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Anyone who operates a motor vehicle on the public roads in Maryland is required to have a valid driver's license or learner's permit. Licensing requirements include a vision screening, a knowledge test, and a driving skills test. The Maryland MVA written test is designed to check the applicant’s knowledge of motor vehicle laws, road rules, road signs and safe driving practices. Everything you need to know is covered in the Maryland Driver's Manual. The MD DMV written consists of 25 questions, and you'll need at least 22 correct answers to pass (85%).
1.
What does this road sign indicate?
Vehicles traveling straight must yield to bicyclists entering a right turn lane.
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Drivers have the right of way over bicyclists turning left.
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Vehicles entering a right turn lane may encounter bicyclists traveling straight, and must yield to the bicyclists.
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2.
When they see a yellow X signal, drivers should:
come to a complete stop at the marked stop line.
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turn off the ignition.
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prepare to leave the lane safely.
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3.
When entering an expressway from the entrance ramp, you should:
use the acceleration lane to blend into the traffic.
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go down to the bottom of the ramp and stop until it is safe to enter the expressway.
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cross over to the traffic lane as soon as possible.
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4.
When you prepare to make a left turn from a one-way road into a one-way road, you must:
move into the right lane, or to the left side of a single lane.
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move into the left lane, or to the left side of a single lane.
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move into the right lane, or to the right side of a single lane.
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5.
A defensive driver:
knows when it is safe to pass other vehicles.
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never drives below the speed limit.
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considers what other drivers might do and is always prepared to act.
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6.
The best way to deal with tailgaters is to:
let them pass if it's safe to do so.
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always keep your eyes focused ahead of your car.
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flash your brake lights.
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7.
On slippery roads, drivers should:
come to a complete stop.
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leave more space in front of their vehicle.
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increase their speed to avoid hydroplaning.
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8.
To avoid becoming an aggressive driver, you should:
use your horn frequently to warn other drivers.
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allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
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talk on your cell phone while driving.
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9.
Roads are the most slippery:
after it has been raining for an hour or more.
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for the first 2 hours of a rain storm.
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the first rain after a dry spell.
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10.
Drivers should change lanes:
as quickly as possible.
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gradually and carefully.
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often.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The age requirements to obtain a class C driver's license in Maryland are established by the three-steps of the Rookie Driver Program:
- Learner’s instructional permit ? you must be at least 15 years and 9 months.
- Provisional license ? you must be at least 16 years and 6 months.
- Driver’s license ? you must be at least 18 years old and have held a provisional license for at least 18 months.
To schedule the MVA written test for a learner’s permit, complete the pre-application. You can visit any Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, and upon successful completion of your exam, the permit will be mailed to you.
You must bring the following documents:
- Proof of identity.
- Proof of Social Security Number or proof of ineligibility.
- Two Maryland residency documents. If you are under 18, provide one document and bring your parents/guardians with acceptable proof of your relationship.
- For applicants under 16, a certificate of school attendance must be provided either by the applicant's school or by a parent or guardian.
For a complete list of acceptable documents, refer to the official Maryland Document Guide.
The MVA written test in Maryland is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, French, and Traditional Chinese. You also have the option to schedule an oral exam. Foreign language interpreters are allowed, but applicants must pay their fee. For those who are hearing impaired, the MVD offers assistance free of charge.
You should read the Maryland Driver's Handbook to familiarize yourself with the most common road rules and safe driving practices. Evaluate your knowledge with our free practice tests, or sign up for DMV Premium to unlock exclusive PDF Cheat Sheets!
The Maryland MVA written test comprises 25 questions, and you have 20 minutes to complete it. You should study the manual carefully to ensure your success on the first attempt.
A score of 88% or better is required to pass the MVA written test, so you can miss up to 3 questions. Be cautious and read thoroughly the questions.
For new drivers in Maryland, there are specific restrictions based on their age and licensing stage.
Learner’s permit holders:
- Are not allowed to use a cell phone, including hands-free devices, except for emergency calls.
- Must be accompanied by a driver aged 21 or older, with a minimum of 3 years of driving experience, seated in the front passenger seat.
Provisional license holders (Under 18):
- Cannot drive with passengers under 18, except siblings, for the first 151 days, unless accompanied by a supervising driver.
- Cannot drive between midnight and 5 am unless supervised by a licensed driver aged 21 or older with at least 3 years of driving experience, or for work, school, volunteer, or sports activities.
- Are not allowed to use a cell phone, including hands-free devices, except for emergency calls.
- Must wear safety belts and ensure that other passengers use them.
For all drivers under 21, it's illegal to drive after drinking any amount of alcohol.
A Maryland learner’s permit is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. If the permit expires before you can complete or pass the skill test, you will need to reapply for a new permit and retake the knowledge test.
If you fail your MVA written test, you need to schedule another appointment at an MVA office. You can retake the exam the next business day after the first failure. However, if you fail two or more times, you must wait seven days before retaking the permit test.