Free New Mexico Permit Practice Test 2 (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 — 8
- Alcohol, Drugs & the Law — 3
- Vehicle Equipment — 3
- Safe Driving — 2
- Speed Limits & Speed Management — 2
- Points & Penalties — 1
- Sharing the Road — 1
Heaviest on Licensing & Permits (8 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. Keeping a safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead helps you:
- React safely to sudden stops
- Look important
- Drive faster
- Save fuel only
Show answer
Answer: React safely to sudden stops
Space ahead gives you time to react and avoid rear-ending others.
2. If you are involved in a crash in New Mexico, you must:
- Leave
- Drive on if minor
- Stop and give information
- Call later only
Show answer
Answer: Stop and give information
Stop and exchange information at any crash.
3. Unless otherwise posted, the New Mexico speed limit on rural interstate highways is:
- 80 mph
- 65 mph
- 75 mph
- 70 mph
Show answer
Answer: 75 mph
Rural interstate highways are 75 mph unless posted otherwise.
4. New Mexico's Move Over law requires that, for a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, you:
- Speed up
- Move over a lane if safe, or slow down
- Honk
- Stop in the lane
Show answer
Answer: Move over a lane if safe, or slow down
Move over a lane if safe, otherwise slow down.
5. If you become drowsy while driving in New Mexico, you should:
- Open a window only
- Pull over safely and rest
- Keep going
- Speed up
Show answer
Answer: Pull over safely and rest
Only rest cures drowsiness — pull over.
6. Before a New Mexico provisional license, you must complete practice driving of at least:
- 50 hours (10 at night)
- 40 hours
- 100 hours
- 30 hours
Show answer
Answer: 50 hours (10 at night)
You need at least 50 hours of practice, including at least 10 at night.
7. A New Mexico provisional applicant must have no traffic conviction in the:
- Prior week
- Prior 90 days
- Prior 30 days
- Prior year
Show answer
Answer: Prior 90 days
You must have no traffic conviction in the 90 days before applying.
8. In New Mexico, a driver under 21 can be arrested at a BAC of:
- .02%
- .00%
- .08%
- .05%
Show answer
Answer: .02%
Under-21 drivers can be arrested at .02% BAC.
9. In New Mexico, a child should never be secured in the front passenger seat, especially if the vehicle has:
- Cruise control
- Power windows
- A radio
- An air bag
Show answer
Answer: An air bag
Never place a child in front of an active air bag; secure children in the rear seat.
10. A New Mexico provisional driver may not drive unsupervised between:
- 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
- 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Midnight and 5:00 a.m.
Show answer
Answer: Midnight and 5:00 a.m.
No unsupervised driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. (with limited exceptions).
11. If your turn signals fail in New Mexico, you should:
- Turn without warning
- Use hand signals
- Not signal
- Use the horn
Show answer
Answer: Use hand signals
Use hand signals if your turn signals fail.
12. The only thing that lowers your blood alcohol content is:
- Coffee
- Time
- Food
- A shower
Show answer
Answer: Time
Only time removes alcohol from your body.
13. During the New Mexico permit stage, you must be supervised by a licensed driver who is at least:
- 16
- 25
- 21
- 18
Show answer
Answer: 21
A supervising driver must be at least 21 and licensed, seated in the right front seat.
14. To obtain a New Mexico instructional permit you must pass a knowledge test and a:
- Road test
- Physical
- Vision test
- Swim test
Show answer
Answer: Vision test
You must pass the knowledge test and a vision test.
15. In New Mexico, before you drive you must:
- Do nothing
- Roll down windows
- Fasten safety belts and ensure passengers are belted or in child restraints
- Sit in back
Show answer
Answer: Fasten safety belts and ensure passengers are belted or in child restraints
Fasten safety belts and make sure all passengers are belted or in child restraints.
16. A New Mexico permit applicant age 15+ must be enrolled in and attending:
- A sports team
- College
- A driver education course
- A job
Show answer
Answer: A driver education course
You must be enrolled in and attending a driver education course.
17. Even at the posted New Mexico limit, in rain, snow, or fog you should:
- Slow down for conditions
- Stop in the road
- Keep the limit
- Speed up
Show answer
Answer: Slow down for conditions
Reduce speed for weather and road conditions.
18. In New Mexico, BAC is usually determined by a:
- Written test
- Breath, blood, or urine test
- Guess
- Vision test
Show answer
Answer: Breath, blood, or urine test
BAC is measured by a breath, blood, or urine test.
19. A New Mexico unrestricted license requires holding the provisional license for:
- 2 years
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 12 months
Show answer
Answer: 12 months
You must hold the provisional license for 12 months.
20. To be licensed in New Mexico you must pass a:
- Fitness test
- Hearing test
- Vision screening
- Swim test
Show answer
Answer: Vision screening
A vision screening is required for licensing.