Maryland Driver’s Manual – Key Concepts

Question-and-Answer flashcards covering major rules, procedures, signs, safety practices, penalties, and special situations from the Maryland Driver’s Manual.

What three tests make up Maryland’s basic licensing requirements?

Vision screening, knowledge test, and driving skills test.

What are the minimum vision standards to qualify for a Maryland driver’s license?

Binocular vision, at least 20/40 visual acuity in each eye, and a continuous field of vision of at least 140°.

How many questions are on the Maryland knowledge test and how long do you have to complete it?

25 questions in 20 minutes.

Where can you find practice questions for the knowledge test?

The Online Driver Test Tutorial on the MVA website.

What documents must you bring when you first apply for a Maryland non-commercial (Class C) license?

Proof of age/full name, proof of lawful status, Social Security number (or proof of ineligibility), and two proofs of Maryland residency.

What is the Rookie Driver / Graduated Licensing System (GLS)?

Maryland’s step-by-step process that moves new drivers from a Learner’s Permit to a Provisional License and then to a full Driver’s License.

How long is a Type 1 Learner’s Instructional Permit valid?

Up to 2 years.

Minimum age to obtain a Maryland Learner’s Instructional Permit?

15 years and 9 months.

How many supervised practice hours must a permit holder under 25 log before taking the skills test?

60 hours (including 10 nighttime hours).

How many supervised practice hours are required if the permit holder is 25 or older?

14 hours (including 3 nighttime hours).

For applicants under 18, how long must the permit be held violation-free before getting a Provisional License?

At least 9 consecutive months.

What is a Provisional License?

An intermediate license allowing unsupervised driving with certain restrictions for at least 18 months before graduating to a full license.

At what age and after how long can a driver automatically graduate from Provisional to full license status?

At least 18 years old and after holding the Provisional License 18 months without violations.

Who must co-sign a minor’s (under 18) license application?

A parent, legal guardian, spouse 18 +, or other qualified adult (with proof).

What must out-of-country license holders complete to get a Maryland license?

Vision screening, knowledge test, driving skills test, and the 3-hour alcohol & drug education program (plus translations if not in English).

When should you turn on your headlights in Maryland?

Whenever you cannot clearly see at least 1,000 ft ahead, at night, in fog, rain, snow, or whenever windshield wipers are on.

When are high-beam headlights required to be dimmed for oncoming traffic?

Within 500 ft of an oncoming vehicle and within 300 ft when following a vehicle.

What following distance does MVA recommend under ideal conditions?

At least 3–4 seconds behind the vehicle in front.

What does a solid double yellow line mean?

Traffic flows in opposite directions and passing is prohibited in both directions.

What color and shape is an octagonal sign and what does it mean?

Red octagon – STOP.

What does a flashing red traffic signal indicate?

Treat it like a stop sign: come to a complete stop and proceed when clear.

What is the meaning of a yellow diamond-shaped sign?

General warning of hazards or conditions ahead.

What does a white rectangular regulatory sign usually indicate?

Traffic laws or regulations such as speed limits or lane usage.

Maryland’s minimum safe passing distance when overtaking a bicyclist?

At least 3 feet of clearance.

What is hydroplaning and how should you respond if it occurs?

Loss of tire contact with the road on a film of water; ease off the gas, do NOT brake, and steer straight until traction returns.

List three conditions when you should reduce speed below the posted limit.

Sharp curves/hills, slippery roads, areas with pedestrians or animals, heavy traffic, narrow bridges/tunnels, work zones, inclement weather.

Define ‘Right-of-Way.’

The legal right of one vehicle or pedestrian to proceed first in a particular situation; others must yield.

At a four-way stop, who goes first if two vehicles arrive simultaneously?

The driver on the right.

What is Maryland’s Move Over Law?

When approaching a stopped vehicle with flashing lights, move to a non-adjacent lane or, if unsafe, slow to a safe speed.

Penalty for first-time violation of the Move Over Law (no crash)?

$110 fine and 1 point on your driving record.

Maryland BAC level that constitutes Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

0.08 % or higher.

Can drivers under 21 have any alcohol in their system?

No. Any measurable alcohol can result in suspension or revocation.

What does ‘implied consent’ mean in Maryland?

By driving, you agree to submit to drug/alcohol testing when lawfully requested by an officer.

List two examples of aggressive driving.

Speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, ignoring signals, failing to yield, or illegal passing.

Give three common distractions that contribute to crashes.

Cell phone use/texting, eating/drinking, adjusting music or GPS, interacting with passengers, grooming, reaching for objects.

Maryland law on handheld cell phone use while driving?

Illegal; only hands-free use is allowed for drivers 18 +, except for 911 calls.

Define drowsy driving’s ‘danger signs.’

Frequent yawning, wandering thoughts, missing exits, lane drifting, difficulty keeping eyes open.

What vehicles must always stop at railroad crossings?

School buses, buses carrying passengers, and vehicles transporting hazardous materials.

How far must you stop from a school bus with flashing red lights?

At least 20 feet in front or behind, unless separated by a physical median.

What is the ‘No-Zone’ around large trucks?

Large blind spots in front, behind, and on both sides where the truck driver cannot see you.

When entering a roundabout, who has the right-of-way?

Traffic already circulating inside the roundabout.

List two things to do if fog severely limits visibility.

Reduce speed, use low-beam headlights (and fog lights if equipped), and if visibility is too poor, pull off safely and use flashers.

What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

Ease off the accelerator or brake, steer in the direction of the skid, look where you want to go, and brake only after traction returns.

Maryland seat-belt law requirement for drivers and passengers.

All occupants must wear a seat belt or appropriate child restraint.

Child restraint requirement for children under 8 years old.

Must ride in an appropriate child safety seat unless 4’9” or taller.

What does a yellow pennant-shaped sign indicate?

Start of a No-Passing Zone.

Meaning of a broken white line on the roadway.

Separates lanes of traffic moving in the same direction; lane changes permitted.

What must you do when an emergency vehicle approaches using siren and flashing lights?

Pull as close as possible to the edge of the road, clear intersections, and remain stopped until it passes.

What is Maryland’s recommended action when your vehicle becomes disabled on a highway?

Move to the shoulder or safe area, turn on flashers, stay in vehicle if safe; if exiting, move away from traffic behind a barrier.

Penalty for leaving the scene of a crash with serious injury.

License revocation plus up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine up to $5,000.

Minimum suspension for refusing a chemical alcohol test.

License suspension per MVA; refusing generally results in administrative suspension (length varies by offense).

Are earphones or earbuds allowed in both ears while driving in Maryland?

No; using headsets/earplugs in both ears while driving is prohibited (hearing aids allowed).

What does a steady yellow traffic light mean?

Signal is about to turn red; prepare to stop if you can do so safely.

When must you report certain medical conditions to the MVA?

At license application/renewal or when the condition is diagnosed, if it could affect safe driving.

Give two examples of reportable medical conditions.

Epilepsy/seizures, diabetes with recent low-blood-sugar episode, heart condition causing loss of consciousness, sleep apnea, etc.

What is required of a supervising driver for a learner’s permit holder?

At least 21 years old, licensed for 3 + years for the same class vehicle, seated beside the learner.

Define ‘work zone’ safety rule regarding speed.

Obey posted work-zone speed limits; fines are higher and speed cameras may be present.

What should you do when passing a horse-drawn or farm vehicle displaying a slow-moving emblem?

Reduce speed, be prepared to adjust position, and only pass when safe.

Why is tailgating especially dangerous behind buses and trucks?

Large rear No-Zone; the driver cannot see you, and you have less time to react if they stop.

When are you allowed to pass on the right?

If the vehicle ahead is turning left OR on roads with unobstructed lanes for two-way or one-way traffic where safe and legal.

List one limitation of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

May not function properly in rain, snow, fog, on sharp curves, or steep hills.

What should you always do before relying on ADAS features?

Remain alert, understand your vehicle’s specific systems via the owner’s manual, and maintain full control of the vehicle.

What is the fine for parking illegally in a disability parking space or blocking its access aisle?

Substantial fines (exact amounts vary) and possible citations for each violation, even with a placard if misuse occurs.

What items should an emergency car kit include?

Flares, flashlight & batteries, first-aid kit, blanket, kitty litter/sand, small shovel, ice scraper.

Minimum tire tread condition recommendation for safe inclement-weather driving?

Follow manufacturer guidelines; tread must be sufficient to maintain traction (replace worn tires).

Why must ramps and bridges be driven cautiously in winter?

They freeze before roadways and can re-freeze at night, creating hidden ice patches.

How far should you look ahead when driving defensively?

Continuously scan front, sides, and rear; search 20–30 seconds ahead for hazards.

What distinguishes a Class 3 electric bicycle?

Motor assists only while pedaling and stops at 28 mph.

What is the purpose of a Developmental Disability Disclosure Card?

Optionally informs law enforcement of communication needs during traffic stops; voluntary to carry.

What is the minimum safe distance to follow vehicles that stop often, such as buses or delivery vans?

Increase to 4–5 seconds or more.

Describe the correct steering action for a U-turn where legal.

Signal left, stop and yield to oncoming traffic, then turn into the far-right lane of the opposite direction.

When can drivers with a Provisional License under 18 drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unsupervised?

Only when traveling to/from work, school activity, volunteer program, or athletic event in which they are a participant.

How long is a Type 2 Learner’s Permit (for additional license class) valid?

Up to 180 days; skills test eligible after 14 days.

What is Maryland’s policy on open alcoholic containers in vehicles?

Illegal to have an open container in the passenger area of a vehicle.

What must you do before re-entering a lane after passing a vehicle?

Ensure both of the passed vehicle’s headlights are visible in your rear-view mirror.

What is the first thing to do after being stopped by police before the officer approaches?

Turn off engine, radio, lower window, keep seat belt fastened, and place hands in clear view on the steering wheel.

How should you position your seat relative to the steering wheel for air-bag safety?

Sit 10–12 inches back from the steering wheel.

What does a steady red arrow indicate?

Stop; turning in the arrow’s direction is prohibited until the arrow turns green unless signs permit right turn on red for right-pointing arrow.

Name two situations in which you must always call police after a crash.

If someone is injured, a driver appears impaired, a vehicle can’t be moved, a driver has no license, or public property is damaged.

What classifies an electric low-speed vehicle (scooter) in Maryland?

Operator only, <100 lbs, stand-on platform, handlebar steering, electric motor + human power, up to 20 mph.