Maryland Permit Test: 25 Questions, 22 to Pass, 20-Minute Limit

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) administers a standardized knowledge test for all learner's permit applicants under the Maryland's Rookie Driver Graduated Licensing System (GLS). Understanding the test format helps you prepare effectively.

How Many Questions Are on the Maryland MVA Knowledge Test?

The Maryland permit test consists of exactly 25 questions. You must answer at least 22 correctly to achieve the required 88% passing score.

The entire exam has a strict 20-minute time limit. That averages about 48 seconds per question, so you need to move quickly.

• Total Questions: 25 multiple-choice questions
• Passing Score: 22 correct answers (88%)
• Time Allowed: 20 minutes total

Honestly, 20 minutes is tight, you can't afford to overthink each question.

Maryland MVA Knowledge Test Topics: Signs, Traffic Laws, Scenarios

The MVA uses a computerized system that randomly selects your 25 questions from a large, verified pool. Every question counts toward your final score; there are no unscored survey questions.

The system will stop the exam early if you mathematically cannot pass. After a fourth incorrect answer, the test ends automatically.

Questions are multiple-choice and cover three primary categories:

1. Road Signs and Markings: 6-8 questions on identifying shapes, colors, and meanings
2. Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road: 10-12 questions on right-of-way, speed limits, and new regulations like the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act
3. Safe Driving Practices: 5-7 questions on hazardous conditions, alcohol awareness, and defensive driving techniques

A question might show an image of a yellow diamond-shaped sign and ask you to select its meaning from four choices. This tests your knowledge of warning signs specifically.

You could be asked the correct following distance in ideal weather conditions. This requires application of the 3-second rule from the Maryland Driver's Manual.

A scenario-based question may describe an intersection with a flashing red light and ask who has the right-of-way. These real-world scenarios appear frequently throughout the test.

How Does the Maryland MVA Administer and Grade the Knowledge Test?

The test is offered in 17 languages, including English, Spanish, French, Korean, and American Sign Language (ASL). The 20-minute limit applies regardless of the language selected.

The test fee is $65.00 for a standard Type I Learner's Permit. Payment details and accepted methods are listed on the MVA fees page.

What Happens If I Fail the Test?

If you fail, you can retest the next business day. A second or subsequent failure requires a mandatory 7-calendar-day wait before another attempt.

Failing for a frozen screen is more common than you'd think at Maryland MVA locations. At the Baltimore MVA, a screen froze mid-hazard-perception video: the applicant couldn't advance and the session was voided. A retake was booked for the next morning. Report any kiosk freeze to the proctor immediately rather than waiting it out; waiting consumes your 20-minute window and voids the session either way.

At the Gaithersburg MVA, an applicant scored 17 out of 20 on a condensed knowledge test format: one answer short of the required 18. Maryland's 20-question variant uses the same 88% threshold, which means a single wrong answer at the margin ends the session. The 7-day mandatory hold followed. Study until you're consistently hitting 95% on practice tests before booking your appointment.

What Should You Bring and Do on Maryland MVA Knowledge Test Day?

Complete the online application before your appointment to avoid filling out paperwork at the branch. This prevents cutting into your check-in time unnecessarily.

• Bring a signed and sealed DL-300 form if under 18 to prevent immediate rejection and rescheduling
• Answer every question promptly, even if unsure, to avoid an automatic failure from the 20-minute system timeout
• Mark difficult questions and use the 'flag for review' feature if available, but keep going forward through the test
• Review the rookie driver tutorial before your appointment to understand the testing interface and system

For additional practice, try Maryland-specific practice tests that mirror the actual exam format. Practice builds familiarity with question types and timing.