Vehicle Equipment & Safe Operation — New Mexico
New Mexico DMV practice test: 509 free practice questions (Based on the official driver handbook). The official format is not yet verified; check the official site before your test. Vehicle Equipment & Safe Operation: 33 questions.
Brakes, tires, lights, mirrors, seat belts, child seats and basic vehicle control.
This topic page is still being reviewed against the official handbook. Until review is finished it is hidden from search engines.
| Topic / Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Topic | Vehicle Equipment & Safe Operation |
| License test | New Mexico Car learner's permit test |
| Topic questions | 33 (6% of 509 total) |
| Review status | This topic page is still being reviewed against the official handbook. Until review is finished it is hidden from search engines. |
Official handbook
mvd.newmexico.gov ✓ Verified from official source
Questions (33)
1. A leaky exhaust system in your vehicle is dangerous because it can cause:
- A loss of hearing.
- Pollution.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning. ✓
- Poor engine performance.
Answer: C. Carbon monoxide poisoning.
2. When stopping on snow or ice, drivers who are operating vehicles equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) should:
- Pump the brakes.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly. ✓
- Stay off the brakes and wait for the car to drift to a stop.
Answer: B. Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
3. A seat belt should be adjusted so that it:
- Is loose.
- Is buckled snugly across your hip bones and lower abdomen. ✓
- Is hidden beneath the seat.
- Keeps the seat belt buzzer or light from operating.
Answer: B. Is buckled snugly across your hip bones and lower abdomen.
4. If you experience a tire blowout:
- Tap or pump the brakes.
- Slow down gradually and use your brakes lightly. ✓
- Apply the brakes firmly and quickly.
Answer: B. Slow down gradually and use your brakes lightly.
5. When completing an emergency roadside stop, it is not necessary to put on your parking brake.
- True
- False ✓
Answer: B. False
6. Your brake lights tell other drivers that you:
- Are making a turn.
- Have your emergency brake on.
- Are changing lanes.
- Are slowing down or stopping. ✓
Answer: D. Are slowing down or stopping.
7. If your turn signals fail, you should use ____ to indicate that you are turning.
- Your horn
- Your headlights
- Hand signals ✓
- Your emergency flashers
Answer: C. Hand signals
8. What is the first thing you should adjust, if needed, when you get into a car to drive?
- Your seat belt
- The steering wheel
- Your rearview mirror
- Your seat ✓
Answer: D. Your seat
9. A leaking exhaust system can:
- Cause excessive oil use.
- Require your vehicle to have a tune-up sooner than normal.
- Make you drowsy while driving. ✓
- Set grass fires on country roads.
Answer: C. Make you drowsy while driving.
10. Adjust your rearview and side mirrors:
- Before you start driving. ✓
- Whenever you need to use them.
- Before you get into the car.
Answer: A. Before you start driving.
Source
Last checked: 2026-10-17 · Verified from official source
Updated: · Based on the official driver handbook