The Maryland learner's permit test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass

Maryland's written test for a learner's permit covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You will sit at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office and answer 25 multiple-choice questions on a computer or paper form. The passing score is 80 percent — that means 20 correct answers out of 25. You get one attempt per visit, though you can return and test again if you do not pass.

The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You cannot bring notes, phones, or study materials into the testing room. The MVA provides a study guide before you test, and that guide covers everything the test will ask.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland's learner's permit test contains 25 multiple-choice questions, and you need a score of 80 percent (20 correct answers) to pass.
  • The test covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices from the Maryland Driver's Manual.
  • You take the test at an MVA office on a computer or paper form, and the whole process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • If you do not pass, you can return to the MVA and test again, but you must pay the test fee each time you attempt it.
  • The MVA provides a free study guide before your test date, and studying that guide is the most direct way to prepare.

What the test covers

The 25 questions come from the Maryland Driver's Manual, which the MVA publishes and makes available online and in print. The test focuses on practical knowledge you need to drive safely: how to read and obey traffic signs, when to yield to other vehicles, speed limits in different zones, parking rules, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs.

You will also see questions about impaired driving, seat belt laws, and how to handle emergencies like a tire blowout or brake failure. The test does not ask about your personal driving history or local roads — it tests knowledge that applies statewide.

The MVA does not publish the exact questions in advance, but the study guide covers all the topics that appear on the test. If you study the manual thoroughly, you will recognize the concepts when you see them in question form.

How to prepare for the test

The Maryland Driver's Manual is your primary study tool. You can read it online at the MVA website, request a printed copy by mail, or pick one up at any MVA office. The manual is organized by topic — signs, right-of-way, speed limits, and so on — so you can study one section at a time.

Many people find it helpful to read the manual once all the way through, then go back and focus on the sections that felt unclear. Pay special attention to traffic sign shapes and colors, because the test includes several sign-recognition questions. Practice tests are available online through the MVA website and through third-party study apps, though the official MVA materials are the most reliable.

Study for at least a few days before your test date. Most people who fail do so because they did not spend enough time with the manual, not because the test is tricky. If you read the manual carefully and take a practice test or two, you will have a strong chance of passing on your first attempt.

What happens if you do not pass

If you score below 80 percent, you do not receive your learner's permit that day. You can schedule another test appointment at the MVA, but you will need to pay the test fee again. Maryland does not charge a separate fee for the learner's permit itself — you pay only for the test.

There is no waiting period between failed attempts. You can test again the next day if you want, though most people take a few days to study more before trying again. Each time you test, you will see a different set of 25 questions drawn from the same pool of topics.

The test fee and what to bring

The learner's permit test fee varies and can change, so check the MVA website or call your local office for the current cost. You will need to bring a valid form of identification — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card — and proof of your Social Security number. If you are under 18, you may need a parent or guardian to sign consent forms.

Arrive at the MVA office at least 15 minutes before your scheduled test time. Bring only your ID and any required documents. You cannot bring study materials, phones, or other devices into the testing area.

Taking the test on a computer versus paper

Most MVA offices now offer computer-based testing, which displays one question at a time on a screen. You use a mouse or touchscreen to select your answer. Some offices still offer paper tests, where you mark your answers on a form with a pencil. Both formats contain the same 25 questions and use the same passing score.

Computer-based testing is often faster and you receive your results when ready after you finish. With a paper test, the MVA staff will score it while you wait, usually within a few minutes. Either way, you will know whether you passed before you leave the office.

Retesting and moving forward

Once you pass the test and receive your learner's permit, you can begin supervised driving. Maryland requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can test for your full driver's license. During that time, you must drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.

When you are ready to test for your license, you will take a different test — a road test with an examiner who watches you drive. The road test does not include written questions; it focuses on your actual driving skills and ability to follow traffic laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a study app or online practice test instead of the official manual?

Third-party apps and websites can help you practice, but the official Maryland Driver's Manual is the most reliable source. The MVA designs the test based on that manual, so studying it directly gives you the best preparation. Use practice tests to check your knowledge, but make sure you understand the concepts in the official manual first.

What if I fail the test — do I have to wait before I can test again?

No, there is no waiting period. You can schedule another test appointment as soon as you want, though most people study for a few more days before retesting. You will pay the test fee each time you attempt it.

Is the test the same every time, or do the questions change?

The questions change each time you test. The MVA draws from a pool of questions that all cover the same topics from the Driver's Manual. If you study the manual thoroughly, you will be prepared for any version of the test.

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

Yes, you must pass the written test first to get your learner's permit. Then you must hold the permit for at least six months and practice supervised driving before you can schedule a road test for your full license.

What happens if I run out of time during the test?

The test does not have a strict time limit. You have as long as you need to answer all 25 questions, though most people finish in 15 to 20 minutes. If you are unsure about a question, you can skip it and come back to it before you submit your answers.