New Mexico CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: A valid New Mexico driver’s license

Chapter 5 lists the CLP prerequisites (§66-5-62): the applicant must have a valid New Mexico driver’s license, plus proof of Social Security number, identity/lawful presence, a DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate, and two proofs of New Mexico physical residency.

Correct answer: One year

Chapter 5 states the CLP "is issued for 1 year." You must obtain your CDL before the CLP expires, and you must retake all required knowledge tests for every CLP renewal.

Correct answer: Not until at least 14 days after the CLP is first issued

Chapter 5: "The CLP holder is not eligible to take the CDL skills test in the first 14 days after initial issuance of the CLP." This 14-day hold matches the federal floor in 49 CFR 383.25(e).

Correct answer: A "K" restriction — intrastate commerce only, within New Mexico

Chapter 5: an applicant who is 18-20 "may apply for a CDL with a ‘K’ restriction, limiting the driver to intrastate commerce only." Interstate operation requires age 21 (49 CFR 391.11).

Correct answer: 21 — whether driving intrastate or interstate

Chapter 5: "to transport hazardous materials that require a vehicle placard, the driver must be at least 21 whether driving intrastate or interstate." The 18-20 intrastate "K" allowance does not extend to placarded hazmat.

Correct answer: Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered Training Provider Registry provider

Chapter 5: all first-time CLP applicants on or after February 7, 2022 must complete federal Entry-Level Driver Training (49 CFR 380.600-603) — theory plus behind-the-wheel range and road training — from a listed provider before any skills test can be scheduled.

Correct answer: At least 80%

Chapter 5: "An applicant must score at least 80% to pass each exam." This is the federal pass mark (49 CFR 383.135) and applies to General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination, and every endorsement test.

Correct answer: Up to twice a week — the system blocks you after two failed tests in a 7-day period

Chapter 5: "An applicant may take any CDL knowledge test up to two times per week." The system stops an applicant who has already taken and failed 2 tests in the 7-day period prior to and including the current day.

Correct answer: Retake all knowledge tests required for the permit you want

Chapter 5: "Applicant must retake all knowledge tests required for the CLP they want for every renewal or adding on any endorsements." A CLP renewal is treated like a fresh testing cycle.

Correct answer: Hazardous Materials (H)

Chapter 5: "A CLP cannot be issued with a Hazmat endorsement." The only endorsements allowed on a CLP are Passenger (P), School Bus (S), and Tank vehicle (N) — and a CLP tank endorsement carries an "X" (no cargo) restriction.

Correct answer: 3 years

The one-year disqualification for a first major offense is extended to at least three years if the offense occurs while operating a CMV placarded for hazardous materials.

Correct answer: Loss of your CDL for life

A second major offense disqualifies you from holding a CDL for life. (A lifetime disqualification may be reduced under limited conditions set by the state.)

Correct answer: To submit to alcohol testing

If you operate a CMV, you are deemed to have given consent to alcohol testing. Refusing the test is itself a major offense carrying a one-year disqualification.

Correct answer: You lose your CDL for at least 60 days

Two serious traffic violations in a CMV within a three-year period disqualify you for at least 60 days. A third within three years raises it to at least 120 days.

Correct answer: Excessive speeding — 15 mph or more over the posted limit

Serious traffic violations include excessive speeding (15+ mph over the limit), reckless driving, improper or erratic lane changes, and following too closely. Parking violations do not count.

Correct answer: Medically certified as physically qualified

Drivers must be medically certified as physically qualified under the federal standards and, when required, carry the medical examiner’s certificate.

Correct answer: You receive a restriction barring you from driving a CMV equipped with air brakes

If you fail the air brakes knowledge test or take the skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, your CDL carries a restriction (the "L" code) prohibiting you from operating a CMV with air brakes.

Correct answer: You cannot be issued a Group A (Class A) CDL

Failing the combination vehicles portion means you cannot receive a Group A (Class A) CDL — which is why combination knowledge is the gate to driving tractor-trailers.

Correct answer: Complete ELDT from a registered provider before taking the CDL skills test

Since the ELDT compliance date of February 7, 2022, first-time Class A/B applicants (and those upgrading or seeking an H, P, or S endorsement) must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider before testing.

Correct answer: Only one license

You may hold only one license. Breaking this rule can lead to a court fine of up to $5,000 or jail, and all states share a computerized system to detect drivers with more than one CDL.