Maryland MVA Driver Knowledge Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: You are stopped at a stop sign and want to turn onto a highway. Cross traffic has no stop sign. When may you proceed?

When you can beat the nearest vehicle
Whenever you are first at the sign
Only when there is a gap large enough to enter without forcing traffic to slow (Correct answer)
As soon as you have stopped for 3 seconds

Correct answer: Only when there is a gap large enough to enter without forcing traffic to slow

After stopping, you may enter only when you can do so without interfering with approaching traffic.

Question 2: What happens if you are caught driving without valid insurance?

No penalty if you have a valid license
Only a small fine
Fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and potential jail time for repeat offenses (Correct answer)
A verbal warning for the first offense

Correct answer: Fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and potential jail time for repeat offenses

Driving without insurance carries severe penalties including fines, license and registration suspension, potential vehicle impoundment, and possible jail time for repeated violations.

Question 3: In a reversible lane controlled by overhead signals, what does a red X signal mean?

The lane will soon change direction
Do not use this lane — it is closed to your direction of travel (Correct answer)
Proceed with caution in this lane
Yield to oncoming traffic in this lane

Correct answer: Do not use this lane — it is closed to your direction of travel

A red X above a lane means that lane is closed and must not be used by drivers traveling in that direction.

Question 4: Double parking (stopping beside a car already parked at the curb) in Maryland is:

Legal with hazard lights on
Legal only for delivery drivers in cars
Legal for up to 5 minutes
Illegal because it blocks traffic (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Illegal because it blocks traffic

Double parking is illegal because it obstructs the travel lane and other parked vehicles.

Question 5: Temporary (30-day) registration plates in Maryland are intended for what purpose?

Avoiding excise tax permanently
Replacing lost permanent plates indefinitely
Allowing a newly purchased vehicle to be driven while completing inspection or paperwork (Correct answer)
Driving an uninsured vehicle legally

Correct answer: Allowing a newly purchased vehicle to be driven while completing inspection or paperwork

Temporary registration lets an owner legally drive a newly acquired vehicle while finishing inspection or titling requirements.

Question 6: When is it legal to park in a handicapped space?

When making a quick stop of less than 5 minutes
Only when displaying a valid handicapped placard or plate (Correct answer)
When the handicapped space is unmarked
When all other spaces are full

Correct answer: Only when displaying a valid handicapped placard or plate

Parking in a handicapped space is only legal with a valid disabled person placard or license plate. Violations result in significant fines.

Question 7: Two vehicles approach a T-intersection: one on the terminating (ending) road and one on the through road. Who yields?

The driver on the left
The slower vehicle
The driver on the through road
The driver on the terminating road (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The driver on the terminating road

A driver on a road that ends at a T-intersection must yield to all traffic on the through road.

Question 8: When an emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaches from behind, you should:

Pull to the right edge of the road and stop (Correct answer)
Stop immediately in your lane
Move to the left lane
Speed up to clear the area

Correct answer: Pull to the right edge of the road and stop

Drivers must yield by pulling to the right edge of the roadway and stopping until the emergency vehicle passes.

Question 9: What does a 'Do Not Enter' sign indicate in Maryland?

Trucks and commercial vehicles are prohibited
The road is a private property access road
The road is under construction and temporarily closed
You must not enter the roadway because traffic flows against you (Correct answer)

Correct answer: You must not enter the roadway because traffic flows against you

A 'Do Not Enter' sign means drivers cannot enter that road because it is one-way traffic flowing toward you, creating a dangerous head-on conflict.

Question 10: A flashing yellow arrow signal in Maryland means a driver may:

Not turn until the arrow turns solid green
Make a cautious turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians (Correct answer)
Turn without yielding to oncoming traffic
Turn only after coming to a complete stop

Correct answer: Make a cautious turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians

A flashing yellow arrow is an unprotected turn signal, meaning drivers may turn but must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Question 11: You are turning left at a green light. Oncoming traffic is approaching. Who has the right-of-way?

Oncoming traffic going straight or turning right (Correct answer)
The vehicle closest to the intersection
You, because your light is green
Whoever entered the intersection first

Correct answer: Oncoming traffic going straight or turning right

Left-turning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic that is proceeding straight or turning right, even on a green light.

Question 12: What should a driver do when approaching a flashing red traffic light?

Stop completely, then proceed when safe (Correct answer)
Treat it as a yield sign
Slow down and proceed if clear
Stop and wait for a green light

Correct answer: Stop completely, then proceed when safe

A flashing red light must be treated the same as a STOP sign — come to a full stop, then proceed when safe.

Question 13: Why is a driver who refuses a chemical test in Maryland still not protected from a DUI conviction?

Refusal automatically erases the traffic stop
Prosecutors must drop charges without a BAC number
Refusal converts the charge to a parking violation
Officer observations and other evidence can still prove impairment in court (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Officer observations and other evidence can still prove impairment in court

A DUI case can proceed on officer observations, field sobriety results, and driving behavior even without a chemical test.

Question 14: A friend borrows your insured car with your permission and causes a crash. Whose insurance generally pays first in Maryland?

The friend's policy pays everything first
The state uninsured fund
Your policy, because insurance typically follows the vehicle (Correct answer)
Neither policy pays

Correct answer: Your policy, because insurance typically follows the vehicle

In Maryland, auto insurance generally follows the car, so the owner's policy is primary for a permissive driver.

Question 15: A Maryland driver refuses a chemical breath test after a lawful DUI stop. What is the administrative license suspension for a first refusal?

270 days (Correct answer)
5 years
45 days
30 days

Correct answer: 270 days

A first test refusal in Maryland brings a 270-day administrative license suspension.

Question 16: What does a brown sign typically indicate on Maryland roadways?

County or municipal boundary lines
Recreational, cultural, or scenic attractions (Correct answer)
Motorist services like fuel and food
Construction zone warnings

Correct answer: Recreational, cultural, or scenic attractions

Brown signs are used to designate recreational areas, national parks, historic sites, and scenic or cultural attractions.

Question 17: Which class of Maryland license covers most standard passenger vehicles?

Class A
Class C (Correct answer)
Class B
Class M

Correct answer: Class C

A Class C license authorizes operation of most non-commercial passenger cars and light trucks in Maryland.

Question 18: What is a graduated driver's license (GDL) program in Maryland?

A system for reducing license fees over time
A program only for drivers over 65
A multi-phase licensing system that gradually increases driving privileges for new teen drivers (Correct answer)
A program for upgrading from a car license to a truck license

Correct answer: A multi-phase licensing system that gradually increases driving privileges for new teen drivers

Maryland's GDL program phases in driving privileges for teen drivers through learner's permit, provisional license, and full license stages, each with specific restrictions.

Question 19: What does a solid white line painted along the right edge of a Maryland roadway indicate?

A bicycle-only lane
The boundary of the travel lane and the shoulder (Correct answer)
A no-parking zone
The center of the roadway

Correct answer: The boundary of the travel lane and the shoulder

A solid white line on the right edge marks the boundary between the travel lane and the road shoulder.

Question 20: Blue signs on Maryland roads and highways typically indicate what?

Motorist services such as gas, food, and lodging (Correct answer)
Recreational areas and state parks
Hospital and medical facility locations only
Emergency evacuation routes

Correct answer: Motorist services such as gas, food, and lodging

Blue signs are used for motorist service signs, indicating the availability of gas stations, food, lodging, and rest areas.

Question 21: Why is it dangerous to use cruise control on wet or icy roads?

It can keep applying power when tires lose traction, worsening a skid (Correct answer)
It automatically increases following speed
It drains the battery faster
It disables the anti-lock brakes

Correct answer: It can keep applying power when tires lose traction, worsening a skid

Cruise control may keep applying power when tires slip, making a skid worse.

Question 22: What shape is used for railroad crossing warning signs in Maryland?

Pentagon
Circle (Correct answer)
Diamond
Octagon

Correct answer: Circle

Railroad crossing advance warning signs are circular (round), which is a unique shape used exclusively for this purpose.

Question 23: What does a flashing yellow traffic light indicate?

The intersection is closed
The light is about to turn red
Stop and wait for green
Proceed with caution at reduced speed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Proceed with caution at reduced speed

A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down and proceed through the intersection with caution.

Question 24: How long is a Maryland learner's permit valid?

6 months
1 year
2 years (Correct answer)
4 years

Correct answer: 2 years

A Maryland learner's permit is valid for two years from the date of issuance.

Question 25: A driver convicted of a second DUI within a short period in Maryland should expect:

Increased jail exposure, higher fines, and longer license sanctions (Correct answer)
Automatic probation with no other consequences
A penalty reduction for familiarity with the process
The same penalties as the first offense

Correct answer: Increased jail exposure, higher fines, and longer license sanctions

Repeat DUI offenses in Maryland carry escalating jail time, fines, and license sanctions.

Question 26: What does a double solid yellow center line on a Maryland roadway mean?

Passing is permitted only during daylight hours
Passing is prohibited in both directions (Correct answer)
Passing is permitted if the road is clear
The left lane is for passing only

Correct answer: Passing is prohibited in both directions

A double solid yellow line means that passing is prohibited for traffic traveling in either direction.

Question 27: If there is a loan on a Maryland vehicle, what appears on the title record?

The lender's tax identification number only
Nothing until the loan is paid off
A lien recorded in favor of the lender (Correct answer)
A temporary title watermark

Correct answer: A lien recorded in favor of the lender

When a vehicle is financed, the lender's lien is recorded on the title until the loan is satisfied.

Question 28: When passing another vehicle on a two-lane road, you should return to your lane only when:

You are exactly one car length ahead
You can see the passed vehicle's headlights in your rearview mirror (Correct answer)
The other driver honks
You have reached the next intersection

Correct answer: You can see the passed vehicle's headlights in your rearview mirror

Seeing both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror shows you have enough room to merge back safely.

Question 29: What does a 'Wrong Way' sign in Maryland look like?

An orange diamond with black lettering
A red rectangle with white lettering reading WRONG WAY (Correct answer)
A white square with a red arrow pointing left
A yellow pennant with black lettering

Correct answer: A red rectangle with white lettering reading WRONG WAY

A 'Wrong Way' sign is a red rectangular sign with white lettering, used in conjunction with DO NOT ENTER signs on divided highways.

Question 30: What color are signs typically used in construction and work zones in Maryland?

Orange with black lettering (Correct answer)
Red with white lettering
White with orange lettering
Yellow with black lettering

Correct answer: Orange with black lettering

Orange signs with black lettering are used exclusively in construction and work zones to alert drivers to temporary conditions.

Question 31: You return to your parallel-parked car and want to pull out into traffic. You should:

Pull out slowly and expect traffic to yield
Reverse into the travel lane first
Signal, check mirrors and blind spot, and yield to approaching traffic (Correct answer)
Honk and enter the lane

Correct answer: Signal, check mirrors and blind spot, and yield to approaching traffic

A vehicle entering traffic from a parked position must signal and yield to all approaching traffic.

Question 32: What is the proper technique for checking mirrors while driving?

Stare at mirrors for extended periods to identify all vehicles
Use mirrors only when backing up
Check mirrors every 5-8 seconds with brief glances to maintain awareness of surrounding traffic (Correct answer)
Check mirrors only when changing lanes

Correct answer: Check mirrors every 5-8 seconds with brief glances to maintain awareness of surrounding traffic

Regular mirror checks every 5-8 seconds with brief glances maintain your awareness of traffic around you without taking your attention from the road ahead.

Question 33: What is the minimum property damage liability coverage required in Maryland?

$15,000 (Correct answer)
$25,000
$5,000
$10,000

Correct answer: $15,000

Maryland requires a minimum of $15,000 in property damage liability coverage.

Question 34: What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign indicate?

A guide to services nearby
A warning of a potential hazard ahead (Correct answer)
A construction zone speed limit
A regulatory requirement you must obey

Correct answer: A warning of a potential hazard ahead

Yellow diamond signs are warning signs that alert drivers to potential hazards or changing road conditions ahead.

Question 35: If a Maryland driver needs to obtain a duplicate driver’s license, what is the procedure?

Submit a request by email to the MVA
Call the DMV to request a duplicate license
Complete a form and send it to the MVA by mail
Visit the local DMV office and provide proof of identity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Visit the local DMV office and provide proof of identity

If a Maryland driver needs to obtain a duplicate driver’s license, the standard procedure involves visiting a local MVA (DMV) office in person. This is crucial for identity verification, as the MVA requires proof of identity to prevent fraud and ensure the duplicate license is issued to the rightful owner. While some services are available online, obtaining a duplicate license often necessitates an in-person visit for security reasons.

Question 36: At how many points does the Maryland MVA require a driver to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program?

3 points
5 to 7 points (Correct answer)
8 points
12 points

Correct answer: 5 to 7 points

Drivers who accumulate 5 to 7 points must complete a Driver Improvement Program.

Question 37: An upside-down triangle (pointing downward) with a red border is what type of sign in Maryland?

A school zone speed limit sign
A yield sign requiring drivers to give the right-of-way (Correct answer)
A warning sign for a divided highway
A stop sign variant used at low-speed intersections

Correct answer: A yield sign requiring drivers to give the right-of-way

The downward-pointing triangle with a red border is the standard yield sign shape, universally recognized for giving right-of-way.

Question 38: A 16-year-old Maryland provisional driver needs to drive home from a job that ends at 1 a.m. What must they carry to drive legally during restricted hours?

A notarized letter from a parent only
Nothing; work driving is always illegal at that hour
Documentation from the employer verifying work hours (Correct answer)
A special night-driving permit from the court

Correct answer: Documentation from the employer verifying work hours

Driving for employment during restricted hours is allowed with documentation verifying the need, such as an employer's statement.

Question 39: What does a green arrow displayed alongside a red traffic light mean?

You may proceed in the arrow direction after a full stop
You must wait for a full green signal before proceeding
You may proceed in the direction the arrow points after yielding (Correct answer)
The signal is malfunctioning and you should treat it as a stop sign

Correct answer: You may proceed in the direction the arrow points after yielding

A green arrow with a red light (protected turn signal) means you may proceed in the arrow's direction after yielding to any pedestrians or vehicles lawfully in the intersection.

Question 40: You are backing out of a parking space in a shopping center lot. Who has the right-of-way?

You, because you signaled first
The car waiting for your space
No one; parking lots have no right-of-way rules
Vehicles and pedestrians in the travel lane behind you (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Vehicles and pedestrians in the travel lane behind you

A backing driver must always yield to traffic and pedestrians already in the travel lane.

Question 41: In Maryland, exceeding the posted speed limit by 30 mph or more adds how many points upon conviction?

12 points
5 points (Correct answer)
2 points
8 points

Correct answer: 5 points

Speeding 30 mph or more over the limit is a 5-point violation.

Question 42: Black ice is dangerous mainly because it:

Melts instantly under tires
Is nearly invisible and looks like wet pavement (Correct answer)
Is thicker than normal ice
Only forms on gravel roads

Correct answer: Is nearly invisible and looks like wet pavement

Black ice is a thin, transparent layer that makes the road look merely wet.

Question 43: How are points typically assessed for a traffic violation in Maryland?

Points are assessed only for violations occurring in construction zones
Points are automatically removed after one year regardless of further violations
Points are assessed based on the type of violation and its severity (Correct answer)
Points are only assessed if the violation results in an accident

Correct answer: Points are assessed based on the type of violation and its severity

In Maryland, the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV), known as the MVA, assesses points based on the severity and type of traffic violation. More serious offenses, such as reckless driving or driving under the influence, result in a higher number of points. This system helps the MVA track driver behavior and implement corrective actions, like license suspension or mandatory driver improvement programs, for repeat offenders.

Question 44: In Maryland, when making a left turn at an intersection, to whom must you yield?

Only vehicles behind you
No one if you have a green light
Oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk (Correct answer)
Only emergency vehicles

Correct answer: Oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk

When turning left, you must yield to all oncoming traffic that is close enough to be a hazard and to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Question 45: Which of the following is required to title a vehicle brought into Maryland from another state?

A notarized letter from the previous state's DMV
The existing out-of-state title and proof of a Maryland safety inspection (Correct answer)
A new VIN issued by Maryland
Only a bill of sale

Correct answer: The existing out-of-state title and proof of a Maryland safety inspection

Titling an out-of-state vehicle requires the current title plus a Maryland safety inspection certificate.

Question 46: When a truck ahead of you is making a right turn at an intersection, it may:

Turn from the shoulder only
Swing wide to the left before turning right (Correct answer)
Signal left instead of right
Stop and back up first

Correct answer: Swing wide to the left before turning right

Large trucks often swing wide to the left to complete a right turn, so never squeeze into the gap on their right.

Question 47: Which type of insurance pays for damage to your own car in a collision you caused?

Collision coverage (Correct answer)
Personal injury protection
Liability coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage

Correct answer: Collision coverage

Collision coverage pays for damage to your own vehicle regardless of fault.

Question 48: What does a red octagonal sign always mean in Maryland?

Slow down and proceed with caution
Stop completely before proceeding (Correct answer)
No entry for all vehicles
Yield to oncoming traffic

Correct answer: Stop completely before proceeding

A red octagon is the STOP sign — drivers must come to a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk.

Question 49: A white rectangular sign with black lettering in Maryland is used for what purpose?

Marking pedestrian zones
Indicating nearby services
Providing regulatory information drivers must follow (Correct answer)
Warning of hazards ahead

Correct answer: Providing regulatory information drivers must follow

White rectangular signs with black lettering are regulatory signs that convey laws and rules drivers are required to obey.

Question 50: Which agency must you notify if you cancel your vehicle insurance while keeping your Maryland registration active?

No notification is needed
You must return the license plates to the MVA before canceling (Correct answer)
Your county tax office
The local police department

Correct answer: You must return the license plates to the MVA before canceling

Maryland law requires you to return your license plates to the MVA before canceling insurance on a registered vehicle.

Question 51: What happens to a Maryland provisional license when the driver turns 18 and has remained conviction-free for the required period?

The driver must retake the road test
It expires and the driver must start over with a permit
It converts to a full license without an additional skills test (Correct answer)
It remains provisional until age 21

Correct answer: It converts to a full license without an additional skills test

Provisional licenses convert to full licenses once the driver is 18 and has completed the conviction-free provisional period, with no new road test.

Maryland MVA Driver Knowledge Test

The Maryland MVA knowledge test evaluates your understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices required to obtain a Maryland driver's license or learner's permit. Test-takers must answer at least 22 of 25 questions correctly to pass.

Questions

40 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