Free New Mexico permit practice tests with 1011 exam-style questions, a timed mock exam sized to the real test, flashcards, a road-sign quiz, and an on-device AI tutor grounded in the official New Mexico driver handbook. The official New Mexico written knowledge test has 25 questions and requires 72% to pass.
About the New Mexico written test
Knowledge (written) test: 25 questions drawn from the New Mexico Driver Manual; must answer 18 correctly (72%) to pass. Covers signs, signals, right-of-way, speed, safe-driving practices, and DWI/impaired-driving law.
Vision test: Required at application (standard acuity screening).
Road (skills) test: Tests vehicle control, turns, backing, lane use, signaling, and observation. Required for the provisional/first license; may be administered by an MVD agent or by an MVD-contracted Driver Education School (in which case the score is entered on the certificate of completion).
Getting licensed in New Mexico
have held the instructional permit for at least 6 months (30 days are added to the 6 months for each traffic-violation conviction/adjudication committed while on the permit);
not have any traffic citation pending at the time of application;
have completed a practice-driving component of not less than 50 hours of actual driving, including not less than 10 hours of night driving (a parent or guardian certifies completion); and
have passed a road-skills exam (given by an MVD agent or an MVD-contracted Driver Education School), and completed a TSB-approved driver-education course that includes a DWI prevention and education component.
New Mexico written-test FAQ
What is the minimum age for a New Mexico instructional permit?
15.
What must you be enrolled in or have completed to get the instructional permit?
A Traffic Safety Bureau–approved driver education program.
What are the requirements for the adult who supervises an instructional-permit holder?
At least 21 years old and licensed for at least 3 years, in the front passenger seat.
At what age can you apply for a provisional license?
15½.
How long must you hold the instructional permit before the provisional license?
At least 6 months (plus 30 days for each traffic-violation conviction).
How many supervised practice hours are required before a provisional license, and how many at night?
50 hours total, including at least 10 hours at night.
During what hours may a provisional licensee drive without a qualifying reason or supervisor?
5:00 a.m. to midnight.
Name two exceptions that let a provisional driver drive after midnight.
Any two of: accompanied by a licensed driver 21+, family necessity, medical necessity, to/from work, to/from school or religious activity, or a medical emergency (with the required signed statement).