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New Mexico Car / Permit practice

New Mexico Car / Permit: Penalties & Licensing practice test

The point system, license suspension, provisional-license rules, insurance requirements, and other licensing basics.

Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026

15 questions · pass with 12 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.

Study questions with answers

12 sample Penalties & Licensing questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

Show all 12 questions with answers
  1. 1. What passenger limit applies to a New Mexico provisional licensee?

    Correct answer: At most one passenger under 21 who is not immediate family, unless a licensed driver 21 or older is aboard

    Unless a licensed driver 21 or older is riding with you, you may carry no more than one passenger under 21 who is not part of your immediate family.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual — Provisional License

  2. 2. How long must a provisional license be held before an unrestricted license is granted?

    Correct answer: Twelve months

    You need to have carried the provisional license for the 12 months right before you apply, with no traffic conviction in the previous 90 days, no violations pending, and no alcohol or drug offense during the provisional period.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual — Unrestricted Driver License

  3. 3. What minimum liability coverage does New Mexico's Mandatory Financial Responsibility Act require?

    Correct answer: $25,000 / $50,000 / $10,000

    The floor is $25,000 for injury to or death of one person, $50,000 where two or more people are hurt or killed, and $10,000 for damage to someone else's property. Proof of the policy has to stay in the vehicle at all times.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual — Accidents and the Financial Responsibility Law

  4. 4. Who may supervise a permit holder driving a car in New Mexico?

    Correct answer: A licensed driver at least 21 years old, seated in the right front seat

    The supervising driver has to be at least 21 and licensed for that kind of vehicle. In everything except a motorcycle, that person sits in the right front seat; a permit holder may also be accompanied by an approved instructor.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual — Instructional Permit

  5. 5. For how long is a New Mexico driver license valid?

    Correct answer: Four or eight years

    Licenses are issued for either four or eight years. Renewal is open from 90 days before expiration until 30 days after it.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual — Driver License Renewal

  6. 6. What can happen if you drive in New Mexico without the required insurance?

    Correct answer: Your registration can be suspended and your plates surrendered

    Going uninsured can block or suspend your vehicle registration, force you to hand back the license plates, and expose you to criminal penalties.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual — Accidents and the Financial Responsibility Law

  7. 7. Which of these can cost you your New Mexico driving privileges?

    Correct answer: Leaving a crash scene without identifying yourself

    Grounds for losing the privilege include a conviction for driving impaired, refusing a chemical test, leaving a crash without identifying yourself, lying on your application, letting someone else use your license, and skipping a re-examination the MVD has ordered.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual — Keeping the Driver License

  8. 8. What is the minimum age for an instructional permit in New Mexico?

    Correct answer: 15

    You may apply at 15 after passing the knowledge and vision tests. Applicants under 18 also need a consent form signed by a parent or guardian.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual — Instructional Permit

  9. 9. What is the window for renewing a New Mexico driver license?

    Correct answer: Up to 90 days before and 30 days after expiration

    You can renew any time in the 90 days before the expiration date and for up to 30 days afterward. Bring your current license plus one other proof of identity; a vision, knowledge, or even road test may be required.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual — Driver License Renewal

  10. 10. How many points within a twelve-month period bring a New Mexico license suspension?

    Correct answer: Twelve points

    Reaching twelve points inside twelve months suspends the license for a year. The Motor Vehicle Division can tell you which offenses carry points.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual — Traffic Violations

  11. 11. During which hours may a provisional licensee generally not drive?

    Correct answer: From midnight to 5:00 a.m.

    Driving on public highways is off limits from midnight until 5:00 a.m. Exceptions exist for a licensed driver 21 or older riding along, documented family or medical necessity, travel to work, travel to school or a religious activity, and a medical emergency.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual — Provisional License

  12. 12. How long must a New Mexico instructional permit be held?

    Correct answer: Six months

    The permit has to be kept for at least six months before you move on in the graduated system.

    Source: New Mexico Driver Manual — Instructional Permit

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Every New Mexico question is written from the official New Mexico driver handbook and checked against its current edition. DMV Test Free is a free, independent study resource — not affiliated with any DMV or government agency. About DMV Test Free