New Mexico DMV Permit Practice Test 2026

Correct answer: 15

New Mexico issues an instructional permit starting at age 15, after you pass the knowledge and vision tests.

Source: The Driver License – Types of Driver Licenses (Graduated License System) – Instructional Permit

Correct answer: Anyone driving on New Mexico public roads, and every resident who drives

Anyone operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle on New Mexico public roads needs a license, and residents must hold a New Mexico license.

Source: The Driver License

Correct answer: Let crossing traffic clear the intersection

When the light turns green after you have stopped, you must still allow crossing traffic to clear the intersection before you go.

Source: Rules of the Road – Traffic Control Devices – Traffic Signals

Correct answer: A yield sign

The crossbuck means the same as a yield sign: you must yield to trains.

Source: Rules of the Road – Traffic Control Devices – Traffic Signs – Railroad Crossing Warning Signs

Correct answer: It says who must yield; it does not give anyone the right-of-way

The law says who must yield, but never guarantees anyone the right-of-way; you must do everything you can to avoid a crash.

Source: Rules of the Road – Right-of-Way

Correct answer: 30 mph

The default limit in business and residential districts is 30 mph unless a different limit is posted.

Source: Rules of the Road – Speed Limits

Correct answer: From the lane nearest your direction, into the nearest lane

Turn from the lane nearest the direction you want to go into the nearest lane, crossing as few lanes as possible.

Source: Rules of the Road – General Rules

Correct answer: The right lane, except to pass

Stay in the right lane except when passing.

Source: Rules of the Road – General Rules

Correct answer: No closer than 15 feet

Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

Source: Rules of the Road – Parking – No-Parking Zones

Correct answer: 0.08% or more

You can be arrested for driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.

Source: Be In Shape to Drive – Drinking and Driving – Alcohol and the Law

Correct answer: The driver, and all passengers in belts or child seats

It is illegal to drive without wearing a safety belt, and you should make sure all passengers use belts or child restraints.

Source: The Driver License – Safety Belts and Child Restraints

Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal several times

Pumping the pedal can build enough pressure to stop; then use the parking brake slowly, then shift to lower gears.

Source: Be In Shape to Drive – Emergencies – Vehicle Emergencies – Brake Failure

Correct answer: $25,000

The minimums are $25,000 per person, $50,000 for two or more persons, and $10,000 for property damage.

Source: Be In Shape to Drive – Accidents and the Financial Responsibility Law – Financial Responsibility Law

Correct answer: At least five feet

Keep a safe distance when passing a bicyclist, trying for at least five feet, and pass only when safe and legal.

Source: Sharing the Road – Bicycles

Correct answer: A licensed driver at least 21 years old who has been licensed for at least three years

A permit holder must drive with an approved instructor or with a licensed driver who is 21 or older and has held a license for at least three years.

Source: The Driver License – Types of Driver Licenses (Graduated License System) – Instructional Permit

Correct answer: 4 or 8 years

A New Mexico driver license is issued for either 4 or 8 years.

Source: The Driver License – Driver License Renewal

Correct answer: Oncoming traffic

On a steady green you may turn left only when it is safe; oncoming traffic has the right-of-way.

Source: Rules of the Road – Traffic Control Devices – Traffic Signals

Correct answer: School buses, for-hire passenger vehicles, and hazmat trucks

School buses, taxis and other for-hire passenger vehicles, and trucks hauling explosives, gasoline or other dangerous materials must stop at least 15 feet from the crossing.

Source: Rules of the Road – Traffic Control Devices – Traffic Signs – Railroad Crossing Warning Signs

Correct answer: Yield to the pedestrian

You must always yield to a pedestrian, even one who is not obeying traffic controls.

Source: Rules of the Road – Right-of-Way

Correct answer: 15 mph

The maximum in a school zone with a posted limit is 15 mph.

Source: Rules of the Road – Speed Limits