score:80%
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