Free New Mexico Permit Practice Tests 2025

In New Mexico you must be 15 years old to apply for an instructional permit. This applies to all first time permit applicants regardless of previous driving experience.

When you apply for a permit in New Mexico you will need to bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Two proofs of New Mexico residency (showing you live in New Mexico)
• Social Security number (card or document with your SSN)
• Proof of lawful status in the United States
• Completed application (available at MVD offices or online)
• Payment for the application fee

If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant license, additional documentation may be required. Check the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) website for current accepted documents.

Yes. If you’re under 18 a parent or legal guardian must:

• Sign your permit application
• Accept financial responsibility for you
• Give consent for you to receive the instructional permit
• Accompany you to the MVD office when you apply

The application process in New Mexico is as follows:

1. Complete the driver’s license application
2. Gather all required documents
3. Go to your local MVD office with a parent or guardian (if under 18)
4. Pay the fee
5. Take the vision screening
6. Take the knowledge test
7. Get your photo taken

New Mexico allows you to start the application process online by completing a pre-application. However, you must visit an MVD office in person to:

• Complete the application
• Submit your documents
• Take your vision test
• Complete your knowledge test

The New Mexico MVD charges a non-refundable application fee for a permit. This fee covers processing your application, the knowledge test, and issuing your permit. Check the New Mexico MVD website for current fee information.

To get your permit in New Mexico, you must pass:

• A vision screening to ensure you meet minimum vision standards
• A knowledge test with multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

The New Mexico permit knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 18 questions correctly (72%) to pass.

The New Mexico permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• Effects of alcohol and drugs on driving

The best ways to prepare for your New Mexico permit test:

• Study the New Mexico Driver Manual thoroughly, available on our website at New Mexico Driver Manual
• Take our free practice tests that mirror the actual permit test
• Review the test materials multiple times to ensure you understand the key concepts
• Pay special attention to road signs, signals, and traffic laws

If you fail the New Mexico permit test:

• You must wait at least one day before retaking the test
• You may have to pay a fee for each additional test attempt
• You should study the areas where you had difficulty before retaking the test
• There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test

With a New Mexico instructional permit you can:

• Practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has had a license for at least 3 years
• This supervising driver must sit in the front passenger seat
• Gain experience to prepare for your road test

When driving with a permit in New Mexico you:

• Must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has had a license for at least 3 years
• Cannot use any electronic communication devices while driving, even in hands-free mode
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
• May not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or a licensed driver authorized by your parent/guardian

In New Mexico, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before applying for a provisional license
• You must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, with 10 hours at night
• You cannot have been convicted of a traffic violation in the 90 days prior to applying for your provisional license

If you are 18 or older:

• There is no minimum holding period; practice enough to become a safe driver before taking your road test

New Mexico requires different driver education based on your age:

• If you are under 18: You must take a driver education course approved by the Traffic Safety Bureau. This course must include at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 7 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
• If you are 18 or older: Driver education is not required, but it is recommended to help you become a better driver.

In New Mexico, before you get your license, the requirements depend on your age:

• If you are under 18, you must complete:
  • A driver education course approved by the Traffic Safety Bureau
  • 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night) with someone 21 or older who has had a license for at least 3 years
  • A defensive driving course if applying for a provisional license
• If you are 18 or older: No formal driver education is required, but it is recommended.

You can find New Mexico-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking with your high school
• Visiting the New Mexico Traffic Safety Bureau website for a list of licensed driving schools
• Confirming the program is approved by the New Mexico MVD before enrolling

The New Mexico road test will check:

• If you can safely operate the vehicle
• If you follow traffic laws and signs
• Basic maneuvers like turns, lane changes, and parking
• Safe driving practices and awareness of other road users
• Penalties for violating traffic laws

Before you start, the MVD examiner will assess your knowledge of vehicle controls and safety features, such as:

• Turn signals
• Emergency/parking brake
• Headlights and high beams
• Windshield wipers
• Horn and hazard lights

You can schedule your road test in New Mexico by:

• Visiting the New Mexico MVD website and using their online appointment system
• Calling your local MVD office
• Visiting an MVD office in person

On the day of your road test in New Mexico, bring:

• Your permit
• A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old with at least three years of driving experience
• A vehicle that is registered, insured, and safe for the test
• Proof of insurance and registration
• If you’re under 18, proof of completion of driver education and 50 hours of supervised driving

Most common reasons for failing the New Mexico road test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Loss of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings
• Difficulty with parallel parking

To convert your permit to a license in New Mexico:
If you are under 18:

• Hold your permit for at least 6 months
• Complete driver education and 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night)
• Ensure you have no traffic violations in the 90 days prior to applying
• Be at least 16 years old
• Pass the road test
• Pay the fees

If you are 18 or older:

• Practice with your permit
• Schedule and pass the road test
• Pay the fees

New Mexico’s graduated licensing program for minors has these stages:

• Instructional Permit: Issued at 15 years old after passing the vision screening and knowledge test; valid for 12 months.
• Provisional License: Issued at 16 years old if you have held your permit for at least 6 months, completed driver education, and 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night), and passed the road test.
• Full License: Your provisional license becomes a regular license with no restrictions when you turn 18.
• Adults 18 and older can go directly from permit to full license after passing the road test.

As a new driver under 18 in New Mexico, your provisional license will have these restrictions:

• No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older or if traveling to/from work or a school-sponsored event (with written permission)
• Limited to no more than one passenger under 21 who is not an immediate family member
• You and all passengers must wear seat belts
• No use of mobile communication devices while driving, even in hands-free mode

These restrictions apply until you turn 18.

New Mexico does not recognize out-of-state permits. If you are moving to New Mexico with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a New Mexico permit
• You may be able to transfer some of your previous driver education and training credits
• Contact your local MVD office for specific requirements

New Mexico offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Oral knowledge tests
• Sign language interpreters (with advance notice)
• Extended testing time
• Use of special equipment in your own vehicle for the driving test
• Contact your local MVD office before your appointment to request accommodations

Yes, New Mexico issues driver’s licenses for all residents regardless of immigration status. Non-U.S. citizens can get a permit or license by providing:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of New Mexico residency
• Other required documents

New Mexico offers two types of licenses: REAL ID-compliant (requires proof of lawful presence) and Standard ID (available to all residents). Visit the New Mexico MVD website for more details.

You can download the New Mexico Driver Manual here. Physical copies are also available at any MVD office.

Yes! We have free New Mexico practice tests that mirror the actual permit test. They are designed to help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your actual test.

For more information about the New Mexico permit process:

• Visit the New Mexico MVD website at mvd.newmexico.gov
• Call the MVD at 1-888-683-4636 during business hours
• Visit your local MVD office
• Email mvd.newmexico@state.nm.us for general questions

If you lose your New Mexico permit:

• You can get a replacement at any MVD office
• You will need to provide proof of your identity
• You will need to pay a replacement fee
• Report a lost or stolen permit as soon as possible

A parent or guardian who signed the application for a minor can cancel their teen’s permit or license by:

• Visiting an MVD office
• Filling out the cancellation form
• Showing identification to prove their relationship to the minor
• Returning the minor’s permit or license if possible