MD DMV Practice Test

If you are preparing for the Maryland knowledge test, this page gives you free practice sets by topic, a plain summary of how the test works, and a study plan. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration allows 20 minutes and requires a score of 88% or higher, so it helps to practise under similar conditions before you book.

MD DMV Exam at a Glance

What changed for MD DMV in 2026

• Oct 25, 2026: Renewal changed to $64 for 8 years (previously $64 renewal, 8-year license).^[2]
• Oct 25, 2026: Retake policy changed to Next business day after first fail; 7 calendar days after 2+ fails (previously Next business day after a first fail; 7-day wait after 2+ fails).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Validity changed to 6 months (previously Passing scores valid 6 months).^[1]

What the MD DMV is and how it works

According to Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, “Class C, Class M, and Moped Permit: 25 questions”^[1]

The knowledge test is the written exam the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration uses before it issues a learner's permit or other license class. The official outline covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs and safe driving rules. To apply for a learner's permit you must be at least 15 years 9 months old. The Type I learner's permit fee is $65, for people with no previous license, and it includes conversion to a full license.

The number of questions depends on the license class. Class A and Class B (CDL) tests have 20 questions. Class C, Class M and moped permit tests have 25 questions. You have 20 minutes to complete the test, and you must score 88% or higher to pass.

If you fail, you can retest on the next business day after a first fail. After 2 or more fails, you must wait at least 7 calendar days before retesting. A passing score is valid for a maximum of 6 months. When you pass for a permit, it is mailed to you. For reference, a driver's license renewal is $64 for an 8-year license.

Fees and rules can change, and requirements can differ by license class or personal situation. Check the Maryland MVA website before you go, because it is the official source for everything above.

MD DMV content outline and where to practise each area

The content areas below are copied from the official MD DMV content outline published by Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.

Worked examples: how to reason through MD DMV questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: What should you do when driving in heavy fog?

1. Use low-beam headlights, reduce speed, and increase following distance
2. Use high-beam headlights for maximum visibility
3. Maintain normal speed to clear the fog area quickly
4. Pull over and turn off all lights

Answer: A. Use low-beam headlights, reduce speed, and increase following distance

Explanation:

Low beams, a lower speed and a larger following gap is correct because fog scatters light. Low beams aim down and under the densest part of the fog, so you see the road without glare, and extra space gives you time to react to whatever appears suddenly.

High beams are wrong because the light bounces off the water droplets back toward your eyes and cuts visibility further. Keeping normal speed to clear the fog quickly is wrong because your stopping distance stays the same while the distance you can see shrinks. Pulling over and turning off all lights is wrong because it leaves your vehicle invisible to other drivers.

Rule to remember: when you cannot see far, drive slowly enough to stop within the distance you can see, and stay visible.

Example 2

Question: What is the Smith System's first principle of defensive driving?

1. Aim high in steering — look far down the road, not just at the vehicle ahead
2. Always drive in the left lane
3. Keep both hands at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel
4. Never exceed 5 mph under the speed limit

Answer: A. Aim high in steering — look far down the road, not just at the vehicle ahead

Explanation:

Aim high in steering is correct. It means lifting your eyes to look well down the road, not only at the vehicle directly ahead, so you notice hazards, brake lights and lane changes early and have more time to react.

Always driving in the left lane is wrong because lane choice depends on traffic and the law, and it is not a defensive driving principle. Keeping both hands at 10 and 2 is a hand-position habit, not the principle the question asks about. Never exceeding 5 mph under the speed limit is wrong because the safe speed depends on conditions, and driving unusually slowly can create its own hazards.

Rule to remember: look far ahead, keep scanning, and let what you see early set your speed and spacing.

Example 3

Question: What is the zero tolerance law for underage drivers in Maryland?

1. Drivers under 21 can be charged with DUI at a BAC of 0.02% or any detectable amount
2. Underage drivers have the same 0.08% limit as adults
3. There is no BAC limit for underage drivers
4. Underage drivers are only penalized if visibly intoxicated

Answer: A. Drivers under 21 can be charged with DUI at a BAC of 0.02% or any detectable amount

Explanation:

The correct answer is that drivers under 21 can be charged with DUI at a BAC of 0.02% or any detectable amount. The law treats alcohol use by people under 21 as illegal in itself, so the limit is set far lower than for adults.

Saying underage drivers share the 0.08% adult limit is wrong because the stricter limit is the whole point of zero tolerance. Saying there is no BAC limit is wrong because the limit exists and is very low. Saying drivers are only penalized if visibly intoxicated is wrong because the test is a measured BAC, not how a driver looks or acts.

Rule to remember: for drivers under 21, any detectable alcohol can lead to a charge.

How to use these practice tests

Start with the official material, so you know what the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration expects. Read the driver manual sections that match the outline: Maryland traffic laws, road signs and safe driving rules.

1. Take a short set on traffic signs and signals and write down every sign you missed. Signs are the quickest area to improve with repetition.
2. Move to the rules sets, such as right-of-way and alcohol and drug impairment laws. For each wrong answer, find the matching passage in the manual instead of just reading our explanation.
3. Add defensive driving and weather and hazardous conditions, where the questions test judgment more than recall.
4. Retake the sets that gave you trouble until your mistakes become rare.
5. Before test day, do a full run on the practice test with a timer, and aim well above the official passing score.

Our questions are written by us to practise the topics. They are not real exam questions, so use them to find gaps and then check the official manual.

Sources & last verified

1. Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration — number of questions, time limit, passing score, retake policy (official source). “Class A and Class B: 20 questions” Verified Oct 28, 2026.
2. Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration — exam fee, renewal (official source). “Learner’s Permit – Non CDL Type I (GLS) | $65 | For those with no previous license | Includes conversion to full license” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
3. Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration — eligibility (official source). “You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply for a Maryland learner's permit.” Verified Oct 25, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.