New Mexico Driver Manual: study guide

Key rules by chapter

A few of the rules from each chapter that come up in our practice questions:

1. The Driver License (GDL, renewal, keeping the license, safety belts)

• A permit holder must be supervised by a licensed driver at least 21 years old (or an approved instructor).
• The supervising licensed driver must be 21 or older and licensed for at least three years in this or any other state.
• On motorcycles, the licensed driver must follow the learner.

2. Rules of the Road (signals, signs, markings, lanes, right-of-way, speed, parking, violations)

• Twelve or more points within twelve months results in a one-year license suspension.
• Offenses like driving without insurance or registration do not carry points; they require a court appearance.
• The law requires all children under 12 to wear appropriate safety restraints while the vehicle is in motion.

3. Safe Driving Tips (basic driving, lights, communicating, road conditions, space)

• Twelve or more points within twelve months results in a one-year license suspension.
• Offenses like driving without insurance or registration do not carry points; they require a court appearance.
• On a wet road, reduce your speed by about 10 mph.

4. Sharing the Road (bicycles, large trucks and RVs)

• At 55 mph you need about 10 seconds to pass, so you need a 10-second gap in oncoming traffic.
• You must be able to see at least one-third of a mile ahead; don't start to pass within one-third mile of a hill or curve.
• Keep a safe distance when passing a bicyclist, trying for at least five feet.

5. Be in Shape to Drive (vision, fatigue, alcohol, drugs, health, cell phones)

• You must have at least 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses.
• Take breaks every hour or so, or when you need to.
• People with epilepsy should be stable and seizure-free for a 6-month period before being issued a license.

6. Emergencies, avoiding collisions, accidents and financial responsibility

• Keep a strong grip; steering is harder but works, and brakes still work but need more pressure.
• In most cases, you can turn the vehicle quicker than you can stop it.
• Without ABS, brake, then let up and turn; braking puts weight on the front tires for a quicker turn.

7. Motorcycles

• Over half of motorcycle/car collisions are caused by drivers entering a rider's right-of-way.
• New Mexico law requires motorcycle drivers and passengers under 18 to wear a helmet; it is recommended for all.
• Minimums are $25,000 for one person, $50,000 for two or more, and $10,000 for property damage.

How to study the handbook

Read one chapter, then take a practice test. Every answer explanation names the handbook section it comes from, so when you get one wrong, go back to that section. Pay most attention to exact numbers and to the rules specific to New Mexico, which are where most people lose points.

Languages: MVD Driver Procedures Manual, Chapter 11.