Free Maryland DMV Cheat Sheet 2026

Study this first

Most-missed Maryland DMV rules

These are the numbers and rules that trip up new drivers most often on the real Maryland knowledge test. Every fact below comes from our free Maryland DMV practice test question bank, which has 180 questions across 8 topics.

Speed limits

The manual contrasts crash severity on roads posted 65 mph+ versus 45-50 mph versus 40 mph or lower, showing higher posted speeds correlate with more severe outcomes.
Maryland law sets the maximum speed on undivided highways outside business/residential districts at 50 mph.
Maryland law sets the maximum speed on divided highways outside business/residential districts at 55 mph.
The statutory maximum is 30 mph in business districts and on undivided residential-district highways (35 mph applies to divided residential highways).
Maryland law sets a distinct 15 mph maximum speed limit for alleys in Baltimore County.
No highway in the state, even an interstate or expressway, may be posted above 70 mph, and non-interstate/expressway roads may not be posted above 55 mph.

Right of way

Maryland's manual states that when vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right, including at 4-way stops.
The manual says drivers stopped at a T-intersection must yield to traffic already on the road they are entering.
Maryland law grants right-of-way to marked funeral processions with lights on, and other drivers must yield to them.
The manual states that traffic already on the highway has the right of way over vehicles entering from an on-ramp.
The manual treats bicyclists as having the same right-of-way as other vehicles, so a turning motorist must not cut off a cyclist going straight.
The manual states a driver making a left turn must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic.
The manual lists pedestrians at all street crossings as a right-of-way priority drivers must yield to.
The manual specifies that drivers exiting a driveway or private road must yield to traffic already on the road they are entering.
The manual frames right-of-way as always something you yield, not something you inherently possess, across all its listed scenarios.
A traffic officer's directions always take precedence over signs, signals, and pavement markings.
Do not cut through or break up a funeral procession. Slow down, be patient, and let it pass. Cutting between the vehicles is unsafe and often illegal.
At an uncontrolled intersection, slow down and yield to any car already in the intersection or approaching from your right.
A left-turning vehicle must yield to oncoming through traffic and to pedestrians. Only turn when the gap is safe.
When entering a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating and travel counterclockwise. Exit at your street; do not stop in the middle of the circle.
At a T-intersection, traffic on the road that ends must yield to traffic on the through road that continues.
A round green light allows a left turn but does not give you the right of way. Pull into the intersection, yield to oncoming through traffic and pedestrians, then turn when there is a safe gap.

Alcohol and DUI

The handbook explicitly cautions that impairment and criminal charges are possible at a 'much lower BAC' than 0.08%.
A BAC of 0.08 or higher is 'per se' DUI impairment; a BAC of 0.07 supports the lesser DWI charge instead.
A first or second test failure with BAC 0.08 to 0.14 carries a 180-day administrative suspension.
Refusing the test carries a longer suspension, 270 days for a first refusal and 2 years for a second refusal, longer than penalties for failing a test.
Drivers receive a 45-day temporary paper license, with the administrative suspension beginning on day 46; they have 30 days to request an MVA hearing.
Maryland requires participation in the Ignition Interlock Program, generally for 1 year, which can substitute for a suspension period.

Signals and markings

A solid yellow line on your side of a centerline pair generally means passing is prohibited in that direction, while a broken line permits passing when safe.
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, unlike a solid red which requires a full stop.
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, rather than requiring a full stop.
A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline means you may not cross it to pass; passing is prohibited from that side.
A steady yellow light warns that the signal is about to change to red, so drivers should slow and prepare to stop if it is safe to do so.
A steady red light requires a full stop; cross traffic has the right of way until the light changes.
Broken white lines between same-direction lanes indicate that changing lanes is allowed when it can be done safely.
A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, unlike a flashing red which requires a full stop.
A law enforcement officer's directions override traffic signals, so drivers must obey the officer even if it means stopping on a green light.
A flashing red signal functions the same as a stop sign, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding when safe.
A solid yellow line on a driver's side of the centerline indicates that passing is prohibited from that side of the road.
A flashing yellow arrow permits the indicated turn but the driver must first yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
A steady yellow light warns the signal is about to turn red; drivers should stop safely if possible or proceed with caution if too close to stop.
Double solid yellow lines indicate that passing is not permitted from either direction on that stretch of road.
A flashing yellow light means slow down, look, and proceed carefully. It does NOT require a full stop the way a red light or STOP sign does.
A flashing hand or countdown means do NOT start crossing. If you are already in the crosswalk, keep going and finish crossing safely.
A steady DON'T WALK hand prohibits starting to cross. Only a WALK signal or walking-person symbol allows you to begin crossing.
Always signal continuously through a turn or lane change even when you see no other cars, because pedestrians or cyclists may be near. Cancel the signal after you finish.
A green downward arrow means the lane is open for you to use. A red X above the lane means it is closed and you may not drive in it.
Double solid yellow lines separate opposing directions and prohibit passing. You may only cross them for a permitted left turn or a legal U-turn into an intersection or driveway.
A broken yellow line on your side of the lane allows passing when it is safe. The solid line on the opposite side means that direction may not pass.
White lines separate lanes going the same direction. A solid white line means stay in your lane and avoid changing lanes, while a broken white line lets you change lanes when safe.
A two-way center left-turn lane is only for preparing to turn left or merging into traffic. You may not use it to drive straight through or to pass.

Safe driving

The handbook specifically allows mopeds/scooters on roads posted at 50 mph or less.
Maryland requires headlights on whenever wipers are operating due to inclement weather, regardless of time of day.
The manual requires headlights to be on whenever visibility is under 1,000 feet.
Maryland's manual specifies dimming high beams to low beams at least 500 feet before an oncoming vehicle.
The manual requires dimming to low beams at least 300 feet before overtaking or following another vehicle.
The manual sets a specific cutoff allowing mopeds/scooters only on roads posted at 50 mph or lower.
Applicants are given exactly three minutes to complete the reverse two-point turnabout on the skills test.
Wet roads increase stopping distance, so drivers should slow down and add extra space to compensate for reduced traction.
A safe following distance gives a driver time to react and stop without a collision if traffic ahead slows or stops.
The safe response to a skid is to ease off the gas and steer smoothly in the direction you want to travel, rather than braking hard or overcorrecting.
Since farm tractors typically travel around 25 mph, the speed differential requires extra caution and clearance when passing.
Because posted speed limits assume ideal conditions, the handbook advises reducing speed in rain and other hazardous conditions.
A minimum 3-second following distance gives drivers enough time to react to sudden braking by the vehicle ahead.
Because safety corridors have higher serious-crash rates, drivers are encouraged to use headlights on to improve visibility and safety.
Sudden braking or sharp steering after a blowout can cause loss of control; easing off the gas while steering straight is safer.
Easing off the gas and holding a straight steering direction allows the tires to regain contact with the road surface safely.
Defensive driving calls for slowing down and preparing to stop when visibility of intersection controls is uncertain.
A minimum three-second following gap gives most drivers enough time to react and stop safely under normal conditions.
A 3 to 4 second following distance gives drivers enough time to react and brake safely under normal conditions.
A minimum three-second following distance under normal conditions gives a driver time to react and brake safely, with more time needed in poor weather.
Drivers in both directions on an undivided road must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights until it is safe to proceed.
Drivers must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing, protecting children crossing.
The Basic Speed Rule obligates drivers to reduce speed below the posted maximum in hazardous conditions.
Endangering a highway worker with no injury results in a fine of $500 to $1,000, rising to as much as $5,000 if great bodily injury results.
Hydroplaning occurs when water accumulates faster than tire treads can disperse it, causing loss of contact with the road.
On undivided roads, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign until it resumes moving.
With a tailgater, open up more space in front of you so you can brake gradually instead of suddenly. Do not brake to retaliate and do not race away.
Strong crosswinds can push your car out of its lane. Hold the wheel firmly with both hands, slow down, and be ready for sudden gusts.
Do not engage. Avoid eye contact, do not brake in retaliation, let them pass, and leave a safe distance between you and that car.
Horses and livestock spook easily. Slow down, do not honk or rev your engine, and pass very slowly with plenty of room so you do not startle them.
When you see a hazard developing ahead, cover the brake and plan an escape route so you can react faster if you have to stop.
In a skid, ease off the gas or brake and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Slamming the brakes makes the skid worse.

Road signs

STOP (R1-1): full stop at the line or crosswalk even when empty; yield, then proceed.
YIELD (R1-2): give up the right-of-way; slow and be ready to stop.
DO NOT ENTER (R5-1): entry prohibited; common at freeway off-ramps and one-way streets.
WRONG WAY (R5-1a): you have entered opposing traffic. Pull over safely and turn around when possible.
ONE WAY (R6-1): all traffic flows in the arrow's direction.
NO U-TURN (R3-4): no U-turns at this location. This is not a no-left-turn sign (a different arrow shape) or a no-passing sign (a different shape and color entirely).
NO LEFT TURN (R3-2). A red circle-and-slash always bans the pictured movement.
NO RIGHT TURN (R3-1): no right turns, including on red. Going straight is still fine since the sign only bans the right-turn movement; parking is unrelated to this sign.
White/black = regulatory. Speed Limit is the legal max in ideal conditions; drive slower when conditions are bad (Basic Speed Law).
KEEP RIGHT (R4-7): a median or obstruction is ahead; keep to its right.
The crossbuck (R15-1) stands at the tracks and legally works like a YIELD sign: slow, look both ways, be ready to stop.
Advance warning (W10-1): tracks ahead. Slow down, look, and listen.
School (S1-1): school zone or crossing. Slow down and watch for children; obey the posted reduced school-zone speed limit, which varies by state.
Pedestrian crossing (W11-2): crossing ahead; slow and be ready to stop.
Signal ahead (W3-3): an intersection signal is coming, useful when it hides behind a curve.
Stop ahead (W3-1): a stop sign is coming (often obscured); start slowing now.
Merge (W4-1): traffic joins ahead. Adjust speed and position to let them in safely.
Lane ends (W4-2): merge early; zipper-merge when traffic is heavy.
Two-way traffic (W6-3): you are leaving a one-way road; keep right.
Divided highway begins (W6-1): directions separate around a median; always keep right of it.
Slippery when wet (W8-5): slickest in fresh rain. Slow down, keep distance, steer smoothly.
Curve (W1-2): slow BEFORE the curve; do not brake in the middle of it.
Turn (W1-1): sharper than a curve; slow down hard, follow the advisory plaque.
Winding road (W1-5): consecutive curves; hold a steady lower speed throughout.
Crossroad (W2-1): an intersection ahead with traffic entering from both sides. Hospital signs are blue with an H.
NO PASSING ZONE (W14-3): unique pennant shape, posted on the LEFT side, marks where passing becomes illegal.
The octagonal red stop sign universally requires a full stop before the driver may proceed when safe.
Diamond-shaped yellow signs are the standard shape/color combination used for general warning signs about upcoming hazards or conditions.
A yield sign requires slowing and yielding to conflicting traffic, stopping only if needed to avoid a hazard.
At a yield sign, drivers must slow or stop as needed to let crossing or oncoming traffic clear before proceeding safely.
The downward-pointing red-and-white triangle is the standard YIELD sign, requiring drivers to slow and yield to conflicting traffic.
The five-sided pentagon shape is used nationally to indicate school zones and school crossing warnings.
The triangular yield sign shape signals drivers to give the right-of-way as needed to other traffic or pedestrians.
Speed limit signs are standard rectangular white regulatory signs, distinct from the diamond-shaped yellow warning signs.
Warning signs (typically yellow, diamond shaped) inform drivers of hazards ahead like curves or crossings, distinct from regulatory signs that state legal requirements.
The eight-sided octagon shape is reserved exclusively for Stop signs so it can be recognized even from behind or in poor visibility.
Yellow warning signage in this context provides an advisory safe speed recommendation for hazards like curves, distinct from a legally binding limit.
The eight-sided red STOP sign requires a complete stop at the marked line or intersection before proceeding when safe.
A circular sign with a diagonal slash through it is used nationally to show that a prior restriction (like a speed limit) no longer applies.
A YIELD sign requires slowing down and stopping only if needed to give way to traffic or pedestrians on the intersecting road.
Orange is the standard color used for temporary construction and work zone signs, regardless of the specific shape used.
A stop sign always requires a complete stop and yielding to cross traffic and pedestrians before proceeding, consistent with the manual's yield principle.
Diamond-shaped yellow signs are standard warning signs alerting drivers to hazards ahead, such as curves, merges, or intersections.
The octagon shape combined with red coloring is reserved exclusively for stop signs, requiring a full stop.
Warning signs alert drivers to hazards or changing conditions ahead, while regulatory signs like stop/yield signs impose legally required actions.
The yellow pennant-shaped sign marks the start of a no-passing zone. It usually appears along with a solid yellow line on the pavement.
A yellow diamond-shaped sign is a WARNING sign, alerting you to a hazard or change ahead such as a curve, intersection, or school, so you slow down.
A white rectangular sign with black lettering is a REGULATORY sign stating a law you must obey, such as speed or direction of travel.
An orange sign marks a construction or roadwork zone. Slow down and watch for workers and shifting lanes.
A blue sign points to driver services such as gas stations, food, lodging, or hospitals.
A green sign is a GUIDE sign, showing directions, distances, and the names of exits or places.
A red circle with a slash means the action shown is PROHIBITED, such as no turn or no U-turn at that spot.

Laws and paperwork

The manual repeatedly stresses that the posted sign controls the legal maximum speed and drivers must adjust downward for conditions rather than relying on a fixed number.
Implied consent means simply driving on Maryland roads (or public-use property) counts as agreeing to submit to a requested drug/alcohol test.
The manual carves out only a 911 emergency call as an exception to the total wireless device ban for permit and provisional drivers.
Maryland requires 60 supervised practice hours (including 10 at night) for applicants under 25, while those 25 and older need only 14 hours (3 at night).
Maryland's school bus stop law is bidirectional on undivided roads, meaning traffic must stop whether it's approaching from in front of or behind the stopped bus.
The manual specifically notes the bidirectional stopping duty applies on undivided roads; divided highways are treated differently.
Maryland's graduated licensing structure gives 25-and-older applicants the shortest, separate requirements compared to under-18 and 18-24 applicants.
The manual states any detectable alcohol for an under-21 driver can trigger suspension or revocation, since drinking any alcohol before driving is illegal for that age group.
Maryland's provisional license restrictions allow late-night driving only when accompanied by a qualified 21+ driver with 3 years' experience, or for specific approved purposes like work or school activities.
During the first 151 days, non-family passengers under 18 are prohibited unless a qualified supervising driver is in the vehicle.
Maryland requires at least a 9-month learner's permit holding period for 16 to 18 year olds without a diploma.
Applicants 25 and older need only hold a learner's permit for a minimum of 45 days, compared to longer periods for younger applicants.
Maryland requires 60 supervised practice hours, including at least 10 at night, for permit holders ages 16-24; those 25 and older need only 14 hours (3 nighttime).
The required program is 30 hours of classroom instruction plus 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
Under-18 provisional licensees are barred from any wireless communication device use while driving, including hands-free.
The Class C knowledge test has 25 questions with a 20-minute time limit and requires 88% or higher to pass.
Class A and B commercial knowledge tests have 20 questions, fewer than the 25 questions on the Class C test.
The Class C knowledge test is offered in 17 languages, including Vietnamese, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, French, and American Sign Language.

Emergencies

The Move Over Law has escalating consequences: a basic violation carries a modest fine and point penalty, a violation causing a crash carries a higher fine, and one causing death or serious injury carries the harshest penalty.
Maryland's Move Over Law requires moving over a full lane when possible, but if that's not safe, the driver must instead slow down.
A basic Move Over Law violation carries a $110 fine and 1 point; penalties increase to $150/3 points if it causes a crash, and $750/3 points if it causes death or serious injury.
The 2018 expansion covered all vehicles displaying warning signals, not just emergency vehicles, making Maryland the eighth state to do so.
In 2024, Maryland State Troopers issued more than 7,000 citations and warnings specifically for Move Over Law violations.
The manual notes you only have right of way if the other vehicle isn't already in the intersection, meaning a vehicle already there should be allowed to clear first.
Drivers are expected to keep a substantial following distance after an emergency vehicle passes, rather than closing in immediately.
Standard guidance for hydroplaning is to ease off the gas and avoid sudden braking or steering, letting the tires regain contact with the road.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by moving to the right shoulder; on a divided highway of 4+ lanes, they should move over a lane away if it is safe to do so.
Rapid brake lights or hazard signals ahead indicate a potential emergency or obstruction, so drivers should slow down and prepare to react safely.
Move over laws generally require drivers to change lanes away from a stopped emergency or hazard vehicle when safe, or otherwise slow down.
With a median under 20 feet wide, all lanes in both directions are required to stop for the school bus.
Since moose eyes don't glow like deer eyes under headlights, drivers must scan for a large silhouette instead.
If pulling fully off the road isn't immediately possible, drivers should slow down and use extra caution, but the priority is always to get completely off the pavement as soon as safely possible per Pull Aside, Stay Alive guidance.
Safe driving practice, sometimes called a move-over rule, is to give stopped vehicles extra space by changing lanes or slowing down.
The manual notes that if you're already in an intersection when an emergency vehicle approaches, you should proceed through it first before pulling over to stop.
The manual specifies the stop requirement does not apply when a physical median or other barrier separates the two roadways, unlike a simple painted line.
Standard right-of-way and safe-driving practice requires yielding to emergency vehicles by pulling right and stopping until they pass.
Pumping the brakes can build pressure in some systems, and downshifting uses engine braking to help slow the vehicle safely.
On typical two-lane roads, traffic in both directions must stop for a loading school bus; the opposite-direction exception applies only on wider divided highways.
The priority is to stop safely away from traffic, shut off the engine, and move away from the vehicle before dealing with the fire.
On divided highways of 4+ lanes, drivers should move over a lane away from a stopped emergency vehicle when it can be done safely.
General emergency guidance for brake failure is to pump the brakes and use engine braking by downshifting to slow down safely.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling over and stopping, clearing the intersection first if already inside it.
Pumping the brakes can rebuild some pressure, and downshifting uses engine braking to help slow the vehicle safely before using the parking brake carefully.
If your car catches fire or smells like burning, pull over, shut off the engine, and get everyone away. Do not open the hot hood, since the rush of air will make the fire flare up.
If the gas pedal sticks, shift to Neutral to cut the power, then brake and steer to the shoulder. Only turn off the engine after you have fully stopped, so you do not lose power steering.

Signs

Sign shape and color carry meaning before you even read the words. A red octagon always means stop, a red-bordered triangle pointing down means yield, and yellow diamonds warn of a hazard ahead. For every sign image used in our practice test, with the exact meaning and explanation, see the full road sign glossary.

Keep studying

This cheat sheet is a summary, not a substitute for practice. Test yourself with the free Maryland DMV practice test, which explains the reasoning behind every answer, or see Maryland DMV facts and fees before test day.

Reviewed by Kevin Vu, CA DOI #4037122 · Last updated 2026-07-22

Maryland DMV cheat sheet