What the Maryland permit test covers and how it works
Maryland's permit test has two parts: a written knowledge test and a vision screening. You take both on the same day at your local Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. The written test asks 25 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 19 questions correctly to pass — that's a score of 76 percent or higher.
The test is multiple choice, and you can take it on a computer at the MVA office. You do not need to bring your own device. The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. Failing the vision test does not mean you cannot get a permit — it means you'll have a restriction on your license saying you must wear corrective lenses while driving.
You can retake the written test if you fail, but you must wait one business day before trying again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though each attempt costs the test fee again.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland's permit test is 25 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws and road signs, and you must score at least 76 percent to pass.
- You take the written test and vision screening on the same day at an MVA office, and you can retake the written test the next business day if you fail.
- The test covers Maryland-specific traffic laws, speed limits, right-of-way rules, and what different road signs mean.
- Bring your completed process, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to the MVA office.
What topics appear on the Maryland permit test
The test draws from Maryland's Driver's Manual, which is free to read from the MVA website or available in print at any MVA office. About half the questions cover traffic laws and safe driving rules — things like speed limits in residential areas, when you must yield to other vehicles, and what to do at a four-way stop. The other half covers road signs and what they mean: stop signs, yield signs, warning signs, and informational signs.
You will also see questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, and the consequences of traffic violations. Maryland tests on seat belt laws, child passenger safety, and when you can and cannot use your phone while driving. A few questions cover what to do in emergencies — how to handle a skid, what to do if your brakes fail, and how to respond to a traffic stop.
The test does not ask about your personal driving history or your medical conditions. It focuses entirely on knowledge that any safe driver needs to have.
How to study for the permit test
The Maryland Driver's Manual is your main study resource. It is organized by topic and covers everything the test asks about. You can read it cover to cover, or focus on the sections that seem hardest to you. The MVA website also has practice tests that mimic the real test — taking these under timed conditions helps you get used to the format and the pressure of a real test day.
Study the road signs section carefully. Many people find signs harder to remember than rules, so spend extra time on what each sign looks like and what it means. Pay attention to the difference between warning signs (usually yellow), regulatory signs (usually white or red), and informational signs (usually blue or green).
If you struggle with reading or English is not your first language, the MVA offers the test in multiple languages. You can also request a reader or interpreter at the MVA office when you schedule your test. Call the MVA at 410-768-7000 to arrange this before you go in.
Documents you need to bring to the MVA office
Bring your completed process form (DL-43), which you can print from the MVA website or pick up at an MVA office. You also need proof of your identity — a birth certificate, passport, or document from your country of origin if you were born outside the United States. Bring proof of your Maryland residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the residency document must match your process.
You will need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you do not have either, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or the IRS explaining why. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you to sign your process in person.
The MVA charges a fee for the permit, which varies depending on how long you want it to be valid. Bring a payment method the MVA accepts — usually a debit card, credit card, or check. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local MVA office takes.
What happens after you pass the permit test
Once you pass both the written test and the vision screening, the MVA will issue your permit on the spot. Your permit is valid for two years in Maryland. It allows you to drive only when a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. That adult must have a valid driver's license.
Your permit comes with restrictions. You cannot drive alone, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving — not even hands-free. These restrictions are in place while you hold a permit. Once you pass your road test and get your full license, most of these restrictions go away (though the cell phone rule for new drivers has its own age-based limits).
Keep your permit with you every time you drive. If you are stopped by police and do not have it, you can face a citation. If your permit is lost or damaged, you can get a replacement at any MVA office for a small fee.
If you fail the permit test
Failing the written test is common, and it does not prevent you from trying again. You must wait one business day before retaking it. Use that time to study the topics you found hardest. Many people fail because they did not study the road signs carefully enough or because they misunderstood Maryland-specific rules like the speed limit in school zones.
If you fail the vision screening, you can still get a permit, but it will have a restriction requiring you to wear corrective lenses. If your vision is so poor that you cannot meet Maryland's minimum standard even with glasses or contacts, you will not be issued a permit. The MVA will tell you what the standard is and what your options are.
If you fail the written test more than once, consider taking a driver education course. Some courses include permit test preparation, and completing a course can also lower your insurance rates once you start driving. The MVA website lists approved driver education providers in Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the permit test online from home?
No. You must take the test in person at an MVA office. The vision screening requires an in-person visit, and the MVA needs to verify your identity before issuing a permit. You can schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting, which is available at most MVA offices.
What if I fail the vision test but can see fine with my glasses?
Your permit will have a restriction code that says you must wear corrective lenses while driving. This restriction stays on your license until you pass a vision test without it. You can retake the vision screening at any time, so if you get new glasses or contacts, you can go back and try again.
How long does it take to get my permit after I pass the test?
You receive your permit the same day you pass the test. The MVA prints it on the spot before you leave the office. You can start supervised driving when ready, though you must follow all the restrictions on your permit.
Can I use my permit to drive in other states?
A Maryland permit is valid only in Maryland. If you travel to another state, you cannot drive, even with a licensed adult in the car. Once you pass your road test and get a full Maryland driver's license, you can drive in other states as long as you follow their laws.
What if I cannot read English well?
The MVA offers the test in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and other languages. Call 410-768-7000 to request a test in your language when you schedule your appointment. You can also request a reader or interpreter to help you understand the questions.