State guides · Maryland
Maryland DMV written test guide
Everything you need to know about the written test in Maryland, with the rules your state asks about and practice questions with answers.
| Agency | Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) |
|---|---|
| Official handbook | Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) ↗ |
| Questions | 25 |
| To pass | 22 of 25 correct |
| Test in Spanish? | Yes |
88% needed, which is 22 of 25 questions, in a 20-minute time limit. Usually taken on a computer at an MVA branch.
Maryland rules you need to know
- Alcohol, 21 and over: In Maryland the legal limit for drivers 21 or older is 0.08% BAC. Official source ↗
- Alcohol, under 21: Under 21, you may not drive with any alcohol in your blood. Official source ↗
- Following distance: Keep at least 3 to 4 seconds behind; more behind buses and delivery vans. Official source ↗
- High beams: Dim your high beams within 500 feet of oncoming traffic and 300 feet when following. Official source ↗
- Turn signal: Signal continuously during the last 100 feet before turning. Official source ↗
- Fire hydrant: Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Official source ↗
- Crosswalk: Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, except in Baltimore City. Official source ↗
- School bus: If a physical barrier divides you from the school bus, you do not stop; otherwise stop 20 feet away. Official source ↗
- Right on red: Right on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it. Official source ↗
- Left on red: Left on red is allowed from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a full stop. Official source ↗
- Cell phone: No driver may use a hand-held phone; permit and provisional drivers under 18 may not use even hands-free, except for 911. Official source ↗
- Move Over law: Move over for any stopped vehicle with flashing lights; if you can't, slow to a safe speed. Official source ↗
- Permit age: You can get a learner's permit at 15 years and 9 months. Official source ↗
Maryland test FAQ
How many questions are on the Maryland written test?
The written test has 25 questions and you need 22 correct to pass.
Can I take the Maryland driver's test in Spanish?
Yes. Maryland offers the written test in Spanish.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Maryland?
You can get a learner's permit at 15 years and 9 months.
What documents do I need for a permit in Maryland?
It depends on your situation (identity, residency and Social Security number or an alternative). Check the official list from Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) before you go.
Documents guide → · How to pass on the first try →
11 Maryland practice questions
1. The Maryland knowledge test has 25 questions. How many must you answer correctly to pass?
- 20 (80%)
- 18 (72%)
- 22 (88%)
- 24 (96%)
Show answer
Answer: 22 (88%)
Maryland requires 88 percent, which is 22 of 25, within a 20-minute time limit.
2. At what age can you get a learner's permit in Maryland?
- 16 years
- 15 years and 9 months
- 15 years and 6 months
- 15 years
Show answer
Answer: 15 years and 9 months
Applicants under 25 must be at least 15 years and 9 months old for the Learner's Instructional Permit.
3. You have a Maryland learner's permit. May you talk on a hands-free phone while driving?
- Yes, if your guardian agrees
- Yes, if driving in the city
- Yes, if it is hands-free
- No, only to call 911
Show answer
Answer: No, only to call 911
Permit and provisional license holders under 18 may not use any wireless device, even hands-free, except for a 911 call.
4. With a Maryland provisional license under 18, when may you drive unsupervised only for work, school or sports?
- 10 pm to 6 am
- Midnight to 5 am
- Midnight to 6 am
- 11 pm to 5 am
Show answer
Answer: Midnight to 5 am
Between midnight and 5 am, provisional drivers may drive unsupervised only for a job, volunteer program, school activity or sports.
5. With a Maryland provisional license under 18, how long may you not carry non-family passengers under 18?
- The first 90 days
- The first 151 days
- The first 6 months
- The first year
Show answer
Answer: The first 151 days
For the first 151 days, no unrelated passengers under 18 unless a qualified supervising driver is with you.
6. In Maryland a school bus stops with red lights flashing. How far away must you stop?
- At least 25 feet
- At least 20 feet
- At least 50 feet
- At least 10 feet
Show answer
Answer: At least 20 feet
Stop at least 20 feet from the front or back of the school bus.
7. In Maryland, if you are under 21, how much alcohol may you have in your blood while driving?
- Less than 0.08%
- None at all
- Less than 0.05%
- Less than 0.02%
Show answer
Answer: None at all
Drivers under 21 have an alcohol restriction on their license: no alcohol in the blood while driving.
8. In Maryland, which vehicles does the Move Over law apply to?
- Only police cars
- Any stopped vehicle with flashing lights
- Only tow trucks
- Only ambulances, fire trucks and police cars
Show answer
Answer: Any stopped vehicle with flashing lights
You must move over for any vehicle stopped, standing or parked on the road with its lights flashing, or slow to a safe speed.
9. In Maryland, how close to a fire hydrant may you park, at minimum?
- 25 feet
- 15 feet
- 20 feet
- 10 feet
10. In Maryland, within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection may you NOT park?
- 15 feet
- 25 feet
- 10 feet
- 20 feet
Show answer
Answer: 20 feet
Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, except in Baltimore City.
11. In Maryland, at least how far ahead must you signal before turning?
- 100 feet
- 200 feet
- 300 feet
- 500 feet
Show answer
Answer: 100 feet
Signal continuously during the last 100 feet before turning.
Practice with Maryland rules
360+ voiced questions, a practice test in your state's format and video lessons.
Facts checked against the official state handbook and website in October 2026. Rules change: always check the official handbook.