MD Permit Practice Test

How to use this MD practice test

1. Take the 25 question exam-length practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the Maryland Driver's Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at 88 percent or better, book the real test.

MD practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable MD practice test with answer key

All 25 questions, MD exam length

Every question below comes from the Maryland question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. What does a posted speed limit represent under ideal road conditions?

   1. The minimum speed allowed on that road
   2. The maximum legal speed you can travel on that road
   3. A recommended speed that may always be exceeded by 10 mph
   4. A target speed that applies only when traffic is light
   Show answer

   The maximum legal speed you can travel on that road. A posted speed limit is the maximum legal speed for that road when conditions are ideal. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. What does implied consent mean for a person driving on a Maryland road or public-use private property?

   1. The driver agrees to take a drug or alcohol test if law enforcement requests one
   2. The driver agrees to a vehicle search at every traffic stop
   3. The driver agrees to renew vehicle registration every year
   4. The driver agrees to a vision test before every trip
   Show answer

   The driver agrees to take a drug or alcohol test if law enforcement requests one. Maryland’s implied consent rule connects the act of driving with agreement to take a drug or alcohol test when a law enforcement officer ask Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. When following another vehicle at night, when must Maryland drivers use low beams?

   1. When the vehicle ahead is 300 feet or less in front
   2. Only when the vehicle ahead taps its brakes
   3. At 500 feet after passing the vehicle
   4. Never, because the 500-foot rule covers every situation
   Show answer

   When the vehicle ahead is 300 feet or less in front. Maryland requires low beams when following a vehicle that is 300 feet or less ahead. Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. Why should a driver reduce speed below the posted limit when conditions are adverse?

   1. The law allows a slower speed when road conditions require it
   2. A driver may exceed the limit to match traffic in bad weather
   3. The posted number becomes a minimum during rain or snow
   4. Lower speeds are required only on roads without center lines
   Show answer

   The law allows a slower speed when road conditions require it. Maryland requires a reasonable speed that accounts for existing and potential hazards. Full explanation in Test 2

5. 5. What should a driver do when a road condition makes the posted speed unsafe?

   1. Reduce speed below the posted limit
   2. Maintain the posted limit regardless of conditions
   3. Increase speed to leave the hazard faster
   4. Drive faster than the limit if other traffic does
   Show answer

   Reduce speed below the posted limit. The posted limit assumes ideal conditions, so it does not guarantee that the same speed is safe in every situation. Full explanation in Test 2

6. 6. How long must an applicant under 18 hold a Maryland learner's permit without a violation before a provisional license?

   1. 45 days
   2. 3 months
   3. 9 months
   4. 18 months
   Show answer

   9 months. An applicant under 18 must complete a nine-month permit period without a violation before becoming eligible for the provisional license. Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. If Maryland offers the knowledge test in an applicant's language, what must happen before using an interpreter?

   1. The applicant must take that language version at least five times
   2. The applicant must first obtain a court order
   3. The applicant must use an interpreter on the first attempt
   4. The applicant must pass the English test twice
   Show answer

   The applicant must take that language version at least five times. When the MVA offers the knowledge test in the language the applicant speaks, the applicant must take that version at least five times before Full explanation in Test 3

8. 8. A Maryland Move Over Law violation causes no crash, death, or serious injury. What penalty does the manual list?

   1. $110 and one point
   2. $150 and three points
   3. $750 and three points
   4. $110 and three points
   Show answer

   $110 and one point. The basic Maryland Move Over Law penalty is a $110 fine and one point on the driver's license. Full explanation in Test 3

9. 9. What traffic pattern does the pictured ONE WAY sign establish?

   1. Traffic may travel only in the arrow's direction
   2. Traffic may use either direction until sunset
   3. Only buses may travel in the arrow's direction
   4. The next turn must be made on red
   Show answer

   Traffic may travel only in the arrow's direction. A One Way sign directs traffic to travel only in the direction shown by its arrow. Full explanation in Test 3

10. 10. What does the round railroad warning sign tell a driver?

    1. A railroad crossing is ahead
    2. The vehicle must enter a roundabout
    3. A railroad crossing has just ended
    4. Trains have priority only at night
    Show answer

    A railroad crossing is ahead. The round sign is a railroad warning sign used before a crossing. Full explanation in Test 4

11. 11. What can the main background color of a traffic sign quickly tell you?

    1. What kind of information the sign has
    2. How much the vehicle weighs
    3. Which fuel the vehicle uses
    4. Whether the road is privately owned
    Show answer

    What kind of information the sign has. Maryland says the main background color of a traffic sign can quickly tell a driver what kind of information it has. Full explanation in Test 4

12. 12. What does the pennant-shaped sign on the left side of the road mark?

    1. The beginning of a no-passing zone
    2. The end of a school crossing
    3. A recreational parking area
    4. A lane reserved for bicycles
    Show answer

    The beginning of a no-passing zone. The pennant shape is reserved for the start of a no-passing zone. Full explanation in Test 4

13. 13. After a crash with no injuries, what should you do if your vehicle cannot move?

    1. Call 911, give the crash location, and request police assistance
    2. Leave the vehicle and walk into traffic to direct cars
    3. Wait silently until another driver offers transportation
    4. Move the disabled vehicle by pushing it into the nearest lane
    Show answer

    Call 911, give the crash location, and request police assistance. When a crash causes no injuries but leaves the vehicle unable to move, Maryland directs the driver to call 911, provide the location, and re Full explanation in Test 5

14. 14. What must a driver do at a flashing yellow signal in Maryland?

    1. Stop and remain stopped until the signal turns green
    2. Slow down and proceed with caution
    3. Turn around before entering the intersection
    4. Treat the signal as permission to accelerate
    Show answer

    Slow down and proceed with caution. A flashing yellow signal permits movement but requires a slower, attentive approach. Full explanation in Test 5

15. 15. What do double solid yellow lines mean on a Maryland two-way road?

    1. Passing is prohibited in both directions
    2. Passing is permitted for traffic traveling in either direction
    3. Only trucks may cross to pass
    4. The lane is reserved for bicycles
    Show answer

    Passing is prohibited in both directions. Double solid yellow lines separate opposing traffic where passing is not allowed in either direction. Full explanation in Test 5

16. 16. What shape warns that a railroad crossing is ahead?

    1. A round sign
    2. A pentagon sign
    3. A diamond sign
    4. A rectangular sign
    Show answer

    A round sign. Maryland uses a round sign to warn that a railroad crossing is ahead. Full explanation in Test 6

17. 17. What are the penalties when a Maryland speed violation causes a crash, and when it causes death or serious injury?

    1. A $110 fine and one point in both cases
    2. A $150 fine and three points for a crash; a $750 fine and three points for death or serious injury
    3. A $1,000 fine and license revocation
    4. No fine, only points
    Show answer

    A $150 fine and three points for a crash; a $750 fine and three points for death or serious injury. Driving at an unsafe speed for conditions is a misdemeanor. Full explanation in Test 6

18. 18. A school bus is stopped with flashing red lights on the other side of a divided road. When may you continue?

    1. When a physical barrier divides the roadways
    2. Whenever the bus is more than 20 feet away
    3. Whenever no children are visible
    4. Only after the bus driver waves you through
    Show answer

    When a physical barrier divides the roadways. Maryland makes an exception when the road is divided by a physical barrier and the bus is on the opposite side. Full explanation in Test 6

19. 19. After stopping at a steady red signal, which turn may be permitted unless a sign prohibits it?

    1. A right turn, or a left turn from one one-way street to another
    2. Any left turn across two-way traffic
    3. A U-turn from the intersection
    4. A straight movement through the red signal
    Show answer

    A right turn, or a left turn from one one-way street to another. A steady red signal requires a complete stop and normally keeps the driver stopped. Full explanation in Test 7

20. 20. When may you change lanes according to Maryland's basic lane-driving guidance?

    1. After determining it is safe, but not while in an intersection
    2. Whenever the vehicle ahead slows, including in an intersection
    3. Only after crossing the center line
    4. Without checking if the lane appears empty
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    After determining it is safe, but not while in an intersection. Maryland expects a driver to remain in a single lane until a safe lane change has been confirmed. Full explanation in Test 7

21. 21. How much space does the Maryland manual recommend between the steering wheel and your chest?

    1. 2 to 3 inches
    2. 10 to 12 inches
    3. As little as possible
    4. At least 24 inches
    Show answer

    10 to 12 inches. Sit as far back from the steering wheel as possible and try to keep 10 to 12 inches between the steering wheel and your chest, so a deployin Full explanation in Test 8

22. 22. What is Maryland's rule on headsets, earphones and earplugs while driving?

    1. They are allowed at low volume
    2. You may not drive with them in both ears, though hearing aids are allowed
    3. They are allowed on highways only
    4. They are banned entirely, including hearing aids
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    You may not drive with them in both ears, though hearing aids are allowed. You may not drive with earplugs, headsets or earphones in both ears. Hearing aid devices are allowed. Full explanation in Test 8

23. 23. Why should a driver leave extra space when passing a motorcycle?

    1. Wind gusts and drafts from a passing vehicle can affect the motorcycle
    2. A motorcycle must remain at the far edge of its lane when passed
    3. A motorcycle may be passed only at an intersection
    4. A motorcycle rider must signal the passing vehicle to continue
    Show answer

    Wind gusts and drafts from a passing vehicle can affect the motorcycle. The manual warns that wind gusts and drafts from a passing vehicle can affect a motorcycle. Full explanation in Test 8

24. 24. Who must wear a helmet on a bicycle in Maryland?

    1. Anyone under 16, including passengers who are not steering
    2. Everyone regardless of age
    3. Only riders on state highways
    4. No one, helmets are optional
    Show answer

    Anyone under 16, including passengers who are not steering. Helmets are required for anyone under age 16 riding on a bike, including passengers who are not steering, and they are strongly recommended Full explanation in Test 9

25. 25. At a T intersection, which vehicle has priority?

    1. Traffic already on the through road
    2. The vehicle leaving the road that ends
    3. The vehicle that sounds its horn first
    4. The vehicle closest to the center of the intersection
    Show answer

    Traffic already on the through road. At a T intersection, drivers already traveling on the through road have priority over a vehicle coming from the road that ends. Full explanation in Test 9