Free New Mexico MVD Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 4 2026
This Practice Test 4 is modeled on the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) written knowledge exam, whose length the agency does not publish; to pass you need 70% correct. These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the MVD tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
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What's on the New Mexico Practice Test 4
The MVD does not publish how many questions are on the real New Mexico knowledge test, and to pass you need 70% correct. Practice Test 4 is a 25-question set drawn from 42 questions, scored against a practice target of 70%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 15
- Safe driving 11
- Traffic laws 6
- Right of way 4
- Vehicle equipment 2
- Emergencies 2
- Alcohol & drugs 1
- Parking 1
42 questions in the pool, 1 of them written specifically for New Mexico. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. In New Mexico, reading, viewing, or manually typing a text message on a handheld mobile device while driving is:
- A. Illegal, except to call for emergency help (correct)
- B. Legal for all drivers at any time
- C. Legal only while driving on highways
- D. Legal for drivers 18 and older only
Why: New Mexico law (NMSA 66-7-374) prohibits reading or viewing a text message or manually typing on a handheld mobile communication device while driving, except to summon emergency help (licensed amateur radio operators are also exempt). Hands-free and voice-operated devices are excluded, and some cities have stricter cell phone rules.
2. A red and white 'WRONG WAY' sign tells you:
- A. A one-way road begins ahead
- B. You are going against traffic (correct)
- C. You must yield to oncoming cars
- D. A detour is ahead - follow it
Why: A 'Wrong Way' sign means you are heading the wrong direction on a one-way road or ramp. Stop, check for traffic, and safely turn around immediately.
3. Total stopping distance is made up of:
- A. Reaction distance and braking distance only
- B. Perception, reaction, and braking distance (correct)
- C. Perception distance and braking distance
- D. Braking distance plus one car length
Why: Total stopping distance = perception distance (seeing the hazard) + reaction distance (moving your foot to the brake) + braking distance (the vehicle physically stopping). All three increase with speed, which is why higher speeds are far more dangerous.
4. In most states, which left turn may you make on a steady red light after a full stop, if no sign forbids it?
- A. From a two-way street onto another two-way street
- B. From any street when no oncoming car is in sight
- C. From a two-way street into a store's driveway
- D. From a one-way street onto another one-way street (correct)
Why: Most states allow a left turn on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street that carries traffic to the left. You must stop fully and yield to pedestrians and traffic first.
5. When should you use your vehicle's emergency hazard lights?
- A. When parking briefly in a no-parking zone
- B. When your car is disabled on or near the road (correct)
- C. To thank a driver who let you merge
- D. When you plan to change lanes or make a turn
Why: Hazard lights warn others that your vehicle is stopped, disabled or a hazard. Rules for using them while moving (for example in heavy rain) differ between states, so follow your state handbook.
6. When you parallel park next to a curb, where should your car end up?
- A. About three feet from the curb so passengers can get out
- B. Parallel to the curb and as close as practical (correct)
- C. Angled with the back wheel touching the curb
- D. With front wheels turned in toward the curb
Why: Park parallel to and close to the curb. States set different maximum distances - for example 18 inches in California and Texas, 12 inches in Florida, Michigan and Washington, and 6 inches in New Jersey - so learn your state's limit.
More New Mexico facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the New Mexico permit practice test page.
New Mexico MVD Test Info
- Questions on real test
- Not published by the MVD
- Passing score
- 70%
- Correct needed
- 70% correct
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Testing agency
- Motor Vehicle Division
More New Mexico Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this New Mexico Practice Test 4 once - keep taking it until you score 70% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your MVD exam.