NM Permit Test flashcards
NM Permit Test · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Right turn on red
- After a complete stop, you may turn right at a red light when the way is clear, unless a sign prohibits it. Pedestrians and cross traffic have the right of way.
- Four-way stop right of way
- At a four-way stop, the vehicle that stopped first proceeds first. If two vehicles stop at the same moment, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
- Move Over Law
- New Mexico requires drivers approaching a stopped emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights to move into another lane or, if that is unsafe, slow down considerably.
- Basic speed law
- You must never drive faster than is safe for current traffic, road, and weather conditions, even when you are traveling below the posted speed limit.
- School bus red lights
- Flashing red lights and an extended stop arm mean traffic in both directions must stop until the lights stop, unless a raised median or barrier separates the two directions.
- Left turn on red
- A left turn at a red light is legal only when turning from one one-way street onto another one-way street, after stopping and yielding to traffic.
- Yellow pennant sign
- A yellow pennant-shaped sign on the left side of the road marks the start of a no-passing zone where passing is prohibited in your direction of travel.
- Orange signs mean
- Orange signs and channeling devices mark construction and maintenance work zones. They override normal markings, and speeding fines are typically increased where workers are present.
- Broken yellow center line
- A broken yellow center line means passing is permitted on your side of the road when it is safe, and that oncoming traffic travels in the adjacent lane.
- Flashing yellow light
- A flashing yellow traffic light means slow down and proceed with caution. You do not need to stop, but you must look for cross traffic and pedestrians.
- Round yellow sign
- A round yellow sign containing a black X and two R letters warns that a railroad crossing is ahead. Slow down and be prepared to stop.
- White dashed lane line
- White lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. A dashed white line means you may change lanes when it is safe to do so.
- Three-second rule
- Choose a fixed object ahead; when the car in front passes it, count seconds until you reach it. Fewer than three seconds means you are following too closely.
- Hydroplaning speed
- On wet pavement, tires can lose contact with the road at speeds around 35 mph. Ease off the accelerator and hold the wheel straight until traction returns.
- Low beam use distances
- Use low beams when following within 200 feet of another vehicle or when oncoming traffic is within 500 feet, and whenever rain, fog, or dust reduces visibility.
- ABS brake pedal technique
- With anti-lock brakes, press the pedal firmly and hold it. Do not pump the brakes. A pulsing pedal and grinding noise are normal during an emergency stop.
- Skid recovery steering rule
- If your vehicle starts to skid, ease off the accelerator, look and steer where you want to go, and avoid sudden hard braking or jerking the wheel.
- Truck No-Zone blind spots
- Large trucks have blind spots about 20 feet ahead, 30 feet behind, and one lane wide beside the cab. If you cannot see the driver's mirror, the driver cannot see you.
- Bicyclist passing clearance
- When passing a bicyclist you must leave at least three feet of space. If the lane is too narrow, wait behind until there is room to pass safely.
- Motorcycle lane rights
- Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane. Never share a lane with a motorcycle, because the rider needs the entire lane to steer around hazards.
- Emergency vehicle approach
- When an ambulance, fire engine, or police car approaches with lights and siren, pull to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes. Never stop in an intersection.
- Truck right turn hazard
- Large trucks must swing left before turning right. Never pass a turning truck on the right or pull into the gap between the truck and the curb.
- White cane pedestrian
- A pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog always has the right of way. Stop and wait until the person has cleared your path, and never honk to warn them.
- Bridge ice formation
- Bridges and overpasses freeze before ordinary pavement because cold air circulates beneath them. Slow down on bridges when temperatures approach freezing, especially at night.
- Flooded road rule
- Never drive through flooded roadways. Six inches of moving water can sweep away a car, and you cannot judge depth or current from behind the wheel.
- Work zone penalties
- Fines for moving violations are increased in construction work zones, and directions from a flagger take priority over signs, signals, and pavement markings.
- Dust storm visibility
- In blowing dust or snow, slow down, use low beams, and if you cannot see, pull completely off the roadway and stop. Turn on hazard lights only once stopped.
- Implied consent law
- By driving in New Mexico, you agree to take a chemical test if arrested for DWI. Refusing the test revokes your license for at least one year.
- Aggravated DWI threshold
- A DWI is aggravated when the driver's BAC is 0.16 or higher, when the driver refuses testing, or when the offense causes bodily injury, carrying enhanced penalties.
- Zero tolerance BAC
- Drivers under 21 are subject to a 0.02 BAC limit. Any measurable alcohol, including a single drink, is enough for a violation and license sanctions.
- Standard drink equivalents
- One standard drink equals 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. The body processes about one drink per hour.
- Actual physical control
- DWI does not require a moving vehicle. A person asleep or sitting in a parked car with the engine running and keys available can be arrested for DWI.