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Free Maryland MVA Permit practice questions

Tap an answer to see if you are right, and why. 20 questions across 10 topics, mostly Road signs (2).

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Questions last updated October 18, 2026 · Original practice questions written from the Maryland Driver's Manual (Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Form DL-002, October 2025 Edition) and checked against its text; not official MVA questions. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration or MDOT.

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25 questions · 22 to pass (88%) · 20 minutes · official MVA format.

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  1. Road signs1 of 20

    Under Maryland driver regulations, what is the primary meaning of a red background color on a traffic sign?

    The answer

    Answer: C. According to the Maryland Driver's Manual, a red background color on a traffic sign communicates stop, yield, do not enter, or wrong way. Recognizing sign colors helps drivers instantly understand the type of information presented and respond appropriately before reading the text. Regulatory examples include octagonal stop signs and triangular yield signs that require coming to a halt or yielding right-of-way.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 4.B: Colors & Shapes, p. 20

  2. Road signs2 of 20

    What does a yellow background color on a Maryland traffic sign communicate to road users?

    The answer

    Answer: B. In Maryland, a yellow background indicates a general warning of what to expect ahead on the roadway. Yellow signs alert drivers to upcoming physical hazards, sharp curves, merging lanes, or intersections so they can adjust vehicle speed and position safely in advance. Warning signs alert motorists to road conditions such as sharp curves, lane reductions, or upcoming intersections.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 4.B: Colors & Shapes, p. 20

  3. Intersections and turns3 of 20

    When two vehicles approach an uncontrolled intersection at different times, which driver has the right-of-way under Maryland law?

    The answer

    Answer: B. Under Maryland right-of-way rules, you must yield the right-of-way to the driver who is already at or arrives before you at an intersection. However, the manual reminds motorists never to assume they automatically possess the right-of-way, and always to consider the situation and surroundings carefully before proceeding.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 3.B: Right-of-Way, p. 13

  4. Intersections and turns4 of 20

    If you and another driver arrive at an uncontrolled intersection at the exact same time, who must yield the right-of-way?

    The answer

    Answer: D. According to the Maryland Driver's Manual, if two vehicles arrive at an intersection at the same time, you should yield the right-of-way to the driver on your right. Right-of-way rules prevent collisions by establishing a clear order of movement, though every driver must remain watchful and yield if necessary to avoid a crash.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 3.B: Right-of-Way, p. 13

  5. Alcohol and drugs5 of 20

    In Maryland, at what Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is a driver considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol per se?

    The answer

    Answer: A. According to the Maryland Driver's Manual, Maryland law considers drivers to be driving under the influence of alcohol when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches 0.08 percent or higher. However, physical coordination and driving judgment may be seriously impaired at much lower BAC levels. Vision, coordination, and reaction time can be significantly impaired after just one drink, increasing crash risk well below the legal threshold.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 6.A: Alcohol, Drugs and Driving, p. 33

  6. Alcohol and drugs6 of 20

    Can a Maryland motorist be criminally charged with impaired driving if their BAC is below 0.08 percent?

    The answer

    Answer: C. Maryland law emphasizes that any amount of alcohol can affect your ability to safely drive. Judgment, vision, simple motor skills, and reaction times may be impaired at levels well below 0.08 percent, and an impaired motorist can still face criminal charges even after consuming just one drink.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 6.A: Alcohol, Drugs and Driving, p. 33

  7. Traffic signals and markings7 of 20

    Under Maryland law, when are drivers legally permitted to disobey a standard traffic control device?

    The answer

    Answer: A. According to the Maryland Driver's Manual, everyone must obey traffic control devices. The only time you are permitted to disregard a traffic signal or sign is when directed to do something different by a police officer, other emergency personnel, or a uniformed school crossing guard directing traffic near a school.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 4: Signs, Signals and Markings, p. 17

  8. Traffic signals and markings8 of 20

    Is it legal in Maryland to drive across a commercial parking lot or service station to avoid a red light at an intersection?

    The answer

    Answer: A. Section 4 of the Maryland Driver's Manual explicitly prohibits drivers from leaving the roadway or cutting across private property, such as gas stations or shopping plazas, to avoid obeying a traffic control device. Doing so is an illegal moving violation that carries traffic points and fines.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 4: Signs, Signals and Markings, p. 17

  9. Speed and space9 of 20

    Under Maryland Vehicle Law, what does a posted speed limit sign represent?

    The answer

    Answer: B. The Maryland Driver's Manual explains that the posted speed limit is the absolute maximum legal speed you may travel on a roadway under ideal (perfect) conditions. Driving faster than the posted limit is always illegal under Maryland law, regardless of traffic conditions. When roadway conditions are wet, snowy, or congested, drivers must reduce their travel speed well below the maximum posted limit.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 3.C: Understanding Vehicle Speed, p. 14

  10. Speed and space10 of 20

    What does Maryland's basic speed law require when roadway conditions are adverse or hazardous?

    The answer

    Answer: D. Maryland Vehicle Law requires motorists to drive at a careful and prudent speed based on existing and potential hazards. While traveling faster than the posted limit is never allowed, driving at the posted limit during severe rain, snow, ice, or heavy fog can also violate the law.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 3.C: Understanding Vehicle Speed, p. 14

  11. Sharing the road11 of 20

    How are bicycles legally classified under Maryland transportation law?

    The answer

    Answer: C. According to Section 7.F of the Maryland Driver's Manual, bicycles are vehicles under Maryland law. Bicyclists are permitted to use the roadway and must obey all traffic control signals, and motor vehicle operators must treat them with equal care and respect. Motorists must yield right-of-way to bicycles in designated bike lanes and look carefully before turning across traffic lanes.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 7.F: Bicycles, p. 39

  12. Sharing the road12 of 20

    When passing a bicycle traveling in the same direction, what minimum distance must you maintain?

    The answer

    Answer: A. Maryland law mandates that drivers passing a bicyclist must leave at least 3 feet of distance between their vehicle and the bicycle. This 3-foot minimum rule applies whether passing a bicycle in a shared travel lane, on the road shoulder, or in an adjacent bike lane.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 7.F: Pass with Care, p. 40

  13. Passing schoolbus13 of 20

    When a school bus stops with its flashing red lights activated, how far away must you stop?

    The answer

    Answer: B. According to Section 7.D of the Maryland Driver's Manual, when a school bus stops with its flashing red lights on, motorists approaching from the rear must stop at least 20 feet from the back of the bus, and motorists approaching from the front must stop at least 20 feet from the front.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 7.D: School Buses, p. 38

  14. Passing schoolbus14 of 20

    When are you permitted to resume driving after stopping for a school bus with flashing red lights in Maryland?

    The answer

    Answer: B. Drivers stopped for a school bus in Maryland may not resume driving until the school bus begins moving again or turns off its flashing red warning lights. Passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing is a dangerous and heavily penalized offense. Motorists on both sides of an undivided road must remain stopped until the bus driver retracts the stop sign and amber flashers deactivate.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 7.D: School Buses, p. 39

  15. Parking15 of 20

    What general rules must you follow when parking along a curb in Maryland?

    The answer

    Answer: A. When parking along a road in Maryland, park as far from traffic and as close to the curb as possible. Always set your parking brake, place the transmission in 'park' (or in gear for manual transmissions), and turn off the engine before exiting. Maryland law requires vehicles to be parked within 12 inches of the curb where parallel roadside parking is permitted.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 3.J: General Parking Rules, p. 16

  16. Parking16 of 20

    Before opening your vehicle door to exit after parking along a curb, what does Maryland law require?

    The answer

    Answer: B. Section 3.J instructs drivers to check mirrors and blind spots for approaching traffic, bicyclists, and pedestrians before opening the door. Shut the door as soon as possible after exiting, remove your keys, and lock the vehicle doors. Checking over your shoulder prevents opening a vehicle door directly into the path of an oncoming bicyclist or motorcyclist.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 3.J: General Parking Rules, p. 16

  17. Licensing (GDL)17 of 20

    What is the minimum age required to apply for a Type 1 Learner's Instructional Permit in Maryland?

    The answer

    Answer: C. Under Maryland's Rookie Driver Graduated Licensing System, an applicant younger than 25 must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply for a Type 1 Learner's Instructional Permit. Applicants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian co-sign. Permit holders may only drive while accompanied by a licensed supervising driver who is at least 21 years old with three years of driving experience.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 2.B: Learner's Instructional Permit, p. 9

  18. Licensing (GDL)18 of 20

    What special documentation must an applicant under 16 years old submit when applying for a Maryland permit?

    The answer

    Answer: D. If an applicant is under 16 years of age, Maryland law requires them to submit a completed and verified Learner's Permit School Attendance Certification form (DL-300) proving acceptable school attendance before the MVA will issue a learner's permit. Home-schooled applicants must submit official documentation from their school district or approved umbrella supervisory organization.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 2.B: Learner's Instructional Permit, p. 9

  19. Special conditions19 of 20

    When does Maryland law mandate the use of vehicle headlights during daylight hours?

    The answer

    Answer: C. Maryland law mandates that headlights must be turned on anytime there is not enough light to clearly see at least 1,000 feet ahead of your vehicle. In addition, motorists must turn on their headlights whenever windshield wipers are used continuously during inclement weather. Operating headlights during inclement weather also illuminates vehicle taillights, making your car substantially easier to see from behind.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 5.A: When to Use Your Headlights, p. 27

  20. Special conditions20 of 20

    Under Maryland law, when must you switch from high beams to low beams when approaching other vehicles?

    The answer

    Answer: D. Maryland law requires motorists to switch from high beams to low beams at least 500 feet before reaching oncoming vehicles coming toward them. When following behind another vehicle, you must dim your high beams when within 300 feet or less. Low beams direct light directly onto the road surface, preventing high-beam glare from blinding oncoming motorists or reflecting off fog and rain.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 5.A: Headlights, p. 27

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Maryland MVA Permit alcohol and drug questions

36 of the 300 questions in the bank cover alcohol and drugs. 2 are free here, with the answer and where it comes from:

  • In Maryland, at what Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is a driver considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol per se? Answer: 0.08 percent or higherMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 6.A: Alcohol, Drugs and Driving, p. 33
  • Can a Maryland motorist be criminally charged with impaired driving if their BAC is below 0.08 percent? Answer: Yes, judgment, coordination, and reaction time can be impaired by any amount of alcoholMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) — Section 6.A: Alcohol, Drugs and Driving, p. 33

All 36 alcohol and drug questions →