Maryland MVA Driver Knowledge Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A driver moving to Maryland must obtain a Maryland driver's license within how many days of establishing residency?

30 days
10 days
90 days
60 days (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 60 days

New Maryland residents have 60 days to convert their out-of-state license to a Maryland license.

Question 2: What does a pennant-shaped sign (triangular, pointing right) indicate in Maryland?

A divided highway ends ahead
A sharp curve is ahead
No passing zone begins here (Correct answer)
A railroad crossing is ahead

Correct answer: No passing zone begins here

The pennant-shaped yellow sign marks the beginning of a no-passing zone and is placed on the left side of the road.

Question 3: What does a 'Wrong Way' sign in Maryland look like?

A white square with a red arrow pointing left
A red rectangle with white lettering reading WRONG WAY (Correct answer)
An orange diamond with black lettering
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 4: You are following a motorcycle in wet weather. Compared to following a car, you should:

Increase your following distance (Correct answer)
Follow at the same distance
Pass immediately to avoid delays
Follow closer so the rider can see you

Correct answer: Increase your following distance

Motorcycles can stop quickly and are less stable on wet roads, so drivers need extra following distance.

Question 5: When a truck ahead of you is making a right turn at an intersection, it may:

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

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

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

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 7: 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 8: What should a driver do if they want to contest a traffic violation in Maryland?

Ignore the ticket and pay the fine later
Request a trial or hearing to contest the violation (Correct answer)
Contact the DMV for instructions on contesting the ticket
Submit a written explanation to the court without attending the hearing

Correct answer: Request a trial or hearing to contest the violation

If a driver wishes to contest a traffic violation in Maryland, they must formally request a trial or hearing with the District Court. This allows them the opportunity to present their case, challenge the evidence, or negotiate with the prosecutor, rather than simply paying the fine and accepting the associated penalties and points.

Question 9: You are exiting a private driveway onto a public road. Who must you yield to?

No one if you signal
Only pedestrians
Only vehicles approaching from the left
All traffic and pedestrians on the road and sidewalk (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All traffic and pedestrians on the road and sidewalk

A driver entering a roadway from a driveway, alley, or private road must yield to all approaching vehicles and pedestrians.

Question 10: What is the proper technique for checking mirrors while driving?

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

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 11: A Maryland resident buys a car from a dealer. Who typically submits the title and registration paperwork?

The buyer's insurance company
The buyer, in person only
The dealer, as a licensed titling agent (Correct answer)
The county clerk

Correct answer: The dealer, as a licensed titling agent

Licensed Maryland dealers usually process the title and registration paperwork on the buyer's behalf.

Question 12: Which of the following vehicles must be insured in Maryland?

Only vehicles financed by a bank
Only vehicles driven daily
Every vehicle with active Maryland registration, even if it is not driven (Correct answer)
Only vehicles less than 10 years old

Correct answer: Every vehicle with active Maryland registration, even if it is not driven

Maryland requires continuous insurance on every registered vehicle regardless of whether it is being driven.

Question 13: At a four-way stop, if two vehicles arrive at the same time from perpendicular directions, who goes first?

The vehicle on the left
The vehicle on the right (Correct answer)
The vehicle going straight
The larger vehicle

Correct answer: The vehicle on the right

When two vehicles arrive simultaneously at a four-way stop, the vehicle to the right has the right of way.

Question 14: A Maryland driver receives a suspension notice from the MVA due to points. What option may the driver request before the suspension takes effect?

A jury trial in circuit court
An administrative hearing to contest or modify the action (Correct answer)
Transfer of points to another driver
An automatic 6-month delay

Correct answer: An administrative hearing to contest or modify the action

Drivers may request an MVA administrative hearing within the deadline on the notice.

Question 15: Combining alcohol with other drugs, such as antihistamines or marijuana, generally:

Multiplies the impairing effects of both substances (Correct answer)
Only matters if the drug is illegal
Cancels out the effects of the alcohol
Is safe if each substance is taken in a small amount

Correct answer: Multiplies the impairing effects of both substances

Alcohol combined with other drugs can multiply impairment far beyond either substance alone.

Question 16: If you buy a used vehicle from a private seller in Maryland, what is one of the key documents you need to provide to the DMV for registration?

The original sales receipt
A copy of the seller's driver’s license (Correct answer)
A copy of the seller's driver’s license
A letter of authorization from the seller

Correct answer: A copy of the seller's driver’s license

When buying a used vehicle from a private seller in Maryland, while the signed title and bill of sale are paramount, a copy of the seller's driver’s license can also be a key document. This helps the buyer verify the seller's identity and ensures the person selling the vehicle is the rightful owner, which is important for preventing fraud and ensuring a legitimate title transfer during registration with the MVA.

Question 17: A flashing yellow arrow signal in Maryland means a driver may:

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

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

Hospital and medical facility locations only
Motorist services such as gas, food, and lodging (Correct answer)
Recreational areas and state parks
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 19: What color are signs typically used in construction and work zones in Maryland?

White with orange lettering
Orange with black lettering (Correct answer)
Red with white 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 20: Why should you slow down before a curve, rather than in it, on a slippery road?

Slowing in a curve wears the brakes unevenly
It is illegal to brake in any curve
Curves are always posted at safe speeds for ice
Braking in a curve can break traction and cause a skid (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Braking in a curve can break traction and cause a skid

Braking while turning demands extra traction that slippery surfaces cannot provide, which can start a skid.

Question 21: What does a red octagonal sign always mean in Maryland?

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

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 22: A curb painted yellow in Maryland generally means:

Loading zone for anyone
Free 15-minute parking
Parking for residents only
No parking or standing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No parking or standing

A yellow-painted curb indicates a no parking or no standing zone.

Question 23: What agency issues driver's licenses in Maryland?

The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) (Correct answer)
The Department of Public Safety
The Secretary of State's office
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Correct answer: The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)

Maryland's licensing agency is officially called the Motor Vehicle Administration, part of the Department of Transportation.

Question 24: When may you legally park in a bicycle lane in Maryland?

If you stay under 5 minutes
Whenever the lane appears unused
During off-peak hours automatically
Only where signs or local law specifically permit it (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Only where signs or local law specifically permit it

Bicycle lanes are travel lanes for bikes, and parking in them is prohibited unless specifically authorized.

Question 25: What happens to a Maryland driver's license if the holder fails to appear in court or pay a traffic fine?

Nothing until the next renewal
Points are removed from the record
The MVA may suspend the license (Correct answer)
The license is automatically upgraded to provisional

Correct answer: The MVA may suspend the license

The MVA can suspend a license when a driver fails to appear in court or pay a citation.

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

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