MD Permit Practice Test 16

All 20 questions in test 16

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. You see the pictured warning sign on a two-way Maryland road. What does it tell you?

   
   1. The divided road ends ahead
   2. The road divides around a median ahead
   3. Two lanes merge into one ahead
   4. A detour begins at the next turn
   Show answer

   The road divides around a median ahead. The Road Divides Ahead sign warns that the road ahead splits into a divided highway, with a guardrail, strip of land, or other barrier between traffic traveling in each direction. Keep to the right of the median, and on a divided highway expect a solid yellow line to mark the left edge of your side. The Divided Road Ends Ahead sign shows the opposite change, and Two Roads Merging warns of joining traffic.

   Study this in the handbook: Regulatory, warning and guide signs

2. 2. You have passed a large truck on a Maryland highway and want to move back into its lane. When is it safe to pull in?

   1. As soon as your rear bumper clears its front bumper
   2. When the truck driver flashes high beams at you
   3. After you count to one following the pass
   4. When you see both of its headlights in your mirror
   Show answer

   When you see both of its headlights in your mirror. After passing a truck going the same direction, Maryland says to move back into its lane only when you can see both of its headlights in your rear-view mirror. Truck and bus drivers need almost twice as much time and room to stop as cars, so pulling in too soon leaves the truck too little space. Clearing the truck's bumper is not enough, and a headlight flash is not the signal the manual gives. Once you are in front, do not slow down.

   Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians, emergency vehicles and school buses

3. 3. A Maryland road has no shoulder, and cars are parked along the right side. Where is a bicyclist often safest riding?

   1. On the sidewalk next to the parked cars
   2. In the center of the travel lane
   3. In the gaps between the parked cars
   4. Against traffic on the left side
   Show answer

   In the center of the travel lane. Bicyclists may ride out in the travel lane for their own safety, for example because the road is narrow or to avoid obstacles or pavement hazards. On roads without shoulders, or when cars are parked along the right side, a bicyclist is often safest riding in the center of the travel lane. Drivers should expect this, slow down, and pass only when there is room to leave at least 3 feet. Wait behind the rider until you can pass safely.

   Study this in the handbook: Trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds

4. 4. After dark on a Maryland road, you are following another car at the same gap you use in daylight. What should you change?

   1. Keep the same gap if your headlights are bright
   2. Close the gap so your lights reach the car ahead
   3. Increase the distance to the car in front of you
   4. Switch to high beams and keep the same gap
   Show answer

   Increase the distance to the car in front of you. Driving at night is riskier because it is harder to judge how far away other vehicles are and how fast they are moving, and you can see only as far as your headlights allow. Maryland's night suggestions include increasing the distance between you and the vehicle in front, which helps prevent a crash if that vehicle needs to stop quickly. Bright headlights do not make a daytime gap enough, and high beams must be dimmed when you follow a vehicle within 300 feet.

   Study this in the handbook: Headlights, night driving and fog

5. 5. At night you enter a Maryland work zone where flashing amber lights are on, but you do not see any workers. What should you assume?

   1. Workers are present, so slow down and watch
   2. The zone is closed, so normal speed is fine
   3. Only speed cameras are operating tonight
   4. The lights were left on by mistake
   Show answer

   Workers are present, so slow down and watch. In Maryland work zones, flashing amber or yellow lights mean an active work zone with workers present. Not seeing anyone does not change what the lights mean. Pay close attention, obey the work zone signs, slow down, and watch for workers and equipment. Flashing blue lights are the signal for active speed cameras, and flashing green lights mark highway maintenance vehicles, so amber lights should not be read as either of those. Be ready to stop if traffic ahead of you stops.

   Study this in the handbook: Railroads, work zones, roundabouts, highways and processions

6. 6. Which combination can leave a vehicle's tires riding on a sheet of water on a Maryland road?

   1. Low speed on a road with a light mist
   2. Worn brakes on a dry, level road
   3. Strong wind on a road with no water on it
   4. Rising speed together with more water on the road
   Show answer

   Rising speed together with more water on the road. Hydroplaning happens as vehicle speed increases and the amount of water on the road increases, until the vehicle can end up riding on a sheet of water. The tires then lose contact with the road, and the driver can lose some or all control. Low speed on a damp road, a dry road, or wind alone does not create that sheet of water. Lowering your speed on wet roads and keeping tires in good condition are the ways to prevent it.

   Study this in the handbook: Bad weather, skids and hydroplaning

7. 7. Which shape do Maryland signs usually use to give instructions or rules of the road?

   1. A horizontal rectangle
   2. A vertical rectangle
   3. A yellow diamond
   4. A brown trapezoid
   Show answer

   A vertical rectangle. Maryland groups rectangular signs into regulatory and guide signs. Vertical rectangles usually give instructions or tell you the rules of the road, such as a speed limit sign, while horizontal rectangles usually give directions or information. Diamonds warn of special conditions or hazards ahead, and the trapezoid marks recreation and cultural interest areas and National Forest routes. Reading the shape first helps you know whether a sign is giving a rule, a warning, or directions.

   Study this in the handbook: Sign colors and shapes

8. 8. A flashing red signal is on at a Maryland railroad crossing. The tracks look empty and the driver behind you honks. What must you do?

   1. Cross at once because no train is in sight
   2. Stop completely, then go when the signal stops flashing and the way is clear
   3. Slow down and cross if the driver behind you is too close
   4. Stop only if you see a train coming
   Show answer

   Stop completely, then go when the signal stops flashing and the way is clear. A flashing red signal at a railroad crossing means a complete stop even if you do not see a train. You may go only when the flashing red signal stops and the way is clear. An empty-looking track does not change that, and neither does pressure from the car behind you. Trains cannot stop quickly and may be closer and faster than they appear, so wait for the signal to finish.

   Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals, arrows and lane use lights

9. 9. You need to reach a property entrance on the other side of paired solid yellow lines. Which movement is allowed in Maryland?

   1. Turning left into a driveway
   2. Passing a slow vehicle across the lines
   3. Driving along the lines until traffic clears
   4. Crossing when an officer waves you over
   Show answer

   Turning left into a driveway. Paired solid yellow lines forbid passing in either direction, because opposing traffic is separated by that marking. A left turn across them stands on different footing, such as turning into a driveway along the road. The driver still needs a safe gap in both directions and must avoid blocking through traffic while waiting. Using the lines as a travel lane or as permission to overtake misreads their purpose. The example of a driveway turn shows the narrow exception without weakening the general ban on passing.

   Study this in the handbook: Lines and pavement markings

10. 10. Your vehicle feels less secure on a loose or uneven surface in Maryland. What happens to grip as pace rises?

    1. Grip grows steadily with pace on gravel
    2. Grip stays constant on every surface
    3. Water on the road increases grip at speed
    4. Higher pace reduces grip further
    Show answer

    Higher pace reduces grip further. Loose gravel, sand, uneven patches, oil, and standing water already weaken the bond between tire and road. Adding pace shrinks that bond further, so steering and braking answers grow vague and slides come easier. Grip does not grow with speed on gravel, does not stay constant across surfaces, and water works against you. Slow before the surface changes, keep inputs smooth, and avoid sudden lane moves until the tires feel planted again on firm pavement during Maryland travel in mixed conditions.

    Study this in the handbook: Bad weather, skids and hydroplaning

11. 11. You are closing in from behind on someone pedaling ahead of you in Maryland, and you want to alert that person to your presence. What should you do?

    1. Slow down and avoid sounding your horn
    2. Tap your horn repeatedly to warn the rider
    3. Speed up and pass within a few inches
    4. Flash your high beams until the rider moves aside
    Show answer

    Slow down and avoid sounding your horn. Riders ahead can usually hear a vehicle approaching from behind, so a loud blast adds risk rather than safety. Easing off speed gives you more time to judge the rider's path and to wait for a clear place to pass. Sudden noise can startle a rider into swerving, and crowding or blinding lights create the same kind of surprise. A calm approach keeps both vehicles predictable until passing can be done with proper space.

    Study this in the handbook: Trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds

12. 12. You are turning left on a green arrow in Maryland when the arrow changes to steady yellow. What does the change tell you?

    1. Oncoming traffic now has a red light
    2. You must stop right where you are
    3. Your permission to turn is ending, so slow down and use caution
    4. You may speed up because the turn is protected a while longer
    Show answer

    Your permission to turn is ending, so slow down and use caution. A steady yellow arrow means that permission to turn in the direction of the arrow is ending. Maryland says to slow down and proceed with caution. It does not tell you that oncoming traffic has been stopped, and it does not order you to stop in the middle of the turn. It also gives no extra protected time, so speeding up is the wrong reaction. Treat it as the warning that the protected turn is about to end.

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals, arrows and lane use lights

13. 13. Everyone has left a disabled car beside fast traffic. Where should the group wait in Maryland?

    1. Next to the car on the shoulder, facing away from traffic
    2. In front of the car where drivers can see the group
    3. Away from the road, behind a barrier, on higher ground
    4. Between the car and the nearest lane for visibility
    Show answer

    Away from the road, behind a barrier, on higher ground. If it is not safe to stay in a disabled vehicle, Maryland says to watch what is happening and pick the safest time for everyone to get out. Do not stand near the vehicle. Instead, move quickly away from the road, get behind an embankment, traffic barrier, or guardrail, and move to higher ground if possible. Standing beside, in front of, or behind the car near traffic keeps people close to passing vehicles. While waiting, face oncoming traffic and remain alert.

14. 14. You are about to cross a sidewalk or trail while driving in Maryland. What should you do?

    1. Look both ways for bicyclists before crossing
    2. Speed up so riders can pass behind you
    3. Stop on the sidewalk until traffic clears
    4. Assume riders always stop for vehicles there
    Show answer

    Look both ways for bicyclists before crossing. Bicyclists often ride on sidewalks and trails, so a driver crossing one should look both ways before moving across. A rider can approach quickly and quietly from either direction, including from behind a hedge or parked vehicle. Checking both ways mirrors the care you would use at any crossing. Rolling across without looking puts your vehicle broadside in front of a rider with little room to stop.

    Study this in the handbook: Trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds

15. 15. Which pavement markings separate a lane meant only for bicycles from the motor vehicle lanes on a Maryland road?

    1. Double solid yellow lines
    2. A single broken yellow line
    3. Rows of small triangles
    4. Solid or broken white lines
    Show answer

    Solid or broken white lines. Some Maryland roads have pavement markings that show lanes just for bicycles. Solid or broken white lines separate these bike lanes from the motor vehicle lanes, and you may also see bike lane signs or bicycle symbols and arrows. Yellow lines divide traffic traveling in opposite directions, and rows of small triangles are yield lines. Treat a marked bike lane as the bicyclist's space and yield when you cross it.

    Study this in the handbook: Lines and pavement markings

16. 16. You see the pictured warning sign on a Maryland road during a rainstorm. What does it warn you about?

    
    1. A steep downhill grade is ahead
    2. The road can become slippery when wet
    3. Loose gravel trucks are entering
    4. The road narrows to one lane
    Show answer

    The road can become slippery when wet. The Slippery When Wet sign, which shows a car with skid marks, warns that the road surface ahead can lose traction when wet. Wet roads can be slippery, reducing traction and increasing the chances of a crash. Slow down, leave much more following distance than on a dry road, avoid slamming on the brakes, and avoid jerking the steering wheel or changing speed quickly. The steep hill and lane ends signs use different symbols.

    Study this in the handbook: Regulatory, warning and guide signs

17. 17. You have checked that U-turns are allowed, signaled, stopped, and the way is now clear. Which lane should your Maryland U-turn end in?

    1. The lane closest to the center line going the other way
    2. Any lane that looks empty at that moment
    3. The outside or right-hand lane going the other way
    4. The shoulder, until traffic lets you merge
    Show answer

    The outside or right-hand lane going the other way. Maryland's U-turn steps are to check that U-turns are allowed, turn on the left signal, stop and yield to traffic coming toward you, and then turn when the way is clear. The turn should end in the outside or right-hand lane traveling in the opposite direction. Finishing beside the center line or in whatever lane looks empty goes against that instruction. The shoulder is not a lane for finishing the turn, so plan the turn where there is room to reach the right-hand lane.

    Study this in the handbook: Following distance, stopping distance and turns

18. 18. After a full stop at a red signal in Maryland, a turn is permitted and no sign forbids it. Before turning, what must you give way to?

    1. Only vehicles coming from your left
    2. Only people right in front of your bumper
    3. Traffic already waiting on the side street
    4. Pedestrians and all other traffic
    Show answer

    Pedestrians and all other traffic. Permission to turn after stopping at red still leaves the turning driver in the waiting role. People crossing on foot and all other traffic using the crossing keep their paths first. Checking only one direction or only the area near the bumper misses conflicts that develop as the turn widens. Stop fully, scan the full crossing, and start the turn only when every approach is clear and the movement will not force anyone else to brake.

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals, arrows and lane use lights

19. 19. A person on a bicycle rides toward a Maryland crossing beside you, hands on the handlebars with no indication of changing direction. How should you expect that rider to travel?

    1. Toward the curb, because riders must leave the road at crossings
    2. Across your lane without signaling, as riders usually turn that way
    3. Straight through the crossing, unless a signal shows a turn
    4. Onto the sidewalk before the crossing in every case
    Show answer

    Straight through the crossing, unless a signal shows a turn. A bicycle traveling beside other traffic usually continues straight through a crossing, and riders use hand signals when they plan to turn. Expecting a turn that has not been signaled can lead a driver to steer across the rider's actual path. The safer expectation is straight travel until a signal or clear movement shows a change. Hold your line, give the rider room to continue, and only turn across that path after the rider has passed or clearly turned away.

    Study this in the handbook: Trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds

20. 20. On a Maryland city street, shared-use lane markings are painted in your lane. What do they tell drivers?

    1. Bicyclists may be on the road in this lane
    2. The lane is closed to cars during rush hour
    3. Parking is allowed in the lane after dark
    4. Buses have priority over all other vehicles
    Show answer

    Bicyclists may be on the road in this lane. Most Maryland roads shared by bicycles and motor vehicles have no special signs or markings, but some roads, mostly in cities, have shared-use lane markings. These markings alert drivers that bicyclists may be on the road, tell bicyclists where to ride, and discourage biking in the wrong direction. They do not close the lane to cars, create parking, or give buses priority. When you see them, expect riders in the lane and leave at least 3 feet when you pass one.

    Study this in the handbook: Lines and pavement markings