The Maryland learner's permit test has 25 questions

The Maryland written test for a learner's permit contains 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 19 of them correctly to pass — that is a score of 76 percent. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations on Maryland roads.

The test is administered by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). You take it at an MVA office, and the questions come from the Maryland Driver's Manual. Because the test draws from that manual, studying the manual directly is the most reliable way to prepare.

Key Takeaways

  • You need to answer 19 out of 25 questions correctly to pass the Maryland learner's permit test.
  • The test covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and emergency procedures found in the Maryland Driver's Manual.
  • You take the test at an MVA office on a computer, and results are available when ready after you finish.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day, though some MVA offices may have limits on same-day retakes.

What the test covers

The 25 questions are drawn from five main areas. You will see questions about traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits and safe following distances, parking rules, and what to do if you are stopped by police or involved in a crash. Questions also cover impaired driving, distracted driving, and how to handle hazardous road conditions.

The Maryland Driver's Manual breaks these topics into chapters. Reading through the manual before you test gives you the exact language and scenarios the test uses. The manual is free and available on the MVA website as a PDF, or you can pick up a printed copy at any MVA office.

How the test is administered

You take the test on a computer at an MVA office. The questions appear one at a time on the screen. You select your answer and move to the next question — you cannot go back to change an earlier answer. The entire test usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Once you finish, the computer scores your test when ready and tells you whether you passed. If you pass, you receive your learner's permit on the spot. If you do not pass, you can ask to retake the test. Some MVA offices allow you to retake it the same day; others require you to return on a different day. Call your local MVA office ahead of time to find out their policy.

Preparing for the test

Start by reading the Maryland Driver's Manual from beginning to end. Pay close attention to the chapters on signs, right-of-way, and speed limits, because these topics appear frequently on the test. The manual includes practice questions at the end of some chapters — work through those to get a sense of how the real test questions are worded.

After you finish the manual, take a practice test. The MVA website offers a free practice test that mimics the real test format. Taking the practice test on a computer helps you get used to selecting answers on screen and managing your time. If you score below 19 on the practice test, go back to the manual and review the sections where you missed questions.

What happens if you fail

Failing the test does not affect your ability to retake it. You can take the test again as soon as the same day or whenever you return to the MVA office. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay the test fee each time you retake it.

If you fail multiple times, step back and study more carefully. Review the specific topics where you are missing questions. Sometimes a second or third attempt, after more study, is all it takes. The test is designed to measure whether you know Maryland traffic laws well enough to drive safely with a permit holder in the car.

After you pass the test

Once you pass, you receive your learner's permit when ready. The permit is valid for two years. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You must follow all traffic laws and cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

You can use your learner's permit to practice driving and build experience before you take the road test for your full license. Most people hold a learner's permit for several months while they practice with a supervising driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or notes during the test?

No. The test is proctored, meaning an MVA staff member watches you while you take it. You cannot use your phone, notes, or any other materials. You can only use the computer provided to answer the questions.

What if I do not pass on my first try?

You can retake the test. Some MVA offices let you retake it the same day; others require you to come back another day. Call ahead to find out your local office's policy. Each retake requires you to pay the test fee again.

Are the questions the same every time I take the test?

No. The test draws from a larger pool of questions, so each time you take it, you will see different questions. However, all questions come from the Maryland Driver's Manual, so studying the manual prepares you for any version of the test.

How long is the learner's permit valid?

Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. If you do not pass your road test before the permit expires, you will need to retake the written test and get a new permit before you can test for your license.

Do I need to bring anything to the test?

Yes. Bring a valid form of identification, such as a passport or birth certificate, and proof of your Social Security number. You will also need to bring proof of your address, such as a utility bill or lease. Check the MVA website for your specific office's requirements before you go.