The knowledge test trips up many first-time applicants. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The Maryland MVA Class C knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions with a 20-minute time limit. You must score at least 88% to pass — meaning you need at least 22 correct and can miss up to 3.
If you fail, you may retake the test after preparing — there is no statewide mandatory waiting period. Reschedule online at mva.maryland.gov. Use Weak Spots mode here to drill only the questions you missed.
The knowledge test is given in person at MVA branch offices. Most services require an appointment — book at mva.maryland.gov. Bring your acceptable identity, residency, and lawful-presence documents (REAL ID compliant if you want a REAL ID).
Applicants under 25 must complete an approved Maryland Driver Education course (classroom + behind-the-wheel) before the skills test. Applicants 25 and older have a reduced practice-hour requirement (14 hours, 3 at night) and may have driver education waived.
In Maryland the BAC limit is 0.08 for drivers 21+. Drivers under 21 face Zero Tolerance — any amount of alcohol detected = license suspension or revocation. Driving with an open container in the passenger area is illegal even if you are sober.
Drunk or drugged driving with a child in the vehicle: a judge can double the fine and jail time. After a DUI conviction, you may have to install an ignition interlock. Refusing a chemical test under Implied Consent results in MVA license suspension. License is suspended at any BAC of 0.08+.
Type 1 Permit: under-25 applicants must be at least 15 years 9 months. Hold time before Provisional: 9 months no violation (under 18), 3 months (18 with HS/GED–24), 45 days (25+). Practice hours: 60 (10 night) for under 25; 14 (3 night) for 25+. Provisional: hold 18 months. Under-18 — no passengers under 18 (non-family) for first 151 days; no driving 12 a.m.–5 a.m.; no wireless device, even hands-free, except 911.
The MVA recommends a 3 to 4 second following distance under ideal conditions. Increase to 4 to 5 seconds (or more) when following vehicles that stop often — buses, delivery vans — or in poor weather.
The posted speed limit is the maximum legal speed under ideal conditions. You may drive slower based on conditions, but it is illegal to drive any faster. Reduce speed in school zones, work zones, near pedestrians or animals, narrow bridges, and slippery roads. NHTSA: a 65+ mph crash is more than twice as deadly as a 45–50 mph crash.
Right on red is allowed after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it — yield to pedestrians and traffic. Left on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after stopping and yielding. When making a U-turn, check that U-turns are allowed, signal, stop, and yield to oncoming traffic before entering the outside lane.
Stop at least 20 feet from the front or back of a school bus when its red lights are flashing. You may not move again until the bus starts moving or turns off the flashing red lights. Exception: on a road divided by a physical barrier, you do not need to stop if the bus is on the other side of the barrier.
Headlights are required when you cannot see clearly at least 1,000 feet ahead, AND whenever you are using your windshield wipers in inclement weather (Maryland law). Dim high beams to low beams at least 500 feet before reaching an oncoming vehicle and when following another vehicle within 300 feet. Use low beams in tunnels and construction areas.
Park as close to the curb as possible and set the parking brake. Manual transmission on a hill: leave it in reverse or first gear. Never stop or park in the triangular gore zones where ramps exit. Never block any part of a curb cut even with a disability placard.
Children under 8 must ride in a child safety seat unless they are 4 feet 9 inches or taller. Children younger than 2 must be rear-facing in a federally compliant seat. Children under 13 should ride buckled up in a rear seat. Never put a rear-facing seat in the front of a vehicle with an active passenger air bag.
Maryland requires 88% (22 of 25) to pass — that means you can miss only 3. Aim for 92%+ in practice before going to the MVA so test-day nerves do not push you below the line.
Memorize BAC limits, distances, signal distance, following distances, and suspension periods. These specific numbers appear on virtually every Maryland test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before going to the MVA office.
Download the Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002, December 2025) at https://mva.maryland.gov/. Every question comes directly from this manual.
A unique Maryland rule: headlights must be on whenever you are using your windshield wipers in inclement weather — not just sunset to sunrise. The slow-moving vehicle orange triangle warns the vehicle is going 25 mph or less.
Sign questions are visual — shape, color, and meaning all matter. Use the Road Signs Quiz mode to practice all signs before test day.
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual