New Mexico MVD permit practice test 2
25 questions written from the New Mexico Driver Manual, covering following and passing, sharing the road, alcohol and drugs, licensing laws and penalties, safe and defensive driving and more. Pick an answer to see straight away whether you're right and why.
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Question 1Which situation calls for a four-second following distance?
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B: Following a motorcycle. Four seconds is needed on slippery roads, following motorcycles, with heavy loads or trailers, behind emergency vehicles, near railroad crossings, or stopped on a hill. New Mexico Driver Manual: Space Ahead, page 24.
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Question 2May a bicyclist legally take the whole travel lane?
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B: Yes, when necessary, such as to prepare for a left turn or avoid hazards. Bicycles may take the whole lane when necessary: to prepare for a left turn, avoid being squeezed, or avoid hazards. New Mexico Driver Manual: Bicycles Are Vehicles, page 25.
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Question 3How long does alcohol take to reach the brain?
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B: 20 to 40 minutes. Alcohol goes from the stomach into the blood and reaches the brain in 20 to 40 minutes. New Mexico Driver Manual: Why is Drinking and Driving So Dangerous?, page 29.
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Question 4How old must the licensed supervising driver be for a New Mexico instructional permit holder?
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C: 21. A permit holder must be supervised by a licensed driver at least 21 years old (or an approved instructor). New Mexico Driver Manual: Instructional Permit, page 1.
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Question 5Children under what age or weight must be secured in an approved child safety device?
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B: Under 24 months or under 60 pounds. Children under 24 months, or weighing less than 60 pounds, must be secured in an approved safety device. New Mexico Driver Manual: Safety Belts and Child Restraints, page 3.
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Question 6When turning left on a steady green light (no arrow), who has the right-of-way?
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B: Oncoming traffic. On a steady green, you may turn left only when safe; oncoming traffic has the right-of-way. New Mexico Driver Manual: Traffic Signals, page 4.
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Question 7What does a round yellow sign with an X and the letters RR mean?
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B: A railroad crossing is ahead. A round yellow sign with an X and RR is placed along the road before a railroad crossing. New Mexico Driver Manual: Railroad Crossing Warning Signs, page 5.
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Question 8When may you drive on the shoulder of the road?
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B: Only when told to by officials. Unless told to by officials, never drive on the shoulder. New Mexico Driver Manual: General Rules, page 10.
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Question 9When making a left turn, what should you avoid?
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B: Cutting the corner so sharply you hit someone approaching from the left. Avoid cutting the corner sharply, but leave room for oncoming vehicles to turn left in front of you. New Mexico Driver Manual: General Rules, page 11.
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Question 10Under New Mexico's White Cane Law, what must drivers do near a pedestrian with a white or metallic cane or guide dog?
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B: Take all necessary precautions to avoid injuring the pedestrian. Drivers must take all necessary precautions to avoid injuring a blind pedestrian with a white/metallic cane or guide dog. New Mexico Driver Manual: Right-of-Way, page 11.
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Question 11Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit on New Mexico public highways?
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C: 55 mph. Public highways have a 55 mph limit unless posted otherwise. New Mexico Driver Manual: Speed Limits, page 12.
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Question 12In New Mexico, do not park within how many feet of a traffic signal, stop sign or yield sign?
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D: 30 feet. Do not park within 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign or yield sign. New Mexico Driver Manual: Parking, page 13.
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Question 13When following another vehicle, use low beams within how many feet?
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B: 200 feet. Use your low beams within 200 feet when following another vehicle or in heavy traffic. New Mexico Driver Manual: Use Your Lights, page 18.
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Question 14Your brakes stop working. What should you try first?
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B: Pump the brake pedal several times. Pump the brake pedal several times; this often builds enough pressure to stop. New Mexico Driver Manual: Brake Failure, page 31.
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Question 15How can you help keep the driver behind you at a safe distance?
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B: Keep a steady speed and signal well in advance. Keeping a steady speed and signaling in advance helps the driver behind keep a safe distance. New Mexico Driver Manual: Space Behind, page 24.
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Question 16After passing a bicyclist on your right, what should you NOT do?
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B: Make a sudden right turn in front of the bicyclist. Do not make a sudden right turn after passing a bicyclist; slow down and merge behind them before turning. New Mexico Driver Manual: Bicycles Are Vehicles, page 26.
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Question 17With how many drinks in your bloodstream does the manual say you are impaired and could be arrested?
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B: Two or more. With two or more drinks in your bloodstream you are impaired and could be arrested; even one drink affects driving. New Mexico Driver Manual: Effects of Alcohol, page 29.
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Question 18Besides being 21, how long must a supervising driver have been licensed?
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C: At least three years. The supervising licensed driver must be 21 or older and licensed for at least three years in this or any other state. New Mexico Driver Manual: Instructional Permit, page 1.
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Question 19Where should a child safety seat never be placed, according to the manual?
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B: In the front passenger seat, especially with an air bag. Never secure a child in the front passenger side, especially if the vehicle has an air bag. New Mexico Driver Manual: Safety Belts and Child Restraints, page 3.
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Question 20You are already in the intersection when the light turns yellow. What should you do?
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B: Continue through the intersection. If you are in the intersection when the yellow light comes on, do not stop but continue through. New Mexico Driver Manual: Traffic Signals, page 4.
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Question 21The white X-shaped crossbuck at a railroad crossing has the same meaning as what sign?
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B: Yield. The crossbuck has the same meaning as a Yield sign; you must yield to crossing trains. New Mexico Driver Manual: Railroad Crossing Warning Signs, page 5.
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Question 22You missed your exit. What should you do?
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B: Go on to where you can safely turn around. If you miss your turn or exit, do not back up; continue to a safe place to turn around. New Mexico Driver Manual: General Rules, page 10.
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Question 23With two or more marked turning lanes, what should you do during the turn?
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B: Stay in your lane. If signs or markings allow two or more turning lanes, stay in your lane during the turn. New Mexico Driver Manual: General Rules, page 11.
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Question 24Who must yield when you are turning left and an oncoming vehicle is going straight?
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B: You, the left-turning driver. Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight ahead. New Mexico Driver Manual: Right-of-Way, page 11.
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Question 25What is the maximum speed on New Mexico rural interstate highways unless posted otherwise?
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C: 75 mph. The manual lists 75 mph on rural interstate highways unless posted otherwise. New Mexico Driver Manual: Speed Limits, page 12.
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How to use these tests
Read each explanation, even when you get the question right: it tells you the rule and the handbook section, so you can look it up. Your answers are saved in this browser only, so the weak spots mode can give you more questions on the topics you miss. When you're scoring well, take the exam simulator: it uses 25 questions at the MVD's pass mark, since it doesn't publish the number of questions.
Our own questions, written from the New Mexico Driver Manual and checked against it. Not affiliated with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (Taxation and Revenue Department). Found a mistake? Tell us.