Maryland MVA Test Vehicle Safety and Emergency Procedures 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should a Maryland driver do if their brakes suddenly fail while driving?
- Immediately turn off the engine
- Pump the brakes rapidly, downshift, and use the parking brake gradually (Correct answer)
- Swerve onto the shoulder at full speed
- Open the car door to slow the vehicle
Correct answer: Pump the brakes rapidly, downshift, and use the parking brake gradually
When brakes fail, rapidly pumping them can restore hydraulic pressure, while downshifting and gradually applying the parking brake help slow the vehicle safely.
Question 2: In Maryland, what is required regarding seat belts for all occupants in a vehicle?
- Only the driver and front-seat passengers must wear seat belts
- All occupants in all seating positions must be buckled (Correct answer)
- Children under 8 must be buckled; others are optional
- Seat belts are required only on highways
Correct answer: All occupants in all seating positions must be buckled
Maryland's primary seat belt law requires all occupants of a motor vehicle, in all seating positions, to be properly buckled at all times.
Question 3: What should a driver do if a tire blows out at highway speed in Maryland?
- Brake hard immediately and steer to the shoulder
- Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer straight while gradually slowing (Correct answer)
- Accelerate briefly to stabilize the vehicle then brake
- Turn the steering wheel sharply to compensate for the pull
Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer straight while gradually slowing
During a blowout, hard braking or sharp steering can cause a spin; the correct response is to hold the wheel firmly, release the accelerator, and slow gradually.
Question 4: Under Maryland law, when must child passengers use a child safety seat?
- Until age 6 or 60 pounds
- Until age 8 or 65 pounds, whichever comes last (Correct answer)
- Until age 7 regardless of weight
- Only infants under 12 months must use a safety seat
Correct answer: Until age 8 or 65 pounds, whichever comes last
Maryland law requires children to use an appropriate child safety seat until they are at least 8 years old AND at least 65 pounds.
Question 5: What must Maryland drivers do when their vehicle becomes disabled on a highway?
- Stay in the vehicle and call for help without any warning signals
- Move the vehicle off the roadway if possible and use hazard lights and warning devices (Correct answer)
- Stay in the left lane with hazard lights activated
- Remain in the vehicle and wait for police regardless of location
Correct answer: Move the vehicle off the roadway if possible and use hazard lights and warning devices
Maryland drivers with disabled vehicles must move to the shoulder if possible, activate hazard lights, and place warning triangles or flares to alert other drivers.
Question 6: In Maryland, when are studded snow tires legally permitted on motor vehicles?
- Year-round on all roads
- October 15 through April 15 only (Correct answer)
- November 1 through March 31 only
- Only on unpaved roads
Correct answer: October 15 through April 15 only
Maryland permits studded snow tires only between October 15 and April 15, reflecting the winter weather season when they provide a safety benefit.
Maryland MVA Test Vehicle Safety and Emergency Procedures 1
What should a Maryland driver do if their brakes suddenly fail while driving?