NEW MEXICO DMV PRACTICE TEST
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Anyone operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle on public roadways in the State of New Mexico must have a driver license or learner's permit. To get a license, you must pass a written and road test in addition to a vision screening. Practice with this sample test to familiarize yourself with the format of the New Mexico driver's license test. The NM MVD written test is designed to check your knowledge of road rules, road signs, traffic laws and safety rules. Everything you need to know is covered in the New Mexico Driver's Manual. The MVD written test consists of 25 questions, and you'll need at least 18 correct answers to pass (72%).
1.
Drowsy drivers:
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Can stay awake by opening a window.
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Are at risk of being involved in a crash.
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Are typically older drivers.
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Should drink coffee to stay awake.
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2.
A triangular orange sign on the rear of a vehicle indicates that:
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You aren't allowed to pass it.
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It's an emergency.
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It's a slow-moving vehicle.
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It can carry lots of passengers.
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3.
A steady yellow signal light means:
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Stop if you haven't already entered the intersection.
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The traffic signal is about to turn green.
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Proceed with caution.
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Speed up if you want to enter the intersection.
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4.
A bicyclist on the road ahead has their left arm extended downward to their left. You should assume the bicyclist is signaling that he/she is:
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About to turn right.
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Turning left.
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Tired.
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Slowing down or stopping.
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5.
Two vehicles from different directions arrive at the same time at an intersection with no traffic signs or signals. Which vehicle has the right of way?
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The vehicle on the left.
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The vehicle that enters the intersection first.
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The vehicle on the right.
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Both vehicles may share the right-of-way.
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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.