PermitPal
Maryland Permit Practice Test
20 real questions from our handbook-verified Maryland bank · Updated July 12, 2026
The official Maryland knowledge test has 25 questions — you can miss 3 and still pass (88%). That 88% bar is the strictest passing standard in the country. Maryland offers the real exam in Spanish — practica en español aquí.
The real Maryland exam format — this practice test scores you against the same 88% bar.
Answer each question to see the explanation. Your score is tallied against the real passing bar at the end.
1. Maryland considers a driver to be driving under the influence of alcohol when their blood alcohol concentration is:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: .08 or higher
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures the amount of alcohol in your blood. Maryland considers drivers to be driving under the influence of alcohol when their BAC is .08 or higher.
2. Which three tests make up the licensing requirements for a Maryland noncommercial driver’s license?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A vision screening, a knowledge test, and a driving skills test
To get a Maryland driver’s license you must take and pass a vision screening, a knowledge test, and a driving skills test. Some people may have to meet other requirements the MVA will tell them about.
3. When you park your vehicle, you are responsible for making sure it:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: Is not a hazard to anyone
You are responsible for making sure that your parked vehicle is not a hazard — that it does not cause harm to anyone. Always park in areas that are clearly meant for parking.
4. If you are involved in a crash where someone has been injured, you must:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: Remain at the scene and call 911 immediately
When someone is injured — including a pedestrian or bicyclist — you must remain at the scene, call 911 immediately, report the number of people involved, the type of injury, and the location, and not move the vehicles.
5. What does "yielding the right-of-way" mean?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: Letting other vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians go ahead of you or cross in front of you
Yielding the right-of-way means letting other vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians move ahead of you or cross the road in front of you — letting them go first. Right-of-way rules help keep everyone on the road safe.
6. You must turn on your headlights anytime there is not enough light to clearly see at least:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: 1,000 feet ahead
When driving, you must turn on your headlights anytime there is not enough light to clearly see at least 1,000 feet in front of your vehicle.
7. When making a right turn, a large truck will often first:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: Move left before making the turn
Trucks make wide turns and need more space than cars. When making a right turn, large trucks often move left first — you may think they are changing lanes and try to pass on their right, which is risky. Wait to see whether the truck is turning before passing.
8. What must you do at a steady red traffic signal?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: Come to a complete stop at the stop line and remain stopped while the signal is red
A steady red signal means come to a complete stop at the stop line. If there is no stop line, stop before the crosswalk and before entering the intersection, and remain stopped as long as the signal is red.
9. What does the posted speed limit tell you?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: The maximum legal speed you can travel on that road under ideal conditions
The posted speed limit is the maximum legal speed you can travel on a road under ideal (perfect) conditions. You are responsible for always driving at a safe speed, which may be lower.
10. What is the basic rule about which part of the road to keep your vehicle on?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: Generally keep your vehicle to the right of the center of the road
Generally, you should keep your vehicle to the right of the center of the road. Exceptions include passing a vehicle going the same direction, obeying a sign or signal, or safely getting around an obstruction.
11. Can alcohol affect your driving ability at a BAC below Maryland’s .08 limit?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: Yes — any amount of alcohol can affect your ability to drive safely
Even though Maryland’s drunk-driving limit is .08, any amount of alcohol can affect your ability to drive. Your judgment and coordination may be impaired at a much lower BAC, which could still result in criminal charges.
12. How many questions are on the Maryland knowledge test, and how long do you have to complete it?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: 25 questions, with 20 minutes to complete the test
The knowledge test has 25 questions and you are given 20 minutes to take it at an MVA location. It checks your knowledge of motor vehicle laws, safe driving practices, and traffic signs.
13. Where should you park your vehicle?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: In areas that are clearly meant for parking
Always park in areas that are clearly meant for parking. This keeps your vehicle from becoming a hazard to other people using the road.
14. If you are convicted of leaving the scene of a crash that results in a serious injury:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: Your license will be revoked, and you could face up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine
Leaving the scene of a crash with a serious injury brings severe penalties: your license will be revoked, and you could go to prison for up to 5 years and be fined up to $5,000.
15. Two vehicles reach an intersection at exactly the same time. Who should yield?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right
If two vehicles arrive at an intersection at the same time, you must yield to the driver on your right. You also yield to any driver who reached the intersection before you did.
16. Maryland law requires you to turn on your headlights whenever you:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: Use your windshield wipers in inclement weather
Maryland law requires that you turn on your headlights when you use your windshield wipers in inclement (bad) weather. This helps other drivers see you.
17. A truck is stopped at an intersection and begins its right turn. You should:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: Never try to cut in along its right side
Never try to cut in along the right side of a truck as the driver begins a turn. You could find yourself caught between the turning truck and the curb.
18. At a red light in Maryland, when are you allowed to turn right?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: After a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it, yielding to pedestrians and other traffic
Unless a sign prohibits turning on red, you may turn right (or left from a one-way street onto another one-way street) after coming to a complete stop. You must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and all other traffic.
19. Under Maryland Vehicle Law, driving faster than the posted speed limit is:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: Illegal, no matter the conditions
You may drive slower than the posted speed limit based on road conditions, but it is illegal to drive any faster than the posted speed limit. Maryland Vehicle Law also requires you to drive at a reasonable speed and be aware of hazards.
20. When should you change lanes?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: Only after you determine it is safe to do so
You should drive in a single lane and not switch lanes until you determine it is safe to do so. Do not drift across lane lines or make lane changes while in an intersection.
📱 These 20 questions are a warm-up. PermitPal for iPhone and iPad drills the full handbook-verified Maryland bank of 234 questions with spaced repetition, and runs mock exams in the real 25-question format — plus motorcycle and CDL tracks. Free to start, $29.99 once.
Maryland test facts
How many questions are on the Maryland permit test?
25 questions. You need 22 correct (88%) — you can miss 3. Full details in the passing-score calculator.
What happens if I fail?
You can retake it the next day.
Can I take the Maryland test in Spanish?
Yes — Maryland offers the knowledge test in Spanish. Try the Spanish practice test. See which states test in Spanish.
What age can I get my permit in Maryland?
The minimum learner's permit age is 15 years 9 months. You'll need 60 supervised practice hours (10 at night) before the license stage. Full ladder in the permit-age lookup.