The Maryland permit test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass
Maryland's written permit test is administered by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and covers the rules of the road, safe driving practices, and traffic signs. The test itself is straightforward in structure: 25 multiple-choice questions, each with four possible answers. You must score at least 80 percent — meaning 20 correct answers — to pass and move forward in the licensing process.
The test is offered in multiple languages at MVA locations, and you can take it on a computer at the testing station. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake it, though you will need to wait and pay the testing fee again.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland's permit test contains exactly 25 multiple-choice questions covering road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving.
- You must answer at least 20 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass the written test.
- The test is administered at MVA locations on a computer and is available in multiple languages.
- If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting the required time and paying the fee again.
- The questions come from the Maryland Driver's Manual, which is the primary study resource.
What topics the 25 questions cover
The Maryland MVA draws all test questions from the official Maryland Driver's Manual. The questions are distributed across several key areas: traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits and safe speeds, parking regulations, seat belt and child safety seat laws, impaired driving consequences, and general safe driving practices.
You will also encounter questions about Maryland-specific rules, such as the state's distracted driving law and requirements for vehicle registration and insurance. The test does not focus heavily on any single topic — instead, it samples broadly from the manual to check that you understand the fundamentals of safe driving and legal operation.
How the test is scored and what happens if you fail
Your score is calculated when ready after you finish the test at the MVA location. The computer marks each answer as correct or incorrect and displays your total score before you leave. If you score 20 or higher, you pass and receive a permit. If you score 19 or lower, you fail and must retake the test.
Maryland does not specify a mandatory waiting period between attempts, but you will need to pay the testing fee again for each retake. Many people pass on the first attempt after studying the Driver's Manual thoroughly, but retakes are common and do not affect your ability to eventually obtain a permit.
How to prepare for the 25-question test
The Maryland Driver's Manual is the official study material and covers everything tested. You can obtain a free copy at any MVA office or read it from the MVA website. Reading through the manual once gives you a solid foundation, but most people benefit from reviewing it twice — once to learn the material and once to reinforce weak areas.
Many people also use online practice tests that mirror the real test format. These practice tests help you become familiar with the question style and identify which topics need more study. Since the real test is 25 questions and you need 20 correct, aiming to score 23 or higher on practice tests gives you a safety margin on test day.
When you can take the test and what to bring
You can take the written permit test at any MVA office during business hours. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are often accommodated depending on the location. You will need to bring a valid form of identification — typically a passport, birth certificate, or state ID — and proof of your Social Security number.
The test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete once you sit down at the computer. Arrive early to allow time for check-in and any paperwork. The testing station provides the computer and all materials; you do not need to bring anything except your identification documents.
The difference between the permit test and the road test
The 25-question written test is separate from the road test, which you take later with an MVA examiner. The written test checks your knowledge of rules and signs. The road test checks your ability to actually drive safely — parking, turning, following traffic signals, and responding to road conditions.
You must pass the written test before you can schedule a road test. After you pass the written test, you receive a learner's permit, which allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. Once you have held the permit for the required time and feel ready, you schedule the road test at an MVA office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retake the permit test the same day if I fail?
Maryland does not prohibit same-day retakes, but availability depends on the MVA office and whether they have testing slots open. Call your local MVA office before arriving to ask if you can retake the test when ready after failing, or plan to return on another day.
Is the permit test harder in Maryland than other states?
Maryland's 25-question test with an 80 percent passing score is fairly standard. The difficulty depends mainly on how well you study the Driver's Manual. Most people who read the manual carefully pass on the first attempt.
What happens if I pass the written test but fail the road test?
Passing the written test and failing the road test does not affect your written test result. You keep your learner's permit and can retake the road test after waiting the required time. You do not need to retake the written test.
Are the 25 questions always the same, or do they change?
The questions change from test to test, but they all come from the same pool of questions based on the Maryland Driver's Manual. Studying the manual thoroughly prepares you for any version of the test you encounter.
Can I use a phone or notes during the permit test?
No. The test is proctored, and you cannot use phones, notes, or any outside materials during the test. You must answer the questions from your own knowledge of the Driver's Manual.