New Mexico: 30 Hardest Driving Test Questions
Questions that need a second thought, picked for close numbers, exceptions and easy-to-confuse rules. Take your time.
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "New Mexico Driver Manual" (Version 11.19.19), New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
All 30 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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On a road with three or more lanes traveling in your direction and a lot of entering or exiting traffic, which lane should you use?
- The left-most lane
- The center travel lane
- The shoulder
- Whichever lane has the fewest cars
Show answer
Correct answer: The center travel lane
On a road with three or more lanes in the same direction, use the center travel lane if there is a lot of entering or exiting traffic.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 10
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A pedestrian is crossing against the traffic signal. What must you do?
- Continue, since you have the right-of-way
- Yield to the pedestrian
- Sound your horn and drive through
- Speed up to pass in front of the pedestrian
Show answer
Correct answer: Yield to the pedestrian
You must always yield to a pedestrian, even if the pedestrian is not obeying traffic controls.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 11
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You are in an intersection when an emergency vehicle approaches. What should you do?
- Drive through the intersection before you pull over
- Stop where you are in the middle of the intersection
- Pull over immediately inside the intersection
- Back up out of the intersection
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Correct answer: Drive through the intersection before you pull over
If you are in an intersection when an emergency vehicle approaches, you should drive through the intersection before you pull over.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 12
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When should you stop at an accident you are not involved in?
- Only if emergency help has not yet arrived
- Whenever you are able to see the crash
- Whenever you have a first aid kit
- Never, under any circumstances
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Correct answer: Only if emergency help has not yet arrived
The manual says not to stop at an accident unless you are involved or emergency help has not yet arrived.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 33
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A regulatory sign shows a red circle with a red slash over a symbol, such as a turning arrow. What does it mean?
- The action shown is required
- The action shown is allowed only at night
- The action shown is prohibited
- The action shown is allowed only for trucks
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Correct answer: The action shown is prohibited
A red circle with a red slash over a symbol prohibits certain actions, such as a left turn, right turn or U-turn.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 6
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You face a red arrow. When may you proceed?
- After a full stop, when you see no traffic coming
- When the red arrow goes off and a green arrow or light goes on
- When the red arrow begins to flash on and off quickly
- As soon as there is no crossing traffic at the intersection
Show answer
Correct answer: When the red arrow goes off and a green arrow or light goes on
A red arrow means you must stop and cannot go in the direction of the arrow until it goes off and a green arrow or light goes on.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 4
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A special light over a reversible lane shows a red “X”. What does it mean?
- You cannot use the lane beneath it
- The lane is open to all traffic
- You may use the lane if you drive slowly
- The lane is for emergency vehicles only
Show answer
Correct answer: You cannot use the lane beneath it
Over a reversible lane, a red “X” means you cannot use that lane.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 9
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If you have to wait for space to enter a roadway from a ramp, what should you do?
- Stop at the end of the ramp and wait for a gap in traffic
- Speed up and force your way into the first gap you see
- Slow down on the ramp so you have room to speed up before you merge
- Wait at the start of the ramp until the road is completely clear
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down on the ramp so you have room to speed up before you merge
The manual says to slow down on the ramp so you have some room to speed up before you have to merge.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 22
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Within what distance should you use your low beams when following another vehicle or when in heavy traffic?
- Within 50 feet
- Within 200 feet
- Within 100 feet
- Within 300 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Within 200 feet
The manual says to use your low beams within 200 feet when following another vehicle or when in heavy traffic.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 18
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On which vehicles might you see a reflective orange triangle on the rear?
- Farm vehicles or horse drawn wagons
- Ambulances and fire engines in emergencies
- Mail trucks and city school buses
- Police cars and highway tow trucks
Show answer
Correct answer: Farm vehicles or horse drawn wagons
A slow moving vehicle decal may be seen on construction equipment, farm vehicles and horse drawn wagons or carriages.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 7
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Under what condition should you never start to cross a railroad crossing?
- If there is not enough room for your vehicle on the far side
- If it is raining hard or the road surface is wet
- If your vehicle has a manual transmission and a heavy load
- If the crossing has a crossbuck sign at the side of the road
Show answer
Correct answer: If there is not enough room for your vehicle on the far side
Never start to cross if there is not enough room for your vehicle on the far side and you would have to stop on the tracks.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 5
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After a school bus's red lights stop flashing, when may you proceed?
- Right away, as soon as the red lights have stopped flashing
- As soon as the school bus begins to move again
- As soon as the bus doors have closed behind the children
- When the children have completely left the roadway and it is safe
Show answer
Correct answer: When the children have completely left the roadway and it is safe
After the red lights stop flashing, you must watch for children and not proceed until they have completely left the roadway and it is safe.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 12
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A driver is overtaking a vehicle traveling in the same direction, and that vehicle is slowing or coming to a stop. What must the overtaking driver do?
- Pass it on the right
- Sound the horn and pass quickly
- Assume it will yield
- Yield to that vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Yield to that vehicle
Drivers overtaking a vehicle traveling in the same direction must yield to that vehicle, even if it is slowing or coming to a stop.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 12
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At a speed of 55 mph, about how long do you need to pass?
- About 10 seconds
- About 4 seconds
- About 6 seconds
- About 20 seconds
Show answer
Correct answer: About 10 seconds
The manual says that at 55 mph you need about 10 seconds to pass, so you need a 10 second gap in oncoming traffic and sight-distance.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 25
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As well as children weighing less than 60 pounds, children younger than which age must be secured in an approved safety device?
- 12 months
- 18 months
- 24 months
- 36 months
Show answer
Correct answer: 24 months
Children under the age of 24 months, or weighing less than 60 pounds, must be secured in an approved safety device.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 3
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New Mexico law requires which motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear a helmet?
- All of those under 16 years old
- All of those under 21 years old
- All of those under 18 years old
- Only drivers, never passengers
Show answer
Correct answer: All of those under 18 years old
New Mexico law requires all motorcycle drivers and passengers under 18 years old to wear a helmet, and the manual recommends it for all.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 37
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In New Mexico, if you are under 21, you also can be arrested for a BAC of at least what percentage?
- 0.02%
- 0.01%
- 0.04%
- 0.05%
Show answer
Correct answer: 0.02%
In New Mexico, a driver under 21 also can be arrested for a BAC at .02%.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 29
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What vision standard does New Mexico's vision test measure?
- At least 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses
- At least 20/40 vision in both eyes, with or without corrective lenses
- At least 20/40 vision in at least one eye, without corrective lenses
- At least 20/40 vision in each eye, with corrective lenses only
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses
New Mexico requires you to pass a vision test showing at least 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 28
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How close to a traffic signal, stop sign or yield sign are you not allowed to park?
- Within 10 ft.
- Within 30 ft.
- Within 35 ft.
- Within 40 ft.
Show answer
Correct answer: Within 30 ft.
You may not park within 30 ft. of a traffic signal, stop sign or yield sign.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 13
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School buses, taxis and trucks carrying explosives or gasoline must stop at least how far from a railroad crossing before proceeding?
- 5 feet
- 10 feet
- 15 feet
- 50 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 feet
These vehicles must stop at least 15 feet from a railroad crossing before proceeding.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 6
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Under what condition may you cross a solid yellow line?
- To turn into a driveway, if it is safe to do so
- To pass a slower vehicle on a straight road
- To make a U-turn anywhere along the road
- To avoid slowing down behind a bus
Show answer
Correct answer: To turn into a driveway, if it is safe to do so
You may cross a solid yellow line to turn into a driveway if it is safe to do so.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 8
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When passing a bicyclist, motor vehicle drivers are required to keep a safe distance and try for at least how much space?
- At least two feet
- At least three feet
- At least five feet
- At least ten feet
Show answer
Correct answer: At least five feet
Drivers must keep a safe distance when passing a bicyclist, trying for at least five feet, and pass only when it is safe and legal.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 25
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In very heavy rain, snow or thick fog, when you cannot see farther than about 200 feet, what is the fastest you can safely drive?
- 20 mph
- 40 mph
- 30 mph
- 45 mph
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 mph
The manual says that when you cannot see any farther than about 200 feet, you cannot safely drive faster than 30 mph.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 23
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How far ahead of their vehicle do safer drivers tend to look?
- At least 5 seconds
- At least 10 seconds
- At least 6 seconds
- At least 8 seconds
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 10 seconds
The manual says safer drivers tend to look at least 10 seconds ahead of their vehicle.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 15
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What is the minimum liability coverage required for bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident?
- $15,000
- $30,000
- $25,000
- $100,000
Show answer
Correct answer: $25,000
The law's minimum amount for bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident is $25,000.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 35
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A provisional license allows you to drive without supervision, except during which hours?
- Between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM
- Between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM
- Between 9:00 PM and 4:00 AM
- Between midnight and 5:00 AM
Show answer
Correct answer: Between midnight and 5:00 AM
A provisional license allows driving without supervision except during the hours of midnight and 5:00 AM.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 1
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In a heavy rain, at about what speed can your tires lose all traction with the road?
- About 50 mph
- About 30 mph
- About 40 mph
- About 65 mph
Show answer
Correct answer: About 50 mph
The manual says that in a heavy rain your tires can lose all traction with the road at about 50 mph.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 20
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How far from the curb are you not allowed to park?
- More than 18 inches
- More than 6 inches
- More than 12 inches
- More than 24 inches
Show answer
Correct answer: More than 18 inches
You may not park more than 18 in. from the curb.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 13
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How close to a fire station driveway are you not allowed to park?
- Within 75 ft. on the same side of the street and within 20 ft. on the other side
- Within 50 ft. on the same side of the street and within 25 ft. on the other side
- Within 10 ft. on the same side of the street and within 30 ft. on the other side
- Within 20 ft. on the same side of the street and within 75 ft. on the other side
Show answer
Correct answer: Within 20 ft. on the same side of the street and within 75 ft. on the other side
You may not park within 20 ft. of a fire station driveway on the same side of the street, or within 75 ft. of a driveway on the other side.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 13
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How long does it take alcohol to reach your brain after you drink it?
- 1 to 5 minutes
- About 1 hour
- 20 to 40 minutes
- 2 to 3 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: 20 to 40 minutes
The manual says alcohol goes from the stomach into the blood and reaches the brain in 20 to 40 minutes.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 29