What the Maryland learner's permit test covers

The Maryland DMV learner's permit test has two parts: a written knowledge test and a vision screening. The written test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations. You answer 25 multiple-choice questions, and you need to get at least 19 correct to pass — that's a score of 76 percent or higher.

The test focuses on real situations you'll face on the road: what a yellow light means, how to handle a four-way stop, what to do if your brakes fail, and how to read common road signs. Maryland also tests your knowledge of the state's specific laws, like seatbelt requirements, speed limits in school zones, and rules about distracted driving.

The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. The DMV will test your visual acuity and may test your color vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you'll take the test wearing them if that's how you normally drive.

Key Takeaways

  • The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions about Maryland traffic laws and road signs, and you must score at least 76 percent to pass.
  • You can take the test at any Maryland DMV office, and the test is offered in multiple languages including Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese.
  • Bring a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Maryland residency when you go to take the test.
  • If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most DMV locations, though some offices may require you to wait and return another day.
  • The test costs $7 in Maryland, and you pay when you take the test, not when you register.

What documents you need to bring

Before you can take the test, the DMV will ask you to prove who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a passport, or a consular report of birth abroad — one of these establishes your identity and citizenship. A school ID or employee ID is not enough on its own.

For proof of your Maryland residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Your name on the document should match the name you're using to register.

You'll also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you don't have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why.

How to prepare for the written test

The Maryland DMV publishes a free study guide called the Maryland Driver's Manual, available on the DMV website and in print at any DMV office. The manual covers everything on the test: road signs, right-of-way rules, parking rules, and Maryland-specific laws. Read through it at least once before you test, and pay special attention to sections on speed limits, seatbelt laws, and what different colored lights and signs mean.

Road signs appear frequently on the test, so spend time learning what each shape and color means. A red octagon is a stop sign, a red triangle is a yield sign, a yellow diamond warns of a hazard ahead. The manual includes pictures of every sign you need to know.

Many people find it helpful to take practice tests before the real one. The Maryland DMV website offers sample questions that are similar in style and difficulty to the actual test. Taking a practice test helps you see which topics you need to study more and gets you used to the format of multiple-choice questions.

Where and when to take the test

You can take the learner's permit test at any Maryland DMV office. The DMV website has a list of all locations and their hours. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer wait times, while smaller branch offices may move faster. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, but some offices now use an online reservation system. Check your local office's website before you go.

The test is offered during regular DMV business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday mornings at some locations. Closed on Sundays and state holidays. If you work during the day, look for a DMV office near your school or workplace, or plan to go on a Saturday.

The test is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Korean, and French. If you need the test in a language other than English, tell the DMV when you arrive, and they will provide it if that language is available at that location.

What happens if you fail the test

If you score below 76 percent, you do not pass. At most Maryland DMV offices, you can retake the test the same day at no additional cost — you pay the $7 fee once, and it covers multiple attempts on the same visit. Some offices may ask you to come back another day, so ask the DMV staff what their policy is before you leave.

When you retake the test, you'll get a different set of 25 questions. The questions are randomized, so studying the same material again will help you do better the second time. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after spending more time with the study guide.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each new visit to the DMV costs $7. If you keep failing, take more time to study the manual, use the practice tests on the DMV website, and consider asking someone who has already passed to quiz you on the material.

After you pass: getting your learner's permit

Once you pass both the written test and the vision screening, the DMV will issue your learner's permit on the spot. You'll get a temporary paper permit that day, valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic permit card will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.

Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it's issued. During that time, you must follow Maryland's learner's permit restrictions: you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old in the car with you at all times, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving except in an emergency.

To move from a learner's permit to a full driver's license, you'll need to hold the permit for at least six months, pass a road test, and pass another vision screening. The DMV website has information about scheduling your road test once you're ready.

Test fees and what they cover

The learner's permit test costs $7 in Maryland. You pay this fee when you take the test, not when you register or explore. If you retake the test on the same day, you do not pay again — the $7 covers all attempts during that visit.

If you return to the DMV on a different day to retake the test, you'll pay another $7. The fee covers the written test, the vision screening, and the issuance of your temporary permit if you pass. It does not cover the permanent plastic card, which arrives by mail at no additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the test online or by mail?

No. The Maryland DMV requires you to take the written test in person at a DMV office. You must also complete the vision screening in person. There is no remote or online option for the learner's permit test.

What if I fail the vision screening?

If you fail the vision screening, you cannot get a learner's permit until your vision meets Maryland's standards. You may be able to pass with glasses or contacts — if you wear them, make sure you bring them to the test. If you still fail, you'll need to see an eye doctor and get a corrective lens prescription before you can retake the vision test.

Do I need to schedule an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Most Maryland DMV offices accept walk-ins, but some now use an online reservation system. Check your local office's website before you go. If appointments are required, you can reserve a time slot online, which usually reduces your wait time.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can still get a learner's permit. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, or bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document instead. The DMV will accept either as proof.

How long is the test, and how much time do I have?

The written test usually takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete. The DMV does not set a strict time limit — you can take as long as you need to answer the 25 questions. The vision screening takes a few minutes. Plan to spend 30 to 60 minutes total at the DMV office, including wait time.