Practice test 2 of 10 — New Mexico permit test

The correct answer to each question above, why it is right, and where it comes from. Try the test first.

1. Question 1: B. It throws snow and may stop suddenly

   Snowplows throw snow, move slowly and may stop or turn suddenly, so stay well back.

   Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Emergency and work vehicles

2. Question 2: D. Use your signals and brake lights

   Signals, brake lights and eye contact tell other drivers and people walking what you plan to do.

   Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Defensive driving

3. Question 3: B. The road curves to the right ahead

   This curve sign means the road bends to the right ahead. Slow down before you reach the curve.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

4. Question 4: A. Stay stopped and let it go by

   A green light does not let you go when an emergency vehicle with a siren is coming. Stay where you are and let it pass.

   Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Emergency vehicles

5. Question 5: C. The lane just right of the center line

   When turning left onto a two-way street, finish in the lane just to the right of the center line.

   Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Turns

6. Question 6: C. Check for cars and bikes behind you

   Look for cars and bikes before you open your door, so you do not open it in someone's path.

   Handbook: Chapter: Parking and stopping — Leaving a parked car

7. Question 7: B. Close to and lined up with the curb

   A parallel-parked car should sit close to the curb and lined up with it, not sticking out into traffic.

   Handbook: Chapter: Parking and stopping — Parallel parking

8. Question 8: D. Turn them on so others can see you

   Turn on your headlights in rain so other drivers can see you; many states require it.

   Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Night and weather

9. Question 9: C. A series of curves

   The wavy arrow means a winding road with a series of curves. Keep your speed down until it straightens.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

10. Question 10: B. Your headlights

    "Remember, if you turn on your wipers, turn on your headlights."

    Handbook: Communicating — Letting Others Know You Are There

11. Question 11: B. You cannot see what is over the top

    You cannot see past the top of a hill, so slow down in case a car or object is stopped on the other side.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Speed and road conditions

12. Question 12: B. Hold the wheel firmly and ease off the gas

    Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the gas and let the car slow down before you brake gently.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Tire failure

13. Question 13: A. Stop

    You must stop for the bus "whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road or at an intersection you are approaching."

    Handbook: Rules of the Road — Right-of-Way

14. Question 14: D. In 20 to 40 minutes

    Alcohol goes from your stomach into your blood, and "It reaches your brain in 20 to 40 minutes."

    Handbook: Be in Shape to Drive — Why is Drinking and Driving So Dangerous?

15. Question 15: C. You should not drive below 40 in good conditions

    A minimum speed sign means you should not go below 40 when conditions are good, because very slow cars can cause crashes.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

16. Question 16: B. Stop and let them pass first

    People on the sidewalk have the right-of-way at a driveway. Stop and let them pass.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Pedestrians

17. Question 17: B. When your stopped car could be a hazard

    Use hazard lights when your car is stopped or very slow and could be a hazard to others.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Breakdowns

18. Question 18: B. Let the cyclist go first

    Cyclists follow the same right-of-way rules as cars, so the rider on your right goes first.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Stop signs and intersections

19. Question 19: A. Toward the edge of the road

    With no curb, turn the wheels toward the edge of the road so the car rolls off the road, not into traffic.

    Handbook: Chapter: Parking and stopping — Parking on hills

20. Question 20: D. No closer than 15 feet

    Fire crews need room, so do not park "within 15 ft. of a fire hydrant."

    Handbook: Rules of the Road — Parking (No-Parking Zones)

21. Question 21: B. Trains cannot stop quickly or steer away

    A train cannot steer and may need a mile or more to stop, so you must always yield to it.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Railroad crossings

22. Question 22: D. To alert you that the light is red and you must stop

    The blinking light inside the red is there "to alert you of the red light and that you must stop."

    Handbook: Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals

23. Question 23: D. Not start, but finish if already crossing

    A flashing don't walk or raised hand means do not start to cross; those already crossing should finish.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Traffic signals

24. Question 24: A. When you see both headlights of the passed car in your mirror

    "When you can see both headlights of the vehicle you just passed in your rear-view mirror, it is safe to return."

    Handbook: Sharing Space — Space to Pass

25. Question 25: D. Directions, exits and distances

    Green guide signs show directions, exits and how far it is to places ahead.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Sign shapes and colors