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.
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions (Class A and B (CDL)) | 20 questions[1] | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Number of questions (Class C, Class M, Moped permit) | 25 questions[1] | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Time limit | 20 minutes[1] | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Passing score | 88% or higher[1] | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Learner's permit (Type I)) | $65[2] | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Retake policy | Next business day after first fail; 7 calendar days after 2+ fails[1] | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Validity | 6 months[1] | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Renewal | $64 for 8 years[2] | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Eligibility (Learner's permit) | At least 15 years 9 months old[3] | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Score release | Permit mailed after passing[1] | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration · Oct 25, 2026 |
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.
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.
| Official content area | Practice on this site |
|---|---|
| Maryland traffic laws[1] | MD DMV Traffic Violations and Penalties Practise what counts as a violation and what the consequences are, so the rules feel familiar rather than memorised word for word. |
| Road signs[1] | MD DMV Traffic Signs and Signals Learn to recognise signs by shape, color and symbol, and know what each one asks you to do. |
| Safe driving rules[1] | MD DMV Defensive Driving Techniques Work on scanning ahead, keeping space around your vehicle and adjusting your driving to conditions. |
Prepare for the MD DMV - Maryland Department of Motor Vehicle exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
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.
Question: What should you do when driving in heavy fog?
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.
Question: What is the Smith System's first principle of defensive driving?
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.
Question: What is the zero tolerance law for underage drivers in Maryland?
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.
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.
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.
It 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. Confirm the details for your class on the Maryland MVA knowledge test page before you go.
You must score 88% or higher to pass. That leaves little room for errors, so it is worth practising each topic area until your results are steady rather than relying on a single good attempt.
After a first fail, you can retest on the next business day. After 2 or more fails, you must wait at least 7 calendar days before retesting. Use the waiting time to review the questions you missed in the official manual.
You must be at least 15 years 9 months old to apply. The Type I learner's permit fee is $65, for people with no previous license, and it includes conversion to a full license. Check the MVA fee page for the current amount.
Knowledge and skills test passing scores are valid for a maximum of 6 months. When you pass for a learner's permit, the permit is mailed to you. Plan your next steps soon after passing so your score does not expire.
No. The practice questions are written by us, with AI tools, to cover the same topic areas as the official outline. They help you find weak spots, but the Maryland MVA manual and website remain the official source for rules, fees and test details.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.