Free New Mexico DMV Permit Practice Test 2026
Set 2 · 25 free questions
Set 2 covers laws, wind, and regulatory signs, plus more from the New Mexico MVD written test. Every question comes with a hint and an explanation based on the New Mexico Driver Manual.
Study mode: See the correct answer, hints, and detailed explanation after each question.
The actual New Mexico MVD knowledge test has 25 questions, and you need at least 18 correct (72%) to pass. This practice test is based on the New Mexico Driver Manual. The test fee is $18. Tests are administered Computer-based at MVD field office or contracted driver education provider.
Inside New Mexico practice test 2
This set has 25 questions. Here is what it covers and how learners do on it.
Topics in this set
- laws
- wind
- regulatory signs
- truck stopping 800ft
- school zone signs
- passing
- car light truck towing
- collision types
- pavement markings
- distracted driving
Toughest question in this set
You may enter an intersection when:
Tricky one: only about 35% get this right on the first try.
Try sample New Mexico questions
These questions come from our bank of 587+. The real New Mexico written test draws from similar material in the official driver handbook.
You must report a crash to police if:
When driving in strong winds, you should:
At 55 mph, about how far could a large truck need to stop, according to the New Mexico manual?
The 25 questions in New Mexico practice test 2
Plain-text version of this question set
You must report a crash to police if:
- A. Only if someone is killed
- B. You do not need to report crashes at all
- C. Anyone is injured, killed, or damage is high
- D. Only if you're at fault
Hint: Not all crashes require a police report: there is a threshold that determines when reporting is mandatory.
Explanation: Most states require you to report crashes if anyone is injured or killed, or if property damage exceeds a certain threshold (often $1000-$2000). Check your state's specific requirements.
When driving in strong winds, you should:
- A. Slow down and grip the wheel firmly
- B. Use cruise control to steady the vehicle
- C. Maintain normal speed
- D. Speed up to get through it quickly
Hint: Large vehicles like trucks and vans are especially vulnerable to lateral forces from moving air.
Explanation: Strong winds can push your vehicle, especially when passing large trucks or when driving high-profile vehicles. Reduce speed, grip the wheel firmly, and be ready for sudden gusts.
What action is required when you see this sign?
- A. Vehicles exceeding the posted weight are prohibited from using this road or bridge.
- B. Every approach to this intersection must stop. Proceed in the order you arrived; if two vehicles arrive together, yield to the vehicle on your right.
- C. Bicycles are not allowed on this roadway or path.
- D. Stop at this line when the traffic signal is red.
Hint: Pay attention to the symbol and color of this regulatory sign.
Explanation: The Weight Limit sign (R12-1) indicates: Vehicles exceeding the posted weight are prohibited from using this road or bridge. Weight limit signs protect roads and bridges from damage by heavy vehicles. Overweight vehicles must use an alternate route.
At 55 mph, about how far could a large truck need to stop, according to the New Mexico manual?
- A. About 200 feet
- B. About 400 feet, the same as a car
- C. About 1,600 feet
- D. Almost 800 feet
Hint: It is about twice a car's stopping distance.
Explanation: An average car at 55 mph can stop in about 400 feet, but a large truck could take almost 800 feet, about twice as far. That is why you should never pull in front of a big rig and then slow down or stop suddenly.
What action is required when you see this sign?
- A. A school bus stop is ahead. Be prepared to stop when a school bus displays its stop sign and flashing red lights.
- B. Divided highway ends ahead; prepare for oncoming traffic
- C. You are near an area where a large number of pedestrians cross the street. Slow down and watch for pedestrians.
- D. Maintain highway speed and do not stop on the roadway
Hint: Pay attention to the symbol and color of this school sign.
Explanation: The School Bus Stop Ahead sign (S3-1) indicates: A school bus stop is ahead. Be prepared to stop when a school bus displays its stop sign and flashing red lights. This sign warns of an upcoming school bus stop where children may be loading or unloading from a school bus.
On a two-lane road, the driver ahead is going under the speed limit. May you pass them on the right?
- A. Yes, if the paved shoulder is wide enough to use
- B. Yes, as long as they are under the speed limit
- C. Yes, if you flash your headlights first as a warning
- D. No, a slow driver alone does not allow it
Hint: Ask whether the other driver's speed changes which side you pass on.
Explanation: A slow driver ahead is never by itself a reason to pass on the right. On a two-lane road, pass on the left where passing is allowed. When passing on the right is allowed at all differs by state, for example beside a driver turning left, so learn your state's rule.
You are backing a trailer and want the rear of it to go left. You should:
- A. Turn the steering wheel to the right
- B. Turn the steering wheel to the left
- C. Hold the wheel straight and use the mirrors
- D. Turn the wheel left, then quickly right
Hint: Backing a trailer reverses your steering input.
Explanation: A trailer pivots opposite to the tow vehicle when backing, so steering right sends the back of the trailer to the left.
The most dangerous type of collision is:
- A. Rear-end collision
- B. Head-on collision
- C. Sideswipe collision
- D. Side-impact collision
Hint: When two vehicles collide directly face-to-face, their speeds effectively combine to determine impact force.
Explanation: Head-on collisions are the deadliest because the combined speed of both vehicles creates enormous impact forces. Avoid head-on crashes by staying in your lane and never driving the wrong way.
What does this pavement marking mean?
- A. The lanes here move in the same direction only
- B. Passing is banned for the traffic in both directions
- C. Opposing traffic, and you may pass when it is safe
- D. A bike lane runs along the center of this roadway
Hint: Yellow separates opposite directions; a broken line lets you cross.
Explanation: A broken yellow center line divides two-way traffic. You may cross it to pass when the road ahead is clear and it is safe.
Examples of distracted driving include:
- A. Checking your mirrors frequently
- B. Texting, eating, or adjusting the radio
- C. Scanning the road ahead
- D. Using turn signals before every lane change
Hint: Distractions fall into three categories: visual, manual, and cognitive: many activities involve all three.
Explanation: Any activity that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off driving is a distraction. Common distractions include phone use, eating, grooming, and adjusting controls.
What does this sign indicate?
- A. No bicycles allowed
- B. Bicycles yield to cars
- C. Bicycle lane
- D. Bicycle crossing
Hint: The prohibition symbol over a bicycle silhouette tells you this road is restricted for a type of vehicle.
Explanation: This sign prohibits bicycles from using this roadway. Bicyclists must use an alternate route.
You may enter an intersection when:
- A. You can clear it before it turns red
- B. Other vehicles have already entered
- C. The light is green
- D. You're turning left
Hint: Entering an intersection only makes sense if you can actually clear it before the signal changes.
Explanation: Don't enter an intersection, even with a green light, unless you can completely clear it before the light turns red. Blocking an intersection is illegal and dangerous.
The No-Zones around a large truck are best described as:
- A. Areas where the driver cannot see you
- B. Lanes trucks are not allowed to use
- C. Zones where trucks may not change speed
- D. Spaces reserved for trucks at weigh stations
Hint: The name is about what the truck driver cannot see.
Explanation: No-Zones are the blind spots around a truck, in front, behind and along both sides, where the driver cannot see a car at all.
Your seat should be adjusted so that:
- A. You're as close to the steering wheel as possible
- B. You're as far back as possible
- C. Your feet barely reach the pedals
- D. You can reach all controls and see over the wheel
Hint: Your driving position affects both your comfort and your ability to reach critical vehicle controls.
Explanation: Adjust your seat so you can comfortably reach pedals and controls, see over the wheel, and maintain at least 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel.
Weaving in and out of traffic on a highway:
- A. Is dangerous and rarely saves time
- B. Is acceptable in light traffic
- C. Is legal everywhere
- D. Gets you there faster
Hint: Aggressive lane changes on highways create far more risk than the minimal time savings they provide.
Explanation: Weaving between lanes is dangerous, stressful, and rarely saves significant time. It increases crash risk and can result in tickets for unsafe lane changes.
In a crash, the greatest injury usually comes from:
- A. The second collision, body hitting the interior
- B. The first collision - when vehicles collide
- C. Broken glass
- D. The third collision - when organs hit internal body structures
Hint: In a collision, the vehicle stops but your body continues moving until something stops it.
Explanation: The second collision (your body striking the vehicle interior) causes the most injuries. Seat belts prevent this by holding you in place during a crash.
A curb painted red typically means:
- A. Loading zone
- B. Handicap parking
- C. Fire zone - emergency vehicles only
- D. No stopping or parking
Hint: The color of a painted curb indicates the level of restriction, with this color being the most restrictive.
Explanation: Red curbs prohibit stopping, standing, or parking. These are typically found near fire hydrants, fire stations, or in fire lanes.
To maintain a safety margin, you should:
- A. Follow closely to see better
- B. Drive fast to avoid traffic
- C. Keep space around you and an escape route
- D. Always use the left lane
Hint: Multiple defensive driving techniques work together to create a comprehensive safety margin.
Explanation: Defensive driving means creating a safety margin: maintain space around your vehicle, scan far ahead for hazards, and always have an escape route planned.
This road sign indicates:
- A. The center lane is for left turns only. Never use it to pass or to travel through traffic.
- B. This parking space is reserved for persons with disabilities who have a valid placard or plate.
- C. Proceed straight only; turning movements prohibited
- D. Pedestrian crossing ahead; watch for people walking
Hint: Pay attention to the symbol and color of this regulatory sign.
Explanation: The Center Lane Only sign (R3-9a) indicates: The center lane is for left turns only. Never use it to pass or to travel through traffic. The center lane is only used for vehicles turning left, and should never be used for passing or moving through traffic. The only time a vehicle should enter the center lane is at a point where the vehicle will have time to slow down or stop to make a safe left turn.
On a multi-lane freeway, the left lane should be used for:
- A. Passing slower vehicles
- B. Trucks and buses
- C. Slower traffic
- D. Traveling at any speed
Hint: On multi-lane highways, each lane serves a different purpose in the traffic flow.
Explanation: The left lane is for passing. After passing, move back to the right lane. Staying in the left lane when not passing blocks faster traffic and creates hazards.
What does this sign mean?
- A. Slow down and proceed with caution
- B. Yield to oncoming traffic
- C. Come to a complete stop
- D. Stop only if other vehicles are present
Hint: Think about which sign shape is exclusively reserved for one specific driving command.
Explanation: An octagonal red sign always means stop. You must come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection, regardless of whether other vehicles are present.
Texting is considered especially dangerous because it involves:
- A. Visual, manual and mental distraction at once
- B. Only the driver's hands leaving the wheel
- C. A brief pause in watching the road
- D. Attention that returns as soon as you look up
Hint: It is the only distraction that takes all three at once.
Explanation: Texting takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off driving at the same time, which no other common distraction does.
Two vehicles reach a four way stop at the same moment, side by side. Who goes first?
- A. The vehicle on the left
- B. The vehicle on the right
- C. The vehicle going straight
- D. The larger of the two vehicles
Hint: When arrival time cannot break the tie, position does.
Explanation: When two vehicles reach a four way stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
A green sign with white lettering typically indicates:
- A. Construction zone
- B. Warning of hazard ahead
- C. Regulatory information
- D. Directional guidance
Hint: The color of this sign is the same color associated with 'go' on a traffic signal.
Explanation: Green signs provide directional and distance information for destinations, exits, and route guidance. They help you navigate to your destination.
What does a steady brake system warning light on the dash usually mean?
- A. The braking system needs to be checked
- B. The parking brake cable has been replaced
- C. The brake pads have just been bedded in
- D. The vehicle is due for a tire rotation
Hint: A brake light on the dash is about the brakes, not a schedule reminder.
Explanation: A brake warning light points to a problem in the braking system, such as low fluid or a released circuit. Have it checked before driving further.