How Many Questions Are on the New Mexico Permit Test?
New Mexico's instruction permit knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions, drawn from the New Mexico Driver Manual.
The MVD, not a "DMV"
New Mexico's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), part of the Taxation and Revenue Department, handles licensing statewide.
An instruction permit is available at 15, but an applicant under 18 must first complete an approved driver education program.
An unusually forgiving passing score
New Mexico passes its permit test at just 72% — 18 of 25 correct — well below the 80% most states require.
That lower bar doesn't mean the material is easier, just that the margin for error is a bit wider than what you'd find in most other states covered here.
How our practice tests are structured
dmvwrittenexam.com splits its full New Mexico permit question bank into multiple 25-question practice tests, giving far more repetitions than the official test alone would.
Each question includes an explanation and a source reference, so you learn why an answer is correct instead of just memorizing a letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the New Mexico permit test?
25 multiple-choice questions.
Which agency administers New Mexico's licensing process?
The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), part of the Taxation and Revenue Department — not a "DMV."
What's the minimum age for a New Mexico instruction permit?
15, though an applicant under 18 must first complete an approved driver education program.
Ready to put this into practice?
Start a free New Mexico permit practice testLast reviewed: 2026-07-23