Free Maryland MVA Permit Practice Test 2026
Get ready to pass your Maryland MVA written test on the first try. Our free Maryland permit practice tests are based directly on the official Maryland Driver's Handbook and contain the same types of questions you will see on test day. Each test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving techniques, and Maryland-specific regulations. With 22 correct answers required out of 25 questions (88% passing score), preparation is essential. Start practicing today - unlimited attempts, instant feedback, detailed explanations.
Take the Maryland MVA Permit Practice Test Now
25 questions drawn from the Maryland driver handbook, 88% to pass, with an explanation after every answer. Free, no sign-up - press Start when you are ready. More Maryland tests are listed below.
Maryland MVA Practice Test 1
Questions are shuffled every time and drawn from the Maryland driver handbook. Nothing starts - and no clock runs - until you press the button.
- 25 questions
- 88% to pass (22 correct)
- About 15 minutes
- Explanation after every answer
Ways to practice
Learn with practice tests and flashcards, then take the mock test when you think you are ready.
Also try: the Maryland cheat sheet of rules and numbers, the hardest questions people miss most, or make your own test on the topics you find hard.
Maryland Permit Practice Tests
171 unique questions in the Maryland bank (8 Maryland-specific) - practice until you are confident
More Maryland Practice Tests
Official Maryland Driver's Handbook
The MVA writes every real exam question from this manual - read it alongside your practice tests.
Maryland Permit Practice Test PDF (2026)
Free printable version: 100+ Maryland questions with an answer key and explanations, plus the MVA test facts on the cover. Or print a 25-question test, the length of the real test. All state PDFs →
Maryland Learner's Instructional Permit (Learner's Permit) Test: Quick Facts
Verified against Motor Vehicle Administration publications - last reviewed September 2026.
| Official permit name | Learner's Instructional Permit (Learner's Permit) |
|---|---|
| Questions on the test | 25 |
| Passing score | 22 of 25 correct (88%) |
| Wrong answers allowed | 3 |
| Minimum age | 15 years 9 months old |
| Under-21 alcohol limit | Zero tolerance - any measurable amount |
| If you fail | May retake the next day; after failing two or more times must wait at least 7 calendar days before retesting |
| Online testing | No - the knowledge test must be taken in person. |
| Driver's education | Yes - an approved driver education course is required. |
| Supervised practice | 60 hours incl. 10 at night, with a supervising driver age 21+ licensed 3+ years (Rookie Driver practice log) |
| Permit holding period | 9 months (reset to 9 months after any moving-violation conviction/PBJ) |
| Testing agency | Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) |
Sample Maryland Permit Test Questions
Three of the Maryland-specific questions from our bank, with the answer and the rule behind it. The Maryland bank behind the tests above holds 171 unique questions.
1. In Maryland, a driver under 21 may legally drive with:
- A. No measurable alcohol in their system (correct)
- B. A blood alcohol level under 0.05
- C. A blood alcohol level under 0.08
- D. One drink in the hour before driving
Why: Maryland has zero tolerance for drivers under 21 - you may not drive with any measurable alcohol in your system.
2. A Maryland driver under 18 with a learner's permit or provisional license may use a wireless phone while driving:
- A. Only to make a 911 emergency call (correct)
- B. Only with a hands-free device
- C. For calls, but not for texting
- D. At any time, like adult drivers
Why: Maryland prohibits drivers under 18 with a learner's permit or provisional license from using any wireless communication device while driving, including a hands-free phone. The only exception is a 911 emergency call.
3. A Maryland provisional driver under 18 generally may not drive unsupervised between:
- A. Midnight and 5 a.m. (correct)
- B. 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- C. 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- D. 1 a.m. and 6 a.m.
Why: Maryland provisional license holders under 18 may not drive unsupervised between midnight and 5 a.m. unless driving to, from, or during a job, or to or from an organized volunteer program, an official school activity, or an athletic event they take part in.
Maryland Permit Test Study Guide (2026)
A free Maryland MVA written test study guide - updated for 2026, verified against the official Motor Vehicle Administration handbook.
Reviewed by Chad HenryAfter 25 years of teaching driver educationLast reviewed September 2026
The Capital Beltway, the Baltimore harbor tunnels, and the long Chesapeake Bay Bridge rank among the East Coast's most demanding roads - and Maryland's MVA knowledge test covers road signs, right-of-way, and strict graduated-licensing rules. Our Maryland practice permit test is based on the official Maryland Driver's Manual so you pass at the MVA.
What to Expect on the Maryland Permit Test
The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) requires every new driver to pass a written knowledge test before being issued a learner's permit. In Maryland the exam has 25 multiple-choice questions; to pass you need 22 of 25 correct (88%). You must be at least 15 years 9 months old to apply. Every question is drawn from the official Maryland driver's handbook, so the topics on our practice tests match exactly what the MVA asks.
Topics Covered on the MD Written Test
- Traffic Laws (Rules of the Road): State-specific rules of the road, including right-of-way, lane changing, and intersection rules
- Road Signs: Recognition and meaning of all standard road signs - warning, regulatory, and informational
- Speed Limits: Default speed limits, school zones, work zones, and highway speeds
- Safe Driving: Following distance, blind spots, defensive driving, and weather conditions
- Alcohol & Drugs: DUI laws, BAC limits, and consequences of impaired driving
- Parking Rules: Legal and illegal parking situations, curb colors, and distances
How to Prepare for the Maryland Permit Test
The strongest preparation pairs a read-through of the official Maryland Driver's Handbook with repeated practice tests that surface your weak spots. The MVA writes its test from that handbook, so the rules you practise here are the rules you will be asked about. A sensible target: score at least 88% on several fresh practice tests in a row - and read the explanation on every miss - before you book your appointment.
Official Maryland MVA Information
For official test requirements, locations, and fees, visit the Motor Vehicle Administration website. You can also read the official Maryland driver's handbook free of charge - every question on our practice tests traces back to it.
Maryland Permit Test - Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Maryland MVA written test?
The Maryland MVA written knowledge test has 25 questions. To pass you need 22 of 25 correct (88%).
What is the phone rule for new drivers in Maryland?
Maryland permit/provisional drivers under 18: no phone use except 911 calls. Maryland prohibits drivers under 18 with a learner's permit or provisional license from using any wireless communication device while driving, including a hands-free phone. The only exception is a 911 emergency call. (Handbook PDF p.47, Section 9, 'Wireless Device Restriction'; Md. Transp. Code 21-1124)
When are new drivers in Maryland not allowed to drive?
Maryland provisional under 18: no unsupervised driving midnight to 5 a.m. Maryland provisional license holders under 18 may not drive unsupervised between midnight and 5 a.m. unless driving to, from, or during a job, or to or from an organized volunteer program, an official school activity, or an athletic event they take part in. (Handbook PDF p.47, Section 9, 'Nighttime Restriction'; Md. Transp. Code 16-113)
How many passengers can a new driver in Maryland carry?
Maryland provisional, first 151 days: no passengers under 18 without a supervisor. For the first 151 days, Maryland provisional drivers under 18 may not transport any passenger under 18 unless a qualified supervising driver is in the vehicle. (Handbook PDF p.47, Section 9 'Passenger Restriction')
What is the blood alcohol limit for drivers under 21 in Maryland?
Maryland has a zero-tolerance rule: a driver under 21 may not drive with any measurable amount of alcohol. The general 0.08% limit applies only to adults 21 and over.
How many questions can you miss on the Maryland permit test?
You can miss up to 3 of the 25 questions and still pass. The minimum is 22 correct answers (88%).
Is the Maryland permit test timed?
Yes. The MVA gives you 20 minutes to complete the knowledge test. The Maryland mock test on this site can time you to the same limit.
What is the Maryland learner's permit officially called?
Maryland issues the Learner's Instructional Permit (Learner's Permit). It is the first stage of the state's licensing process for new drivers.
What happens if I fail the Maryland permit test?
If you fail, Maryland lets you retake the knowledge test. May retake the next day; after failing two or more times must wait at least 7 calendar days before retesting. Use the practice tests above to find the topics you missed before you try again.
Can I take the Maryland permit test online?
No - the knowledge test must be taken in person.
Is driver's education required for a Maryland permit?
Yes - an approved driver education course is required.
How long do I have to hold my Maryland permit?
Minimum holding period: 9 months (reset to 9 months after any moving-violation conviction/PBJ). Required supervised practice: 60 hours incl. 10 at night, with a supervising driver age 21+ licensed 3+ years (Rookie Driver practice log).
Sources & Methodology
Every Maryland question on this page is written from the official Maryland driver handbook, and the facts in the table above are checked against Motor Vehicle Administration publications. Last reviewed: September 2026. Every question shows its own source under the explanation; all corrections are listed in our corrections log.
Chad Henry – Reviewer
After 25 years of teaching driver education
Chad Henry has taught driver education for 25 years and reviews every state's practice questions, quick facts and study guides against the official driver handbook and agency publications before they are published.
Last reviewed: September 2026
- https://mva.maryland.gov/media/148
- https://mva.maryland.gov/
- https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=10-307&enactments=false
- https://mva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/teens-new-drivers/learners-permit
- https://mva.maryland.gov/licenses-ids/prepare-drivers-license-test/knowledge-tests
- https://mva.maryland.gov/licenses-ids/license-id-fees
- https://mva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/teens-new-drivers/provisional-license
Study Guides to Help You Pass
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Practice Permit Tests in Other States
Studying in more than one state, or planning a move from Maryland? Jump straight to another state's free MVA-style practice tests below, or browse all 50 states.
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