New Mexico MVD permit practice test 2026
You need 70% correct to pass the New Mexico MVD knowledge test. Our 256 practice questions are written from the New Mexico Driver Manual (2026), and every answer tells you where to find the rule in the handbook. Free, with no sign-up.
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All 10 New Mexico practice tests
Each test mixes questions from every part of the handbook. Work through them in order, then use the simulator.
The New Mexico MVD knowledge test
MVD knowledge exam at an MVD field office or an MVD-contracted driver education school. You also need to pass a vision test for the permit.
Source: New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (Taxation and Revenue Department), checked 2026-10-27.
What the test covers
Our questions follow the handbook's chapters. The number of practice questions on each topic:
| Topic | Practice questions |
|---|---|
| Emergencies | 30 |
| Licensing laws and penalties | 29 |
| Hazards, weather and night driving | 29 |
| Safe and defensive driving | 28 |
| Signals and pavement markings | 20 |
| Sharing the road | 20 |
| Road signs | 17 |
| Alcohol and drugs | 16 |
| Right of way | 15 |
| Parking | 14 |
| Lanes, highways and freeways | 10 |
| Speed limits | 10 |
| Turns and intersections | 9 |
| Following and passing | 9 |
New Mexico learner's permit rules
- Minimum age: 15
- Hold the permit for at least 6 months (extended 30 days for each traffic violation conviction while on the permit) before the road test
- 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night
- Must be enrolled in and attending a Traffic Safety Bureau-approved driver education course that includes DWI education
- Supervising driver: an approved instructor beside the driver, or a licensed driver 21+ licensed at least three years, in the right front seat (on motorcycles, the licensed driver follows the learner)
- Parent or guardian consent required under 18
- Under 21: a .02 alcohol concentration can mean a 6-month revocation
Fees: Instructional permit $10.00; Provisional license $18.00; Full license, 4 years $18.00; Full license, 8 years $34.00; DWI records check, one-time, drivers moving to New Mexico from out of state (makes a 4-year license $33, 8-year $49) $15.00.
The official handbook
Everything on the test comes from the New Mexico Driver Manual, also available in Spanish. Read it alongside the practice tests. Our chapter-by-chapter guide.
Renewing your license
Vision screening (20/40 in one eye) at every renewal. An 8-year license is not issued to anyone who would reach 79 during its last four years; licenses for ages 76-78 expire 30 days after the 79th birthday; drivers 79 and older get one-year licenses with annual renewal and no fee.
Questions
How many questions are on the New Mexico permit test?
The New Mexico MVD doesn't publish the number of questions. You need 70% correct to pass.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in New Mexico?
15. You then hold the permit for at least 6 months (extended 30 days for each traffic violation conviction while on the permit) before the road test and 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night.
What happens if I fail the New Mexico permit test?
You can retake it: Written test: no wait (same day allowed, up to two attempts per week). Road test: at least one week. After three failures of either test: six months. You may retake the written test as soon as you want, even the same day, but no more than twice in one week. After failing the written or road test three times, you must wait six months from the application date before retesting.
Can I take the New Mexico permit test in Spanish or another language?
English, Spanish, Tagalog, Italian, German, French, Vietnamese and Chinese.
What do I need to bring for the New Mexico permit test?
Proof of identity and identification number (REAL ID or standard document lists); Two proofs of New Mexico residency; Parent/guardian to sign the application if under 18; Proof of having completed or being enrolled in a state-approved driver education program, and a referral card from a TSB-approved driver education school (under 18); $10 fee.
What is the vision requirement in New Mexico?
At least 20/40 in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses (new and renewal).
Independent practice tests, not affiliated with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (Taxation and Revenue Department). Questions written by us from the official handbook and checked against it.