Maryland DMV Practice Test
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration publishes the format for the Maryland knowledge test: 25 questions, 88% to pass — checked 2026-08-01. Practice it below, free, with no signup and every answer sourced.
DMV Prep practice configurationNot an official exam format
MarylandMaryland Motor Vehicle AdministrationMaryland Driver's Manual (2025)Checked 2026-07-24Open the official Maryland handbook
Before you go for the real Maryland test
| Minimum permit age | 15 years 9 months |
|---|---|
| Permit holding period | 9 months |
MarylandMVAMDOT MVA — Learner's PermitChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Sample Maryland permit test questions
Orange-colored signs indicate:
- A. School zones
- B. Recreational areas
- C. Railroad crossings
- D. Construction zones
Show answer
D. Construction zones — Orange signs warn about construction or maintenance work zones. Slow down, watch for workers and equipment, and be ready for changing lane patterns.
Universal ruleMUTCD 11th Edition, Part 2 — Signs (General)Traffic Signs — GeneralChecked 2026-08-01Read the source
Report a problemWhat is Maryland's default maximum speed on most limited-access interstate highways?
- A. 70 mph
- B. 55 mph
- C. 75 mph
- D. 65 mph
Show answer
D. 65 mph — Maryland's interstates are generally posted at 65 mph, with segments of I-68 (Western Maryland) posted at 70 mph. Urban stretches of I-95, I-495 (Beltway), and I-270 are commonly 55 mph. Maryland has extensive construction zones on major highways with enforced reduced limits. Residential streets default to 30 mph; school zones require 15 mph during school hours. Maryland uses speed cameras in many school zones.
MarylandMaryland Driver's Manual (MVA)Chapter 4 — Speed LimitsChecked 2026-06-10Read the source
Report a problemIn Maryland, the posted speed limit in a school zone when children are present is typically:
- A. 20 mph
- B. 25 mph
- C. 15 mph
- D. 30 mph — reduced from arterial-road defaults
Show answer
C. 15 mph — Maryland school zones are typically posted at 15 mph when children are present or when the flashing signal is active — one of the lower school-zone limits in the US. All drivers must stop for school buses with flashing red lights from both directions on undivided roads. Maryland enforces school-zone speed limits with fixed and mobile cameras. Fines are $90 for first offense.
MarylandMaryland Driver's ManualChapter 5 — School ZonesChecked 2026-06-10Read the source
Report a problemMaryland recommends the three-second following distance be increased in all of the following situations EXCEPT:
- A. Driving in fog or heavy rain
- B. Following a large truck
- C. Daytime driving in clear weather on a dry road
- D. Driving at night
Show answer
C. Daytime driving in clear weather on a dry road — Three seconds is the minimum for ideal conditions. Maryland drivers must add extra time in fog, rain, darkness, or when following large vehicles — but clear dry daytime driving is the baseline.
MarylandMaryland Driver's ManualFollowing DistanceChecked 2026-06-18Read the source
Report a problemIn Maryland, when a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing, traffic traveling in the opposite direction on an undivided road must:
- A. Only stop if children are visible
- B. Slow to 10 mph and pass with caution
- C. Proceed normally — rules apply only to same-direction traffic
- D. Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing
Show answer
D. Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing — Maryland requires all traffic on undivided roads to stop when a school bus activates its red flashing lights — children may cross from either side of the road.
MarylandMaryland Driver's ManualRight of WayChecked 2026-06-18Read the source
Report a problem
Questions last verified 2026-06-10 · Reviewed by the DMV Prep editorial team · Editorial policy
Before the Maryland knowledge test
These learner's permit requirements are separate from the written knowledge test score above. Use them to plan your application and supervised-driving timeline.
What to bring to the knowledge test:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Social Security number
- School attendance/identity form if under 16
- Parent or guardian co-signature if under 18
Requirements last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: MDOT MVA — Learner's Permit ↗. See the complete Maryland permit requirements.
What is different about Maryland
Rules that are set by Maryland rather than nationally, and where they depart from what most states do. Compared against DMV Prep's verified rules for all 51 jurisdictions — unverified figures are left out of both sides of every comparison.
- Minimum permit hold: 9 months here. The most common minimum permit hold is 6 months (33 of 46 states we have verified).
- Supervised-driving requirement: 60 hours here. The most common supervised-driving requirement is 50 hours (29 of 49 states we have verified).
- Passing score: 88% here. The most common passing score is 80% (15 of 26 states we have verified).
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in this Maryland DMV practice test?
This practice test uses 25 questions and a 88% study target — at least 22 correct answers. Confirm the current official exam format with the state licensing agency.
What score should I target for the Maryland written test?
Use 88% as the practice target on this site. The readiness dashboard tracks consistent performance; the state agency remains the source for current official requirements.
Is the Maryland permit test taken at the DMV?
In Maryland, driver licensing is handled by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), so you'll often see the exam called the MVA permit test or MVA written test. Confirm the current official format with MVA; this page uses DMV Prep's recorded practice configuration.
Is this Maryland practice test really free?
Yes. Every practice test on this page and everything in the DMV Prep app is free — no ads, no paywall, no account.
Where do these Maryland practice questions come from?
Questions use Maryland Driver's Manual and other handbook or regulatory references, and are not copied from live exams. Citation scope and recency are being revalidated across the bank.
Can I study for the Maryland permit test in Spanish?
Yes — try the Maryland practice test in Spanish. The DMV Prep app includes all 3,671+ questions in Spanish.
