New Mexico Permit Test FAQ

The New Mexico knowledge test has 25 questions, and you need 18 right (72%) to pass. Our full practice exam uses the same size and pass mark. Always confirm the current test with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Motor Vehicle Division.

At least 70% on the Class D knowledge exam. It is given at an MVD field office, and some MVD-contracted driver education schools can give it too. (New Mexico MVD Driver Procedures Manual: Road and Written Test Requirements)

You may take it up to twice in one testing week (Sunday to Saturday), even on the same day. A third failure means waiting six months from the date of your first attempt. A passing score stays valid for five years. (New Mexico MVD: Knowledge (Written) Examination Changes)

English, Spanish, Tagalog, Italian, German, French, Vietnamese and Chinese. (New Mexico MVD Driver Procedures Manual: Road and Written Test Requirements)

15. You must be enrolled in an approved driver education course that includes DWI education, pass the vision and knowledge tests, and bring a consent form signed by a parent or guardian if you are under 18. (New Mexico Driver Manual, p. 1)

An approved driving instructor in the seat beside you, or a licensed driver who is at least 21 and has held a license for three years or more in any state. (New Mexico Driver Manual, p. 1)

Proof that you are enrolled in or have finished approved driver education, plus proof of identity and age and two proofs of New Mexico residency (a REAL ID also needs proof of your identification number). You and a parent or guardian sign the application at an MVD field office, and there is a fee. (New Mexico MVD: Apply for a Learner's Permit)

From 15 years and 6 months, after six months on the permit, 50 hours of practice (10 at night) certified by a parent or guardian, no traffic convictions in the last 90 days, and passing the road test. (New Mexico Driver Manual, p. 1–2)

Yes. Each traffic violation you are convicted of while on the permit adds 30 days to the six-month wait, and each one on the provisional license adds 30 days to its 12-month wait. (New Mexico MVD: Apply for a Learner's Permit)

No driving from midnight to 5 a.m. unless a licensed driver 21 or older is with you or a signed statement covers work, school, religious activities, family or medical need, and no more than one passenger under 21 from outside your immediate family unless a licensed adult 21+ is in the car. (New Mexico Driver Manual, p. 1–2)

Drivers under 21 can be arrested at a blood alcohol content of .02%; for adults the limit is .08%. Refusing a test asked for by an officer can cost your license for a year. (New Mexico Driver Manual, p. 29)

Yes. First-time applicants aged 18 to 24 must complete the "None for the Road" self-study DWI awareness course before getting a license. (New Mexico MVD: Apply for a Learner's Permit)