What's the Passing Score on the New Mexico CDL General Knowledge Test?
40 out of 50 — 80% — passes New Mexico's CDL General Knowledge test, to be completed within a one-hour time limit.
A federal bar, a state-set license fee
49 CFR Part 383 sets the CDL general knowledge test at 50 questions and 80% nationwide, with New Mexico's MVD administering that standard rather than writing its own.
What New Mexico does set independently is the license fee once you pass: $18 for a 4-year CDL or $34 for an 8-year one.
The regular license you need before you even start
New Mexico requires a valid regular (Class D) driver's license before you can apply for a commercial learner's permit — there's no CDL path that skips holding a standard license first.
Once you're through the knowledge test, the CLP holds for at least 14 days while you complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) ahead of the skills test.
The material that actually costs points
Air brake PSI thresholds and hours-of-service caps are memorization, not intuition — get the exact number wrong and the question is wrong, no partial credit for being close.
Cargo securement's 50-mile-then-150-mile recheck sequence is a common one to reverse under pressure.
A missed practice question is only useful if you read the full explanation — the correct letter alone teaches nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can New Mexico require a higher passing score than 80% for the CDL test?
No. 49 CFR Part 383 fixes the CDL general knowledge test at 50 questions and an 80% passing threshold nationwide — New Mexico's MVD administers that federal standard rather than setting its own.
Do I need a regular license before applying for a CDL in New Mexico?
Yes — a valid regular (Class D) driver's license is required before applying for a commercial learner's permit.
What score should I aim for on practice tests?
Aim for 90% or higher consistently before your appointment. That buffer above the 80% minimum accounts for first-attempt nerves.
Ready to put this into practice?
Start a free New Mexico cdl practice testLast reviewed: 2026-07-23