New Mexico Driver Manual

Vocabulary flashcards based on the New Mexico Driver Manual.

Graduated Driver License (GDL)

A three-level system for drivers under 18: Instructional Permit, Provisional License, and Unrestricted Driver License.

Instructional Permit

A supervised permit for learners; at least 15 years old; pass knowledge and vision tests; supervising driver must be 21+ and licensed (3+ years); six‑month minimum duration.

Provisional License

Unsupervised driving with limits (e.g., no late-night driving and passenger restrictions); requires 50 hours practice (10 at night) and road/vision tests.

Unrestricted Driver License

Full license after holding a provisional license for the required period and meeting clean driving record requirements.

Driver License Renewal

License validity is 4 or 8 years; renewal up to 90 days before expiry; bring current license and another ID; may require vision, knowledge, or driving tests.

Keeping the Driver License

You must drive safely to keep your license; violations (DUI, refusing tests, leaving the scene, fraud, etc.) can result in suspension.

Safety Belts and Child Restraints

Always wear seat belts; all passengers must use belts or child restraints; children under 12 have special requirements.

Traffic Control Devices

Devices such as signals, signs, and pavement markings; may be accompanied by officers or guards; obey directions.

Traffic Signals

Lights at intersections telling you when to stop or go; green means go, yellow caution, red stop; arrows indicate turning directions.

Green Light

Go if safe; yield to emergency vehicles and others as required; green arrows indicate a safe turn when no oncoming traffic is present.

Yellow Light

Caution; signal about to change to red; if in the intersection when yellow appears, continue through rather than stopping.

Red Light

Stop and wait for the light to turn green; yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

Green Arrow

Indicates you may turn in the direction of the arrow; no oncoming or crossing traffic allowed in that lane.

Yellow Arrow

Indicates the protection of a green arrow is ending; prepare to stop and yield to oncoming traffic before turning.

Red Arrow

You must stop and cannot turn in the direction of the arrow until a green signal is shown.

Traffic Signs

Signs provide information on traffic rules, hazards, destinations and services; shape and color give type of information.

Warning Signs

Usually yellow and diamond-shaped; warn of hazards or changes in road conditions ahead.

Railroad Crossing Warning Sign

Signaling an upcoming railroad crossing and the need to proceed with caution and stop if necessary.

Crossbuck

White X-shaped railroad crossing sign; means you must yield to approaching trains.

Work Area Signs

Orange signs warning of construction or maintenance; may require detours or reduced speeds; obey flaggers.

Regulatory Signs

Signs that give rules for traffic direction, lane use, turns, speeds, and other restrictions.

Speed Limit Sign

Shows the maximum (and sometimes minimum) safe speed; reduce speed for adverse conditions.

Lane Use Control Signs

Signs indicating permissible movements and lane usage; may be overhead or on the side with arrows.

No Passing Sign

Indicates where passing is not permitted; depends on sight distance and roadway conditions.

Stop Sign

Eight-sided red sign; requires a full stop and to proceed only when safe.

Yield Sign

Downward-pointing red and white triangle; slow down and yield the right of way.

Do Not Enter Sign

Indicates you cannot enter that roadway or ramp; often marks wrong-way lanes.

Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) Decal

Reflective orange triangle on the rear of vehicles traveling under 25 mph.

Destination Signs

Green or brown signs showing directions and distances to cities, parks, etc.

Service Signs

Blue signs indicating services such as rest areas, gas stations, hospitals.

Route Number Signs

Signs showing the type of roadway (Interstate, US, state) and the route number.

Pavement Markings

Lines and symbols on the road dividing lanes, guiding turns, and showing stopping points.

Edge Lines

Solid lines along the edge of the roadway marking the road boundary.

White Lane Markings

White lines separating lanes; dashed white allows crossing; solid white means stay in lane.

Dashed White Line

A dashed white line may be crossed to pass or change lanes if safe.

Solid White Line

A solid white line indicates you should stay in your lane; crossing may be restricted.

Crosswalk

Marked or unmarked pedestrian crossing area; yield to pedestrians in or about to enter.

Yellow Lane Markings

Lines that separate traffic moving in opposite directions; can be dashed (passing) or solid (no passing).

Two Solid Yellow Lines

Passing is not allowed from either side; may turn into a driveway if safe.

Dashed Yellow Line

Passing is allowed when safe; if the line nearest you is solid, do not pass.

Solid Yellow Line

No passing on the side with the solid line; exercise caution.

Reversible Lanes

Lanes whose direction changes; indicated by double-dashed lines and special signals.

Reserved Lanes

Lanes set aside for specific users (bus, bicycle, HOV).

Transit Lane

Lane reserved for transit vehicles; indicated by signs like “Transit”.

Bicycle Lane

Lane reserved for bicycles; marked by signs or painted road markings.

HOV Lane

High Occupancy Vehicle lane; requires a minimum number of occupants per vehicle.

Shared Center Lane

Center lane for left turns by either direction; may be reversible during rush hours.

General Rules

Basic rules for driving when no special signs dictate lane use, passing, or turning.

Right-of-Way

Rules that determine which vehicle or pedestrian should proceed first at intersections.

One-Way Streets and Circles

Streets where traffic flows in one direction only; circular intersections (rotaries) also have rules.

Speed Limits (range)

Common NM speed ranges: 15 mph school zones, 30 mph urban, 55 mph highways, 75 mph rural interstates.

Minimum Speed

Some roads have a posted minimum speed; drive at or above it unless conditions require slower speeds.

Parking

Safe parking: choose a designated area, apply parking brake, and exit carefully; avoid hazards.

Parking Brake

Engage when parked; transmission in park (auto) or gear (manual) to prevent rolling.

No Parking Zones

Areas where parking is prohibited; curb color markings may indicate restrictions.

Curb Color Restrictions

White: short stops; Yellow: loading or restrictions; Red: no parking; Blue: handicap parking.

Traffic Violations

Common violations may carry points; excessive points can lead to license suspension.

Points

Point system assigns penalties to violations; 12+ points in 12 months may suspend license.

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated)

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; penalties include fines, license loss, and possible jail.

BAC (Blood Alcohol Content)

Percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream; legal limits: 0.08% (general) and 0.02% for under 21.

Ignition Interlock Device

A device installed on a vehicle to prevent starting if the driver’s BAC is above the limit.

Alcohol and the Law

You must be 21+ to possess or drink alcohol; DWI penalties apply for illegal levels of intoxication.

Other Drugs and Driving

Prescription or non-prescription drugs can impair driving; many substances affect judgment and reaction.

Vision Test

NM requires at least 20/40 vision in at least one eye to obtain or retain a license.

20/40 Vision

A standard visual acuity requirement; can be corrected with lenses.

Epilepsy

Medical condition; requires periodic medical statements; must be seizure-free for a period before licensing.

Diabetes

Diabetics, especially insulin users, may have driving restrictions; regular medical oversight advised.

Heart Condition

Significant heart issues may disqualify driving; consult a physician and MVD for guidance.

Emotions

Emotions (anger, fear, depression) can impair driving; safe drivers manage emotions before driving.

Cellular Phone Usage

Phone use is a distraction; pull over to call or text where legal and safe; hands-free may be required in some areas.

Vehicle Emergencies

If trouble occurs: pull off safely, use hazard lights, call for help, and place warning devices.

Brake Failure

Pump brakes several times; use parking brake gradually; shift to a lower gear and steer to a safe stop.

Tire Blowout

Grip the wheel, slow gradually, and pull off; avoid braking hard; move to a safe area.

Power Failure

If the engine dies: steer safely, pull off the road; braking will still work, but with more effort.

Headlight Failure

Try switching lights on/off; use hazard lights or fog lights if available; pull over safely.

Gas Pedal Sticks

If the accelerator sticks: focus on the road, shift to neutral, and pull off safely; turn off engine.

ABS (Antilock Braking System)

ABS helps prevent wheel lock during hard braking; apply firm, continuous pressure on the brake.

Skids

If skidding occurs: do not brake abruptly; steer into the direction you want to go and continue to steer until control returns.

Hit From the Rear

Body may be thrown; brace against seat and apply brakes to avoid secondary collisions.

Hit From the Side

Belted occupants are protected; brace and steer to prevent further impact.

Hit From the Front

Aim for a glancing blow; airbags may deploy; stay buckled and prepare for a second collision.

Air Bag

Airbags deploy in frontal crashes; after deployment, protect against secondary impacts and stay buckled.

Accidents and the Financial Responsibility Law

If involved in an accident, stop, exchange information, and report as required; ensure insurance coverage.

Financial Responsibility Law (66-5-205/208)

NM law requiring motor vehicle liability insurance with minimum coverage to pay damages.

Motorcycles: Passing

Pass six safe with turn signals; use mirrors and head checks; complete pass within posted limits.

Cars Alongside

Do not ride alongside other vehicles in adjacent lanes; use lane changes to avoid blind spots.

Braking (Motorcycles)

Use both front and rear brakes; front brake provides most stopping power; avoid locking.

Lane Sharing (Motorcycles)

Sharing a full lane with cars is often prohibited; maintain a center lane position when safe.

Lane Position (Motorcycles)

Choose lane position to maximize visibility and space cushion; center often best in complex traffic.

Signals (Motorcycles)

Use motorcycle turn signals; hand signals can supplement; signal early and turn off after maneuvers.

Helmet Requirements

NM law requires helmets for drivers and passengers under 18; recommended for all riders; must meet safety standards.

Using Your Mirrors (Motorcycles)

Frequent mirror checks; adjust mirrors and include side checks when stopping or changing lanes.

Riding At Night

Reduce speed; increase following distance; use high beams when appropriate; wear reflective gear.

Space Cushion (Four-Second Rule)

Maintain a four-second following distance to allow time to react under normal conditions.

Three-Second Rule

A simpler following-distance rule; count seconds to a stationary object to ensure safe distance.

Sharrows

Shared lane markings that encourage bicyclists to ride in the traffic lane when necessary; drivers yield.

Bicycles Are Vehicles

Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles; pass with care (at least 5 feet).

Passing Bicycles

Pass with at least five feet of clearance; cyclists may take the full lane when necessary.

Trucker's Blind Spots (NO ZONE)

Large blind spots around trucks; avoid lingering in them; pass on the left when safe.

Eye Contact Myth

Do not rely on eye contact to determine if drivers see you; assume you are not seen and proceed safely.