Maryland permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 52 Maryland numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

12 questions a round from the 35 number questions in our Maryland bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.

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Numbers flashcards

35 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.

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See 3 of the cards
  • Alcohol & drugs

    A provisional driver under 18 is caught driving with alcohol in their system for the first time. What does the MVA require?

    An ignition interlock or a 6-month suspension

    Provisional drivers under 18 may not drive with any measurable alcohol. After a first violation, the driver must use an ignition interlock device or have the license suspended for 6 months, and a second violation leads to revocation.

    Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration website

  • Fines, points & penalties

    A 17-year-old provisional driver gets a second moving-violation conviction. What is the penalty?

    A 30-day suspension, then 90 days limited to work and school driving

    For a minor with a Provisional License, a second offense brings a 30-day suspension followed by a 90-day restriction to employment and educational driving only.

    Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 49

  • Speed limits

    A vehicle ahead displays a slow-moving vehicle emblem. What does the emblem tell you about its speed?

    It travels 25 miles per hour or less

    The orange triangle slow-moving vehicle emblem warns that the vehicle travels 25 mph or less.

    Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 32

Every Maryland number, by topic

Official test facts and Maryland laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

6 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.08%Legal BAC limit for adult driversmgaleg.maryland.gov
Quote
If at the time of testing a person has an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, as determined by an analysis of the person’s blood or breath, the person shall be considered under the influence of alcohol per se
0.02%BAC limit for drivers under 21dsd.maryland.gov
Quote
A licensee under 21 years old may not drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or more as determined by an analysis of the licensee's blood or breath.
0.04%BAC limit in a commercial vehiclemgaleg.maryland.gov
Quote
The individual drives or attempts to drive a commercial motor vehicle while the alcohol concentration of the person’s blood or breath is 0.04 or greater
180 daysDrunk driving (DUI)Administrative suspension for a test result of 0.08 or more: 180 daysmgaleg.maryland.gov
Quote
for a test result indicating an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more at the time of testing: A. For a first offense, suspend the driver’s license for 180 days
270 days, 2 yearsDrunk driving (DUI)The MVA suspends your license for 270 days on a first refusal and 2 years on a second or later refusalmgaleg.maryland.gov
Quote
For a test refusal: A. For a first offense, suspend the driver’s license for 270 days; or B. For a second or subsequent offense, suspend the driver’s license for 2 years
6-monthA provisional driver under 18 is caught driving with alcohol in their system for the first time. What does the MVA require?Answer: An ignition interlock or a 6-month suspensionMaryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration website
Quote
After the first violation, you must use an Ignition Interlock device or have your license suspended for 6 months.

Fines, points & penalties

8 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$75, $125, $175Phone useHandheld phone use: fine up to $75 for a first offense, $125 for a second and $175 for a third or latermgaleg.maryland.gov
Quote
For a first offense, a fine of not more than $75; (ii) For a second offense, a fine of not more than $125; and (iii) For a third or subsequent offense, a fine of not more than $175.
$1,000School busesFine up to $1,000mgaleg.maryland.gov
Quote
A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.
30-day, 90 daysA 17-year-old provisional driver gets a second moving-violation conviction. What is the penalty?Answer: A 30-day suspension, then 90 days limited to work and school drivingMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 49
Quote
A SECOND offense will result in a 30-day suspension of your driver’s license followed by a 90-day restriction
18-monthAfter a provisional driver is convicted of a moving violation, what happens to the waiting period for a full license?Answer: A new 18-month conviction-free period startsMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 49
Quote
you will be required to begin a new 18-month conviction-free period before you can get your license back.
$2,500If you do not keep insurance on a vehicle you own in Maryland, what fine can you face?Answer: Up to $2,500 per vehicle each yearMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 53
Quote
If you do not keep insurance on all vehicles, you will be fined up to $2,500 per vehicle each year.
6 monthsThe first time a provisional driver collects 5 or more points within 12 months, what happens?Answer: The provisional license is suspended for 6 monthsMaryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration website
Quote
The first time you accumulate 5 or more points in a 12 month period, your provisional license will be suspended for 6 months.
$110, 1 pointWhat is the basic penalty for violating Maryland's Move Over Law when no crash occurs?Answer: A $110 fine and 1 pointMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 45
Quote
A $110 fine and one point on your license.
$30,000, $60,000, $15,000What minimum liability insurance limits does Maryland law require for injury to one person, injury to two or more people, and property damage?Answer: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per crash, $15,000 propertyMaryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration website
Quote
The payment of claims for bodily injury or death arising from an accident of up to $30,000 for any one person and up to $60,000 for any two or more persons, in addition to interest and costs; (2) The payment of claims for property of others damaged or destroyed in an accident of up to $15,000

Speed limits

4 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
30 mphSpeed limits: Business & residence districts30 mph on all highways in a business districtmgaleg.maryland.gov
Quote
30 miles per hour on: (i) All highways in a business district; and (ii) Undivided highways in a residential district
50 mph, 55 mphSpeed limits: Rural highways50 mph on undivided highways and 55 mph on divided highways in other locationsmgaleg.maryland.gov
Quote
35 miles per hour on divided highways in a residential district; (4) 50 miles per hour on undivided highways in other locations; and (5) 55 miles per hour on divided highways in other locations.
25 miles per hourA vehicle ahead displays a slow-moving vehicle emblem. What does the emblem tell you about its speed?Answer: It travels 25 miles per hour or lessMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 32
Quote
to warn you they are only going 25 miles per hour or less.
30 mphYou are driving through a Maryland business district and no sign shows a different speed limit. What is the maximum lawful speed?Answer: 30 mphMaryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration website
Quote
30 miles per hour on: (i) All highways in a business district; and (ii) Undivided highways in a residential district

Distances & following gaps

9 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
20 feetSchool busesWhen a school vehicle stops with its red lights flashing, traffic in both directions must stop at least 20 feet from it and wait until it moves or the red lights go offmgaleg.maryland.gov
Quote
the driver of any other vehicle meeting or overtaking the school vehicle shall stop at least 20 feet from the rear of the school vehicle, if approaching the school vehicle from its rear, or at least 20 feet from the front of the school vehicle
100 feetIn Maryland, how close to an intersection or railroad grade crossing may you pass another vehicle?Answer: Not within 100 feetMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 16
Quote
When crossing or within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad grade crossing.
3 to 4 secondsWhat minimum following distance does the Maryland MVA recommend in ideal conditions?Answer: 3 to 4 secondsMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 15
Quote
The MVA recommends a minimum following distance of 3 to 4 seconds under ideal driving conditions.
4 to 5 secondsYou are following a delivery van that stops often. How much following distance does the Maryland manual suggest?Answer: 4 to 5 seconds, or more if neededMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 15
Quote
you should increase the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you to four or five seconds
3 feetHow much space does Maryland require you to leave when passing a bicyclist?Answer: At least 3 feetMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 40
Quote
Then leave at least 3 feet between your vehicle and the bicycle when passing.
20 feetYou come up behind a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. How far back must you stop?Answer: At least 20 feetMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 38
Quote
Stop at least 20 feet from the back of the school bus, if you are behind it.
1,000 feetIn Maryland, you must turn on your headlights whenever you cannot clearly see how far ahead?Answer: 1,000 feetMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 27
Quote
you must turn on your headlights anytime there is not enough light to clearly see at least 1,000 feet in front of your vehicle.
500 feetWhen using high beams, how far before an oncoming vehicle must you switch to low beams?Answer: At least 500 feetMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 27
Quote
Change to low beams at least 500 feet before reaching vehicles coming toward you.
300 feetYou are using high beams on a dark road and catch up to another car. When must you switch to low beams?Answer: When you are 300 feet or less behind itMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 27
Quote
Change to low beams when following a vehicle that is 300 feet or less in front of you.

Ages, permits & the test

18 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
25Questions on the testmva.maryland.gov
Quote
Class C, Class M, and Moped Permit: 25 questions ... You must score 88% or higher to pass ... You have 20 minutes to complete the test ... There is no MVA fee for taking a knowledge test.
88%Passing scoremva.maryland.gov
Quote
Class C, Class M, and Moped Permit: 25 questions ... You must score 88% or higher to pass ... You have 20 minutes to complete the test ... There is no MVA fee for taking a knowledge test.
20 minutesTime limitmva.maryland.gov
Quote
Class C, Class M, and Moped Permit: 25 questions ... You must score 88% or higher to pass ... You have 20 minutes to complete the test ... There is no MVA fee for taking a knowledge test.
$65Feemva.maryland.gov
Quote
Learner's Permit – Non CDL Type I (GLS) $65
90 daysPhone useThe MVA may suspend the license for up to 90 daysmgaleg.maryland.gov
Quote
If the Administration receives satisfactory evidence that an individual has violated this section, the Administration: (i) May suspend the individual’s driver’s license for not more than 90 days
15 years, 9 monthsIf you are under 25 and have never had a driver's license, what is the youngest age at which you can get a Maryland Learner's Instructional Permit?Answer: 15 years and 9 monthsMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 9
Quote
Applicants younger than 25: • Must be at least 15 years and 9 months old.
60 hoursA 16-year-old Maryland permit holder must log how many supervised practice hours before getting a Provisional License?Answer: At least 60 hours, including 10 at nightMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 10
Quote
Practice driving at least 60 hours with a supervising driver. These are called practice hours. At least 10 practice hours must occur during the period beginning 30 minutes before sunset and ending 30 minutes after sunrise.
14 hoursA 30-year-old is getting a first-ever Maryland license. How many supervised practice hours must be completed with the permit?Answer: At least 14 hours, including 3 at nightMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 10
Quote
Complete at least 14 practice hours with a supervising driver. At least 3 practice hours must occur during the period beginning 30 minutes before sunset and ending 30 minutes after sunrise.
45 daysIf you are 25 or older, how long must you hold your Learner's Instructional Permit before you can get a Provisional License?Answer: At least 45 daysMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 10
Quote
You must have your permit for at least 45 days before the you are eligible for a Provisional License.
9 monthsIf you are under 18, how long must you hold your permit without a violation before you can get a Provisional License?Answer: At least 9 monthsMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 10
Quote
If you are under age 18, you must hold the Permit for at least 9 months without a violation
21 years, 3 yearsWho may act as the supervising driver for a Maryland learner's permit holder in a car?Answer: A driver at least 21 years old who has been licensed for at least 3 yearsMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 51
Quote
At least 21 years old. • Currently licensed for at least three years in Maryland or another state to drive the same class of vehicles that you are driving.
18 monthsHow long must you hold a Maryland Provisional License before you are eligible for a full Driver's License?Answer: At least 18 monthsMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 11
Quote
Have had a Provisional License for at least 18 months.
30 hours, 6 hoursWhat must the Maryland Driver Education Program include?Answer: 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours behind the wheelMaryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration website
Quote
Complete a certified drivers education course that includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours behind-the-wheel training
6-monthA provisional driver is convicted of racing for the first time. Maryland treats this as high-risk driving. What is the penalty?Answer: A 6-month suspensionMaryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration website
Quote
If you are convicted of high risk driving with a provisional license, your license will be suspended for 6 months for the first offense
under 18A 17-year-old provisional driver wants to use a hands-free headset to call a friend while driving. What does Maryland law say?Answer: Not allowed; drivers under 18 may use a phone only to call 911Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 35
Quote
If you are under 18 years old, you may not use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. The only exception is that you may use it to make a 911 emergency call.
90 daysA 17-year-old provisional driver breaks the rule against using a wireless device while driving. What penalty can the MVA impose?Answer: A license suspension of up to 90 daysMaryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration website
Quote
If the Administration receives satisfactory evidence that an individual has violated this section, the Administration: (i) May suspend the individual’s driver’s license for not more than 90 days
9 monthsA permit holder is convicted of a moving violation. What happens to the time they must hold their Learner's Instructional Permit?Answer: They must hold it at least 9 months after the latest convictionMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 10
Quote
you must hold the Learner’s Instructional Permit at least 9 months following the most recent date you were convicted of or granted a PBJ for a moving violation.
88%What score must you get to pass Maryland's Class C knowledge test?Answer: 88% or higherMaryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration website
Quote
You must score 88% or higher to pass

Time limits & deadlines

3 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
15 daysCrashesThe driver of each vehicle in a crash causing bodily injury or death must report it in writing to the Motor Vehicle Administration within 15 days and file evidence of liability insurance with the reportmgaleg.maryland.gov
Quote
The driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results in bodily injury to or death of any person shall, within 15 days after the accident, report the matter in writing to the Administration.
10 yearsIn Maryland, what is the maximum prison term for leaving the scene of a crash in which someone dies?Answer: Up to 10 yearsMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 43
Quote
Leaving the scene of a crash where someone dies is a felony. You could go to prison for up to 10 years
15 daysYou are in a Maryland crash in which someone is injured, and no police officer investigates or files a report. What must each driver do?Answer: Report it in writing to the MVA within 15 daysMaryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration website
Quote
The driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results in bodily injury to or death of any person shall, within 15 days after the accident, report the matter in writing to the Administration.

Seat belts, lights & equipment

4 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
under 16Seat beltsThe driver and every occupant under 16 (seat belt or child seat)mgaleg.maryland.gov
Quote
A person may not operate a motor vehicle unless the person and each occupant under 16 years old are restrained by a seat belt or a child safety seat
4 feet 9 inchesSeat beltsUnder 8: child safety seat or booster per the manufacturers' instructions, unless 4 feet 9 inches or tallermgaleg.maryland.gov
Quote
a person transporting a child under the age of 8 years in a motor vehicle shall secure the child in a child safety seat in accordance with the child safety seat and vehicle manufacturers’ instructions unless the child is 4 feet, 9 inches tall or taller.
4 feet 9 inchesUnder Maryland law, until what age must a child ride in a child safety seat?Answer: Under 8, unless the child is 4 feet 9 inches or tallerMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 52
Quote
All children under age 8 must ride in a child safety seat, unless the child is 4’9” or taller.
under age 16In Maryland, who is required to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle?Answer: Anyone under age 16, including passengersMaryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), page 54
Quote
Helmets are required for anyone under age 16 riding on a bike. This includes passengers that are not steering the bike.

Memory tips

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the Maryland permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 52 of them for Maryland, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), Maryland statutes or MVA pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

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