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New Mexico MVD permit practice test 5

25 questions written from the New Mexico Driver Manual, covering signals and pavement markings, road signs, lanes, highways and freeways, turns and intersections, right of way and more. Pick an answer to see straight away whether you're right and why.

25 questions
  1. Question 1What does a flashing red traffic light mean?

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    B: The same as a stop sign. A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign: full stop, then go when safe. New Mexico Driver Manual: Traffic Signals, page 4.

  2. Question 2What does a regulatory sign with a red circle and slash over a symbol mean?

    white and black and red square road sign
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    B: The action shown is prohibited. A red circle with a red slash over a symbol prohibits that action, such as no left turn or no U-turn. New Mexico Driver Manual: Regulatory Signs, page 6.

  3. Question 3If the road you are on has exit ramps, when should you slow down to exit?

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    B: Not until you move onto the exit ramp. Keep up with traffic on the main road and do not slow down until you are on the exit ramp. New Mexico Driver Manual: Adjusting to Traffic, page 22.

  4. Question 4How far before a turn should you signal in New Mexico?

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    B: At least 100 feet. Signal at least 100 feet before you make your turn. New Mexico Driver Manual: Letting Others Know What You Are Doing, page 19.

  5. Question 5When may you enter an intersection?

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    B: Only when you can get through it without having to stop. Drivers may not enter an intersection unless they can get through without having to stop and block it. New Mexico Driver Manual: Right-of-Way, page 11.

  6. Question 6Why should you check your speedometer often after leaving a high-speed road?

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    B: It is easy to be going much faster than you think. People are poor judges of speed, especially after leaving high-speed roads for slower local roads. New Mexico Driver Manual: Speeding, page 15.

  7. Question 7What does a white-painted curb mean?

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    A: Only short stops are permitted. A white curb means only short stops are permitted. New Mexico Driver Manual: Parking, page 14.

  8. Question 8When lights are necessary, within what distance of an approaching car should you be using headlights (not parking lights)?

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    B: At least 500 feet. Whenever lights are necessary, use headlights within at least 500 feet when approaching another car. New Mexico Driver Manual: Letting Others Know You Are There, page 18.

  9. Question 9Your headlights suddenly go out. What should you try first?

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    B: Try the headlight switch a few times. Try the headlight switch a few times; if that fails, use flashers, turn signals or fog lights and pull off. New Mexico Driver Manual: Headlight Failure, page 31.

  10. Question 10Should you pass if there is a railroad grade crossing ahead?

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    B: No. Do not pass if there is a railroad grade crossing ahead. New Mexico Driver Manual: Space to Pass, page 25.

  11. Question 11An average car at 55 mph can stop in about 400 feet. About how far might a large truck need?

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    B: Almost 800 feet. A large truck could take almost 800 feet to stop. New Mexico Driver Manual: Large Trucks and RVs, page 27.

  12. Question 12At what BAC can a driver under 21 be arrested in New Mexico?

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    B: .02%. If you are under 21, you can be arrested for a BAC of .02%. New Mexico Driver Manual: Alcohol and The Law, page 29.

  13. Question 13What is the minimum age for a New Mexico provisional license?

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    B: 15 years 6 months. The minimum age is 15 years and 6 months if the driver has held the permit for 6 months. New Mexico Driver Manual: Provisional License, page 1.

  14. Question 14Accelerating too fast on a slippery surface can cause what?

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    B: The drive wheels to spin and the vehicle to slide. Starting too fast can make the drive wheels spin, especially on slippery surfaces, causing a slide. New Mexico Driver Manual: Accelerating, page 14.

  15. Question 15What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean?

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    B: Slow down and proceed with caution. A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution. New Mexico Driver Manual: Traffic Signals, page 4.

  16. Question 16When should you drive at the maximum speed shown on a speed limit sign?

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    B: Only in ideal driving conditions. The maximum limit should be driven only in ideal conditions; reduce speed when conditions require it. New Mexico Driver Manual: Speed Limit Signs, page 6.

  17. Question 17How big a gap do you need to merge with traffic?

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    B: About four seconds. You need a gap of about four seconds to merge, change lanes or enter a roadway. New Mexico Driver Manual: Space to Merge, page 24.

  18. Question 18A car is about to enter the street between you and the driveway where you plan to turn. When should you signal?

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    B: After you pass that car. Wait until you have passed it to signal; otherwise the other driver may think you're turning where they are and pull into your path. New Mexico Driver Manual: Letting Others Know What You Are Doing, page 19.

  19. Question 19You are overtaking a vehicle that is slowing to stop. Who must yield?

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    B: You, the overtaking driver. Drivers overtaking a vehicle in the same direction must yield to it, even if it is slowing or stopping. New Mexico Driver Manual: Right-of-Way, page 12.

  20. Question 20If several vehicles are piled up behind you because you are driving slowly, what should you do?

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    B: Pull over when safe and let them pass. Going much slower than traffic can be dangerous; if vehicles pile up behind you, pull over when safe and let them pass. New Mexico Driver Manual: Adjusting to Traffic, page 21.

  21. Question 21What does a blue-painted curb mean?

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    B: Handicap parking only. Blue indicates handicap parking only. New Mexico Driver Manual: Parking, page 14.

  22. Question 22Why must you slow down on gravel or dirt roads?

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    B: You have less traction; stopping takes longer and it is easier to skid when turning. You don't have as much traction on gravel or dirt; it takes longer to stop and it's easier to skid. New Mexico Driver Manual: Adjusting to Road Conditions, page 20.

  23. Question 23Your gas pedal sticks. What should you do?

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    B: Keep your eyes on the road, quickly shift to neutral, pull off when safe and turn off the engine. Keep your eyes on the road, shift to neutral, pull off when safe, then turn off the engine. New Mexico Driver Manual: Gas Pedal Sticks, page 31.

  24. Question 24Why is passing near intersections dangerous?

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    B: Vehicles may enter or cross, and the vehicle you pass can block your view. Vehicles likely enter or cross at intersections, and the car you are passing can block your view. New Mexico Driver Manual: Space to Pass, page 25.

  25. Question 25You are following a big truck that looks like it is turning left. What should you do before you start to pass?

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    B: Wait a second and check its turn signals again; it may really be turning right. Big rigs swing wide for right turns, so a truck that seems to be turning left may actually be turning right. Wait a moment and recheck its signals before passing. New Mexico Driver Manual: Large Trucks and RVs, page 27.

Answer every question to see your score.

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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.