Knowledge Tests
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This page explains how to get ready for the knowledge test you must pass to get your Maryland driver’s permit.
What's included in the knowledge test?
The knowledge test checks what you know about:
- Maryland traffic laws
- Road signs
- Safe driving rules
How to prepare for the knowledge test
Step 1: Study the Maryland Driver’s Manual
The knowledge test questions come from the Maryland Driver’s Manual. You should review the manual carefully before test day.
Make sure you understand:
Traffic signs
- Shapes (octagon, triangle, circle, etc.)
- Meanings (stop, yield, speed limits, warnings)
Road rules
- Right-of-way rules
- Safe following distances
- Turn and lane-use rules
Safe driving practices
- How to adjust for weather conditions
- How to handle intersections
- The effects of alcohol and drugs on driving
Studying these topics will help you do well on the test.
Step 2: Take practice tests (optional)
Practice tests are not required, but they can help you feel more confident and get familiar with the types of questions you'll see on the knowledge test.
If practice tests or tutorials are available, use them to review what you studied.
Step 3: Arrive prepared on test day
On test day, be ready to:
- Show your learner’s permit application (if applicable)
- Show any required identification
- Follow instructions from the MVA testing staff
- Take your test at an MVA office location
Make sure you arrive early so you have time to check in and get ready.
Accommodations are available
If you have a disability that makes testing difficult, contact the MVA in advance so they can help you with accommodations for:
- Hearing or vision impairments
- Reading or comprehension needs
The MVA will provide support options to help ensure fair testing for everyone.
What happens during the knowledge test
The knowledge test is multiple-choice. You will select answers based on what you studied in the driver’s manual. Follow all instructions carefully
There is a time limit for completing the test.
You must get a minimum percentage of correct answers to pass.
If you don’t pass the knowledge test
If you fail the knowledge test, you may retake it the next day.
Take your time to understand the areas you missed before retesting.
Once you pass the knowledge test
- Your permit will be mailed to you.
- You may schedule your driving skills test once you meet requirements. Visit the Teens & New Drivers page for more information.
- You can begin practicing for the Behind-the-Wheel Skills test.
Keep your test results and permit on hand for your other appointments.
Frequently asked questions
Knowledge Tests FAQ
The knowledge test you need depends on the type of license you are applying for.
- Noncommercial driver'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
Need help or more information?
Visit the Teens & New Drivers or contact us.