New Mexico permit test FAQ 2026: how many questions, pass mark, cost

The New Mexico MVD does not publish the number of questions; the test is commonly reported as 25 questions with 18 correct (72%, the lowest score that meets the official 70%) to pass, and our practice tests use that format.

You need 70% to pass, per the New Mexico MVD. Our practice tests mark 18 of 25 (72%), the commonly reported format.

You need 18 of 25 (72%) to pass, so in the commonly reported 25-question format you can get at most 7 wrong. The best preparation is to study the official New Mexico Driver Manual (edition not verified) and take practice tests until you pass them comfortably.

$10 — Instructional Permit, per the New Mexico MVD.

Yes. This site has 2 free New Mexico knowledge test practice tests for 2026, each with 25 questions and the commonly reported pass mark of 18 of 25 (72%), plus a free road-sign quiz.

The New Mexico MVD does not publish a time limit for the New Mexico knowledge test.

MVD notice 'Knowledge (Written) Examination Changes' (dated 05/19/2016, revised May 26, 2016; read 2026-10-14): 'NCL knowledge examinations may now be taken twice per week and even twice upon the same day.' 'The testing week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday.' 'Upon a third failure, the applicant may not test again for 6 months from the date of the first examination.' Three failures trigger a 6-month wait counted from the first examination. 'NCL knowledge exam scores are now valid for five years.' (2016 notice). Chapter 3: 'All new and renewal instruction permits are issued by the Motor Vehicle Division for a four-year period'; teens 'Hold the instructional permit for at least six months' and 'Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night'. Excerpt (not on the pages read): state offices 'typically do not allow the written test to be taken after 3pm'.

The minimum age is 15, per the New Mexico MVD.

Learner's permit page (read 2026-10-14): 'To get an instructional permit, a teen must be at least 15 years old'; REAL ID 'One (1) proof of identification number, and One (1) proof of identity and age, and Two (2) proofs of New Mexico residency' (documents differ for a driving authorization card); the teen and parent/guardian 'will complete and sign an instructional permit application'; 'Provide a referral card from a TSB "approved" 'Driver Education School''. Driver Procedures Manual, Chapter 3: 'Proof of financial responsibility'; 'Vision test' (excerpt: '20/40 or better in at least one eye'). Teen applicants must be 'enrolled in and attending or has completed a driver education course approved by the Traffic Safety Bureau that includes a DWI prevention and education component'.

The official New Mexico Driver Manual (edition not verified). You can read it on the official site.