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
Maryland 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 | 88% (22 correct) |
| Wrong answers allowed | 3 |
| Minimum age | 15 years 9 months old |
| 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) |
Maryland Permit Practice Tests
100+ questions total - 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: 80+ Maryland questions with an answer key and explanations, plus the MVA test facts on the cover. All state PDFs →
Sample Maryland Permit Test Questions
Three of the Maryland-specific questions from our bank, with the answer and the rule behind it. The full tests above contain hundreds more.
1. In Maryland, a driver under 21 may legally drive with:
- A. No measurable alcohol in their system (zero tolerance) (correct)
- B. A BAC under 0.05
- C. A BAC under 0.08
- D. One drink in the last hour
Why: Maryland has zero tolerance for drivers under 21 - you may not drive with any measurable alcohol in your system.
2. A Maryland provisional (under-21) license holder may use a wireless phone while driving:
- A. Not at all - even hands-free is prohibited (correct)
- B. Hands-free only
- C. For calls but not texts
- D. Anytime
Why: Maryland prohibits provisional license holders from using any wireless communication device while driving, even in hands-free mode.
3. A Maryland provisional driver generally may not drive 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 drivers may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless supervised or driving to/from work, school, or similar approved activities.
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, you need 22 correct to reach the 88% passing score, and 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. Because the MVA draws all 25 questions from that handbook, Maryland drivers who consistently clear 88% on our practice tests - and review the explanation on every miss - usually pass the real exam on their first attempt. Aim for 22 or more correct, every time, 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 Marylanddriver'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. You must answer at least 22 correctly (88% passing score) to pass.
What topics are covered on the Maryland permit test?
The Maryland permit test covers traffic laws and regulations, road signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, safe driving practices, parking regulations, and MD-specific driving laws.
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Maryland?
In Maryland, you must be at least 15 years 9 months old to apply for a learner's permit. You will need to pass the written knowledge test and a vision screening at the Motor Vehicle Administration.
Where can I find the official Maryland driver's handbook?
The official Maryland driver's handbook is available free on the Motor Vehicle Administration website. Our practice tests are based on this handbook, so studying both together gives you the best preparation.
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%).
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.
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/
- 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
All articles →Free Permit Test Questions and Answers PDF 2026 - Printable Study Guide for Every State
Download a free permit practice test PDF for your state: 80+ questions with an answer key and explanations, plus the verified test facts. All 50 states, no sign-up.
LicensingWhat to Bring to the DMV for Your Permit Test (2026 Checklist)
Don't get turned away at the DMV. The exact documents to bring for your permit - proof of identity, SSN, residency, parental consent, and payment.
Test InfoHow Many Questions Are on the Permit Test? How Many Can You Miss?
Permit tests have 20-50 questions and most states let you miss 4-10. See your state's exact question count, passing score, and wrong answers allowed.
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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Take Maryland Practice Test 1 - Free