Maryland MVA Driver's Knowledge Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Right of Way: What should I do when I enter a road from a driveway, an alley, or the side of the road?

-Yield to vehicles already on the main road -Yield to pedestrians on the main road (Correct answer)
When an open alcohol container is in the passenger area of the vehicle
Drivers do not see as far, as soon, or as much and everything looks different
When you are driving on the opposite side of a divided highway

Correct answer: -Yield to vehicles already on the main road -Yield to pedestrians on the main road

When you enter a road from a driveway, an alley, or the side of the road, you should yield to both vehicles already on the main road and pedestrians on the main road. This is to ensure that you enter the road safely and avoid impeding the flow of traffic or endangering pedestrians crossing the road.

Question 2: What can veterans add to their Maryland driver's license?

An expiration date extension
A special driving privilege
An additional address
A veteran designation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A veteran designation

Maryland offers veterans the option to add a 'Veteran' designation to their driver's license or identification card. This designation serves as official proof of veteran status, which can be useful for accessing various benefits, discounts, and services without needing to carry additional military identification documents. It is a way to honor their service.

Question 3: What is the meaning of a double yellow center line on a Maryland road?

No passing is permitted from either direction (Correct answer)
Passing is permitted from both directions
The road is divided into two separate highways
Passing is permitted only from the right lane

Correct answer: No passing is permitted from either direction

A double solid yellow center line prohibits passing in either direction because conditions make passing unsafe.

Question 4: Can individuals with limited-term driver's licenses renew online or by mail?

No (Correct answer)
Yes
Only if they have changed their name
Only if they have a vision certification

Correct answer: No

Individuals holding limited-term driver's licenses, often issued to non-citizens with temporary legal status, typically cannot renew online or by mail. These licenses often require an in-person visit to the MDOT MVA to verify current legal presence and other documentation, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

Question 5: Orange signs and orange-painted barrels in Maryland are used to indicate what?

Hazardous material routes
Designated detour routes
Work zones and construction areas (Correct answer)
School zones

Correct answer: Work zones and construction areas

Orange is the standard color for all temporary traffic control signs in work zones, alerting drivers to changed conditions and workers.

Question 6: What color are guide signs on Maryland highways that show route destinations and distances?

Yellow
Orange
Blue
Green (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Green

Green signs are used for guide information including route destinations, highway exits, and mileage to cities.

Question 7: In Maryland, what is the default speed limit in a residential district unless otherwise posted?

30 mph (Correct answer)
25 mph
35 mph
20 mph

Correct answer: 30 mph

The default speed limit in a Maryland residential district is 30 mph unless signs indicate otherwise.

Question 8: In Maryland, how far from a fire hydrant must you park your vehicle?

15 feet (Correct answer)
25 feet
5 feet
10 feet

Correct answer: 15 feet

Maryland law prohibits parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

Question 9: A sign showing a white horizontal arrow inside a black rectangle means what?

Turn right or left only
One-way traffic in the arrow direction (Correct answer)
Road curves ahead
Merge ahead

Correct answer: One-way traffic in the arrow direction

A ONE WAY sign with an arrow indicates that traffic flows only in the direction the arrow points on that road.

Question 10: If the white center line on the road is broken, it means:

You are in a no passing zone
Reduce your speed ahead
You may change lanes with due care (Correct answer)
No turns are allowed

Correct answer: You may change lanes with due care

A broken white center line on the road indicates that traffic is moving in the same direction, and it is permissible to change lanes. However, drivers must always exercise due care, check blind spots, and signal appropriately before making any lane change to ensure safety.

Question 11: In Maryland, what does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean?

Yield to all traffic
The signal is broken
Stop and wait for green
Proceed with caution (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Proceed with caution

A flashing yellow light means proceed with caution, slowing down and watching for cross traffic or pedestrians.

Question 12: What does a green arrow displayed alongside a red traffic light in Maryland mean?

Yield before proceeding in the arrow direction
You may turn in the arrow direction if the path is clear (Correct answer)
Wait for full green before turning
Emergency vehicles have priority in that direction

Correct answer: You may turn in the arrow direction if the path is clear

A green arrow (protected turn signal) means you may move in the direction of the arrow; oncoming traffic is stopped by a red light.

Question 13: What is the maximum duration of validity for non-commercial driver's licenses?

1 year
5 to 8 years (Correct answer)
Indefinitely
10 years

Correct answer: 5 to 8 years

In Maryland, non-commercial driver's licenses are typically valid for a period of 5 to 8 years, depending on various factors such as age and specific license type. This validity period requires drivers to periodically renew their licenses, often involving updated photos and vision screenings, to ensure their information is current and they remain fit to drive.

Question 14: When approaching a railroad crossing with no gates or signals in Maryland, you should:

Yield only if another car has stopped
Accelerate to cross quickly
Stop completely regardless of trains
Slow down, look and listen for trains, and stop if one is approaching (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Slow down, look and listen for trains, and stop if one is approaching

At passive railroad crossings, drivers must slow down, look both ways, and stop if a train is approaching.

Question 15: When can non-commercial drivers who are turning 21 renew their driver's licenses?

30 days before they turn 21
After they turn 21
7 days before they turn 21 (Correct answer)
On their actual birthday

Correct answer: 7 days before they turn 21

Maryland MVA allows non-commercial drivers to renew their licenses up to 7 days before their 21st birthday. This provision enables individuals to receive a new, full-term license without the 'under 21' indicator shortly before they reach legal drinking age, streamlining the process and avoiding a temporary license.

Question 16: This traffic sign indicates:

Railroad Crossing
Intersection (Correct answer)
Railroad Crossing
None of the above

Correct answer: Intersection

This side road sign alerts users of an intersection coming up so they can be alert to vehicles entering or leaving the highway.

Question 17: What do the red lights at a train crossing that are flashing mean?

A fine that is higher than a regular fine for speeding
Have headlights turned on and hazards lights flashing in order to be granted the right-of-way
A driver must come to a complete stop until lights stop flashing (Correct answer)
When an open alchohol container is in the passenger area of the vehicle

Correct answer: A driver must come to a complete stop until lights stop flashing

When the red lights at a train crossing are flashing, it means that a train is approaching, and drivers must come to a complete stop until the lights stop flashing and the crossing is clear. It is essential to obey this signal to ensure safety and prevent accidents at railroad crossings. Trains have the right of way at these crossings, and it's crucial for drivers to be patient and wait until it's safe to proceed. Disregarding the flashing red lights at a railroad crossing is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. Always exercise caution and follow traffic rules at train crossings.

Question 18: How many points must your license have before you can take the driving test?

-Steer in the direction of the skid -Do not use your brakes Take your foot off the gas
-If it is safe to do so -The other vehicle is about to make a left turn -You can stay on the roadway when passing to the left
-Your vehicle must have valid license plates and registration -Proof of Insurance -Your vehicle must be in safe operating condition (Correct answer)
Use low beams, they won't cause glare or reflection that could impair visibility and if you have them use fog lights

Correct answer: -Your vehicle must have valid license plates and registration -Proof of Insurance -Your vehicle must be in safe operating condition

The number of points required on a driver's license before taking the driving test can vary depending on the specific regulations and laws of the jurisdiction you are in. Different regions or countries may have different requirements for obtaining a driver's license and taking the driving test.

Question 19: In E-Verify, what document name should you select for any Maryland driver's license or ID card?

Driver's license (Correct answer)
Motor Vehicle License
Identification Card
Driving Permit

Correct answer: Driver's license

In E-Verify, when presented with any Maryland driver's license or ID card, the general document name to select is 'Driver's license'. While there are specific options for 'ID card', 'Driver's license' is often used as the overarching category for these types of state-issued identification documents in the E-Verify system, especially when referring to driving privileges. This simplifies the selection process for employers.

Question 20: Can drivers under the age of 40 renew their driver's licenses at an MDOT MVA branch office counter?

Yes
No (Correct answer)
Only if they have changed their name
Only if they have a vision certification

Correct answer: No

Maryland MVA encourages drivers under the age of 40 to renew their licenses online or by mail, as they generally do not have the same vision certification requirements as older drivers. In-person renewals at a branch office counter are often reserved for specific situations, such as those with medical conditions, name changes, or older drivers requiring vision tests.

Question 21: When this sign is shown, you must:

Stop completely, check for pedestrians, and cross traffic (Correct answer)
Slow down without coming to a complete stop
Stop completely and wait for a green light
Slow down and check for traffic

Correct answer: Stop completely, check for pedestrians, and cross traffic

A stop sign requires drivers to come to a complete halt before the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection. After stopping, drivers must carefully check for pedestrians and cross-traffic from all directions to ensure the path is clear before proceeding safely. Failing to make a complete stop is a traffic violation.

Question 22: Traffic Signs: What color will the backdrop of the sign be if it conveys road user services like food, petrol, and rest areas? Red arrows are only used for protected turn lanes

True
False (Correct answer)

Correct answer: False

The backdrop color of a traffic sign that conveys road user services like food, petrol (gasoline), and rest areas is typically blue. The blue color is used for informational signs that provide services and facilities to road users, such as food and rest stops, gas stations, hospitals, and other amenities. Blue signs are intended to provide helpful information and guidance to drivers.

Question 23: When did Maryland start issuing driver's licenses and ID cards with the current design?

July 2017
August 2015
May 2018
June 2016 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: June 2016

Maryland began issuing driver's licenses and ID cards with their current design in June 2016. This redesign introduced enhanced security features and a new aesthetic to combat fraud and improve the integrity of state-issued identification documents. The updated design helps ensure compliance with modern security standards.

Question 24: What shape is used exclusively for railroad advance warning signs in the US and Maryland?

Pentagon
Circle (Correct answer)
Octagon
Triangle

Correct answer: Circle

The circle shape is reserved solely for railroad crossing advance warning signs, making them instantly recognizable.

Question 25: What does a pennant-shaped (five-sided) yellow sign indicate in Maryland?

No passing zone begins (Correct answer)
Hill ahead
Bicycle crossing
School zone warning

Correct answer: No passing zone begins

The pennant-shaped sign is exclusively used to mark the beginning of a no-passing zone on two-lane roads.

Maryland MVA Driver's Knowledge Test

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) knowledge test evaluates applicants on traffic laws, road signs and signals, and safe driving practices required to obtain a Maryland driver's license.

Questions

20 min

Time Limit

88%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

mva.maryland.gov — Fees, eligibility, test delivery, exam format, passing score, retake policy, time limit, score validity · verified Oct 2026