Prepare for a Driver's License Test

The knowledge test you need depends on the type of license you are applying for.

• Noncommercial d​river's license - Includes learner's permit and provisional license applicants.  A sample knowledge test is available online.
• Commercial driver's license (CDL) - Includes commercial learner's permit applicants

The knowledge test for a noncommercial driver's license varies depending on the class of license or permit you are applying for. Here's what to expect.

Number of questions

• Class C, Class M, and Moped Permit: 25 questions
• Class A and Class B: 20 questions

Time limit and passing score

• You have 20 minutes to complete the test
• You must score 88% or higher to pass

Test format

Tests are usually administered on a computer.  

Languages offered

The noncommercial Class C knowledge test is available in the following languages: English, Spanish, American Sign Language, ​Amharic (Afro-Asiatic language), Arabic, Chinese (Traditional), Farsi, French, Hindi, Korean, Nepali, Portuguese, Russian, Tagalog, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Yoruba (West Africa).  The Maryland Drivers' Manual is available online in these languages.​ The Maryland Driver's Manual is also available online in these languages.

Spoken language interpreters are permitted for noncommercial license tests. 

The version of the test you receive depends on the class of license (A, B, or C) you are applying for.

Test format and language

• Tests are given on a computer in English and Spanish only
• Computer-assisted audio tests are available without an appointment
• Oral tests are given in English only by an MVA agent and require an appointment

Required tests

All applicants must first pass the CDL General Knowledge Test. Depending on what you plan to drive, you may also need to pass additional tests:

• Class A license: CDL Combination Vehicle Test
• Vehicles with air brakes: CDL Air Brakes Test
• Vehicles requiring placards: HAZMAT Test
• School buses, passenger vehicles, tankers, or double/triples: applicable endorsement test

Upgrading your permit or adding endorsements

If you have a valid CDL learner's permit and you upgrade your license class, add endorsements, or remove the "L" No Air Brake Vehicles restriction, you must wait at least 14 days from the date your corrected permit is issued before you can take a skills test in the newly added class or endorsement vehicle.

The applicant must wait a minimum of fourteen (14) days from the date the corrected permit is issued before they are eligible to take a skills test in the upgraded permit if they choose to test in the newly added class test vehicle or endorsement.

There is no MVA fee for taking a knowledge test.  Fees are associated with the cost of issuing the learners/license.

If you request to have a spoken language interpreter, the MVA does not pay the interpreter fee (fees charged by the interpreter are arranged between the interpreter are arranged between applicant and interpreter.)

If you are hearing impaired, the MVA will pay the interpreter fee and set up the test appointment for you.  Please contact the MVA Customer Service Center for additional information.

If you fail a knowledge test, you can schedule an appointment at a branch office or through the MVA website to retake it.

You may retest the next business day after failing for the first time, if an appointment is available

After failing two or more times, you must wait at least seven calendar days before retesting — this applies to all noncommercial and commercial knowledge tests

All knowledge and skills test passing scores are valid for a maximum of six (6) months.

You must retake the test and submit a new application if:

• You passed the knowledge test but were not issued a learner's permit
• You passed the knowledge test but did not pass the skills test, or passed the skills test but were not issued a driver's license
• Your learner's permit expired before being converted to a driver's license
• Your learner's permit has not expired but you want to apply for a new permit
• Your license has been expired for one year or more
• You are transferring an out-of-country license and passed the required tests, but did not obtain a driver's license

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.

Spoken language interpreters: MVA allows approved interpreters during the behind-the-wheel driving test at your expense. Visit the Accessibility & Accommodations page for the list of approved interpreters.

Sign language interpreters: If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may request a sign language interpreter at no cost. Call 410-768-7000 or 1-800-492-4575 (TTY) to request one for your driving test. 

New drivers must have successfully completed an approved driver education course. The Maryland driving school will electronically submit verification of completion. 

New drivers must also present the completed skills practice log and completed certification page along with your unexpired Maryland learner’s instructional permit. 

Out of country license holders must present a 3-hour Roadway Safety course certificate.

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

You will be tested in the conditions present unless the MVA closes for safety reasons. If the MVA needs to close due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you will be contacted to reschedule.

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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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

You will be asked to drive past an area that represents a driveway or alley. Follow these steps:

1. Back your vehicle into the designated area on your right until the front of your vehicle clears the front set of cones.
2. 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. 

Yes, backup cameras and other standard vehicle safety features may remain active. However, you must demonstrate proper use of mirrors and head checks.

You need to have a valid learner’s permit to take your test. If you forget it, you can reschedule your test or obtain a duplicate permit at the MVA before your test.

Be sure you have all the documents you need for identity, Maryland residency, including proof of relationship to your parent/guardian. You can either use the myMVA Online Document Guide or the list you receive when you schedule your appointment.