New Mexico permit test: pavement markings and lane controls
Lines and markings, reversible and reserved lanes and shared center lanes. 14 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key pavement markings and lane controls rulesShow the rules
- A dashed white line between lanes means you may cross it to change lanes if it is safe. (p. 11)
- When a sign or signal requires you to stop, stop before your vehicle reaches the stop line or crosswalk. (p. 11)
- You may not pass across a solid yellow line, but you may cross it to turn into a driveway if it is safe. (p. 11)
- Two solid yellow lines mean neither side may pass. (p. 11)
- Lines separating traffic moving in opposite directions are yellow; white lines separate lanes going the same way. (p. 11)
- A flashing yellow X means the lane may be used only for turning; a steady yellow X means it is changing. (p. 12)
- HOV lanes are for vehicles carrying more than one person; "HOV 3" means at least three people must be in the vehicle. (p. 12)
- A shared center lane is reserved for left turns (and U-turns where allowed) by traffic from both directions. (p. 12)
- Reserved lanes are often marked with a white diamond; a "Bicycle" sign means the lane is reserved for bicycles. (p. 12)
- Over reversible lanes, a green arrow means you can use the lane beneath it and a red X means you cannot. (p. 12)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample pavement markings and lane controls questions
1.A lane has a white diamond painted on it and a sign reading "Bicycle." Who may use the lane?
- AAny car during rush hour
- BCars with 2 or more people
- COnly bicycles
- DBuses and taxis
Show the answer
✓ C. Only bicycles
Reserved lanes are often marked with a white diamond; a "Bicycle" sign means the lane is reserved for bicycles.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (No edition date printed in the document), page 12
2.A lane sign reads "HOV 3." What does it mean?
- AThe speed limit is 3 mph below normal
- BOnly 3 vehicles may use it at once
- CAt least 3 people must be in the vehicle
- DThe lane is for buses with 3 axles
Show the answer
✓ C. At least 3 people must be in the vehicle
HOV lanes are for vehicles carrying more than one person; "HOV 3" means at least three people must be in the vehicle.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (No edition date printed in the document), page 12
3.A center lane has a solid and a dashed yellow line on each side with alternating left-turn arrows. What is it for?
- AParking during rush hour
- BLeft turns from both directions
- CPassing slower cars
- DEmergency vehicles only
Show the answer
✓ B. Left turns from both directions
A shared center lane is reserved for left turns (and U-turns where allowed) by traffic from both directions.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (No edition date printed in the document), page 12
4.A red light stops you at an intersection with a stop line and a crosswalk. Where must you stop?
- AJust past the crosswalk
- BWith your front wheels in the crosswalk
- CBefore reaching the stop line or crosswalk
- DWherever you can see best
Show the answer
✓ C. Before reaching the stop line or crosswalk
When a sign or signal requires you to stop, stop before your vehicle reaches the stop line or crosswalk.
Source: New Mexico Driver Manual (No edition date printed in the document), page 11