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New Mexico motorcycle permit practice test

It's based on New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section. Practise New Mexico's own motorcycle rules below, then the full motorcycle manual tests.

New Mexico motorcycle rules

PermitNew Mexico instructional permits (Driver Manual p. 1): supervised by a driver at least 21 who is licensed for that type of vehicle; on motorcycles the licensed driver must follow the learner (in other vehicles the supervisor sits in the right front seat). General instructional permit rules: minimum age 15, knowledge and vision tests, parent/guardian consent under 18, held at least six months under the GDL system. Motorcycle-specific permit rules (if any) are on MVD pages that could not be retrieved.
Skills test or courseWritten and riding skills tests are state-required for the motorcycle endorsement; a motorcycle training course completion card presented to NM MVD earns a waiver of both tests (NMDOT Motorcycle Safety page; courses through the New Mexico Motorcycle Safety Program, nm-msp.org). Endorsement classes, age-by-engine-size rules and the under-18 course requirement are in MVD documents that could not be retrieved, so they are not recorded.
Helmet lawPartial: New Mexico law requires all motorcycle drivers and passengers under 18 to wear a helmet; the manual recommends helmets for all riders, meeting U.S. DOT standards and securely fastened (Driver Manual p. 37).
PassengersPassengers under 18 must wear a helmet (Driver Manual p. 37). Other passenger rules not available from retrievable sources.
Lane splitting or filteringThe Driver Manual says cars and motorcycles need a full lane to operate safely and 'lane sharing is usually prohibited' (p. 36); the statute was not reviewed, so the exact legal rule is not recorded.

New Mexico motorcycle law questions

16 questions

  1. Question 1Who must have a driver license to ride on New Mexico public roadways?

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    A: Anyone operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle. Anyone operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle on public roadways in New Mexico must have a driver license. New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section: The Driver License, page 1.

  2. Question 2When a New Mexico instructional permit holder practices on a motorcycle, where must the supervising licensed driver be?

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    B: Following the learner. In all vehicles except motorcycles the supervisor sits in the right front seat; on motorcycles the licensed driver must follow the learner. New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section: Instructional Permit, page 1.

  3. Question 3How old must the supervising driver be for a New Mexico instructional permit holder?

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    B: At least 21. A permit holder must be supervised by a driver at least 21 years old who is licensed to drive that type of vehicle. New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section: Instructional Permit, page 1.

  4. Question 4What license must the person supervising a New Mexico motorcycle learner hold?

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    B: A license to drive that type of vehicle. The supervisor must be licensed to drive that type of vehicle, so a motorcycle learner needs a motorcycle-licensed supervisor. New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section: Instructional Permit, page 1.

  5. Question 5What is the minimum age for a New Mexico instructional permit?

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    B: 15. The minimum age for an instructional permit is 15. New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section: Instructional Permit, page 1.

  6. Question 6Which tests must you pass to get a New Mexico instructional permit?

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    D: The knowledge test and vision test. To obtain an instructional permit you must be at least 15 and pass the knowledge test and vision test (with parent or guardian consent if under 18). New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section: Instructional Permit, page 1.

  7. Question 7Under New Mexico law, who must wear a helmet on a motorcycle?

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    C: Drivers and passengers under 18. New Mexico law requires all motorcycle drivers and passengers under 18 to wear a helmet. New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section: Helmet Requirements, page 37.

  8. Question 8A 17-year-old rides as a passenger on a motorcycle in New Mexico. Must they wear a helmet?

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    B: Yes, passengers under 18 must wear a helmet. The helmet requirement covers both motorcycle drivers and passengers under 18. New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section: Helmet Requirements, page 37.

  9. Question 9What does the New Mexico Driver Manual recommend about helmets for riders 18 and older?

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    C: It is recommended that all motorcycle drivers and passengers wear a helmet. Although the law covers riders under 18, the manual recommends that ALL motorcycle drivers and passengers wear a helmet. New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section: Helmet Requirements, page 37.

  10. Question 10According to the New Mexico manual, what standard should a motorcycle helmet meet?

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    D: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The manual says to choose a helmet that meets U.S. DOT standards (ANSI or Snell labels add assurance), fits snugly and has no defects. New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section: Helmet Requirements, page 37.

  11. Question 11What does the New Mexico Driver Manual say about lane sharing between cars and motorcycles?

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    C: Cars and motorcycles need a full lane, and lane sharing is usually prohibited. The manual says cars and motorcycles need a full lane to operate safely and lane sharing is usually prohibited. New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section: Lane Sharing, page 36.

  12. Question 12According to NMDOT, what does a motorcycle training completion card get you at New Mexico MVD?

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    D: A waiver of the state-required written and riding skills tests for the motorcycle endorsement. NMDOT says the training completion card, presented to NM MVD, earns a motorcycle endorsement test waiver of the written and riding skills tests. New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section: Motorcycle Safety.

  13. Question 13Which tests does New Mexico require for a motorcycle endorsement unless waived by training?

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    A: Written and riding skills tests. NMDOT describes the written and riding skills tests as state-required for the motorcycle endorsement. New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section: Motorcycle Safety.

  14. Question 14What is New Mexico's minimum liability coverage for injury to or destruction of others' property in one accident?

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    B: $10,000. The minimum is $10,000 for property damage, with $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury. New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section: Financial Responsibility Law (66-5-205/208), page 35.

  15. Question 15Under New Mexico's Mandatory Financial Responsibility Act, what must be carried in the vehicle?

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    D: Proof of liability insurance. The Act requires proof of motor vehicle liability insurance to be carried in the vehicle at all times. New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section: Financial Responsibility Law (66-5-205/208), page 34.

  16. Question 16According to the New Mexico manual, when following a motorcycle you may need a following distance of at least:

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    D: Four seconds. The manual lists following motorcycles among situations where you may need a four-second following distance. New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section: Space Ahead, page 24.

Answer every question to see your score.

Next: motorcycle manual tests

Full motorcycle practice tests

300 questions on riding skills and safety from the Motorcycle Operator Manual, which most states use.

Start the motorcycle practice tests

Manual: New Mexico Driver Manual, Motorcycles section. Source: New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (Taxation and Revenue Department), checked 2026-10-27.