Maryland DMV Permit Practice Test 2026

This page covers what you need to know for the Maryland driver's license knowledge exam: how the test works, the Maryland-specific rules that often show up on it, and sample questions with explained answers. Everything here is based on the official Maryland driver's manual and state traffic code (sources are listed at the bottom). The real Maryland test has 25 questions and you need 22 correct (85%) to pass.

When you're ready, take a free 25-question practice test that mixes Maryland-specific questions with general driving questions, with an explanation after every answer. Each attempt draws a new set. No signup needed.

Maryland Permit Test and Licensing Facts

Knowledge Test	25 questions, must score 22/25 (85%) to pass
Minimum Permit Age	15 years 9 months
Minimum License Age	16 years 6 months
Speed Limits	Highway: up to 70 mph \| Residential: 30 mph \| School Zone: 15 mph
DUI/DWI Law	BAC limit: 0.08% (Under 21: 0.02%)
Point System	Points range from 1 to 5. 8 or more points results in license suspension.

Rules Specific to Maryland

Maryland has both DUI (BAC 0.08+) and DWI (BAC 0.07+) charges — DWI is a lesser charge
Maryland requires 85% to pass the knowledge test — higher than most states
Provisional license holders under 18 cannot drive between midnight and 5 AM

Sample Maryland Permit Test Questions

These questions cover rules that are specific to Maryland. They're the ones people most often miss, because the answer differs from state to state.

In Maryland, you must signal your turn at least how far before turning?
- A. At least 50 feet
- B. At least 75 feet
- C. At least 100 feet
- D. At least 200 feet
Answer: At least 100 feet. Signaling early helps other road users predict your movement. Start your signal well before you begin the turn or lane change.
Maryland’s online driver test tutorial notes the knowledge test allows a maximum of how many minutes and requires what score (or better) to pass?
- A. 15 minutes and 80%
- B. 20 minutes and 88%
- C. 25 minutes and 85%
- D. 30 minutes and 90%
Answer: 20 minutes and 88%. Time limits and passing scores reinforce the need to study before testing. Use practice materials to build speed and accuracy.
In Maryland’s point system, at how many points (or more) will the MVA send you a notice of revocation?
- A. 8 points
- B. 10 points
- C. 12 points
- D. 14 points
Answer: 12 points. Points accumulate based on violations within a set period. Keeping points low helps protect your driving privileges and insurance rates.
For a first DWI conviction in Maryland, if the driver is under 21, the MVA consequence described includes a license suspension of:
- A. 3 months
- B. 6 months
- C. 9 months
- D. 1 year
Answer: 1 year. Maryland applies tougher administrative consequences to underage impaired drivers. Avoid alcohol entirely before driving.
Maryland child passenger safety rules require a child safety seat or booster for children under age 8 unless the child is at least what height?
- A. 4'0"
- B. 4'5"
- C. 4'9"
- D. 5'0"
Answer: 4'9". Maryland uses both age and height to determine when a booster is needed. Proper fit of the seat belt is the goal before moving to belt-only.
How many practice hours must a Maryland learner complete with a supervising driver?
- A. 40 hours, 10 at night
- B. 50 hours, 10 at night
- C. 60 hours, 10 at night
- D. 70 hours, 15 at night
Answer: 60 hours, 10 at night. You must practice at least 60 hours, with at least 10 during the period from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise.
How many questions are on the Maryland knowledge test, and how long do you have?
- A. 20 questions, 15 minutes
- B. 25 questions, 20 minutes
- C. 30 questions, 30 minutes
- D. 50 questions, 45 minutes
Answer: 25 questions, 20 minutes. The knowledge test has 25 questions and you have 20 minutes.
When may a Maryland provisional license holder drive unsupervised between midnight and 5 a.m.?
- A. Any time
- B. Only for a job, an organized volunteer program, an official school activity, or similar listed reasons
- C. Never
- D. On weekends only
Answer: Only for a job, an organized volunteer program, an official school activity, or similar listed reasons. Unsupervised driving from midnight to 5 a.m. is allowed only for listed reasons like work, organized volunteer programs, or official school activities.
How far from a stopped Maryland school bus with flashing red lights must you stop?
- A. At least 10 feet
- B. At least 20 feet
- C. At least 50 feet
- D. At least 100 feet
Answer: At least 20 feet. Stop at least 20 feet from the back of the bus if you're behind it, or 20 feet from the front if you're ahead of it.
When don't you have to stop for a Maryland school bus with flashing red lights?
- A. When no children are visible
- B. When on a multiple-lane road divided by a physical barrier and the bus is on the other side
- C. On any four-lane road
- D. When the bus is on a side street
Answer: When on a multiple-lane road divided by a physical barrier and the bus is on the other side. Don't stop if you're on a multiple-lane road divided by a physical barrier and the bus is on the other side of the barrier.
When must Maryland drivers turn on their headlights?
- A. Only after dark
- B. Any time there isn't enough light to see clearly at least 1,000 feet ahead
- C. Only in fog
- D. Only on highways
Answer: Any time there isn't enough light to see clearly at least 1,000 feet ahead. Headlights are required whenever you can't clearly see at least 1,000 feet ahead.
When must you switch to low beams while following another vehicle in Maryland?
- A. Within 100 feet
- B. Within 200 feet
- C. Within 300 feet
- D. Within 500 feet
Answer: Within 300 feet. Switch to low beams at least 500 feet before oncoming vehicles and when following within 300 feet.
Can you use a handheld cell phone while driving in Maryland?
- A. Yes, for calls
- B. No, handheld phone use, including texting, is illegal
- C. Only at red lights
- D. Only if over 21
Answer: No, handheld phone use, including texting, is illegal. It's illegal to use a handheld cell phone, including texting, while driving in Maryland.
What is the penalty for violating Maryland's Move Over law (no crash)?
- A. A warning
- B. $110 fine and 1 point
- C. $150 fine and 3 points
- D. $750 fine and 3 points
Answer: $110 fine and 1 point. A violation is $110 and 1 point; $150 and 3 points if it causes a crash; $750 and 3 points if there's a death or serious injury.
What following distance does the Maryland MVA recommend under ideal conditions?
- A. 1 to 2 seconds
- B. 2 seconds
- C. 3 to 4 seconds
- D. 6 seconds
Answer: 3 to 4 seconds. The MVA recommends at least 3 to 4 seconds under ideal conditions.
What fine can a Maryland owner face for not keeping insurance on a vehicle?
- A. Up to $100
- B. Up to $500
- C. Up to $2,500 per vehicle each year
- D. No fine, just points
Answer: Up to $2,500 per vehicle each year. Driving without insurance can bring fines up to $2,500 per vehicle each year.
What is the maximum penalty in Maryland for leaving the scene of a crash where someone dies?
- A. 1 year and $1,000
- B. 5 years and $5,000
- C. 10 years and $10,000
- D. A license suspension only
Answer: 10 years and $10,000. Leaving the scene of a fatal crash is a felony with up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Maryland Permit Test FAQ

How many questions are on the Maryland permit test?

The Maryland knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 22 correct answers (85%) to pass.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Maryland?

The minimum age for a learner's permit in Maryland is 15 years 9 months. The minimum age for a driver's license is 16 years 6 months.

What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Maryland?

Maryland calls impaired driving DUI/DWI. The limit is 0.08% BAC for drivers 21 and over, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.

How does the Maryland driver point system work?

Points range from 1 to 5. 8 or more points results in license suspension.

What are the default speed limits in Maryland?

Typical limits in Maryland are up to 70 mph on highways, 30 mph in residential areas and 15 mph in school zones. Posted signs always take priority.

Sources

The facts and questions on this page are based on the following official Maryland government sources:

Facts and questions last checked against the Maryland Driver's Manual on September 26, 2026.

Laws change. Always check the current Maryland driver's manual before your test. This site is unofficial and not affiliated with any Maryland government agency.