New Mexico permit test: permits & licensing

Learner permit rules, graduated licensing, supervision, curfews and passenger limits. 17 questions.

Question 1 of 17
Permits & licensingNew Mexico rule

What is the youngest age at which you can get an instructional (learner's) permit in New Mexico?

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Sample permits & licensing questions

  1. What is the youngest age at which you can get an instructional (learner's) permit in New Mexico?

    • A 14
    • B 15
    • C 16
    • D 15 and a half
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    B. 15

    In New Mexico you can get an instructional permit at 15, as long as you are enrolled in an approved driver education course. Fifteen and a half is the age for the next stage, the provisional license.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual, page 4

  2. A 15-year-old applying for a New Mexico instructional permit must be enrolled in a driver education course that includes which of these?

    • A A first aid and CPR certificate
    • B DWI education and practice driving
    • C A vehicle maintenance workshop
    • D A defensive driving course for adults
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    B. DWI education and practice driving

    New Mexico ties the permit to a driver education course approved by the Traffic Safety Bureau, and that course must include DWI education and practice driving. The state builds DWI prevention in from the very first stage because alcohol is a leading cause of fatal crashes.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual, page 4

  3. You have a New Mexico instructional permit and want to practice with a family friend instead of a driving instructor. Who qualifies to supervise you?

    • A A licensed driver 21 or older, licensed at least three years
    • B Any licensed driver who is 18 or older, licensed any length of time
    • C A licensed driver 21 or older, licensed at least one year
    • D Any adult 25 or older, licensed or not
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    A. A licensed driver 21 or older, licensed at least three years

    Your supervising driver must be at least 21, hold a license, and have been licensed for at least three years in New Mexico or another state. An approved driving instructor can also supervise. The rule makes sure your coach has real experience.

    Source: New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (Taxation and Revenue Department) website

  4. What is the minimum time you must hold a New Mexico instructional permit before you can get a provisional license?

    • A 3 months
    • B 9 months
    • C 12 months
    • D 6 months
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    D. 6 months

    You must hold your instructional permit for at least six months. That time lets you build experience with a supervisor before you drive alone.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual, page 4