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Maryland permit practice test

Here are 10 practice questions written for Maryland, based on the Maryland driver handbook and vehicle code. Think of your answer first, then open “Show answer” to see the explanation and the source.

This is practice, not the state test, and the questions are not taken from it. The set changes every quarter (this one is 2026-Q4).

Question 1

You are 17 with a clean record and 18 months on a provisional license. Can you get a full license now?

  1. Yes, if a parent signs off
  2. No, you must wait until 21
  3. Yes, 18 months is enough
  4. No, you must also be 18
Show answer

Answer: D. No, you must also be 18

A full license needs both a clean 18 months on the provisional license and an age of at least 18.

Sources: Md. Code, Transp. 16-103; Driver handbook, Section 2: Licensing Requirements and Process

Question 2

How much space must a driver leave when passing a bicycle in Maryland?

  1. At least 3 feet of room
  2. At least 2 feet
  3. At least 1 foot
  4. At least 5 feet of space
Show answer

Answer: A. At least 3 feet of room

A driver passing a bicycle must leave at least 3 feet of space. The same applies when passing in a bike lane or on a shoulder.

Sources: Md. Code, Transp. 21-1209; Driver handbook, Section 7: Sharing the Road

Question 3

An officer sees your adult rear passenger unbuckled but you did nothing else wrong. Can you be stopped?

  1. No, rear seat adults need no belt
  2. No, rear seat belts are a secondary offense
  3. Yes, but only on an interstate
  4. Yes, rear seat belts are a primary offense
Show answer

Answer: B. No, rear seat belts are a secondary offense

Rear seat adults must buckle up, but an officer can enforce it only after stopping the driver for another reason.

Sources: Md. Code, Transp. 22-412.3; Driver handbook, Section 10: Other Important Information

Question 4

When may a Maryland driver turn right on a steady red light?

  1. After a full stop, unless a sign forbids it
  2. Only when a police officer waves you
  3. Only after waiting for 30 seconds
  4. Never; red means wait for green
Show answer

Answer: A. After a full stop, unless a sign forbids it

After coming to a complete stop at a steady red signal, a driver may turn right unless a sign prohibits it. The driver must yield to pedestrians and other traffic.

Sources: Md. Code, Transp. 21-202; Driver handbook, Section 4: Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

Question 5

You follow a city bus that stops often. What gap does the MVA advise?

  1. Two seconds
  2. Three seconds
  3. Four or five seconds
  4. One second
Show answer

Answer: C. Four or five seconds

Behind buses and delivery vans, leave four or five seconds or more. They stop often and without much warning, so you need extra time to brake.

Sources: Driver handbook, Section 3: Basic Driving

Question 6

A space is 12 feet from a fire hydrant. May you park there?

  1. Yes, if you stay in the car
  2. Yes, 12 feet is far enough
  3. No, the banned zone is 15 feet
  4. No, the banned zone is 25 feet or more
Show answer

Answer: C. No, the banned zone is 15 feet

Do not stand or park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Twelve feet is inside that zone, and crews need that room to connect hoses.

Sources: Md. Code, Transp. 21-1003

Question 7

A driver tests at .06 but is weaving badly. Which charge can apply?

  1. Driving under the influence per se
  2. No charge, since .06 is legal
  3. Driving impaired by alcohol
  4. Only a warning from the officer
Show answer

Answer: C. Driving impaired by alcohol

Driving impaired by alcohol is a separate offense that can be charged below .08. The penalty is less than for driving under the influence.

Sources: Md. Code, Transp. 21-902; Driver handbook, Section 6: Dangerous Driving Behaviors

Question 8

You drive through the business district of a town, past a courthouse square. No limit is posted. What is the maximum speed?

  1. 30 mph in a business district
  2. 40 mph, the open road pace
  3. 20 mph, the school zone pace
  4. 25 mph, as in many states
Show answer

Answer: A. 30 mph in a business district

The maximum speed is 30 mph on highways in a business district. Residential districts also use 30 mph on undivided highways.

Sources: Md. Code, Transp. 21-801.1

Question 9

Within how many days must a driver report a crash with injury to the MVA, if police did not come?

  1. 60 days after the date of the crash
  2. 30 days after the crash
  3. 5 days after the crash
  4. 15 days after the crash
Show answer

Answer: D. 15 days after the crash

If police did not look into a crash with injury or death, the driver sends a written report in 15 days. Proof of insurance goes with it.

Sources: Md. Code, Transp. 20-107; Driver handbook, Section 8: Crashes and Traffic Stops

Question 10

How long must a driver hold a provisional license before getting a full license?

  1. 18 months with no new violations
  2. 6 months with no new violations
  3. 12 months with no new violations
  4. 24 months with no new violations at all
Show answer

Answer: A. 18 months with no new violations

A provisional license holder must go 18 months without a moving violation before earning a full license. The driver must also be at least 18.

Sources: Md. Code, Transp. 16-111; Driver handbook, Section 2: Licensing Requirements and Process

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