New Mexico DMV written test
New Mexico DMV Cheat Sheet
The New Mexico knowledge test facts in one place, checked against New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
New Mexico DMV test numbers to memorize
The New Mexico knowledge test has 25 questions and you need 18 correct, which is 72 percent. You can miss 7. The test is given by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
25
Questions on the test
18
72% to pass
Correct answers needed
7
Questions you can miss
15
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $18. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at MVD field office or contracted driver education provider
- Online test
- Not offered. You test in person.
- Appointment
- Not required. Appointments can be scheduled online up to 30 days in advance. Walk-ins accepted but wait times vary.
Before you go
Documents to bring in New Mexico
The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 4 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security card or ITIN letter
- 2 proofs of New Mexico residency
- Parental consent (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: New Mexico retake rules
You can retake a failed non-commercial knowledge test right away, even the same day, but no more than twice per Sunday-to-Saturday testing week. Your license application fee covers no more than 3 attempts to pass within 6 months of the application date, and a third failure of the written or road test bars retesting for 6 months from that date. MVD does not publish a separate per-retake fee.
- knowledge_written_test after failure number 1: you may retest the same day.
- Attempt limit: 3.
- Retest fee: the agency does not publish a per-attempt retest fee that we could confirm.
- After 2 knowledge-test attempts within a single Sunday-Saturday testing week, the non-commercial applicant is locked out of further knowledge testing until the next testing week begins.
- A third failure of the written or road test bars the non-commercial applicant from retesting for six months from the date of application; the application's three-attempt entitlement is exhausted.
Some retake details for New Mexico are not published by the agency (Agency does not publish: retake fee), so confirm them with MVD before you rely on them.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in New Mexico
- Under 18
- Must be at least 15. Must have parental consent. Must complete a driver education course or 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night). Provisional license restrictions until age 18.
- Permit versus license
- A learner's permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. Must hold for at least 6 months before taking the road test for a provisional license.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at any New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) field office or authorized third-party testing site.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail shown on screen after completing the test.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for New Mexico: English, Spanish, Tagalog, Italian, German, French, Vietnamese, and Chinese.
The study source is the New Mexico Driver Manual (2024-2025 edition). The agency also publishes a Spanish version of the driver manual.
From learner data
Most missed New Mexico practice questions
These free New Mexico questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 3
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
- 4
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
- 5
You park on a hill where there is no curb. Your front wheels should point:
Toward the edge of the road
About 55% get it right
- 6
If you move to a new address, you must notify the DMV within:
A time set by your state
About 60% get it right
Your plan
Free New Mexico study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the New Mexico questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1