The Maryland learner's permit test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass

Maryland's written test for a learner's permit (also called a learner's license) consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and rules specific to Maryland. You must score at least 80 percent — meaning 20 correct answers out of 25 — to pass and move forward with your permit.

The test is administered at your local Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. You take it on a computer terminal at the office itself; there is no online version of the actual test, though you can study online beforehand. The entire process — check-in, test, and results — typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland's learner's permit test contains exactly 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.
  • Questions cover Maryland traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices drawn from the Maryland Driver's Manual.
  • You take the test at an MVA office on a computer; there is no remote or online test option for the learner's permit.
  • 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 25 questions cover

The test draws all its content from the Maryland Driver's Manual, which the MVA publishes free online and in print. Questions are distributed across several topic areas: road signs and their meanings, traffic control devices, right-of-way rules, speed limits and safe speeds, parking rules, seat belt and child safety seat laws, impaired driving, and distracted driving.

You will also see questions about Maryland-specific rules — for example, Maryland's requirements for headlight use, the state's graduated licensing system for young drivers, and penalties for certain violations. The questions are not trick questions; they test whether you understand the rules as written in the manual, not edge cases or interpretation.

How the test is scored and what happens if you fail

The computer scores your test when ready after you finish. If you pass (20 or more correct), you receive a printed score sheet and can proceed to the road test phase. If you score below 20, you fail and do not receive a permit that day.

You are allowed to retake the test. Many MVA offices permit you to retake it the same day, though you may have to wait a few hours or return another day depending on office policy and how busy they are. There is no waiting period mandated by the state between attempts. Each time you retake the test, you pay the learner's permit fee again — currently $75 for a four-year permit in Maryland.

How to study for the 25-question test

The Maryland MVA publishes the official Maryland Driver's Manual in PDF form on its website, free to read. This manual contains all the information tested on the 25 questions. Many people read through it once; others use it as a reference while taking practice tests.

Practice tests are available through the MVA website and through third-party test prep sites. These practice tests mimic the format and difficulty of the real test — 25 multiple-choice questions covering the same topics. Taking several practice tests before you go to the MVA office helps you identify weak areas and builds confidence. Most people who study the manual and take at least two practice tests pass on their first attempt.

Age and other requirements for taking the test

You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to take Maryland's learner's permit test. You will need to bring a valid form of identification (such as a birth certificate, passport, or state ID) and proof of your Social Security number. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process.

There is no driving experience required before you take the written test — you do not need to have logged any hours behind the wheel. The written test comes first; only after you pass it do you move on to the road test, which you can schedule after holding the permit for a certain period (the waiting period varies by age).

What happens after you pass the written test

Once you pass the 25-question test, you receive your learner's permit. This permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult (at least 21 years old in most cases) in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and there are restrictions on when you can drive — for example, if you are under 18, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless it is for school, work, or a medical emergency.

You must hold the learner's permit for a minimum period before you can take the road test. For drivers under 18, this is typically six months; for drivers 18 and older, it is shorter. During this time, you build driving experience with a supervising adult. The road test itself is separate from the written test and tests your actual driving skills, not your knowledge of rules.

Testing accommodations and language options

If you have a documented disability or learning difference, you may be able to request testing accommodations such as extra time, a reader, or a large-print version of the test. Contact your local MVA office in advance to discuss what accommodations are available and what documentation you will need to provide.

The test is offered in English. If English is not your first language, you may bring a translator to the MVA office, though the translator cannot be a family member and must be approved by the MVA. Some MVA offices have staff who speak other languages; calling ahead to ask about language support at your specific office can save you a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the Maryland learner's permit test online from home?

No. The test must be taken at an MVA office on a computer terminal there. You cannot take it remotely or at home. You can study online using practice tests and the Maryland Driver's Manual, but the actual 25-question test is administered only at an MVA office.

How long does the test take to complete?

The test itself usually takes 10 to 20 minutes to answer all 25 questions. Add time for check-in, waiting, and receiving your results, and plan for 30 to 45 minutes total at the MVA office. Busy times (after school, on Saturdays) may mean longer waits.

What is the passing score for the Maryland learner's permit test?

You must answer at least 20 out of 25 questions correctly, which is 80 percent. Scoring 19 or fewer means you do not pass and must retake the test.

If I fail the test, how soon can I retake it?

There is no state-mandated waiting period. Many MVA offices allow you to retake the test the same day, though you may need to wait a few hours. Some offices may ask you to return on another day. Call your local MVA office to ask about their specific policy on same-day retakes.

Does the Maryland learner's permit test have questions about the road test itself?

No. The 25-question written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules. The road test — which you take later, after holding the permit for the required time — is a separate, in-vehicle test of your driving skills and is not covered on the written test.