NM Permit Test key terms

The legal priority to go first through an intersection or other shared space while others wait. Rules, signs, and signals grant it; drivers should never assume it or take it aggressively.

An intersection where every approach has a stop sign. Drivers go in the order they arrived; if two arrive together, the driver on the right has the right-of-way.

A circular intersection without traffic lights. Entering drivers yield to traffic already in the circle and travel counterclockwise, never stopping once inside unless traffic ahead stops.

The rule that you may never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, even if you are under the posted limit. Rain, fog, traffic, or road work can make the limit too fast.

A staged licensing system for new drivers, usually instruction permit, then provisional license, then full license. Each stage adds privileges as the driver gains supervised practice and a clean record.

A downward-pointing triangle meaning you must slow or stop and let other traffic and pedestrians go before you enter or cross. You do not have to stop completely if the way is clear.

Painted lines, arrows, and words on the road surface that guide and regulate traffic. Yellow lines separate opposite directions; white lines separate same-direction traffic or mark the road edge.

A line of short painted segments with gaps. You may cross it to change lanes or pass when safe, but you should signal and check mirrors and blind spots first.

A center lane between solid and broken yellow lines used by traffic from either direction to begin or finish a left turn. It is not for passing or for normal travel.

A signal meaning left turns are allowed only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. It warns that the turn is unprotected, unlike a solid green arrow.

A signal with the same meaning as a stop sign: stop completely, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then go when safe. At railroad crossings a flashing red means stop before the tracks.

A driving style that assumes other road users may make mistakes. It means scanning ahead, keeping space around the vehicle, and planning an escape route instead of reacting late.

The gap between your vehicle and the one in front, commonly measured with the three-second rule. Increase the gap at night, in bad weather, or behind trucks and motorcycles.

Any activity that takes your eyes, hands, or mind away from the road, such as texting, eating, or adjusting controls. A few seconds at highway speed can cover the length of a football field.

A system that automatically releases and reapplies brake pressure to keep wheels from locking during hard stops. With ABS, press the pedal firmly and steer; do not pump the brakes.

The actions taken when tires lose grip and the vehicle slides. Ease off the accelerator, look and steer where you want to go, and avoid hard braking that can worsen the slide.

A law requiring drivers to move over a lane, or slow down if they cannot move over safely, when passing emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicles stopped with flashing lights.

A school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm requires traffic in both directions to stop until the lights stop. On a divided highway, opposing traffic may not need to stop.

A large blind spot around a commercial truck or bus where the driver cannot see your vehicle. If you cannot see the truck's mirror, the driver cannot see you.

Driving practices that protect riders: giving a motorcycle a full lane, allowing extra following distance, and checking blind spots carefully. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than cars.

A marked or unmarked path where pedestrians cross a road. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, and passing a vehicle stopped at one is dangerous and often illegal.

A portion of the roadway marked for bicycle use only. Drivers may not drive, park, or idle in it and should check for cyclists before turning across it.

An area near a school where lower speed limits and special signs protect children. Watch for flashing beacons, crossing guards, and children stepping into the road unexpectedly.

When tires ride on a thin film of water and lose contact with the pavement, causing loss of steering and braking. Slow down in heavy rain and avoid sudden turns or hard braking.

A thin, transparent ice layer that often looks like wet pavement, especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded curves. Slow down and avoid sudden braking or steering on it.

Driving in reduced visibility caused by fog. Use low-beam headlights, slow down, and increase following distance; high beams reflect off the moisture and reduce visibility further.

An area where construction or maintenance is underway, marked by cones, signs, and reduced speed limits. Fines for violations are often doubled when workers are present.

A place where tracks cross the road, marked by signs, lights, or gates. Never start across unless there is room on the far side; trains cannot stop quickly.

Driving faster than the distance your headlights illuminate, so you cannot stop within the road you can see. At night, keep speed low enough to stop within that lit distance.

Driving while intoxicated means operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more, or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both.

A DWI charge with a worsening factor, such as a BAC of 0.16 or higher, refusing a chemical test, or having a child in the vehicle. Penalties are more severe than for simple DWI.

A rule making it illegal for drivers under 21 to drive with any measurable alcohol. New Mexico uses a 0.02 percent limit for these drivers, which in practice means no drinking.

The principle that anyone who drives in New Mexico has already agreed to take a chemical test after a lawful DWI arrest. Refusing can lead to license revocation even without a conviction.

The percentage of alcohol in a person's blood, used to measure impairment. In New Mexico, 0.08 percent is the adult limit and 0.02 percent applies to drivers under 21.

A law against having an open bottle, can, or other container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle. Even an empty open container can violate the law.

A device connected to the ignition that requires a breath sample and prevents starting if alcohol is detected. Courts order it for many DWI convictions and some license reinstatements.

The loss of driving privileges for a set period ordered by a court or the Motor Vehicle Division. A first DWI conviction in New Mexico brings a one-year revocation, plus fees and requirements to reinstate.

A strap that holds occupants in place during a crash and greatly reduces death and injury risk. New Mexico requires front-seat occupants and all children to be properly restrained.

A car seat or booster seat designed for a child's height and weight. New Mexico requires an appropriate restraint for young children, and the back seat is the safest place for them.