Free New Mexico Permit Practice Test (2026)
Real questions from the official New Mexico driver handbook, each with a plain-English explanation. Free, unlimited retakes, no signup.
Smart Review drills only the questions you get wrong. Full-length mock exams in the real format. Progress saved on every device — and the same account unlocks the mobile app.
Get Smart Review & Mock ExamsWhat this test covers
This draw of 20 questions breaks down like this:
- Licensing & Permits — 4
- Sharing the Road — 4
- Speed Limits & Speed Management — 4
- Alcohol, Drugs & the Law — 3
- Safe Driving — 2
- Signaling & Communication — 2
- Points & Penalties — 1
Heaviest on Licensing & Permits (4 of 20) — that is the section to revise first if you miss several here.
20 are New Mexico-specific questions, drawn from the state handbook rather than general road rules.
Each test on this site draws a different set, so Test 1, 2 and 3 never repeat a question.
Questions on this test
1. In New Mexico, you can be arrested for driving with a blood alcohol content of:
- .02% or more
- .10% or more
- .05% or more
- .08% or more
Show answer
Answer: .08% or more
A BAC of .08% or more is unlawful (DWI).
2. Unless otherwise posted, the New Mexico speed limit on public highways is:
- 65 mph
- 45 mph
- 75 mph
- 55 mph
Show answer
Answer: 55 mph
Public highways are 55 mph unless posted otherwise.
3. The minimum age for a New Mexico provisional license is:
- 15 years 6 months
- 16
- 17
- 15
Show answer
Answer: 15 years 6 months
You may get a provisional license at 15 years 6 months if you have held the permit 6 months.
4. New Mexico notes you should not drive so slowly that you:
- Save fuel
- Look cautious
- Impede the normal flow of traffic
- Use less gas
Show answer
Answer: Impede the normal flow of traffic
Driving too slowly can impede the normal flow of traffic.
5. In New Mexico you must use headlights:
- At night and when visibility is reduced
- Only in rain
- Only in cities
- Only on highways
Show answer
Answer: At night and when visibility is reduced
Use headlights at night and whenever visibility is low.
6. If you plan to drink in New Mexico, the safest choice is to:
- Arrange a sober ride or designated driver
- Eat first
- Drive slowly
- Wait 15 minutes
Show answer
Answer: Arrange a sober ride or designated driver
Line up a sober ride before you drink.
7. Unless a licensed driver 21+ is present, a New Mexico provisional driver may not carry more than:
- Two passengers
- Three passengers
- One passenger under 21 who is not immediate family
- No passengers
Show answer
Answer: One passenger under 21 who is not immediate family
No more than one passenger under 21 who is not immediate family, unless a licensed adult 21+ is aboard.
8. In rural New Mexico, farm tractors and animal-drawn vehicles usually travel:
- 25 mph or less
- 55 mph
- 45 mph
- Highway speed
Show answer
Answer: 25 mph or less
Farm tractors and animal-drawn vehicles usually go 25 mph or less.
9. A New Mexico instructional permit must be retained for at least:
- 6 months
- 30 days
- 3 months
- 1 year
Show answer
Answer: 6 months
You must hold the instructional permit at least 6 months.
10. New Mexico requires drivers to carry proof of:
- Liability insurance
- Nothing
- A medical card
- A passport
Show answer
Answer: Liability insurance
Proof of liability insurance is required.
11. Unless otherwise posted, the New Mexico speed limit in business or residential areas is:
- 30 mph
- 25 mph
- 20 mph
- 35 mph
Show answer
Answer: 30 mph
Business or residential areas are 30 mph unless posted otherwise.
12. In New Mexico, the maximum speed within a school zone is:
- 20 mph
- 10 mph
- 15 mph
- 25 mph
Show answer
Answer: 15 mph
The maximum speed in a school zone is 15 mph.
13. A motorcycle in New Mexico is entitled to:
- A full lane of travel
- Half a lane
- The shoulder only
- No lane
Show answer
Answer: A full lane of travel
Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane.
14. A safe following distance in New Mexico gives you:
- More speed
- A better view only
- Time to react and avoid a crash
- Nothing
Show answer
Answer: Time to react and avoid a crash
Space ahead gives you time to react and avoid rear-ending others.
15. In New Mexico, the minimum age for an instructional permit is:
- 18
- 16
- 14
- 15
Show answer
Answer: 15
The minimum age for an instructional permit is 15.
16. A reflective orange triangle on the rear of a New Mexico vehicle means it is traveling less than:
- 25 mph
- 20 mph
- 35 mph
- 15 mph
Show answer
Answer: 25 mph
The slow-moving-vehicle decal means under 25 mph.
17. In New Mexico, buses and trucks carrying explosives or gasoline must stop before a railroad crossing at least:
- 15 feet
- 50 feet
- 100 feet
- 5 feet
Show answer
Answer: 15 feet
Such vehicles must stop at least 15 feet from a railroad crossing.
18. An arm extended straight out the driver's window means:
- Stop
- Right turn
- Left turn
- Slow
Show answer
Answer: Left turn
Arm straight out = left turn.
19. A New Mexico commercial driver is considered impaired at a BAC of:
- .08%
- .04%
- .10%
- .02%
Show answer
Answer: .04%
Commercial drivers are DWI at .04%.
20. When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren in New Mexico, you should:
- Turn left
- Stop in your lane
- Pull to the right and stop
- Speed up
Show answer
Answer: Pull to the right and stop
Pull to the right edge and stop until it passes.