Free Maryland DMV Practice Test 2026
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration knowledge test is 25 questions. These sample questions come from the same bank we use for full practice tests, and each one is drawn from the official Maryland driver handbook. Every answer below explains why it is right — and why the tempting wrong answer is wrong, which is usually where the score is actually lost.
20-minute time limit.
Exam format checked against Maryland MVA on 2026-07-27.
104 practice questions available for Maryland.
5 sample questions with answers
Signs & Signals
1. At a crosswalk signal, you see a flashing yellow light. What should you do?
- Slow down
- Stop completely
- Proceed with caution
Correct answer: Slow down
Why: According to the handbook, a flashing yellow crosswalk signal means 'Slow down' for drivers. This is a specific signal meaning that requires memorization.
Right-of-Way Rules
2. You are driving in a through lane and just passed a bicycle on the shoulder. What should you do before making a right turn?
- Wait until you see the bicycle in your rear-view mirror before turning
- Signal early and turn slowly to give the bicycle time to stop
- Move to the right turn lane and then make your turn
Correct answer: Wait until you see the bicycle in your rear-view mirror before turning
Why: The handbook specifically prohibits making a right turn from a through lane immediately after passing a bike. You must wait and ensure the bicycle is safely behind you before turning.
Alcohol & Drugs
3. In Maryland, what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is considered driving under the influence?
- .08 or higher
- .10 or higher
- .05 or higher
Correct answer: .08 or higher
Why: Maryland law specifically sets .08 BAC as the legal limit for driving under the influence, as clearly stated in the handbook.
Speed & Following Distance
4. What is the minimum recommended following distance under ideal driving conditions?
- 3 to 4 seconds
- 2 to 3 seconds
- 4 to 5 seconds
Correct answer: 3 to 4 seconds
Why: The handbook specifically states that MVA recommends a minimum following distance of 3 to 4 seconds under ideal driving conditions.
Parking Rules
5. Who can legally use disability parking spaces marked with the wheelchair symbol?
- Only vehicles with valid disability license plates or placards
- Anyone dropping off or picking up a person with disabilities
- Vehicles parked for less than 15 minutes if no other spaces are available
Correct answer: Only vehicles with valid disability license plates or placards
Why: Only vehicles displaying valid disability license plates or placards are authorized to use designated disability parking spaces. This is a strict legal requirement with no exceptions for temporary convenience.
What's on the Maryland knowledge test
The Maryland test draws on 12 subject areas. Our question bank covers all of them with 104 active questions written from the official handbook, so practice matches the range of what you can be asked rather than a narrow slice of it.
- Signs & Signals
- Regulatory, warning, and guide signs. Traffic signal phases and meaning.
- Right-of-Way Rules
- Who goes first at intersections, ramps, crosswalks, emergency vehicles.
- Alcohol & Drugs
- BAC limits, implied consent, zero tolerance, prescription drugs.
- Speed & Following Distance
- Posted limits, basic-speed law, following distance, stopping distance.
- Parking Rules
- Curb colors, hill parking, restricted zones, towing.
- Sharing the Road
- Bicycles, motorcycles, pedestrians, large trucks, school buses.
- License & Registration
- License classes, age requirements, registration, insurance.
- Emergencies & Collisions
- Brake failure, skids, what to do at a collision, reporting.
- Lane Usage
- Passing, lane changes, HOV/carpool, turn lanes, two-way left turn.
- Signaling & Turning
- Hand signals, turn signals, U-turns, three-point turns.
- Hazards & Defensive Driving
- Distractions, fatigue, road rage, blind spots, scanning.
- Special Conditions
- Night, fog, rain, snow, construction zones, school zones.
DLStudy is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Questions are written from the official handbook, not copied from the real exam.