Question 1

What must a New Mexico CDL applicant hold before applying for a commercial learner's permit (CLP)?

Accepted Answer

A valid regular (Class D) New Mexico driver's license — A New Mexico CDL applicant must already hold a valid regular (Class D) driver's license before applying for a CLP.

Question 2

What does New Mexico commonly charge for the commercial learner's permit (CLP) itself?

Accepted Answer

$10 — New Mexico's CLP fee is commonly listed at $10, though an applicant should confirm the current amount with the MVD.

Question 3

How many questions are on New Mexico's CDL General Knowledge test, and how many can you miss and still pass?

Accepted Answer

50 questions, missing at most 10 — New Mexico's CDL General Knowledge test has 50 questions, and a passing score of 80% allows missing at most 10.

Question 4

How long do you have to complete New Mexico's CDL General Knowledge test?

Accepted Answer

One hour — New Mexico allows one hour to complete the 50-question CDL General Knowledge test.

Question 5

How long must a New Mexico CLP holder wait before taking the CDL skills test?

Accepted Answer

At least 14 days, spent completing entry-level driver training — New Mexico requires a CLP holder to wait at least 14 days, using that time to complete entry-level driver training (ELDT), before taking the skills test.

Question 6

Who administers the CDL skills test in New Mexico?

Accepted Answer

An approved third-party examiner — New Mexico's CDL skills test is given by an approved third-party examiner, not directly by an MVD employee.

Question 7

Under federal hours-of-service rules that apply to New Mexico CDL holders, how many hours of driving are allowed after 10 consecutive hours off duty?

Accepted Answer

Up to 11 hours, within a 14-hour on-duty window — Federal hours-of-service rules allow up to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, within a 14-hour on-duty window.

New Mexico CDL Knowledge Test Sample Questions

General Driving Knowledge

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