The Maryland Permit Test Has 25 Questions

Maryland's written permit test contains 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 20 of them correctly to pass — that is a score of 80 percent or higher. The test covers the Maryland Driver's Manual and covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations.

The test is administered by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) at any MVA office where you take your permit exam. You take it on a computer at the testing station, and you receive your score when ready after you finish. If you pass, you can walk out with your learner's permit the same day.

If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will need to pay the test fee again each time you take it.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland's permit test is 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass.
  • The test is computer-based and administered at MVA offices, with results given when ready.
  • Questions come from the Maryland Driver's Manual and cover road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving rules.
  • You can retake the test the same day if you do not pass, though you will pay the fee again.
  • Passing the written test is one step; you still need to pass a road test before you get your full license.

What the Test Questions Cover

The 25 questions on Maryland's permit test draw from five main areas of the Driver's Manual. Questions about road signs and markings make up a significant portion — you need to recognize stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs, and other regulatory and warning signs. You will also see questions about what different road markings mean, such as solid yellow lines versus dashed lines.

Traffic laws and right-of-way rules are heavily tested. These questions ask you to know when to yield, how to handle intersections, what to do at a four-way stop, and how to pass other vehicles safely. Safe driving practices — including following distance, speed adjustment for weather, and how to handle skids or hydroplaning — appear regularly.

You will also encounter questions about vehicle equipment and maintenance, such as what your mirrors should show and when your headlights must be on. A smaller number of questions cover parking rules, pedestrian safety, and what to do if you are pulled over by police.

How to Study for the 25-Question Test

The Maryland MVA publishes the official Driver's Manual free online and in print at any MVA office. This manual contains all the information you need to answer the 25 questions correctly. Reading through it once gives you the foundation, but most people need to study it more than once to retain the details.

Many people find it helpful to focus on the sections that appear most often on the test: road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. The MVA website also offers a practice test that mimics the real exam — taking it several times helps you get used to the format and identify which topics you need to review more.

Some learners study with a parent or friend who quizzes them on different topics. Others use flashcards or apps that let them practice questions on their phone. The method matters less than spending enough time with the material to feel confident before test day.

Taking the Test at an MVA Office

When you arrive at the MVA office for your permit test, bring your completed process, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You will also need to pay the permit test fee, which varies but is typically under $50.

A staff member will verify your documents and walk you to a computer terminal. You will have a set amount of time to complete the 25 questions — usually 30 minutes, though the exact time limit may vary. You can go back and change your answers before you submit the test.

Once you submit, the computer scores your test when ready. If you score 80 percent or higher, you pass and can receive your learner's permit on the spot. If you score below 80 percent, you do not pass, and you will be told which topics to review before your next attempt.

What Happens If You Do Not Pass

Failing the permit test is common, and it does not prevent you from trying again. You can retake the test the same day if you want, though most people choose to study more first. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts in Maryland.

Each time you take the test, you pay the fee again. If you fail multiple times, consider spending more time with the Driver's Manual or using the practice test on the MVA website. Some people benefit from studying with someone else or focusing on the specific topics they found confusing on their first attempt.

After You Pass the Permit Test

Passing the 25-question written test gets you your learner's permit, but it is not the end of the licensing process. With your permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but you cannot drive alone. You must follow all the rules in your permit, including any restrictions on when you can drive or who can be in the car with you.

After you have held your permit for a certain amount of time and feel ready, you will schedule a road test with the MVA. The road test is where an examiner watches you drive and judges your actual driving skills. Passing the road test is what gives you your full driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or any materials during the permit test?

No. The test is proctored, meaning an MVA staff member watches while you take it. You cannot use your phone, the Driver's Manual, notes, or any other materials. You must answer the questions from memory based on what you studied.

How long do I have to answer all 25 questions?

You typically have 30 minutes to complete the test, though the exact time limit may vary by MVA office. This is enough time for most people to read each question carefully and review their answers before submitting.

What if I fail the test twice?

You can retake it as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Each time you take it, you pay the fee again. If you keep failing, spend more time studying the Driver's Manual or ask someone to help you prepare.

Is the permit test the same every time I take it?

No. The test is computer-generated, so the 25 questions you see will be different each time you take it. However, all questions come from the same pool of topics covered in the Maryland Driver's Manual, so studying the manual prepares you for any version of the test.

Do I need to pass the permit test before I can take the road test?

Yes. You must have a valid learner's permit, which means you must pass the 25-question written test first. Only after you have your permit and have practiced driving can you schedule and take the road test.