The Maryland permit test has 25 questions, and you need 22 correct (88%) to pass. Official source. Page updated 2026-10-22.
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Key Maryland DMV rules and numbers
These are key rules and numbers from the Maryland handbook, a few per topic so they fit on one printed page. We favor rules that state a specific number. Every fact below comes from our free Maryland DMV practice test question bank, which has 500 questions across 9 topics, checked against the Maryland handbook (last verified 2026-09-07).
Speed limits
- Maryland requires a reasonable speed that accounts for existing and potential hazards. (Handbook, p. 14)
- Sharp curves and hills belong on the manual’s list of conditions requiring a lower speed because they can restrict what the driver sees. (Handbook, p. 14)
- Maryland says speeding increases the force and impact in a crash, making serious injuries and deaths more likely. (Handbook, p. 14)
- Maryland tells drivers to move to the right lane well before the exit, then start slowing down as soon as they enter the deceleration lane. (Handbook, p. 32)
- Maryland lists roads where pedestrians or animals may be present among the conditions that call for reduced speed. (Handbook, p. 14)
Right of way
- Maryland's rule is to give bikes at least 3 feet when passing. (Handbook, p. 40)
- When two vehicles arrive together, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. (Handbook, p. 13)
- A driver entering from the stem of a T intersection must yield to drivers already traveling on the through road. (Handbook, p. 14)
- Other drivers must yield to vehicles in a funeral procession, even when their own signal is green. (Handbook, p. 32)
- The entrance ramp and acceleration lane give you space to adjust to the speed of traffic already on the interstate. (Handbook, p. 32)
Alcohol and DUI
- The manual identifies 0.08 as Maryland’s threshold for driving under the influence, but it also warns that alcohol can impair judgment and physical coordination at a much lower BAC. (Handbook, p. 33)
- Maryland considers a driver to be under the influence of alcohol at a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. (Handbook, p. 33)
- Maryland Transportation Article section 21-902 makes driving under the influence of alcohol while transporting a minor its own offense. (Handbook)
- Maryland's rule is simple: if you are not yet 21 years old, it is against the law for you to drink any alcohol. (Handbook, p. 33)
- Maryland bans driving with an open container of alcohol in the passenger area, and it defines open container broadly: any open can, bottle, other container, or package. (Handbook, p. 33)
Signals and markings
- Maryland states that everyone must obey traffic control devices. (Handbook, p. 17)
- A flashing yellow signal permits movement but requires a slower, attentive approach. (Handbook, p. 18)
- A flashing red signal has the stopping and yielding meaning of a stop-controlled approach. (Handbook, p. 18)
- Double solid white lines separate lanes where all traffic moves in the same direction and changing lanes is not allowed. (Handbook, p. 24)
- A steady yellow arrow tells you that permission to turn in the direction of the arrow is ending. (Handbook, p. 18)
Parking
- Maryland tells drivers to set the parking brake and then place the vehicle in gear if it has a manual transmission. (Handbook, p. 16)
- You are responsible for making sure your parked vehicle is not a hazard. (Handbook, p. 16)
- A door swung into traffic or a bike lane can strike a passing rider or force a driver into a swerve. (Handbook, p. 16)
- The shoulder borders high-speed lanes, so it serves only genuine need: a vehicle that cannot continue or another real emergency. (Handbook, p. 32)
Safe driving
- Maryland permits mopeds and scooters on roads whose posted maximum speed limit is 50 mph or less. (Handbook, p. 41)
- The manual sets the visibility trigger at the point where there is not enough light to clearly see at least 1,000 feet in front of the vehicle. (Handbook, p. 27)
- When an oncoming vehicle is approaching, the driver must switch from high beams to low beams at least 500 feet before reaching that vehicle. (Handbook, p. 27)
- Maryland requires low beams when following a vehicle that is 300 feet or less ahead. (Handbook, p. 27)
- About 90 percent of Maryland drivers and passengers wear their seat belt, but the state's goal is 100 percent. (Handbook, p. 26)
Road signs
- A Maryland stop sign requires a complete stop at the marked stop line. (Handbook, p. 21)
- At a yield sign, slow down and look to the left and right. (Handbook, p. 21)
- The manual identifies red as a sign color used for stop, yield, do not enter, or wrong way messages. (Handbook, p. 20)
- Maryland explains that the main background color of a traffic sign can quickly tell you what kind of information it has. (Handbook, p. 20)
- A One Way sign directs traffic to travel only in the direction shown by its arrow. (Handbook, p. 21)
Laws and paperwork
- Maryland drivers under 18 may not use wireless communication devices while driving, including hands-free phones. (Handbook, p. 47)
- Applicants younger than 25 must complete at least 60 supervised practice hours, with at least 10 of those hours during the period beginning 30 minutes before sunset and ending 30 minutes after sunrise. (Handbook, p. 10)
- A driver approaching the rear of a stopped school bus with flashing red lights must stop at least 20 feet from the bus. (Handbook, p. 38)
- To qualify for a Maryland driver's license the applicant must have binocular vision, visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, and a continuous field of vision of at least 140 degrees. (Handbook, p. 7)
- For a person younger than 21, drinking any alcohol is against the law. (Handbook, p. 33)
Emergencies
- The basic Maryland Move Over Law penalty the manual lists is a $110 fine and one point on the driver's license. (Handbook, p. 45)
- When a crash causes no injuries but leaves the vehicle unable to move, Maryland directs the driver to call 911, provide the location, and report the need for police assistance. (Handbook, p. 43)
- If you leave the scene of a crash that results in serious injury, your license will be revoked and you could go to prison for up to 5 years and be fined up to $5,000. (Handbook, p. 43)
- Leaving the scene of a crash where someone dies is a felony in Maryland, and you could go to prison for up to 10 years and be fined up to $10,000. (Handbook, p. 43)
- Maryland's Move Over Law requires a driver to slow to a safe speed when moving over is not safe or possible. (Handbook, p. 45)
Want the reasoning behind these rules? Study the handbook, chapter by chapter, in 21 short lessons quoted from the Maryland manual.
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.