Behind-the-Wheel Driving Skills Test (noncommercial Class C)

Maryland Road Test (2026) What’s on the Driving Test, Scoring & Tips

The MVA driving skills test is given by an MVA examiner in a vehicle you bring. It has two parts: a closed course at the MVA (including the required reverse two-point turnabout, which must be finished within three minutes) and a public-road drive. You must pass the closed course before going on the road; the test is stopped for any unsafe act or when too many basic driving errors build up.

Checked October 4, 2026 against official Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration sources. Tap a numbered chip to read the exact wording.

See the 5 maneuvers
Maneuvers in official sources
5
Score limit
Not published
Listed automatic failures
13

Who can take the Maryland road test

You need a valid, unexpired learner's permit, completed Maryland driver education, and a signed Practice and Skills Log (60 supervised hours, 10 at night; 14 hours, 3 at night, if 25 or older). The permit must be held without violations for 9 months if under 18, 3 months if 18 with a diploma/GED or 19-24, and 45 days if 25 or older. Type 2 permit holders (already licensed, new class) can test after 14 days. Appointments are required. Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“Before scheduling your driving test, you must: Hold a valid, unexpired learner’s permit Complete required practice driving hours Bring your signed skills practice log and certification page (if required) Have completed driver education , if applicable”“Appointments are required for all behind-the-wheel driving tests. Schedule your appointment through your myMVA account.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2mva.maryland.gov“If you are under age 18, you must hold the Permit for at least 9 months without a violation before being eligible for a Provisional License.”“If you are age 18 with a high school diploma or GED, or age 19 to 24, you must hold the Permit for at least 3 months without a violation before being eligible for a Provisional License.”“You must have your permit for at least 45 days before the you are eligible for a Provisional License.”“Submit a completed and signed Practice and Skills Log. This must show that you completed at least 60 practice hours driving with a supervising driver (14 if you are 25 or older).”“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.”“You can take the driving test for a full license once you have had this Permit for at least 14 days.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

What to bring on test day

Tick things off as you pack. Saved on this device.

0 of 7 ready

SourcesOfficial source 1mva.maryland.gov“On test day, bring: Your valid learner’s permit Vehicle registration for the vehicle you are using Proof of insurance Your signed practice skills log (if required) Verification of driver education completion (if applicable) A supervising driver with valid license If required documents are missing, your test may be canceled.”“Yes. A licensed driver must drive you to the test location and remain behind the wheel until the examiner checks their license. During the test, only you, the examiner(s), and an MVA-approved interpreter are allowed in the vehicle.”“New drivers must have successfully completed an approved driver education course. The Maryland driving school will electronically submit verification of completion.”“Out of country license holders must present a 3-hour Roadway Safety course certificate.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Vehicle requirements

The examiner checks your car before you drive. If it fails, you usually can’t take the test that day.

  • Valid registration with front and rear tags, plus the registration document
  • Valid proof of insurance
  • Safe, properly inflated tires with adequate tread
  • Working headlights, brake lights and turn signals
  • Working brakes, horn, mirrors, door handles and locks
  • Parking brake the examiner can reach
  • At least half a tank of gas
  • No windshield cracks that block the driver's view
  • No loose objects inside the vehicle
  • No serious dashboard warning lights (e.g. Check Engine, ABS/Brake)
  • In wet or cold weather: windows that fully roll up, working heater and defroster, wipers, washers and washer fluid
  • Rental vehicles: your name must be on the rental agreement as an authorized driver
  • Backup cameras may stay on, but you must still use mirrors and head checks
SourcesOfficial source 1mva.maryland.gov“Valid registration with front and rear tags (including registration document) Valid proof of insurance Safe, properly inflated tires with adequate tread Working headlights, brake lights and turn signals Working brakes, horn, mirrors, and door handles and locks”“A parking break that the examiner can access At least half a tank of gas No windshield cracks that block the driver's view No loose objects that could become hazards inside the vehicle”“No serious dashboard warning lights on, such as Check Engine or ABS/Brake lights. If the vehicle fails the safety inspection, the test will not proceed.”“You must provide a vehicle for the test. If you use a rental vehicle, your name must appear as an authorized driver on the rental agreement.”“Your vehicle must be prepared for the conditions. The following must be working: Windows that fully roll up Heater and defroster Windshield wipers, washers and washer fluid”“Yes, backup cameras and other standard vehicle safety features may remain active. However, you must demonstrate proper use of mirrors and head checks.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

How the Maryland road test is scored

Two parts: closed course, then public road. You must pass the closed course to continue. The test is stopped immediately for any unsafe act (see automatic failures) or when too many basic driving errors are accumulated; the MVA does not publish a point value or error limit. Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“The Behind-the-Wheel Driving Skills Test has two parts. Closed course — checks your basic vehicle control skills Public road — evaluates your ability to drive safely in real traffic You must pass the closed course portion before continuing to the public road portion.”“If too many basic driving errors are accumulated, the test will be stopped. You will be asked to pull over to a safe place, and the examiner will drive the vehicle back to the MVA.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3regs.maryland.gov“The noncommercial driver's license skills test shall consist of: (1) Maneuvers performed on a test course; (2) In-traffic driving;”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Automatic failures

Any one of these ends or fails a Maryland road test, no matter how well the rest goes.

  1. Not wearing required glasses or contact lenses Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“Your driving test will be stopped right away if you do anything unsafe. Examples of unsafe actions include: Not wearing required glasses or contact lenses Not properly fastening your seatbelt”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  2. Not properly fastening your seatbelt Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“Your driving test will be stopped right away if you do anything unsafe. Examples of unsafe actions include: Not wearing required glasses or contact lenses Not properly fastening your seatbelt”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  3. Taking more than three minutes to complete the closed course exercise Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“Taking more than three minutes to complete the closed course exercise Making contact with and moving a cone or flag on the course Failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  4. Touching and moving a cone or flag on the course Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“Taking more than three minutes to complete the closed course exercise Making contact with and moving a cone or flag on the course Failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  5. Not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“Taking more than three minutes to complete the closed course exercise Making contact with and moving a cone or flag on the course Failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  6. Not obeying signs, signals or any other traffic law Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“Failure to obey signs, signals or any other traffic law. Being involved in an avoidable crash or makeing contact with other vehicles, objects or pedestrians.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  7. An avoidable crash, or contact with other vehicles, objects or pedestrians Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“Failure to obey signs, signals or any other traffic law. Being involved in an avoidable crash or makeing contact with other vehicles, objects or pedestrians.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  8. Any unsafe act, or forcing another driver to take evasive action Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“Committing any unsafe act or forcing another driver to take evasive action to prevent a crash Driving over sidewalks or curbs. Not following the examiner’s verbal instructions”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  9. Driving over sidewalks or curbs Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“Committing any unsafe act or forcing another driver to take evasive action to prevent a crash Driving over sidewalks or curbs. Not following the examiner’s verbal instructions”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  10. Not following the examiner's verbal instructions Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“Committing any unsafe act or forcing another driver to take evasive action to prevent a crash Driving over sidewalks or curbs. Not following the examiner’s verbal instructions”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  11. Impeding the flow of traffic unnecessarily Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“Impeding the flow of traffic unnecessarily Removing both hands from the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion Requiring the examiner to intervene physically or verbally to avoid a collision or unsafe act”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  12. Taking both hands off the steering wheel while moving Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“Impeding the flow of traffic unnecessarily Removing both hands from the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion Requiring the examiner to intervene physically or verbally to avoid a collision or unsafe act”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  13. Examiner has to intervene physically or verbally to avoid a collision or unsafe act Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“Impeding the flow of traffic unnecessarily Removing both hands from the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion Requiring the examiner to intervene physically or verbally to avoid a collision or unsafe act”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Maneuvers on the Maryland driving test

Steps and scoring come from Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s own materials, in their words where possible. Where a state publishes no steps, we say so rather than guess.

Reverse two-point turnabout (back into a driveway or alley on the right)

Always tested

How it’s scored

Examiner evaluates backing skills, visual skills, judgment of space, use of mirrors and turn signals, steering, braking, acceleration control and general driving skills. Three-minute time limit; exceeding it or touching and moving a cone or flag is an automatic failure. The manual says it covers the same skills as parallel parking.

Steps

  1. Drive past the area that represents a driveway or alley
  2. Back into the designated area on your right until the front of your vehicle clears the front set of cones
  3. Exit the area to the right
SourcesOfficial source 1mva.maryland.gov“You will be asked to drive past an area that represents a driveway or alley. Follow these steps: Back your vehicle into the designated area on your right until the front of your vehicle clears the front set of cones. Exit the area to the right.”“The examiner will evaluate your backing skills, visual skills, judgment of space, use of mirrors and turn signals, steering, braking, acceleration control and general driving skills. You will have three minutes to complete the exercise.”“One required exercise is the reverse two-point turnabout. The examiner will evaluate your backing skills, use of mirrors and signals, steering and general control.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2mva.maryland.gov“The same skills needed for parallel parking are covered when you perform a “reverse two-point turn” during the driving course test you take to get your license.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Pull-in parking (10 ft by 20 ft space)

May be tested

How it’s scored

The driver's manual says you must be able to do pull-in parking in a 10' x 20' space during the test, testing how well you judge space, use mirrors and signals, steer, brake and control acceleration. The current MVA test page names only the reverse two-point turnabout as required and says you 'may be asked' to do other low-speed maneuvers, so treat this as possible, not certain.

Steps

Not officially described by MVA.

SourcesOfficial source 1mva.maryland.gov“The test starts with a closed course exercise. . You may be asked to complete maneuvers such as backing, turning, and other low-speed control exercises.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2mva.maryland.gov“You must be able to successfully perform pull-in parking, back-in parking, and a three-point turn during your driving test. The parking is done in a 10’ by 20’ space during the test, and the turn in a 16’ by 20’ space.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Back-in parking (10 ft by 20 ft space)

May be tested

How it’s scored

Listed in the driver's manual as a test maneuver done in a 10' x 20' space; also tests visual and backing skills. Not named as required on the current MVA test page.

Steps

Not officially described by MVA.

SourcesOfficial source 2mva.maryland.gov“You must be able to successfully perform pull-in parking, back-in parking, and a three-point turn during your driving test. The parking is done in a 10’ by 20’ space during the test, and the turn in a 16’ by 20’ space.”“how well you judge space, use mirrors and turn signals, steer, brake, and control your vehicle when accelerating. They also test your visual, backing, and general driving skills.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Three-point turn (16 ft by 20 ft space)

May be tested

How it’s scored

Listed in the driver's manual as a test maneuver done in a 16' x 20' space. Not named as required on the current MVA test page.

Steps

Not officially described by MVA.

SourcesOfficial source 2mva.maryland.gov“You must be able to successfully perform pull-in parking, back-in parking, and a three-point turn during your driving test. The parking is done in a 10’ by 20’ space during the test, and the turn in a 16’ by 20’ space.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Parallel parking

May be tested

How it’s scored

Not tested. The manual says parallel parking is no longer required; its skills are covered by the reverse two-point turn.

Steps

Not officially described by MVA.

SourcesOfficial source 2mva.maryland.gov“Parallel parking is no longer required when you take your driving test. However, you will learn about it in the MVA driving education course.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Skills the examiner watches the whole time

  • Obeying traffic signs and signals

    Checked on the public-road portion. Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“After passing the closed-course portion, you will drive on public roads. The examiner will evaluate your ability to: Obey traffic signs and signals Brake, steer and stop Maintain proper lane position”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Braking, steering and stopping

    Smooth control of the vehicle in traffic. Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“After passing the closed-course portion, you will drive on public roads. The examiner will evaluate your ability to: Obey traffic signs and signals Brake, steer and stop Maintain proper lane position”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Lane position

    Maintain proper lane position. Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“After passing the closed-course portion, you will drive on public roads. The examiner will evaluate your ability to: Obey traffic signs and signals Brake, steer and stop Maintain proper lane position”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Turns and lane changes with head and traffic checks

    Make safe turns and lane changes and use head and traffic checks. Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“Make safe turns and lane changes Use head and traffic checks Control speed, especially around curves Demonstrate awareness of traffic conditions and intersections”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Speed control

    Control speed, especially around curves. Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“Make safe turns and lane changes Use head and traffic checks Control speed, especially around curves Demonstrate awareness of traffic conditions and intersections”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Awareness at intersections and of traffic

    Demonstrate awareness of traffic conditions and intersections. Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“Make safe turns and lane changes Use head and traffic checks Control speed, especially around curves Demonstrate awareness of traffic conditions and intersections”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

If you fail the Maryland road test

Wait at least one business day, then schedule a new appointment. The MVA publishes no noncommercial retest fee or attempt limit (its fee schedule lists a $20 retest fee only for CDL skills tests). Official source 1mva.maryland.gov“If you do not pass: You must wait at least one business day before retesting You must schedule a new appointment Use the feedback provided to practice and improve before your next attempt.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Didn’t pass? What to do next, including the Maryland permit (knowledge) test retake rules.

Waivers and third-party testing

No third-party or driving-school testing for the Class C road test is published; the test is given by MVA examiners at MVA locations. Licensed out-of-country drivers must still pass vision, knowledge and skills tests plus a 3-hour roadway safety course. Official source 2mva.maryland.gov“You must make an appointment to take the driver’s skills test. To make an appointment, you can: • Visit mva.maryland.gov and click on “Make an Appointment,” or”“If you have a license from another country, you must successfully complete the following to get a Maryland license: • Vision screening. • Knowledge test. • Driving skills test.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Maryland road test questions

What is on the Maryland road test?

The MVA driving skills test is given by an MVA examiner in a vehicle you bring. It has two parts: a closed course at the MVA (including the required reverse two-point turnabout, which must be finished within three minutes) and a public-road drive. You must pass the closed course before going on the road; the test is stopped for any unsafe act or when too many basic driving errors build up. Maneuvers covered by official sources: Reverse two-point turnabout (back into a driveway or alley on the right), Pull-in parking (10 ft by 20 ft space), Back-in parking (10 ft by 20 ft space), Three-point turn (16 ft by 20 ft space), Parallel parking.

How is the Maryland driving test scored?

Two parts: closed course, then public road. You must pass the closed course to continue. The test is stopped immediately for any unsafe act (see automatic failures) or when too many basic driving errors are accumulated; the MVA does not publish a point value or error limit.

What is an automatic fail on the Maryland road test?

Official Maryland sources list these as automatic failures: Not wearing required glasses or contact lenses; Not properly fastening your seatbelt; Taking more than three minutes to complete the closed course exercise; Touching and moving a cone or flag on the course; Not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign; Not obeying signs, signals or any other traffic law; An avoidable crash, or contact with other vehicles, objects or pedestrians; Any unsafe act, or forcing another driver to take evasive action; Driving over sidewalks or curbs; Not following the examiner's verbal instructions; Impeding the flow of traffic unnecessarily; Taking both hands off the steering wheel while moving; and Examiner has to intervene physically or verbally to avoid a collision or unsafe act.

What do I need to bring to the Maryland road test?

Your valid learner's permit; Vehicle registration for the test vehicle; Proof of insurance; Signed Practice and Skills Log with certification page (if required); Verification of driver education completion (if applicable; driving schools submit it electronically); A supervising driver with a valid license, who drives you to the test site; and Out-of-country license holders: 3-hour Roadway Safety course certificate.

What are the vehicle requirements for the Maryland road test?

Valid registration with front and rear tags, plus the registration document; Valid proof of insurance; Safe, properly inflated tires with adequate tread; Working headlights, brake lights and turn signals; Working brakes, horn, mirrors, door handles and locks; Parking brake the examiner can reach; At least half a tank of gas; No windshield cracks that block the driver's view; No loose objects inside the vehicle; No serious dashboard warning lights (e.g. Check Engine, ABS/Brake); In wet or cold weather: windows that fully roll up, working heater and defroster, wipers, washers and washer fluid; Rental vehicles: your name must be on the rental agreement as an authorized driver; and Backup cameras may stay on, but you must still use mirrors and head checks.

When can I take the Maryland road test?

You need a valid, unexpired learner's permit, completed Maryland driver education, and a signed Practice and Skills Log (60 supervised hours, 10 at night; 14 hours, 3 at night, if 25 or older). The permit must be held without violations for 9 months if under 18, 3 months if 18 with a diploma/GED or 19-24, and 45 days if 25 or older. Type 2 permit holders (already licensed, new class) can test after 14 days. Appointments are required.

What happens if I fail the Maryland road test?

Wait at least one business day, then schedule a new appointment. The MVA publishes no noncommercial retest fee or attempt limit (its fee schedule lists a $20 retest fee only for CDL skills tests).

Can the Maryland road test be waived?

No third-party or driving-school testing for the Class C road test is published; the test is given by MVA examiners at MVA locations. Licensed out-of-country drivers must still pass vision, knowledge and skills tests plus a 3-hour roadway safety course.

Notes from our check

No official examiner score sheet or point schedule for the noncommercial skills test is published; the MVA says only that the test stops when 'too many basic driving errors' build up. Conflict on closed-course maneuvers: the Driver's Manual (mva.maryland.gov/media/148) says you must perform pull-in parking, back-in parking and a three-point turn, but the current Behind-the-Wheel Tests page names only the reverse two-point turnabout as required and says other low-speed maneuvers 'may' be asked. Recorded the turnabout as required and the other three as not confirmed (required: false). The older New Driver & Coach Practice Guide (RD-006) still says parallel parking is tested; the current manual says it is no longer required, so we follow the manual. Retest waits of 1 day / 7 days found on the MVA site apply to CDL skills tests only. Reverse two-point turnabout uses the 'reverse-two-point-turnabout' id, shared with other states' back-into-a-driveway turnabouts.

Sources

Every fact above links to one of these official pages. Checked October 4, 2026.

mva.maryland.gov

  1. behind wheel tests
  2. 148

regs.maryland.gov

  1. index.full

This guide summarizes official Maryland sources for study. It is not the test itself, and only a MVA examiner (or a tester the state licenses) can pass or fail you. Rules change; confirm with Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration before test day.

Maryland permit practice testsSupervised driving log