The Maryland permit test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices

The Maryland permit test is a written exam you take at your local DMV office after you have held your learner's permit for at least 60 days. The test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 19 correctly to pass. All questions come from the Maryland Driver's Manual, which the DMV publishes free online and in print at any MVA office.

The test is not timed, so you can take as long as you need to read and answer each question. You will sit at a computer terminal or paper form (depending on your local office) and answer multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, parking rules, and how to handle different driving situations. The questions test whether you understand Maryland's specific traffic laws, not just general driving knowledge.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you need other language support, contact your local MVA office ahead of time to arrange it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold your learner's permit for at least 60 days before you can take the permit test.
  • The test has 25 questions, all from the Maryland Driver's Manual, and you need 19 correct to pass.
  • Study the manual's sections on road signs, right-of-way, speed limits, parking, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs.
  • You can retake the test if you do not pass, but you must wait one day before your next attempt.

What the test covers and where to study

The Maryland Driver's Manual breaks down into sections that match the test questions. Focus on these areas: traffic signs and what they mean, right-of-way rules (who goes first at intersections and four-way stops), speed limits and when they change, parking rules, seat belt and child safety seat laws, and what to do when you see a school bus or emergency vehicle.

The manual also covers impaired driving, distracted driving, and how weather and road conditions affect your driving. You will see questions about what to do if your brakes fail, how to handle a skid, and when you must use your headlights. A smaller number of questions test your knowledge of Maryland-specific rules, like the state's hands-free phone law and requirements for tinted windows.

The DMV publishes the full manual at mva.maryland.gov. You can read it online, read it as a PDF, or pick up a printed copy at any MVA office. Many people study the manual for one to two weeks before taking the test, reviewing one section per day and then taking practice tests online.

How to register and where to take the test

You take the permit test at a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. You can schedule your test appointment online at mva.maryland.gov or by calling 410-768-7000. Walk-ins are also accepted at most offices, but appointment slots often fill up, so scheduling ahead is faster.

Bring your learner's permit, a valid photo ID, and your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number. You will also need to bring proof of your address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have these documents, call your local MVA office before you go to find out what they will accept.

The test fee is included in your learner's permit fee, so there is no additional charge to take the test. If you fail and need to retake it, there is no retake fee either.

What happens if you do not pass

If you score below 19 correct, you do not pass and do not move on to the road test. You will receive a score sheet showing which questions you missed. The MVA does not tell you the correct answers, but you can review the manual sections that cover those topics and try again.

You must wait at least one day before you can retake the test. Many people take a few days to study the areas where they struggled, then schedule a new appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, so you can keep trying until you pass.

If you pass the permit test, you will receive your provisional license (also called a Class F license if you are under 18). This allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car while you practice for your road test. You must hold this provisional license for at least six months before you can take the road test.

Study tips that work for most test-takers

Read the Maryland Driver's Manual all the way through once, then go back and focus on the sections that confuse you. Many people find that road signs and right-of-way rules are the hardest parts, so spend extra time on those chapters. When you read about a rule, picture yourself in that situation — for example, when you read about a four-way stop, imagine yourself at an intersection and think through who goes first.

Take practice tests online. The MVA does not publish official practice tests, but several free sites offer Maryland-specific questions based on the manual. These are not the actual test, but they help you get used to the question format and show you which topics you need to review more. Take a practice test, check your answers, and then reread the manual sections you got wrong.

Study in short sessions over several days rather than cramming the night before. Your brain retains information better when you spread learning out over time. Many people study for 20 to 30 minutes a day for two weeks and do better than those who study for three hours the day before the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test before I have held my learner's permit for 60 days?

No. Maryland law requires you to hold your learner's permit for at least 60 days before you can take the permit test. This waiting period is meant to give you time to practice driving with a licensed adult and build experience before you take the written test.

What if I fail the permit test twice?

You can retake it as many times as you need. After each failure, review the manual sections that cover the questions you missed, wait at least one day, and schedule your next attempt. There is no limit to retakes and no additional fee.

Do I have to take the permit test if I already have a permit from another state?

If you move to Maryland and already hold a valid permit from another state, you may be able to transfer it without taking the Maryland test. Contact your local MVA office to ask about reciprocity. If your out-of-state permit has expired, you will need to take the Maryland test.

What happens after I pass the permit test?

You receive your provisional license and can drive with a licensed adult (age 21 or older) in the car. You must hold this license for at least six months and practice driving before you can take the road test. During this time, you must follow all learner's permit restrictions, including no driving alone and no driving between midnight and 5 a.m.

Is the permit test the same as the road test?

No. The permit test is a written exam about traffic laws and road signs. The road test is a practical driving test where an examiner watches you drive and scores your ability to handle a car safely on real roads. You take the permit test first, then practice for several months, then take the road test.