Free · 21 short lessons · Quoted from the manual
Maryland Driver Handbook, Chapter by Chapter
Start with lesson 1Every chapter of the Maryland Driver's Manual that matters for the written test, cut down to the rules and exact numbers you need. Each point links to the manual text it comes from, with the page, and ends with questions from our free Maryland practice test.
21 lessons in handbook order
Read one lesson, answer its 3 check questions, then drill that topic in the practice test. Most lessons take about 5 minutes.
- Lesson 1Section 1: Driving Tests RequirementsLaws and paperwork
The vision screening, knowledge test and skills test
Maryland checks your vision, then gives a 25 question knowledge test in 20 minutes. The driving skills test uses public roads and a course, in a vehicle you bring.
8 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook pp. 7 to 8
- Lesson 2Section 2: Licensing Requirements and ProcessLaws and paperwork
The learner's instructional permit and practice hours
New drivers start with a Learner's Instructional Permit, which lasts up to 2 years. How many practice hours you log and how long you hold the permit depend on your age.
9 key points · 9 numbers · Handbook pp. 9 to 10
- Lesson 3Section 2: Licensing Requirements and ProcessLaws and paperwork
From provisional license to full driver's license
A Provisional License lets new drivers drive alone with restrictions. After at least 18 months and no moving violations, and at age 18 or older, the MVA switches you to a full Driver's License.
9 key points · 3 numbers · Handbook pp. 10 to 11
- Lesson 4Section 3: Basic DrivingRight of way
Defensive driving and who goes first
Yielding the right of way means letting others go first, and you should never assume you have it. Maryland lists exactly whom to yield to at intersections, turns, driveways and ramps.
8 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook pp. 13 to 14
- Lesson 5Section 3: Basic DrivingSpeed limits
Speed limits and a safe speed
The posted limit is the most you may drive, and only in ideal conditions. Maryland law requires a reasonable speed, so you slow down for curves, slick roads, crowds and heavy traffic.
8 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook pp. 14 to 26
- Lesson 6Section 3: Basic DrivingSafe driving
Following distance, stopping distance and turns
Most rear end crashes come from following too closely, so keep at least 3 to 4 seconds behind the car ahead. Plan every turn early and signal before you reach it.
8 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook pp. 13 to 15
- Lesson 7Section 3: Basic DrivingSignals and markings
Passing rules and parking
Pass on the left and only where lines and sight distance allow it, never on the shoulder. When you park, stay clear of traffic, set the brake and take your keys.
8 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook p. 16
- Lesson 8Section 4: Signs, Signals and Pavement MarkingsSignals and markings
Traffic signals, arrows and lane use lights
Everyone must obey traffic control devices unless a police officer or school crossing guard directs otherwise. Learn what each steady, flashing and arrow signal requires, plus the lane use X signals.
10 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook pp. 17 to 18
- Lesson 9Section 4: Signs, Signals and Pavement MarkingsRoad signs
Sign colors and shapes
A sign's background color and shape tell you what kind of message it carries before you can read it. Red means stop or prohibition, yellow warns, orange marks work zones and the pentagon means school.
8 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook p. 20
- Lesson 10Section 4: Signs, Signals and Pavement MarkingsRoad signs
Regulatory, warning and guide signs
Regulatory signs are traffic laws you must obey, starting with stop and yield. Warning signs flag situations you might not see in time, and guide signs show routes, services and mile markers.
8 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 16 to 23
- Lesson 11Section 4: Signs, Signals and Pavement MarkingsSignals and markings
Lines and pavement markings
White lines separate traffic going the same way and yellow lines separate opposing traffic. Solid lines limit passing or lane changes, and broken lines allow them with care.
8 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 24 to 27
- Lesson 12Section 5: Driving Situations and ConditionsSafe driving
Headlights, night driving and fog
Turn on headlights whenever you cannot clearly see 1,000 feet ahead and whenever your wipers are on in bad weather. Dim your high beams for oncoming and followed vehicles, and use low beams in fog.
8 key points · 3 numbers · Handbook pp. 27 to 28
- Lesson 13Section 5: Driving Situations and ConditionsEmergencies
Bad weather, skids and hydroplaning
Wet, snowy and icy roads cut traction, so you need more space and less speed. If you skid, ease off the pedal and steer where you want to go; if you hydroplane, do not brake.
8 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook pp. 28 to 30
- Lesson 14Section 5: Driving Situations and ConditionsRight of way
Railroads, work zones, roundabouts, highways and processions
At traffic circles you yield to traffic already inside, and you yield to funeral processions even on green. Railroad crossings, work zones and highways each have their own rules.
9 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 30 to 32
- Lesson 15Section 6: Dangerous Driving BehaviorsAlcohol and DUI
Alcohol, drugs and driving
Maryland treats a BAC of .08 or higher as driving under the influence, but any amount of alcohol can affect you. Under 21 you may not drink at all, and open containers are banned in the passenger area.
8 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook pp. 33 to 34
- Lesson 16Section 6: Dangerous Driving BehaviorsSafe driving
Aggressive, distracted and drowsy driving
Hand held phone use is illegal for every driver, and drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all except to call 911. Distraction, aggression and drowsiness all slow your reactions and cause crashes.
8 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 34 to 36
- Lesson 17Section 7: Sharing the RoadEmergencies
Pedestrians, emergency vehicles and school buses
Stop for pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks, and pull to the edge and stop for emergency vehicles using sirens and lights. For a stopped school bus with flashing red lights, stop at least 20 feet away.
7 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 37 to 39
- Lesson 18Section 7: Sharing the RoadSafe driving
Trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds
Big trucks have large no zones and need far more room to stop, so never cut in front of them. Give motorcycles a full lane and a 3 to 4 second gap, and give bicycles at least 3 feet when passing.
9 key points · 5 numbers · Handbook pp. 38 to 41
- Lesson 19Section 8: Crashes and Traffic StopsEmergencies
Crashes, traffic stops and the Move Over Law
If anyone is hurt in a crash, stay at the scene and call 911, because leaving brings prison time and big fines. Maryland's Move Over Law covers any vehicle stopped with flashing lights.
9 key points · 6 numbers · Handbook pp. 43 to 45
- Lesson 20Section 9: Other Restrictions, Violations and PenaltiesLaws and paperwork
Provisional license restrictions, implied consent and penalties
Provisional drivers under 18 face passenger, nighttime and phone limits, and every moving violation brings escalating penalties. By driving in Maryland you also agree to alcohol and drug testing.
9 key points · 7 numbers · Handbook pp. 47 to 50
- Lesson 21Section 10: Other Important InformationLaws and paperwork
Supervising drivers, insurance, seat belts and child seats
A learner's supervising driver must be at least 21 and licensed for at least three years. Every vehicle must be insured, everyone must buckle up, and young children ride in child safety seats.
10 key points · 6 numbers · Handbook pp. 51 to 53
Read, check, then practice
- Read a lesson. Open any point's source to see the exact manual wording and page.
- Answer the 3 check questions at the end without looking back.
- Drill that topic in the free Maryland practice test, then take a full test when every lesson feels easy.
- Keep the Maryland cheat sheet for a last look before test day.
Source: the Maryland Driver's Manual (October 2025). Lessons are plain English summaries, not the law itself; where they differ, the manual and the statute govern. Every quote on these pages is checked against our saved copy of the manual. Last checked 2026-09-27.