# Free New Mexico DMV practice test 2 25 free questions drawn from every topic on the New Mexico written test, mixed like the real exam. Practice tests 1 to 4 never repeat a question. Interactive version with answers, hints and explanations: https://dmv-iq.com/new-mexico-dmv-practice-test/test-2/ ## About the New Mexico written test - Issuing agency: MVD - Questions on the real test: 25 - Passing score: 72% (18 of 25) - Test fee: $18 - Source: the New Mexico Driver Manual ## The 25 free questions ### 1. 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. ### 2. 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. ### 3. 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. ### 4. 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. ### 5. 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. ### 6. 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. ### 7. 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. ### 8. 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. ### 9. 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. ### 10. 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. ### 11. 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. ### 12. 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. ### 13. 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. ### 14. 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. ### 15. 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. ### 16. 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. ### 17. 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. ### 18. 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. ### 19. 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. ### 20. 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. ### 21. 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. ### 22. 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. ### 23. 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. ### 24. 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. ### 25. 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. ## More - [New Mexico DMV practice test](https://dmv-iq.com/new-mexico-dmv-practice-test/) - [Free New Mexico practice test 1](https://dmv-iq.com/new-mexico-dmv-practice-test/test-1/) DMV IQ builds its questions from each state's official driver handbook.