Maryland Permit Practice Test 5

4.8 out of 5 (205 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
This Maryland MVA practice test is for teens and adults who would rather not learn the licensing process by wandering into it unprepared, which is fair. The permit test is not the whole journey, obviously, but it is the part that decides whether you get to move forward or sit there wondering why a question about blood alcohol content suddenly felt more personal than expected. Updated for 2026 standards, this fifth Maryland DMV permit practice test gives you 20 questions pulled toward the rules that matter most for new drivers, especially alcohol-related driving laws, DUI penalties, BAC limits, and the judgment calls Maryland expects you to understand before you’re trusted with a learner’s permit. It is permit test prep, yes, but not the fluffy kind where every answer feels like it was written by a motivational poster. Some of these questions are there to make sure you actually know what the law says, not what you vaguely remember from a driver’s ed slide. When you finish this Maryland permit practice test, you’ll get a review of your answers and any mistakes, so the weak spots are harder to ignore. Use it to study the test and also to get a cleaner sense of the licensing path waiting right behind it. For adult first-time drivers, Maryland’s process has a few moving parts. You generally still need to provide the required identity, lawful status, Social Security, and residency documents, pass the vision screening and knowledge test, get a learner’s instructional permit, complete approved driver education, log supervised practice, pass the driving skills test, and then hold a provisional license before full licensure. A lot of steps. Maybe too many to keep in your head while also remembering where you put your paperwork, but there we are. While minor drivers will have special licensing rules, adult timing rules are worth paying attention to, too. Drivers ages 19 through 24 generally must hold the learner’s permit for 3 months. Drivers 25 or older may only need 45 days, and they usually need 14 supervised practice hours, including 3 at night, instead of the longer requirement for younger drivers. That is the sort of detail people miss, then later act betrayed by, even though it was sitting in the rules the whole time.
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Sample Maryland Permit Test Questions

Question 1

Under Maryland’s implied-consent rule, a person is deemed to have consented to an alcohol or drug test by:

  1. A Driving or attempting to drive on a highway or private property used by the public
  2. B Accepting advice from an attorney
  3. C Receiving a court order
  4. D Being convicted of an impaired-driving offense

Correct answer: A – Driving or attempting to drive on a highway or private property used by the public

The rule applies when a person drives or attempts to drive and is detained on suspicion of an alcohol- or drug-related driving violation. Depending on the circumstances, testing may involve breath or blood. Refusing a requested test generally results in a 270-day suspension for a first refusal and a two-year suspension for a second or subsequent refusal.

Source: Md. Code, Transp. § 16-205.1(a)(2), (b)(1)(i)5 – Tests for Drug or Controlled Dangerous Substance Content; Refusal to Take Test; Administration of Test, Maryland Driver’s Manual — § 9.B, “Drug and Alcohol Test – Implied Consent”

Question 2

You are turning right on a green signal as a pedestrian begins crossing lawfully in the adjacent crosswalk. Who must yield?

You are waiting at a red light to turn right, and a pedestrian on your right is waiting to cross the street you want to enter. Who has the right-of-way when your light turns green?
  1. A The turning driver must yield to the pedestrian
  2. B The pedestrian must yield because the vehicle has a green signal
  3. C Whoever entered the intersection last must yield
  4. D The pedestrian must yield if the crosswalk is unmarked

Correct answer: A – The turning driver must yield to the pedestrian

A driver turning on a green signal must yield to a pedestrian lawfully within the adjacent crosswalk. Crosswalks may be marked or unmarked, and pedestrians must also obey applicable traffic and pedestrian-control signals. Complete the turn only after the pedestrian’s path is clear.

Source: Md. Code, Transp. § 21-202(c), (f) – Traffic Circular Lights and Arrows; Vehicle Traffic and Pedestrians, Maryland Driver’s Manual — § 7.A, “Pedestrian Right-of-Way”

Question 3

What condition is identified by a SHOULDER DROP OFF warning sign?

What should you be most concerned about when you see this sign?
  1. A The roadway is higher on one side because of a steep hill
  2. B The shoulder contains sharp objects that may damage tires
  3. C Water commonly collects on the shoulder
  4. D An unprotected shoulder is substantially lower than the travel lane

Correct answer: D – An unprotected shoulder is substantially lower than the travel lane

The Maryland Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices identifies this sign for an unprotected shoulder drop-off adjacent to the travel lane that exceeds three inches for a significant continuous distance. It warns drivers of the change in pavement elevation. Stay attentive to the roadway edge and any additional warning signs.

Source: Maryland Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices — § 2C.26, “Shoulder Signs (W8-4, W8-9, and W8-9a)”

Question 4

An emergency vehicle using its required siren and lights is approaching. What must you do?

When you hear the sirens or see the red emergency lights of a closely approaching emergency vehicle, you must:
  1. A Accelerate until you find a convenient turnout
  2. B Continue slowly in your lane
  3. C Move as close as possible to the roadway edge, clear the intersection, and stop
  4. D Stop immediately in the intersection

Correct answer: C – Move as close as possible to the roadway edge, clear the intersection, and stop

Maryland requires other drivers to yield to an approaching emergency vehicle using the required signals. Move parallel to and as close as possible to the curb or roadway edge while remaining clear of an intersection. Stop there and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed, unless a police officer directs otherwise.

Source: Md. Code, Transp. § 21-405(a)–(c) – Duty of Drivers Relating to Emergency Vehicles, Maryland Driver’s Manual — § 7.B, “Emergency Vehicles”

Question 5

A yellow diamond sign showing a black arrow that bends to the left warns of:

This sign is used to warn drivers about:
  1. A An intersection ahead
  2. B A work zone detour
  3. C A roadway curve to the left
  4. D A lane ending on the right

Correct answer: C – A roadway curve to the left

Yellow diamond-shaped signs warn of roadway conditions or hazards ahead. A curved arrow bending left indicates that the road curves to the left. Be prepared to adjust your speed and steering for the roadway alignment and obey any advisory-speed plaque posted with the sign.

Source: Maryland Driver’s Manual — § 4.B, “Warning Signs”

Question 6

Before merging from an entrance ramp, how should you check the lane you plan to enter?

When you enter a freeway, you should check traffic by using:
  1. A Use only the inside rearview mirror
  2. B Use only the left side-view mirror
  3. C Check your mirrors and look over your shoulder
  4. D Watch only the vehicle directly ahead

Correct answer: C – Check your mirrors and look over your shoulder

Use your mirrors and look over your shoulder before merging or changing lanes. A vehicle or motorcycle may be hidden in a blind spot. Use the acceleration lane to adjust to the traffic flow, but merge only after confirming that the intended lane has a safe opening.

Source: Maryland Driver’s Manual — § 7.E, “Motorcycles”, Maryland Driver’s Manual — § 6.J, “Interstate Driving and Limited Access Highways”

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