Free Maryland MVA Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 1 2026
This Practice Test 1 is modeled on the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) written knowledge exam, which has 25 questions; to pass you need 22 of 25 correct (88%). These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the MVA tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
A 'STOP' sign at a railroad crossing with no gates means you must:
What's on the Maryland Practice Test 1
The real Maryland knowledge test has 25 questions, and to pass you need 22 of 25 correct (88%). Practice Test 1 is a 25-question set drawn from 45 questions, scored against a practice target of 88%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 20
- Traffic laws 11
- Safe driving 5
- Right of way 3
- Alcohol & drugs 2
- Parking 2
- Speed limits 1
- Emergencies 1
45 questions in the pool, 3 of them written specifically for Maryland. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. Maryland law allows police to ticket a driver who:
- A. Holds a phone in hand or to their ear (correct)
- B. Talks using a hands-free system
- C. Has a phone mounted on the dashboard
- D. Listens to music on the radio
Why: Maryland's handheld law lets officers stop and ticket drivers holding a phone in their hand or up to their ear while driving.
Source: official Maryland driver handbook, Handbook PDF p.35, 'Cell Phones'
2. 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.
Source: Md. Transp. Code 16-113; handbook PDF p.33, 'Under 21 - Alcohol Not Allowed'
3. What does a sign in the shape of an octagon always mean?
- A. Yield
- B. Stop (correct)
- C. Do not enter
- D. Wrong way
Why: An octagon (8-sided shape) is used exclusively for STOP signs. The unique shape lets drivers identify it even when snow-covered or viewed from behind.
Source: Federal MUTCD 11th ed. (Dec 2023) 2A.05, Table 2A-1 Use of Sign Shapes; 2B.04
4. What does the 'basic speed law' require?
- A. You may always drive at the posted limit, whatever the conditions
- B. Drive no faster than is safe for current conditions (correct)
- C. Keep up with the flow of traffic, even above the limit
- D. Never drive more than 10 mph below the posted limit
Why: Every state has a basic speed rule: never drive faster than is reasonable and safe for traffic, weather, visibility and road conditions. You can be cited for driving too fast for conditions even while under the posted limit.
5. What must you do when you see or hear an emergency vehicle with lights and/or siren on?
- A. Stop immediately where you are
- B. Pull to the right edge and stop (correct)
- C. Pull to the left lane and slow down
- D. Slow down but stay in your lane
Why: When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights or siren, you must immediately pull to the right edge of the road and stop. Remain stopped until the vehicle has passed.
6. When driving in heavy rain, you should:
- A. Use high-beam headlights to see better
- B. Use low beams and leave more following distance (correct)
- C. Turn on hazard lights and drive at normal speed
- D. Use cruise control to keep a steady, safe speed
Why: In rain, use low-beam headlights (high beams reflect off rain), reduce speed, and increase following distance to at least 4-6 seconds. High beams can reduce visibility in rain.
More Maryland facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the Maryland permit practice test page.
Maryland MVA Test Info
- Questions on real test
- 25
- Passing score
- 88%
- Correct needed
- 22 of 25 correct (88%)
- Minimum age
- 15 years 9 months old
- Testing agency
- Motor Vehicle Administration
More Maryland Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this Maryland Practice Test 1 once - keep taking it until you score 88% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your MVA exam.