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New Mexico permit test: licenses, permits, violations and insurance

Instructional permit, provisional and full licenses, renewals, traffic violations and the insurance minimums. 21 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key licenses, permits, violations and insurance rulesShow the rules
  1. Provisional drivers may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. (p. 4)
  2. The supervising driver must be 21 or older and licensed for at least three years in any state. (p. 4)
  3. A parent or guardian must certify at least 50 hours of practice driving, including at least 10 hours at night. (p. 4)
  4. You must be at least 15 to get an instructional permit in New Mexico. (p. 4)
  5. You must have held a provisional license for the 12 months immediately before applying for an unrestricted license. (p. 5)
  6. You cannot have been convicted of a traffic violation in the 90 days before applying, so you must wait until that period has passed. (p. 5)
  7. New Mexico issues driver licenses valid for either 4 or 8 years. (p. 5)
  8. Twelve or more points within twelve months leads to a one-year license suspension. (p. 17)
  9. New Mexico requires at least $25,000 for injury to or death of one person in any one accident. (p. 38)
  10. The required minimum for injury to or destruction of others' property in one accident is $10,000. (p. 38)

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample licenses, permits, violations and insurance questions

  1. 1.On a provisional license, you need to drive home from your job at 1 a.m. What makes this trip legal?

    • AA signed statement from your employer
    • BYour pay stub showing night shifts
    • CA note from any adult friend
    • DNothing; work trips are not excused
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. A signed statement from your employer

    Driving to and from work is one of the curfew exceptions, but it must be backed by a signed statement from your employer.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (No edition date printed in the document), page 5

  2. 2.A licensed adult (not an instructor) who supervises a permit driver must have been licensed for at least how long?

    • A2 years
    • B1 year
    • C3 years
    • D5 years
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. 3 years

    The supervising driver must be 21 or older and licensed for at least three years in any state.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (No edition date printed in the document), page 4

  3. 3.A New Mexico driver license is valid for how long?

    • A4 or 8 years
    • B5 or 10 years
    • C6 or 12 years
    • D2 or 4 years
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. 4 or 8 years

    New Mexico issues driver licenses valid for either 4 or 8 years.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (No edition date printed in the document), page 5

  4. 4.What must you keep in the vehicle about your car insurance?

    • AYour insurance agent's business card
    • BProof of liability insurance
    • CA copy of your car title
    • DNothing; police check online
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Proof of liability insurance

    Every driver must have liability insurance, and proof of it must be carried in the vehicle at all times.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (No edition date printed in the document), page 37