Maryland DMV Cheat Sheet

Correct answer: An open container

A six-pack with open, empty, or missing bottles or cans can be considered an open container under Maryland law — keep it out of the passenger area.

Correct answer: Charged with a criminal offense

If you drive after taking a medication that warns you not to, and it impairs your ability to drive safely, you could be charged with a criminal offense — legality of the drug is not a defense.

Correct answer: A drug recognition expert

If a police officer has reason to believe you are driving while impaired by drugs, alcohol, or a controlled substance, they may have a drug recognition expert request that you submit to a blood test.

Correct answer: A $110 fine and one point on your license

Violating the Move Over Law is a misdemeanor with a $110 fine and one point on your license. The MVA uses points to track violations and issue penalties.

Correct answer: Passengers under 18 who are not immediate family members

If you have a Provisional License and are under 18, you may not drive unsupervised with passengers under 18 for the first 151 days unless they are immediate family members. With a qualified supervising driver present, other under-18 passengers are allowed.

Correct answer: Your driving privilege is terminated and not reinstated

Cancellation is more severe than suspension or revocation — your driving privilege is terminated (ended) and not reinstated. The MVA may cancel a license if you should not have been given one, gave incorrect information, or committed fraud when applying.

Correct answer: $2,500 per vehicle each year

It is against the law to drive without vehicle insurance. All vehicles registered in Maryland must be insured by a company licensed in Maryland — if you do not keep insurance on all vehicles, you will be fined up to $2,500 per vehicle each year.

Correct answer: The MVA automatically switches it and mails you a card showing the change

When you have met all the requirements, the MVA automatically switches your Provisional License to a Driver’s License and mails you a card showing the switch. You must carry that card with your Provisional License.

Correct answer: At least 9 months following the most recent conviction or PBJ

At any age, if you are convicted of or granted a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a moving violation, you must hold the Learner’s Instructional Permit for at least 9 months following the most recent date of that conviction or PBJ.

Correct answer: Cancel the license by submitting a written request to the MVA’s Administrative Adjudication Division

A co-signer may cancel a minor’s license by submitting a written request to the MVA’s Administrative Adjudication Division. The license stays cancelled until the driver turns 18, unless a co-signer signs a new application.

Correct answer: A three-hour roadway safety driving education program approved by the MVA

A person with a license from another country must pass the vision screening, knowledge test, and driving skills test, and complete an MVA-approved three-hour roadway safety driving education program. If the foreign license is not in English, it must be translated or accompanied by an International License.

Correct answer: Only after you have taken the test in that language at least 5 times

If the MVA offers the knowledge test in the language you speak, you must take it in that language at least 5 times before you may use an interpreter. The MVA does not charge for using an interpreter, but you must pay the interpreter for their services.

Correct answer: 10 feet by 20 feet

The parking maneuvers on the driving test are done in a 10-foot by 20-foot space. The three-point turn is done in a larger 16-foot by 20-foot space.

Correct answer: 16 feet by 20 feet

The three-point turn on the driving test is done in a 16-foot by 20-foot space, while the parking maneuvers are done in a 10-foot by 20-foot space.

Correct answer: Off-limits for parking, even for vehicles with a disability plate or placard

Parking on any part of the access aisle next to a disability space is a violation even if you have a disability plate or placard. The access aisle is the area people in wheelchairs or other mobility devices use to get in and out of their vehicle.

Correct answer: A violation that can result in a citation

Using a disability license plate or placard without the person with the disability present — and without proper identification — is a violation. The credential is for the qualifying person, not the vehicle or other drivers.

Correct answer: Pass it, unless it stops or a police officer tells you to pass

If you are going in the same direction as an emergency vehicle using its signals, you may not pass it unless it stops or a police officer tells you to pass it.

Correct answer: Stop at least 20 feet from the front of the bus

If you are in front of a school bus stopped with its flashing red lights on, you must stop at least 20 feet from the front of the bus. Drivers approaching from both directions must stop on an undivided road.

Correct answer: You do not have to stop, because the bus is on the other side of the barrier

On a multiple-lane road divided by a physical barrier, you do not have to stop if the school bus is on the other side of the barrier. On roads without such a barrier, you must stop.

Correct answer: Pump the brakes

Avoid slamming on your brakes, which can cause a skid. If your vehicle does not have an anti-lock braking system, pump the brakes to prevent skidding.

Correct answer: Take your foot off the gas, keep the vehicle straight, and do not brake

If you start to hydroplane and lose control, take your foot off the gas, do not apply your brakes, keep the vehicle going straight, and slow down until you get control back.

Correct answer: It marks the start of a no-passing zone — do not pass

The pennant shape marks the start of a no-passing zone; do not pass other vehicles. The crossbuck shape identifies the location of a highway–rail grade crossing.

Correct answer: Vehicles traveling in either direction can use the center lane to turn left

A two-way left-turn sign means vehicles traveling in either direction can use the center lane to turn left. You share this lane with left-turning vehicles coming from the opposite direction.

Correct answer: Increased fines apply in the work zone when the sign is flashing

Work-zone warning signs alert you to construction ahead. A sign noting the work zone is "active when flashing" warns that increased fines apply while it flashes — slow down and drive carefully.

Correct answer: Allowed for traffic on the side of the broken line, but not for traffic on the side of the solid line

A solid-plus-broken yellow line is used on two-way roads where passing is permitted in only one direction. Careful passing is allowed for traffic on the side of the broken line and not allowed for traffic on the side of the solid line.