Maryland offers a free written test to get your learner's permit, and you take it at your local MVA office

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) gives you one free attempt at the written knowledge test for your learner's permit. You do not pay to take the test itself. You will pay a fee for the permit once you pass — currently $70 for a five-year permit — but the test costs nothing.

The test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You take it on a computer at an MVA office, and you get your score when ready after you finish.

If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test, but each additional attempt costs $7. Most people pass on the first attempt if they study the Maryland Driver's Manual beforehand.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland's MVA gives you one free written test attempt; retakes cost $7 each.
  • You need 19 out of 25 questions correct to pass the knowledge test.
  • The Maryland Driver's Manual, available free online and at MVA offices, covers everything the test asks.
  • You must bring a valid photo ID and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN to the MVA office on test day.
  • After you pass, you pay the permit fee and get your learner's permit the same day.

What the Maryland Driver's Manual covers

The Maryland Driver's Manual is the official study guide for the test. You can read it free on the MVA website, read it as a PDF, or pick up a printed copy at any MVA office. The manual is about 80 pages and covers the topics the test will ask about.

The test focuses on Maryland-specific rules: speed limits, right-of-way laws, parking rules, what different road signs mean, and how to handle situations like merging, passing, and driving in bad weather. It also covers the rules for learner's permit holders — for example, that you must have a licensed adult in the front seat with you while driving.

You do not need to memorize the entire manual. Most people study the sections on road signs, right-of-way, and permit restrictions, since those appear most often on the test. Reading through the manual once and then reviewing the sections you found hardest usually gives you a strong chance of passing.

How to schedule your test at an MVA office

You can schedule a test appointment online through the MVA website or by calling 410-787-7758. Online scheduling is usually faster — you pick your local MVA office, choose a date and time that works for you, and confirm your appointment. Walk-ins are also accepted at most offices, but you may wait longer during busy times.

You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to schedule. The MVA will send you a confirmation email or text with your appointment details. Write down your appointment time and the office address so you do not miss it.

MVA offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some locations have Saturday hours. If you cannot make an appointment at your nearest office, you can travel to any MVA office in Maryland to take the test.

What to bring on test day

Bring a valid photo ID — a passport, state ID card, or out-of-state driver's license all work. You also need proof of your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). A Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return showing your SSN counts as proof.

Bring your confirmation email or text showing your appointment details. If you scheduled online, the MVA may already have your information, but having the confirmation helps you check in faster.

Do not bring study materials, phones, or other devices into the testing area. The MVA provides a computer for the test, and you cannot use outside resources while taking it.

What happens during and after the test

When you arrive, you check in at the front desk and show your ID and proof of Social Security number. An MVA staff member will verify your information and take you to a computer terminal. You will have time to read the instructions on screen before the test begins.

The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. You answer 25 multiple-choice questions about Maryland traffic laws and road signs. You can go back and change your answers before you submit the test.

Once you submit, the computer shows your score when ready. If you pass, you move to the next step: paying the permit fee and having your photo taken for your learner's permit. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test appointment and try again.

If you do not pass on your first attempt

Failing the first test is not uncommon, and it does not affect your ability to retake it. You can schedule another appointment right away or come back another day. Each retake costs $7.

Before your next attempt, review the sections of the Maryland Driver's Manual that gave you trouble. Some MVA offices offer practice tests on their computers, which you can use free while you wait for an appointment. You can also find practice tests online through the MVA website.

Most people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the areas where they struggled. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, so take the time you need to prepare.

Getting your learner's permit after you pass

Once you pass the test, you stay at the MVA office to complete the permit process. You will pay the permit fee — $70 for a five-year permit or $35 for a two-year permit — and have your photo taken. The MVA will issue your learner's permit on the spot.

Your learner's permit is valid for two or five years depending on which one you bought. While you hold it, you must follow Maryland's learner's permit restrictions: you must have a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat with you, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving.

After you have held your learner's permit for a certain amount of time and practiced driving, you can schedule a road test to earn your full driver's license. The MVA website explains the timeline and road test requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the test online from home instead of going to an MVA office?

No. Maryland requires you to take the written test in person at an MVA office. The test is administered on a computer at the office, and an MVA staff member must verify your identity before you take it. You cannot take it remotely.

What if I fail the test three times — do I have to wait before trying again?

No. Maryland does not impose a waiting period between retakes. You can schedule your next attempt as soon as you want, even the same day if an MVA office has an opening. Each attempt after the first costs $7.

Is the test given in languages other than English?

Yes. The MVA offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. When you schedule your appointment online or by phone, you can request a test in a language other than English. Call 410-787-7758 to confirm which languages are available at your local office.

Do I have to pass the written test before I can take the road test?

Yes. You must pass the written knowledge test first, get your learner's permit, and hold it for the required amount of time before you can schedule a road test. The road test is a separate test taken with an MVA examiner in a vehicle.

What if I lose my learner's permit before I take the road test?

You can get a replacement permit at any MVA office. Bring your ID and proof of Social Security number, and pay a replacement fee (usually $5 to $10). You do not have to retake the written test — the MVA has your passing score on file.