Free Maryland permit practice tests with 134 exam-style questions, a timed mock exam sized to the real test, flashcards, a road-sign quiz, and an on-device AI tutor grounded in the official Maryland driver handbook. The official Maryland written knowledge test has 25 questions and requires 88% to pass (20-minute limit).
About the Maryland written test
Knowledge (written) test: 25 multiple-choice questions; you must answer 22 correctly (88%) to pass, within a 20-minute limit. Questions are drawn from the Maryland Driver's Manual and are usually taken on a computer at the office. A passing score is valid for 6 months; a first failure can be retested the next business day if an appointment is available.
Vision screening: Required at the permit appointment; a doctor may complete the MVA eye-exam form in advance as an alternative.
Behind-the-wheel (skills) test: An on-road driving test with an MVA examiner covering basic vehicle control, turns, lane changes, intersections, and maneuvers such as backing and parking. Passing scores are valid 6 months.
Getting licensed in Maryland
Learner's Permit (Stage 1): Available at age 15 years and 9 months. The applicant passes a vision screening and the knowledge test at a full-service MVA office. A permit holder must at all times be accompanied by a qualified supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and has held a license for at least 3 years, and that supervisor must sit in the front passenger seat — no other front-seat passengers are allowed. Cell-phone use is completely banned for permit holders while driving (even Bluetooth/hands-free), the only exception being a 911 emergency call; a violation can suspend the driving privilege. Applicants under 16 must additionally bring a completed school-attendance/identity form (DL-300 or DL-300A). The permit holder logs supervised practice using a driving log kept by the supervising driver.
Minimum holding period before the provisional license depends on age and education status. For drivers 16 to under 18 without a high school diploma/equivalent: hold the permit at least 9 months, complete driver education, log 60 hours of supervised practice (including at least 10 at night), and have no moving-violation conviction or probation before judgment (PBJ) in the past 9 months. Older applicants have shorter holding periods and reduced supervised-hour requirements (an 18+ applicant with a diploma/equivalent has a substantially shorter permit period and fewer required hours — confirm the current figure on the MVA provisional page for the applicant's age band).
Provisional License (Stage 2): Reachable at about age 16 years and 6 months (15y9m + 9-month permit). Requires passing the behind-the-wheel skills test plus all Stage-1 requirements. It allows unsupervised driving but carries restrictions (see Rules of the Road). A provisional driver must keep an 18-month clean record to advance.
Full Driver's License (Stage 3): After the provisional license is held restriction-free / conviction-free for 18 consecutive months, the MVA automatically converts it to a full Class C license — the driver need do nothing. Any traffic conviction or PBJ restarts the 18-month clock from the conviction/PBJ date (or the date the license is restored after a suspension/revocation). Under-21 alcohol rules still apply until age 21.
Maryland written-test FAQ
What is the minimum age to apply for a Maryland learner's permit?
15 years and 9 months.
What are the requirements for the supervising driver during the permit stage?
At least 21 years old and licensed for at least 3 years, seated in the front passenger seat.
May anyone else ride in the front seat while you drive on a learner's permit?
No — only the supervising driver may occupy the front passenger seat.
How long must a 16
17-year-old (no diploma) hold the learner's permit before the provisional license? — At least 9 months.
How many supervised practice hours are required, and how many at night?
60 hours total, including at least 10 at night.
How much driver's education is required?
30 hours classroom + 6 hours behind-the-wheel.
At about what age can you get a Maryland provisional license?
16 years and 6 months.
How many questions are on the knowledge test and how many must you get right?
25 questions; 22 correct (88%) to pass, within 20 minutes.