What the Maryland Driving Permit Test Covers

Maryland's driving permit test—officially called the written knowledge test—measures your understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Maryland. You must pass this test before you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test. The test is administered by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and is required for all first-time drivers, regardless of age.

The test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions drawn from the Maryland Driver's Manual. You need to answer at least 19 questions correctly (76 percent) to pass. The questions cover Maryland traffic laws, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking regulations, and recognition of common road signs and pavement markings. You will have 30 minutes to complete the test.

The MVA updates the test questions periodically, so the specific questions you see depend on when you test. However, the content areas remain consistent and are all covered in the current Maryland Driver's Manual, which the MVA publishes free online and in print at any MVA office.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland's written knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 19 correct (76 percent) to pass.
  • All test content comes from the Maryland Driver's Manual, which you can read free online or pick up in print at any MVA office before you test.
  • You have 30 minutes to complete the test, and you take it in person at an MVA office on a computer or paper form.
  • You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to take the permit test in Maryland.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day; there is no waiting period between attempts.

How to Register and Schedule Your Test

You do not need to schedule the permit test in advance. Walk into any MVA office during business hours, bring your required documents, pay the fee, and take the test the same day. MVA offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. You can find your nearest office and its hours on the MVA website.

Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), and proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill or lease in your name). You will also need to bring a parent or guardian signature on the process if you are under 18. The current fee for the permit test is $35, though this amount can change—confirm the current fee when you call ahead or visit the MVA website.

Some MVA offices are busier than others, particularly on weekday afternoons and Saturdays. If you want to avoid a long wait, visit early in the morning on a weekday. A few MVA offices now offer online scheduling through the MVA website, which reserves a time slot and can reduce your wait time.

What to Study Before You Test

The Maryland Driver's Manual is the only study material you need. Every question on the permit test comes directly from information in the manual. You can read the manual as a PDF from the MVA website, request a printed copy by mail, or pick one up in person at any MVA office. The manual is free in all formats.

Focus on these high-frequency topics: right-of-way rules at intersections and roundabouts, speed limits in different zones, parking rules and prohibited parking areas, traffic sign meanings, pavement markings, and safe following distances. Maryland-specific rules—such as the requirement to use headlights from sunset to sunrise and the penalties for distracted driving—appear regularly on the test.

Many people study the manual by reading it straight through, but a more effective approach is to read one section at a time and then answer the sample questions at the end of each section. The manual includes a practice test near the back that mirrors the format and difficulty of the real test. Take the practice test under timed conditions (30 minutes) to build familiarity with the pace and question style.

Test Day: What to Expect at the MVA Office

Arrive at the MVA office with all required documents and your fee. You will check in at the front desk, and staff will verify your identity and residency. If you are under 18, staff will confirm that your parent or guardian has signed the process. You will then be directed to a testing station, either a computer terminal or a paper form, depending on the office.

The test is administered in English only. You will read each question and select your answer from four choices. On a computer, you click your selection; on paper, you mark a bubble or box. You can review your answers before you submit the test. Once you submit, your score appears when ready on the screen or is printed on a receipt if you took the paper version.

If you pass, you will receive a temporary permit (valid for 30 days) that allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult. If you fail, you can retake the test when ready—there is no mandatory waiting period. However, you will need to pay the fee again and may need to wait for the next available testing station.

Retaking the Test If You Do Not Pass

If you score below 19 correct, you have not passed and must retake the test. You can retake it the same day if another testing station is available, or you can return to the MVA office on another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, and no waiting period is imposed between attempts.

Before you retake the test, review the sections of the Maryland Driver's Manual that cover the topics you found difficult. Many people who fail the first time pass on the second attempt after focused study. Pay particular attention to questions you missed on the practice test in the manual.

Each retake costs the same fee as the initial test ($35 as of the current year). If cost is a concern, some community centers and libraries offer free study groups or tutoring for permit test preparation, though these are not run by the MVA.

From Permit to Provisional License

Once you pass the written test, you receive a temporary permit valid for 30 days. During this time, you must complete the behind-the-wheel driving test with an MVA examiner. You cannot use the temporary permit to drive alone; you must have a licensed adult (age 21 or older) in the front passenger seat at all times.

Schedule your behind-the-wheel test at the same MVA office where you took the written test, or at another office if you prefer. The behind-the-wheel test costs an additional fee (currently $35) and takes approximately 20 minutes. If you pass, you will receive a provisional license, which allows you to drive with restrictions until you turn 18 or meet other conditions set by Maryland law.

If you do not complete the behind-the-wheel test within 30 days of passing the written test, your temporary permit expires and you must retake the written test. Plan ahead and schedule the driving test as soon as you pass the written portion.

Common Mistakes on the Permit Test

Many test-takers miss questions about right-of-way at four-way stops and roundabouts. Maryland requires you to yield to vehicles already in a roundabout and to treat a four-way stop as a shared intersection where the first vehicle to arrive has the right to proceed. Review these scenarios carefully in the manual.

Another frequent error involves speed limits in school zones and residential areas. Maryland has specific speed limits for these zones (typically 25 mph in school zones during school hours and 25 mph in residential areas), and test questions often ask you to identify the correct limit. Pay close attention to the signs and limits described in the manual's section on speed.

Test-takers also struggle with questions about parking rules, particularly regarding fire hydrants, crosswalks, and double yellow lines. The manual includes a detailed section with diagrams showing where parking is prohibited. Spend time on this section if you find parking rules confusing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test online from home?

No. Maryland requires you to take the written permit test in person at an MVA office. You cannot take it online or by mail. You must bring your documents and pay the fee at the office to be tested.

What if I fail the written test—do I have to wait before I can retake it?

No. There is no mandatory waiting period. You can retake the test the same day if a testing station is available, or return to the MVA office on another day. You will pay the fee again for each attempt.

Is the permit test given in languages other than English?

The test is administered in English only. If you need language support, contact your local MVA office to ask about available resources, though the MVA does not provide interpreters for the permit test itself.

How long is my temporary permit valid after I pass the written test?

Your temporary permit is valid for 30 days. You must pass the behind-the-wheel driving test and receive your provisional license within that 30-day window. If the permit expires before you complete the driving test, you must retake the written test.

Can I use study apps or online practice tests to prepare?

Third-party study apps and online practice tests exist, but they are not official MVA materials and may contain outdated or incorrect information. The safest approach is to study the official Maryland Driver's Manual and take the practice test included in it. The manual is free and always current.