Maryland DMV written test
Maryland DMV Cheat Sheet
The Maryland knowledge test facts in one place, checked against Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
Maryland DMV test numbers to memorize
The Maryland knowledge test has 25 questions and you need 22 correct, which is 88 percent. You can miss 3. The test is given by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
25
Questions on the test
22
88% to pass
Correct answers needed
3
Questions you can miss
15.75
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency states a time limit of 20 minutes.
- Test fee on record
- No amount on record.
- Format
- Computer-based at MVA branch office. 20-minute time limit.
- Online test
- Not offered. You test in person.
- Appointment
- Not required. Walk-ins accepted. Appointments available and recommended to reduce wait times.
Before you go
Documents to bring in Maryland
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 5 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security card
- 2 proofs of Maryland residency
- Parental consent (if under 18)
- Proof of driver education enrollment (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: Maryland retake rules
You can retest the next business day after one failed knowledge test, if an appointment is available. After 2 or more failures you must wait at least 7 calendar days, for both noncommercial and commercial knowledge tests. The behind-the-wheel skills test has its own rule: at least 1 business day. There is no MVA knowledge-test fee, but a CDL skills retest costs $20. MVA publishes no limit on attempts.
- knowledge test, after first failure (CDL) after failure number 1: wait 1 day.
- knowledge test, after second or subsequent failure (CDL) after failure number 2: wait 7 days.
- Attempt limit: the agency does not publish one that we could confirm.
- Retest fee: $0 per attempt.
- Waiting period lengthens: from next-business-day (after the 1st failure) to at least seven calendar days (from the 2nd failure onward) on the knowledge test.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in Maryland
- Under 18
- Must be at least 15 years and 9 months old. Must have parental consent. Must be enrolled in a Maryland-approved driver education course. Provisional license at 16 years and 6 months with restrictions until age 18.
- Permit versus license
- A learner's permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. Must hold permit for at least 9 months and log 60 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) before taking the skills test.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at any Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) branch office.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail shown on screen after completing the test.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for Maryland: English, Spanish, American Sign Language, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese (Traditional), Farsi, French, Hindi, Korean, Nepali, Portuguese, Russian, Tagalog, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Yoruba.
The study source is the Maryland Driver's Manual (2024-2025 edition). The agency also publishes a Spanish version of the driver manual.
From learner data
Most missed Maryland practice questions
These free Maryland questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 3
Blue signs with white symbols indicate:
Motorist services
About 50% get it right
- 4
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
- 5
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
- 6
You park on a hill where there is no curb. Your front wheels should point:
Toward the edge of the road
About 55% get it right
Your plan
Free Maryland study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the Maryland questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1