New Mexico CDL Practice Test and Test Prep (2026)
New Mexico gives CDL tests through New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), Taxation and Revenue Department. Here is what you will be tested on, which of our practice quizzes match each test, and what the skills test involves in New Mexico.
Knowledge tests for a New Mexico permit
- General Knowledge (all applicants) — practice General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (Class A) — practice Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Air Brakes (if applicable) — practice Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Any endorsement tests you need (P, S, N — a CLP cannot carry H)
- Score of 80% or better required on each test
Permit minimum age: 18 (in-state driving) or 21 (interstate). Holding period before the skills test: 14 days. Permit validity: 365 days.
New Mexico endorsement tests and practice
- Hazmat (H) practice
New Mexico notes for this endorsement
New Mexico is NOT a TSA self-managed state. You initiate the TSA Security Threat Assessment through the federal Universal Enroll (IDEMIA/IdentoGO) website or help desk, pay the $85.25 fee, and get fingerprinted at a TSA enrollment center — not at MVD. The hazmat knowledge test is taken at an MVD office and can only be passed after TSA completes the assessment; a CDL with H cannot be issued for 8 years (4-year term).
- Tanker (N) practice
New Mexico notes for this endorsement
Tank vehicle. One of the few endorsements (with P and S) that may be carried on a CLP.
- Passenger (P) practice
New Mexico notes for this endorsement
Passenger. Allowed on a CLP; adding it to any first-time or existing CDL requires ELDT for first-timers.
- School bus (S) practice
New Mexico notes for this endorsement
School bus. Requires ELDT; the skills test for school bus drivers is administered only by the NM Public Education Department's School Bus Transportation Division, not the public college examiners.
- Doubles/triples (T) practice
New Mexico notes for this endorsement
Double/triple trailers (CDL only; knowledge test, no separate skills test).
The New Mexico skills test
Components: Pre-trip vehicle inspection, Basic vehicle control skills, On-road driving test.
Test vehicle: The applicant generally supplies a commercial vehicle representative of the CDL class being sought; MVD does not provide a test vehicle. Confirm vehicle requirements with your chosen third-party examiner.
Where and how to book: New Mexico does not administer the CDL skills test at MVD counters — the skills test is given by approved third-party examiners. MVD lists four groups: public third-party examiners at six NM public colleges/universities (open to the general public for all classes except school bus), Operating Engineers Local #953 (their members only), and the Public Education Department (PED) School Bus Transportation Division (yellow school bus drivers only). MVD publishes the current third-party examiner list. Knowledge tests are taken at MVD offices, up to twice a week with no annual limit.
Waits and retests: MVD publishes no official skills-test wait times; availability depends on the third-party examiner you schedule with. estimated third-party skills-test prices run roughly $50–$225 depending on the testing center and class (market data, not an MVD figure).
Practice the inspection part with our pre-trip inspection guide. Research dated 2026-07-20; confirm testing details with New Mexico.
All practice tests
- General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Hazardous Materials (H) (30 questions)
- Tank Vehicles (N) (25 questions)
- Passenger (P) (25 questions)
- School Bus (S) (25 questions)
- Doubles/Triples (T) (20 questions)
Ready to apply? See the full New Mexico CDL requirementsor build your New Mexico checklist.