NM DMV Road Safety and Defensive Driving 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How far in advance should you signal before changing lanes on a New Mexico highway?
- At least 50 feet
- At least 100 feet
- At least 300 feet (Correct answer)
- Signals are not required for lane changes
Correct answer: At least 300 feet
On New Mexico highways and high-speed roads, drivers should signal at least 300 feet before changing lanes to give adequate warning to surrounding traffic.
Question 2: When driving in fog in New Mexico, which lights should you use?
- High beams to see further
- Low beams or fog lights (Correct answer)
- Hazard flashers only
- No lights — they reflect off the fog
Correct answer: Low beams or fog lights
In foggy conditions, use low beams or dedicated fog lights because high beams reflect off the fog and reduce visibility for you and oncoming drivers.
Question 3: What is the New Mexico 'Move Over' law?
- Drivers must move to the left lane to pass slower traffic
- Drivers must change lanes or slow down when passing emergency or work vehicles stopped on the roadside (Correct answer)
- Drivers must yield when merging onto a highway
- All of the above
Correct answer: Drivers must change lanes or slow down when passing emergency or work vehicles stopped on the roadside
New Mexico's Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes away from or slow down significantly when passing law enforcement, emergency, or roadside assistance vehicles stopped with lights activated.
Question 4: In New Mexico, what is the safest way to handle a tire blowout while driving at highway speed?
- Slam the brakes immediately
- Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer to a safe stop (Correct answer)
- Swerve to the shoulder quickly
- Accelerate briefly to stabilize the vehicle
Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer to a safe stop
During a blowout, grip the steering wheel firmly, gradually ease off the accelerator, and steer smoothly to the shoulder — sudden braking can cause loss of control.
Question 5: What should you do if your vehicle's brakes suddenly fail in New Mexico?
- Shift to neutral and coast
- Pump the brakes, downshift, and use the emergency brake gradually (Correct answer)
- Jump from the vehicle
- Turn off the ignition immediately
Correct answer: Pump the brakes, downshift, and use the emergency brake gradually
If brakes fail, rapidly pump the pedal to build pressure, downshift to use engine braking, and apply the emergency brake gradually to slow the vehicle.
Question 6: How should a New Mexico driver handle an aggressive driver tailgating them?
- Brake suddenly to teach them a lesson
- Speed up to create more distance
- Safely change lanes or pull over to let them pass (Correct answer)
- Brake-check the vehicle behind you
Correct answer: Safely change lanes or pull over to let them pass
The safest response to an aggressive tailgating driver is to change lanes safely or pull over to allow the aggressive driver to pass without escalating the situation.
NM DMV Road Safety and Defensive Driving 2
How far in advance should you signal before changing lanes on a New Mexico highway?