New Mexico Permit Test in Spanish and 7 Other Languages: How to Select Your Language

The New Mexico permit test in Spanish and seven other languages is available at all MVD field offices: English, Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Select your language at the testing computer before you start, you cannot switch mid-exam. Personal translators, dictionaries, and electronic translation devices are prohibited. All road signs appear in English regardless of which language you choose for the exam text.

What Languages Is the New Mexico Permit Test Available In?

The computerized knowledge exam is available in eight languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. This option is available at all MVD offices, including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces. The test is not offered in Arabic, Hindi, Farsi, Japanese, or Korean.

How Do You Request a Non-English Permit Test in New Mexico?

At the testing computer, choose your language from the alphabetical list before starting.

The selection is alphabetical by the English name. Inform the clerk when checking in at the office, at offices like the Albuquerque MVD at Montgomery Plaza (4575 San Mateo NE), staff can confirm which languages are available that day. A printed paper version in the same eight languages is available upon request for applicants who cannot use a computer.

Interpreter and Translation Rules for the New Mexico Permit Test

The MVD enforces strict rules to protect test integrity.

• ✗ Personal Translators: Not allowed. Use the official MVD translation on screen.
• ✗ Dictionaries and Electronic Translators: Prohibited during the exam.
• ASL Interpreters: Deaf applicants can request a qualified sign language interpreter at the office to interpret written questions, but there is no video-based ASL test.
• Audio Test: No audio or read-aloud version exists for any language. The test is text-based only.

Is the Test Format the Same in All Languages?

Yes, 50 multiple-choice questions, score 70% (35 correct) to pass to pass.

The MVD uses certified translators and updates all versions for law changes. The official New Mexico Driver Manual is available in English and Spanish at mvd.newmexico.gov. All road signs on the test appear in English regardless of which language you selected. Road sign images always appear in English regardless of which language you choose for the exam text. Study road signs from the English manual even if you test in another language. Knowledge exam scores are valid for five years per MVD policy.

Practical Steps for Taking the New Mexico Permit Test in Another Language

1. Gather required documents: proof of identity, SSN, and two proofs of NM residency. Download the Instruction Permit Application (MVD-10057) at mvd.newmexico.gov.
2. Pay the $10 learner's permit fee.
3. At the testing station, select your language from the list before confirming, a candidate in Farmington accidentally started the test in English, failed, and had to wait a day and pay another fee to retake in Spanish.
4. Take the 50-question test.

Bring certified translations for any non-English documents to avoid rejection.

An applicant at the Rio Rancho MVD was turned away because their foreign birth certificate lacked a certified English translation. Schedule an appointment online to avoid 3+ hour walk-in waits at busy offices like the one on Alameda Blvd in Albuquerque. See permit prep resources at mvd.newmexico.gov learner's permit page.