New Mexico: Seat belts and child safety Practice Test
Safety belts, child restraints for children under 12, under 60 pounds or under 24 months, and motorcycle helmets.
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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 17 questions in this practice test
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Besides fastening your safety belts, what else does the manual tell you to remember before you drive?
- To turn on the hazard lights
- To open the windows
- To lock the vehicle's doors
- To set the cruise control
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Correct answer: To lock the vehicle's doors
Before you drive, the manual says to fasten your safety belts, make sure passengers use theirs, and lock the vehicle's doors.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 3
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What does the manual say about driving without wearing safety belts in New Mexico?
- It is legal for drivers over 21
- It is illegal
- It is legal on roads with low speed limits
- It is legal on short trips
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Correct answer: It is illegal
The manual states that in New Mexico it is illegal to drive without wearing safety belts.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 3
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If your vehicle has a two-part safety belt system, what should you wear?
- Only the shoulder belt
- Only the lap belt
- Either part, since each gives full protection
- Both the lap belt and the shoulder belt
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Correct answer: Both the lap belt and the shoulder belt
With a two-part system you should wear both belts, because wearing either part alone reduces your protection.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 3
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If you have an automatic shoulder belt, what else should you do?
- Nothing, because it gives full protection
- Buckle your lap belt as well
- Remove it on short trips
- Hold the belt with your hand
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Correct answer: Buckle your lap belt as well
You should buckle the lap belt too; otherwise in a collision you could slide out of the belt and be hurt or killed.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 3
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The law requires all children under what age to wear appropriate safety restraints while the vehicle is in motion?
- 8
- 10
- 14
- 12
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Correct answer: 12
The law requires all children under the age of 12 to wear appropriate safety restraints while the vehicle is in motion.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 3
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A child weighing less than how many pounds must be secured in an approved safety device?
- 60 pounds
- 40 pounds
- 50 pounds
- 80 pounds
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Correct answer: 60 pounds
Children under 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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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
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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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Where should children be secured in a vehicle?
- In the rear seat
- In the front passenger seat
- In the front seat if the air bag is off
- In any seat if they are buckled
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Correct answer: In the rear seat
The manual says children should be secured in the rear seat.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 3
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Why does the manual say never to secure a child in the front passenger side, especially if the vehicle has an air bag?
- The air bag could shut off the engine
- The child would block the driver's view
- A deploying air bag in a crash could injure the child
- The seat belt would not fit the passenger side
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Correct answer: A deploying air bag in a crash could injure the child
If you are in a crash and the air bag deploys, a child in the front passenger side could be injured.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 3
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What does the manual say about drivers who cannot afford a child safety device?
- The MVD issues one at renewal
- A number of organizations will loan one
- No child restraint is required
- The state mails one to the family
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Correct answer: A number of organizations will loan one
The manual says a number of organizations will loan you a child safety device if you are unable to afford one.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 3
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What is the most important thing you can do to lessen injuries if you cannot avoid a collision?
- Tighten your grip on the steering wheel
- Use your lap and shoulder belts
- Turn off the ignition
- Brace your feet against the floor
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Correct answer: Use your lap and shoulder belts
If you cannot avoid a collision, the most important thing you can do is to use your lap and shoulder belts.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 33
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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
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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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Which of these should a motorcycle helmet do to give the most protection?
- Fit loosely so it can move with the head
- Fit snugly, all the way around
- Have a tinted visor for night riding
- Be the lightest helmet available
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Correct answer: Fit snugly, all the way around
For the most protection the helmet should fit snugly all the way around.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 37
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Which standards should a motorcycle helmet meet?
- Standards set only by the helmet maker
- Standards set by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation
- Standards set by each county
- U.S. DOT standards
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Correct answer: U.S. DOT standards
The manual says a helmet should meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 37
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What do helmet labels from ANSI or the Snell Memorial Foundation give a rider?
- An added assurance of quality
- Proof that the helmet is legal in every state
- Protection against every kind of head injury
- A guarantee the helmet never needs replacing
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Correct answer: An added assurance of quality
Helmets with ANSI or Snell Memorial Foundation labels give added assurance of quality.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 37
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Which defects should a motorcycle helmet not have?
- A rubber chin strap and a foam liner
- A painted surface or a decorative sticker
- Cracks, loose padding or frayed straps
- A visor that can be lifted and lowered
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Correct answer: Cracks, loose padding or frayed straps
A helmet should have no obvious defects such as cracks, loose padding or frayed straps.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 37
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How should a rider keep a helmet while riding?
- Loosely buckled for comfort
- Securely fastened on the head
- Unfastened at low speeds
- Fastened only on freeways
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Correct answer: Securely fastened on the head
Whatever helmet you choose, keep it securely fastened on your head when you ride.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (Version 11.19.19), page 37