NM MVD Permit Test: 2026 Guide

The New Mexico MVD Written Knowledge Exam has 25 questions, and you need 18 correct answers (72%) to pass. The test fee is $10. The questions are based on the New Mexico Driver's Manual. Try 10 free sample questions below, or take the full 25-question New Mexico practice test.

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NM MVD Permit Test at a glance

Official name	New Mexico MVD Written Knowledge Exam
Questions	25
Pass mark	18 of 25 correct (72%)
Test fee	$10
Time	Approx. 25-30 minutes
Official handbook	New Mexico Driver's Manual
Free practice test	25 questions with answers

Getting Your Instructional Permit in NM: Your 4-Step Checklist

Step 1: Are You Eligible?
- You must be at least 15 years old.
- You must be enrolled in a state-approved driver education program.
- You must pass a vision screening.
Step 2: What ID Do I Need?

You'll need a birth certificate, proof of Social Security Number, and two proofs of New Mexico residency.
Step 3: How Much Does the Test Cost?

The fee for the permit and knowledge test is $10.
Step 4: Understanding the Test Format

The knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you must answer at least 18 questions correctly (72%).
Step 5: Instructional Permit Rules & Restrictions
While driving with an Instructional Permit, you must follow these rules:
- Must be accompanied by a licensed adult age 21 or older.
- You must hold the permit for at least 6 months.
- You must complete a log of 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.

Free New Mexico practice questions

The first 10 questions of New Mexico Practice Test 1. The full practice test has 25 questions.

1. What is the minimum distance you are permitted to park from a fire hydrant?
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Answer: d) 15 feet

Traffic rules prohibit parking a vehicle within 15 feet of a fire hydrant to ensure emergency access.
2. What does a regulatory sign with a red circle and a red slash indicate?
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Answer: c) A prohibited action.

Some regulatory signs have a red circle with a red slash over a symbol. These signs prohibit certain actions, i.e., no left turn, no right turn, no U-turn, etc.
3. What should you do if the minimum posted speed on a road is too fast for you?
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Answer: c) Use another road.

If the minimum posted speed is too fast for you, you should use another road.
4. What action is required at a stop sign?
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Answer: b) Come to a full stop.

A stop sign has eight sides and is red with white letters. You must come to a full stop at a stop sign or stop line, if one is present.
5. In the absence of signs/markings, which lane should you turn into?
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Answer: b) The lane closest to the one you came from.

Where there are no signs or lane markings to control turning, you should turn from the lane that is closest to the direction you want to go and turn into the lane closest to the one you came from.
6. Which side of the island must you drive on in a traffic circle?
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Answer: d) The right side.

When you drive around a “traffic circle” you must drive on the right side of the island.
7. What are two key conditions for a safe parking spot?
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Answer: d) Far enough from travel lanes and visible to approaching vehicles.

Whenever you park, be sure it is in a place that is (1) far enough from any travel lane to avoid interfering with traffic and (2) visible to vehicles approaching from either direction.
8. What is the safest way to exit a parked vehicle?
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Answer: a) Check traffic and get out on the curb side if possible.

Check traffic before you open the door. Get out of the vehicle on the curb side if you can.
9. What should you do at a railroad crossing with more than one track?
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Answer: b) Wait until the passing train is well down the track before crossing.

Wait to ensure another train is not hidden by the first one on a second track.
10. Why should you not depend solely on your mirrors when backing up?
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Answer: a) You cannot see directly behind your vehicle with mirrors.

Mirrors leave blind spots directly behind the vehicle; direct vision is safer.

Take the full 25-question New Mexico practice test

NM MVD Permit Test: common questions

How many questions are on the NM MVD Permit Test?

The New Mexico MVD Written Knowledge Exam has 25 questions.

How many questions can you miss on the NM MVD Permit Test?

You need 18 of 25 correct (72%), so you can miss up to 7 questions.

How much does the NM MVD Permit Test cost?

The New Mexico test fee is $10. Fees change, so confirm the amount with the licensing office before you go.

How long does the NM MVD Permit Test take?

Approx. 25-30 minutes.

What should I study for the NM MVD Permit Test?

Study the New Mexico Driver's Manual; the test questions are based on it. Then check yourself with a practice test: FlashPath's free New Mexico Practice Test 1 has 25 questions with answers and explanations.

Is the FlashPath New Mexico practice test free?

Yes. Practice Test 1 (25 questions) is free on this site and in the app, with no sign-up. The app has 225 more New Mexico practice questions across Practice Tests 2 to 10; full access is a subscription.

What is the FlashPath Pass Guarantee?

If you have a paid FlashPath subscription and don't pass the NM MVD Permit Test, your next month is free. Email us within 30 days of the test with your store order ID and your result.

Guarantee terms: FlashPath Pass Guarantee.

New Mexico guides

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The FlashPath app

FlashPath (on the App Store as "DMV Permit Written Test 2026") is an iPhone and Android app for the New Mexico MVD Written Knowledge Exam, rated 4.9 from 65 App Store ratings, with 250 New Mexico questions across 10 practice tests, an explanation for every answer, missed-question review, an exam simulator and a Pass Guarantee (another month free if you don't pass).