MD DMV Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MD DMV facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the safe following distance for most driving conditions? → At least 3 seconds behind the vehicle ahead
2. How far must you park from a railroad crossing? → 50 feet
3. When sharing the road with a motorcycle, what should you be especially aware of? → Motorcycles are harder to see and may be hidden in blind spots
4. When parking downhill with no curb, which direction should your front wheels face? → Toward the right edge of the road
5. What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and older in Maryland? → 0.08%
6. What is the purpose of the Driver Improvement Program in Maryland? → To help drivers improve their driving skills and knowledge
7. When are you required to use your headlights? → From sunset to sunrise and during reduced visibility conditions
8. What does a pennant-shaped sign (triangular, pointing right) indicate in Maryland? → No passing zone begins here
9. What should you do when driving in heavy fog? → Use low-beam headlights, reduce speed, and increase following distance
10. What is required to schedule a driving test appointment in Maryland? → A valid learner's permit and a completed driver education course
11. How long is a Maryland driver’s license valid before it needs to be renewed? → 6 years
12. What should a driver do if they want to contest a traffic violation in Maryland? → Request a trial or hearing to contest the violation
13. What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid on ice? → Steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming the brakes
14. What should you do when encountering a horse-drawn vehicle on the road? → Slow down, give extra space, and avoid honking or making loud noises
15. What is uninsured motorist coverage? → Coverage that pays for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance
16. How far must you park from an intersection? → At least 20 feet from a crosswalk
17. What should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches with sirens and flashing lights? → Pull over to the right side of the road and stop
18. What distance must you maintain when passing a cyclist on the road? → At least 3 feet of clearance
19. What is required to register a vehicle in Maryland? → All of the above
20. When are roads most slippery during rain? → During the first few minutes of rainfall when oil and water mix on the surface
21. When must you yield to pedestrians in Maryland? → At all marked and unmarked crosswalks
22. What is the procedure for renewing a vehicle’s registration in Maryland? → The renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person
23. At a four-way stop, if two vehicles arrive at the same time from perpendicular directions, who goes first? → The vehicle on the right
24. What type of services are available through the MVA’s Customer Service Centers? → Driver's license and vehicle registration services
25. Why is it important to have an escape route while driving? → To have an alternative path available if a sudden hazard requires evasive action
26. How should you interact with school buses that have flashing red lights? → Stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted
27. How does fatigue affect driving performance? → It impairs reaction time, judgment, and attention similar to alcohol impairment
28. How can a Maryland resident access DMV services online? → Through the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) website
29. What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean? → Proceed with caution
30. What should you do if you lose your Maryland driver’s license and need a replacement? → Visit a Maryland DMV branch to apply for a replacement license