Maryland MVA Practice Test 2

4.7 out of 5 (388 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
This Maryland MVA practice test is for the part of studying where confidence needs a little pressure put on it. Not panic, not cramming, just the useful kind of pressure—the kind that shows whether you actually know Maryland road rules or whether you mostly recognize them when they are written in a friendly way. This second Maryland DMV practice test includes 20 multiple-choice questions built around the material drivers are expected to understand before they walk into the official process. You will see questions tied to seat belt rules, traffic laws, signs and signals, safe driving habits, defensive driving, and sharing the road with everyone else who has also decided, sometimes boldly, to be on Maryland roads at the same time. The point is not just to click through and hope for a good score. The better use is slower than that, and admittedly less exciting: answer, check the explanation, notice the mistake, then stop pretending that “I almost had it” counts as knowing it. The official Maryland noncommercial learner’s permit knowledge test is given by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration, usually called MDOT MVA or simply MVA. It is based on the Maryland Driver’s Manual, and it comes before the behind-the-wheel driving skills test. The real learner’s permit test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and applicants need 22 correct answers to pass. That is an 88% passing score, with only three misses allowed, and the test is timed at 20 minutes. So the format matters. The pacing matters. And, yes, the small details in the manual matter more than people usually want them to. This Maryland MVA permit practice test gives immediate feedback through hints and explanations, which makes it useful for new drivers, adults applying for a first license, renewal applicants who want a sharper review, and seniors brushing up on rules that may not be top-of-mind anymore. It should sit next to the Maryland Driver’s Manual, road sign charts, flashcards, and any required driver education—not replace them. For the real licensing process, applicants typically schedule through a myMVA account, go to a full-service MVA office, bring the required identity, Social Security, residency, and lawful-status documents when applicable, and complete a vision screening. Maryland also offers an online driver test tutorial in English and Spanish, but that is practice, not the official exam. In the meantime, use this test as a serious rehearsal before exam day.
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Sample Maryland Permit Test Questions

Question 1

Which child-passenger practice is recommended in Maryland?

  1. A Never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active passenger air bag
  2. B Turn every child younger than 2 forward-facing
  3. C Let children under 8 use an adult belt regardless of height
  4. D Skip the child safety seat when driving slowly

Correct answer: A – Never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active passenger air bag

Children in rear-facing car seats should never ride in front of an active passenger air bag. State law requires children younger than 2 to remain rear-facing until they reach the seat manufacturer’s height or weight limit. Children under 8 generally need a child safety seat unless at least 4 feet 9 inches tall; most violations carry a $50 fine, while a first rear-facing violation receives a written warning.

Source: Md. Code, Transp. § 22-412.2(b), (d), (k) — Child Safety Seats, Maryland Driver’s Manual — § 10.G, “Child Safety Seats”, Maryland Driver’s Manual — § 10.H, “Air Bags”

Question 2

Where a NO PARKING restriction is posted, a driver may generally stop at the curb only long enough to:

  1. A Actively load or unload passengers or property
  2. B Wait indefinitely while remaining behind the wheel
  3. C Leave the vehicle for a short errand
  4. D Park while using hazard flashers

Correct answer: A – Actively load or unload passengers or property

Maryland defines parking as halting a vehicle other than while temporarily and actively loading or unloading passengers or property. The state traffic-control manual explains that a NO PARKING restriction generally allows this limited loading or unloading activity. Hazard flashers do not cancel a posted restriction.

Source: Md. Code, Transp. § 11-144 — Park, Maryland Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices — § 2B.46, “Parking, Standing, and Stopping Signs”

Question 3

After passing another car, when is it appropriate to move back into the right lane?

  1. A When both headlights of the passed car are visible in your rearview mirror and the lane is clear
  2. B Immediately after activating your signal
  3. C As soon as your front bumper is ahead of the other car
  4. D When the other driver flashes the headlights

Correct answer: A – When both headlights of the passed car are visible in your rearview mirror and the lane is clear

The passing driver must remain out of the original lane until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. The Maryland manual recommends waiting until both headlights of the passed vehicle are visible in the rearview mirror. Check the lane, signal the return movement, and move right only when it can be completed safely.

Source: Md. Code, Transp. § 21-303(b), (c) — General Rules Governing Overtaking and Passing Vehicles, Maryland Driver’s Manual — § 3.I, “Passing”

Question 4

When may you use a high-occupancy vehicle lane based on its occupancy requirement?

You can drive in a carpool lane if:
  1. A When your vehicle contains at least the number of people shown on the sign
  2. B Whenever you are driving an empty passenger van
  3. C Whenever you want to pass slower traffic
  4. D Whenever ordinary lanes are congested

Correct answer: A – When your vehicle contains at least the number of people shown on the sign

A high-occupancy vehicle lane is reserved according to its posted traffic-control signs. If eligibility is based on occupancy, the vehicle must contain at least the number of people displayed on the sign. Congestion, travel urgency, or a desire to pass does not independently authorize use of the lane.

Source: Maryland Driver’s Manual — § 4.B, “High Occupancy Vehicles”

Question 5

Which roadway user may be especially difficult to see at night because they may not have lights?

At night, it is hardest to see:
  1. A A reflective road sign
  2. B A pedestrian
  3. C A motor vehicle with its lights on
  4. D An illuminated streetlight

Correct answer: B – A pedestrian

Reduced light makes unlighted roadway users harder to detect than illuminated vehicles and objects. Official driving guidance identifies pedestrians, joggers, bicyclists, and animals as common nighttime hazards. Reduce speed when lighting is poor and remain prepared for a person to appear within the area illuminated by your headlights.

Source: Maryland Driver’s Manual — § 5.B, “Driving at Night”, Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 2.11.3, “Night Driving”

Question 6

Before driving after taking medication, who must check whether its warnings prohibit driving or operating machinery?

Who is responsible for knowing how your medications affect your driving?
  1. A The driver taking the medication
  2. B Another motorist
  3. C A passenger
  4. D An MVA employee

Correct answer: A – The driver taking the medication

Drivers should pay close attention to warnings on prescription and over-the-counter medications. Some labels warn against driving or operating heavy machinery because the medicine may cause drowsiness or otherwise impair safe driving. The driver should review the warning and consult a physician or pharmacist when the medication’s effects are uncertain.

Source: Maryland Driver’s Manual — § 6.A, “Alcohol, Drugs and Driving”

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