About the Maryland MVA written test
The Maryland knowledge test (often searched as the Maryland permit test or Maryland DMV test) checks that new drivers understand road signs, traffic laws and safe driving habits before getting a learner's permit. The questions come from the official Maryland driver handbook published by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
Maryland's MVA gives new drivers a vision screening and a timed multiple-choice knowledge test at the learner's permit appointment. Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign, and the test is based on the Maryland Driver's Manual.
Maryland permit test quick facts
- Minimum permit age
- You can apply for a Maryland learner's permit at 15 years and 9 months old.
- Questions on the real test
- 25
- Vision screening
- 20/40 in each eye with at least 140 degrees of continuous field of vision (corrective lenses allowed)
- Adult BAC limit
- 0.08% is the legal impairment threshold for adults; drivers under 21 may not drink any alcohol before driving
- Seat belt law
- Driver and all passengers must wear a safety belt or ride in a proper child safety seat; children under 8 need a child seat unless they are 4'9" or taller.
Rules and fees change. Confirm current details with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration before you test.
What Maryland drivers should know
- Use headlights whenever you cannot clearly see 1,000 feet ahead, and whenever your wipers are running in bad weather.
- Stop at least 20 feet from a school bus with flashing red lights.
- Give a bicycle at least 3 feet when passing.
- Move Over Law violation: $110 fine and 1 point (more if it causes a crash or serious injury).
- Learner's permit and provisional license holders may not use any wireless device, even hands-free, except to call 911.
Topics covered in our Maryland practice tests
- Road signs and signals: shapes, colors, pavement markings and traffic lights.
- Rules of the road: right-of-way, speed, turns, passing, parking and school zones.
- Safe driving: following distance, night and weather driving, distractions and emergencies.
- Alcohol and drugs: impaired driving, BAC and penalties.
- Sharing the road: pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and large trucks.
How to pass the Maryland permit test
- Read the official Maryland driver handbook, paying close attention to numbers (distances, speeds, BAC limits).
- Take Practice Test 1 in study mode and read every explanation.
- Work through Tests 2 to 5, then the topic tests for your weakest areas.
- Use the Exam Simulator and aim for 80% or higher on several attempts in a row.
- Bring the documents your state requires and book your test with the MVA.