New Mexico DMV Practice Test

Question 1

Children under what age generally must ride in a child safety seat?

Accepted Answer

8 years old

Answer

2 years old

Answer

4 years old

Answer

10 years old

Question 2

New Mexico teen drivers (under 18) with a graduated license may not drive between:

Accepted Answer

11 PM and 5 AM

Answer

10 PM and 5 AM

Answer

Midnight and 5 AM

Answer

10 PM and 6 AM

Question 3

When a vehicle is attempting to merge from an on-ramp, what should you do if you are in the right lane?

Accepted Answer

If safe, move left one lane or adjust your speed to create a gap for the merging vehicle

Answer

Speed up to close any gap so they cannot merge

Answer

Maintain your speed — the merging driver must adjust

Answer

Flash your lights and honk to indicate they must wait

Question 4

How long before a lane change should you signal?

Accepted Answer

At least 100 feet (or 3-5 seconds) before the lane change at low speeds; more on highways

Answer

At the same moment you begin the lane change

Answer

Only signal on freeways — not in city driving

Answer

Signals are not required for short lane changes

Question 5

On New Mexico freeways, drivers should keep right unless:

Accepted Answer

They are passing another vehicle

Answer

They are traveling at the speed limit

Answer

The right lane has an on-ramp nearby

Answer

There are only two lanes in the same direction

Question 6

New Mexico's Move Over law (NMSA § 66-7-332) requires drivers who cannot change lanes to reduce speed by:

Accepted Answer

25 mph below the posted limit

Answer

A complete stop

Answer

10 mph below the posted limit

Answer

15 mph below the posted limit

Question 7

What is 'drugged driving' and what are the legal consequences?

Accepted Answer

Driving impaired by any drug (illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter) that affects your ability to drive safely - illegal in all states with DUI penalties comparable to alcohol DUI

Answer

Only driving under the influence of illegal drugs

Answer

A minor traffic infraction

Answer

Only applies if the drug was taken less than 4 hours before driving

Question 8

Before backing out of a parking space, you should:

Accepted Answer

Check all windows and mirrors, walk around the vehicle to check for obstacles, and back slowly while continuing to check all areas

Answer

Honk once to alert others, then back quickly

Answer

Just check the rear window — pedestrians and other vehicles will yield to backing vehicles

Answer

Signal first, then back immediately

Question 9

What is an 'out-of-service' condition for a vehicle?

Accepted Answer

A defect serious enough to prohibit operation until repaired - includes completely failed brakes, structural failures, or defects that make the vehicle imminently dangerous

Answer

The vehicle needs routine maintenance

Answer

The vehicle registration has expired

Answer

The vehicle needs fuel

Question 10

In New Mexico, the minimum jail time for a first DWI conviction is:

Accepted Answer

24 hours, with a fine of $500–$1,000 and 1-year license revocation

Answer

48 hours minimum

Answer

No mandatory jail — fine only

Answer

72 hours minimum

New Mexico DMV Practice Test

Try 10 New Mexico questions now