Maryland Driver’s Manual – 200 Exam Prep Flashcards

A comprehensive set of 200 question-and-answer flashcards covering key concepts, rules, and safety practices from the Maryland Driver’s Manual to prepare for the knowledge and skills tests.

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

Vision screening, knowledge test, and driving skills test.

What minimum visual acuity must each eye meet to qualify for a Maryland license?

At least 20/40 vision in each eye.

What continuous field of vision is required for Maryland drivers?

A minimum continuous field of vision of 140 degrees.

How many questions are on the Maryland knowledge test?

25 questions.

How much time is allowed to complete the knowledge test?

20 minutes.

Where can you find Maryland’s Online Driver Test Tutorial?

On the MVA website at mva.maryland.gov/drivers.

What must you always wear when driving if you needed them to pass the vision screening?

Your corrective lenses (glasses or contacts).

What two documents prove Maryland residency when applying for a license?

Any two MVA-approved residency documents such as utility bills, lease, bank statement, etc.

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

Maryland’s step-by-step process of Learner’s Permit → Provisional License → Driver’s License.

At what minimum age can you apply for a Type 1 Learner’s Instructional Permit?

15 years and 9 months.

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

Up to 2 years.

What is the minimum age for a Type 2 Learner’s Instructional Permit?

16 years and 6 months.

How long is a Type 2 Learner’s Instructional Permit valid?

Up to 180 days.

How many supervised driving hours are required for permit holders under 25?

60 hours, including at least 10 nighttime hours.

How many supervised driving hours are required for permit holders 25 or older?

14 hours, including at least 3 nighttime hours.

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

At least 9 months.

For applicants aged 18 with a diploma or 19–24, how long must they hold a permit violation-free?

At least 3 months.

How long must you hold a Provisional License before it converts to a Driver’s License?

At least 18 months.

What is the minimum age to receive a full Maryland Driver’s License?

18 years old.

What nighttime hours are restricted for unsupervised Provisional drivers?

12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., with limited exceptions.

For the first 151 days, who may NOT ride with a Provisional license holder under 18 (without supervision)?

Passengers under 18 who are not immediate family members.

How old must a supervising driver be?

At least 21 years old.

How long must a supervising driver have been licensed?

For at least 3 years in the same class of vehicle.

What is the recommended minimum following distance under ideal conditions?

3 to 4 seconds behind the vehicle ahead.

When should you use low-beam headlights?

At night on lighted roads, in fog, rain, snow, or when approaching another vehicle within 500 ft.

What speed law applies when Maryland roads are wet, icy, or visibility is poor?

You must drive at a reasonable and prudent speed for existing conditions, even below the posted limit.

What does a single broken white line indicate?

Lanes moving in the same direction where lane changes are permitted.

What does a double solid yellow line mean?

Traffic in opposite directions; passing is prohibited in either direction.

What shape is a stop sign?

Octagon (8-sided).

What color on traffic signs indicates construction zones?

Orange.

What must drivers do at a flashing red traffic signal?

Come to a complete stop and proceed when the way is clear.

What is the hand signal for a left turn by a bicyclist?

Left arm extended straight out.

What is Maryland’s legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 or older?

.08 BAC.

How much space must you leave when passing a bicycle in Maryland?

At least 3 feet.

What is the penalty for not moving over or slowing for stopped emergency vehicles?

A misdemeanor: $110 fine and 1 point (higher if crash or injury results).

What should you do if your vehicle begins to hydroplane?

Ease off the gas, do NOT brake, and steer straight until you regain traction.

How many feet before an oncoming vehicle must you dim high beams?

At least 500 feet.

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

Traffic already in the roundabout.

What is the minimum stopping distance from a school bus with red lights flashing?

At least 20 feet from the front or rear of the bus.

What distance should you see a bicycle’s required red reflector at night?

600 feet.

Under Maryland’s Move Over law, what must drivers do when approaching any stopped vehicle displaying flashing lights?

Move to a non-adjacent lane or slow to a safe speed if unable to move over.

What is the first thing to do if you are involved in a crash with injuries?

Call 911 immediately and stay at the scene.

What must you carry in your vehicle at all times to show proof of insurance?

A valid insurance identification card (paper or electronic).

How many seconds of following distance are recommended behind buses or trucks that stop frequently?

Four to five seconds, or more if needed.

What does a flashing yellow traffic signal indicate?

Slow down and proceed with caution.

What type of driver assistance technology automatically applies brakes to avoid a collision?

Automatic Emergency Braking (an ADAS feature).

When driving on snow or ice, what is the safest general rule for speed?

Slow down; there is no completely safe speed on snow or ice.

How soon before turning should you signal in normal driving conditions?

At least 100 feet before the turn.

Where should yellow pavement markings be in relation to your vehicle?

On your left side, separating opposite directions of travel.

What is Maryland’s seat belt law for drivers and passengers?

All occupants must be buckled or in an approved child seat.

Children under what age must ride in a child safety seat unless 4' 9" tall?

Under age 8.

What should you do if traffic signals at an intersection are completely dark?

Treat it as an all-way stop: stop and yield appropriately before proceeding.

Which vehicles are required to stop at all railroad crossings, even if no train is visible?

Buses, school buses, and trucks carrying hazardous materials.

What is the penalty for leaving the scene of a crash with serious injury in Maryland?

License revocation, up to 5 years in prison, and up to a $5,000 fine.

What is considered distracted driving?

Any activity that takes your eyes, hands, or mind away from driving.

Is it legal for drivers under 18 to use hands-free cell phones while driving?

No, only for a 911 emergency call.

How should you steer if your vehicle starts to skid?

Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go (the direction of the skid).

What distance ahead should you use your headlights when visibility is limited?

Whenever you cannot clearly see at least 1,000 feet ahead.

On a two-lane road, when is passing prohibited by pavement markings?

When the solid yellow line is on your side or there are double solid yellow lines.

What does a pennant-shaped sign indicate?

The start of a no-passing zone.

What are Maryland’s minimum practice hours at night for permit holders under 25?

At least 10 nighttime hours.

How long must you hold a permit if you are 25 or older before taking the skills test?

At least 45 days.

What must you do if you damage an unattended vehicle and cannot locate the owner?

Leave a note with contact information and report what happened.

What is the shape and color of a regulatory speed limit sign?

Vertical rectangle, black letters on a white background.

When entering an interstate, what two roadway parts help you match traffic speed?

The entrance ramp and the acceleration lane.

What should you do when exiting an interstate highway?

Move to the right lane early and decelerate in the deceleration lane.

What does a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) sign mean?

Only vehicles with the minimum required occupants may use that lane during posted hours.

What are the four ‘No-Zones’ around large trucks?

Side no-zones, rear no-zone, front no-zone, and backing-up no-zone.

When must headlights be turned on in inclement weather?

Whenever windshield wipers are in continuous use.

How far ahead should you dim high beams when following another vehicle?

When within 300 feet of the vehicle ahead.

What document can developmentally disabled drivers voluntarily carry for communication with law enforcement?

A Developmental Disability Disclosure Card.

What does a flashing red arrow mean?

Stop, then proceed in the arrow’s direction when the way is clear.

What is the minimum tire tread condition recommendation for safe wet-weather driving?

Adequate tread depth per manufacturer and vehicle guidelines (replace worn tires).

What does Maryland’s open container law prohibit?

Driving with an open alcohol container in the passenger area of the vehicle.

If your license is suspended, when does the suspension period begin?

When the MVA receives your surrendered license.

How must you secure a child safety seat in a vehicle?

According to both the seat manufacturer’s instructions and your vehicle manual.

What is the safest seating position for children under 13 years old?

Properly restrained in a rear seat.

What steering wheel distance is recommended between the driver’s chest and the wheel with an air bag?

About 10–12 inches.

What is the minimum passing clearance Maryland law requires around a bicyclist?

Three feet.

What lane position should you maintain in normal two-way traffic if not passing?

Keep to the right of the center of the road.

When may you pass on the right?

When the other vehicle is turning left or on a road with two or more lanes in the same direction.

What should you do if an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren?

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

What should you do before opening your car door after parking on a street?

Check mirrors and traffic for bicyclists and vehicles, then open carefully.

What is the proper hand signal for slowing or stopping?

Left arm bent downward at the elbow, hand pointing down.

When is it legal to drive on the shoulder to pass?

Never; passing on the shoulder is prohibited.

What do orange work-zone signs require drivers to do?

Stay alert, obey posted speed limits, and prepare for unexpected conditions.

During fog, which headlights should you use?

Low-beam headlights (and fog lights if equipped).

What safety equipment should every bicycle have when ridden at night?

A white front headlight visible 500 ft and a red rear reflector visible 600 ft.

What distance from a railroad crossing is passing prohibited when your view is obstructed?

Within 100 feet.

What two forms of communication must an interpreter show when assisting a customer at the MVA?

Valid photo identification and presence on the MVA approved interpreter list.

What is the maximum fine for a first offense of littering on Maryland roads?

Up to $1,500 or 30 days in prison.

Who has the right-of-way at a ‘T’ intersection where you are on the terminating road?

Traffic on the through road (the top of the ‘T’).

What type of line marks the right edge of a divided highway?

A single solid white line.

What is Maryland’s implied consent law?

Drivers agree to drug or alcohol testing when lawfully detained for suspected impairment.

What devices are drivers prohibited from wearing in both ears?

Headsets, earphones, or earplugs (except hearing aids).

What must you do before making a U-turn?

Check signs, signal, yield to oncoming traffic, and turn from the proper lane only where legal.

What does the anti-lock braking system (ABS) allow you to do?

Maintain steering control during hard braking.

What is the penalty for using a disability placard without the disabled person present?

A citation and significant fine for illegal use.

What is a safe response if you feel drowsy while driving?

Pull off the road to rest or change drivers; do not continue driving tired.

How many points are assessed for violating the Move Over Law if a crash occurs?

Three points.