PermitPal
New Mexico Permit Practice Test
20 real questions from our handbook-verified New Mexico bank · Updated July 12, 2026
The official New Mexico knowledge test has 25 questions — you can miss 7 and still pass (70%). That 70% bar is tied with 2 other states for the lowest passing standard in the country. New Mexico offers the real exam in Spanish — practica en español aquí.
The real New Mexico exam format — this practice test scores you against the same 70% bar.
Answer each question to see the explanation. Your score is tallied against the real passing bar at the end.
1. To get a New Mexico driver license, the vision test requires at least:
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Correct answer: 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses
New Mexico requires that you pass a vision test measuring at least 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses, before you get a driver license.
2. What is the minimum age to obtain a New Mexico instructional permit?
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Correct answer: 15 years old
The minimum age for an instructional permit is 15. To get one you must pass the knowledge test and vision test, and applicants under 18 also need a parent or guardian consent form.
3. Whenever you park, the spot you choose should be:
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Correct answer: Far enough from any travel lane to avoid interfering with traffic and visible to approaching vehicles
You are responsible for making sure your parked vehicle is not a hazard. Park where it is far enough from any travel lane to avoid interfering with traffic and where it is visible to vehicles approaching from either direction.
4. If your brakes suddenly stop working, the first thing to try is to:
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Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal several times to build up brake pressure
If your brakes stop working, pump the brake pedal several times. This will often build up enough brake pressure to allow you to stop.
5. At an intersection with no stop sign, yield sign, or signal, you must yield to:
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Correct answer: Vehicles coming from your right
At an uncontrolled intersection — no stop sign, yield sign, or signal — drivers must yield to vehicles coming from the right.
6. A safe, balanced position for your hands on the steering wheel is:
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Correct answer: 10 and 2 o’clock, or 9 and 3 o’clock
Place both hands firmly on each side of the wheel in a balanced position — either 10 and 2 o’clock or 9 and 3 o’clock. Keep your knuckles outside the rim of the wheel.
7. Bicycle drivers on the road have:
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Correct answer: The same rights and responsibilities as drivers of cars
Bicycle drivers on roads have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of cars. Treat a bicycle as a legal, slow-moving vehicle.
8. What does a steady red traffic light mean?
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Correct answer: Stop, and wait until the light turns green and crossing traffic is clear
A steady red light means stop. You must wait until the light turns green and there is no crossing traffic before you may move ahead.
9. What is the maximum speed limit within a posted school zone in New Mexico?
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Correct answer: 15 mph
The maximum speed within a school zone with a posted speed limit is 15 mph.
10. Where there are no signs or lane markings to control turning, you should:
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Correct answer: Turn from the lane closest to the direction you want to go, into the lane closest to the one you came from
Turn from the lane closest to the direction you want to go and turn into the lane closest to the one you came from. This way you cross the fewest lanes of traffic.
11. If you need glasses or contact lenses to drive, you should:
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Correct answer: Always wear them when you drive
If you need glasses or contact lenses for driving, always wear them when you drive. Avoid dark glasses or tinted contact lenses at night — they cut down the light you need to see clearly.
12. When you drive with an instructional permit, the licensed driver supervising you must be at least:
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Correct answer: 21 years old and licensed for at least three years
A permit holder must be supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 and has been licensed for at least three years (in New Mexico or another state), or by an approved driver-education instructor.
13. Every time you park your vehicle, you should:
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Correct answer: Set your parking brake
Always set your parking brake when you park. Leave the vehicle in gear if it has a manual transmission, or in "park" if it has an automatic transmission.
14. If pumping the brake pedal does not restore your brakes, you should next:
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Correct answer: Apply the parking brake slowly, ready to release it if the vehicle skids
If pumping the brakes does not work, use the parking brake. Pull the handle slowly so you do not lock the rear wheels and cause a skid, and be ready to release it if the vehicle starts to skid. Then shift to lower gears and look for a safe place to stop.
15. At a four-way stop, who goes first?
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Correct answer: The driver who reaches the intersection first, after stopping completely
At a four-way stop, the driver who reaches the intersection first goes first, after coming to a complete stop.
16. To be a good driver, you should scan:
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Correct answer: Ahead, to the sides, and behind your vehicle
Scanning means knowing what is happening around your vehicle. Look ahead, to the sides and behind so you can spot problems, people and signs in time to react.
17. When passing a bicyclist, you should try to leave a clearance of at least:
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Correct answer: Five feet
Keep a safe distance when passing a bicyclist, trying for at least five feet, and pass only when it is safe and legal to do so.
18. At a steady red light, when may you turn right?
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Correct answer: After a full stop, if it is safe and no sign prohibits the turn
If you are turning right, you may turn after coming to a full stop, if it is safe to do so and there is no sign prohibiting the turn on red. Watch for pedestrians crossing in front of you.
19. Unless otherwise posted, what is the maximum speed limit in business or residential areas?
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Correct answer: 30 mph
Unless posted otherwise, the maximum speed in business or residential areas is 30 mph.
20. When making a right turn, you should avoid:
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Correct answer: Swinging wide to the left before or during the turn
On right turns, avoid swinging wide to the left. If you swing wide, a driver behind may think you are changing lanes or turning left and try to pass you on the right.
📱 These 20 questions are a warm-up. PermitPal for iPhone and iPad drills the full handbook-verified New Mexico bank of 234 questions with spaced repetition, and runs mock exams in the real 25-question format — plus motorcycle and CDL tracks. Free to start, $29.99 once.
New Mexico test facts
How many questions are on the New Mexico permit test?
25 questions. You need 18 correct (70%) — you can miss 7. Full details in the passing-score calculator.
What happens if I fail?
Retake scheduling varies by office — check with your local branch before you go back.
Can I take the New Mexico test in Spanish?
Yes — New Mexico offers the knowledge test in Spanish. Try the Spanish practice test. See which states test in Spanish.
What age can I get my permit in New Mexico?
The minimum learner's permit age is 15. You'll need 50 supervised practice hours (10 at night) before the license stage. Full ladder in the permit-age lookup.