Maryland Driver's Manual Notes

Driving Tests Requirements

  • To get a driver's license, one must pass licensing requirements, including a vision screening, knowledge test, and driving skills test.

Vision Screening

  • Requires binocular vision, visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, and a continuous field of vision of at least 140 degrees.

  • If glasses or contacts are needed to meet vision requirements, they must be worn while driving.

Knowledge Test

  • Checks understanding of motor vehicle laws, safe driving practices, and traffic signs.

  • The test consists of 25 questions and must be completed within 20 minutes at an MVA location.

Driving Skills Test

  • Assesses the ability to drive safely and responsibly on public roads and a special course.

  • The vehicle used for the test must have up-to-date license plates and registration and proof of insurance and be safe to drive with at least a half tank of gas.

  • A supervising driver must accompany the applicant to the test site and only the applicant, the examiner, and an approved interpreter are allowed in the vehicle.

Reportable Medical Conditions

  • The MVA must be informed of any medical condition that could affect the ability to drive.

Licensing Requirements and Process

  • The process to get a noncommercial driver’s license is called the Rookie Driver/Graduated Driver Licensing System (GLS).

Learner's Instructional Permit

  • A Type 1 Learner’s Instructional Permit is for those who have never had a noncommercial driver’s license and lasts up to 2 years.

  • A Type 2 Learner’s Instructional Permit is for those who already have a driver’s license and want a different class of driver’s license; it lasts for up to 180 days.

  • Applicants younger than 25 must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply, and those under 18 require a parent or legal guardian to co-sign the application.

  • Applicants must complete the Maryland Driver Education Program and practice driving for at least 60 hours

  • Applicants 25 years old and older must complete the Maryland Driver Education Program and complete at least 14 practice hours with a supervising driver.

  • The permit must be held for a minimum amount of time before being eligible for a Provisional License, depending on age and driving record.

Provisional License

  • Issued to new drivers who have never held a driver’s license and permits driving without supervision but with restrictions.

  • Must hold a Provisional Driver’s License for at least 18 months before being eligible for a regular Driver’s License.

  • Requirements include completing a Maryland-approved driver education program, holding a Learner’s Instructional Permit without violations for the required time, and passing the driving skills test.

Driver's License

  • The last stage of the Graduated Driver Licensing System, requiring the applicant to be at least 18 years of age, have held a Provisional License for at least 18 months, and have no moving violations within the past 18 months.

Co-Signer of Minor's Application for a License

  • Minors must have a parent or legal guardian co-sign their license application.

  • The co-signer may cancel a minor’s license by submitting a written request to the MVA.

Out-of-Country Licenses

  • Individuals with a license from another country must complete a vision screening, knowledge test, driving skills test, and a three-hour alcohol and drug education program.

  • If the license is not in English, a translation is required.

Equity for All Customers

  • The MVA provides accommodations for foreign language customers including documents and tests in other languages, and the use of interpreters.

  • Accommodations are also available for customers with disabilities, such as additional time for testing, sign language support, oral testing, and visual aids.

Basic Driving

Drive Defensively

  • Drivers should control their vehicles at all times to avoid crashes.

  • Constantly observe surroundings to anticipate potential problems and drive more safely.

Right-of-Way

  • Right-of-way rules dictate when drivers should yield to others, including vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians.

  • Never assume you automatically have the right-of-way and always consider the situation and circumstances.

Understanding Vehicle Speed

  • The posted speed limit is the maximum legal speed under ideal conditions, and drivers are responsible for driving at a safe speed.

  • Adjust speed to adverse conditions such as sharp curves, slippery roads, heavy traffic, and other potentially hazardous situations.

Following Distance

  • Maintain a minimum following distance of 3 to 4 seconds under ideal driving conditions.

  • Increase the distance when following vehicles that stop often or in adverse conditions.

Stopping Distance

  • Stopping distance depends on various factors, including reaction time, road conditions, tire treads, and vehicle brakes.

Lane Driving

  • Drive within a single lane and avoid switching lanes until it is safe to do so.

  • Keep the vehicle to the right of the center of the road unless passing or otherwise necessary.

Turning

  • Turn signals should be used to indicate turns, after checking for signs or signals and ensuring it is safe to turn.

U-Turn

  • U-turns are dangerous and not legal everywhere; check to see if they are allowed before proceeding.

Passing

  • When passing, estimate the time and space needed, use turn signals, leave plenty of space, and ensure both headlights of the passed vehicle are visible in the rear-view mirror before returning to the original lane.

General Parking Rules

  • Park in designated areas, away from traffic, and as close to the curb as possible.

  • Always set the parking brake, place the vehicle in gear or ‘park’, and take the car keys when leaving the vehicle.

Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

Traffic Signals

Traffic signals that regulate, warn, and guide traffic must be obeyed.

  • Steady Red Signal
    Come to a complete stop at the stop line. Unless a sign prohibits turning on red, after coming to a complete stop, you may turn right, or turn left from a one-way street to another one-way street.

  • Steady Yellow Signal
    This means that the signal is changing from green to red. If you are too close to the intersection to stop safely, carefully continue through the intersection.

  • Steady Green Signal
    Proceed with caution after you have checked first to see that no other vehicles are in the intersection. You must yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.

  • Steady Red Arrow Signal
    If you want to go in the direction the arrow is pointing to, come to a complete stop before reaching the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection. Remain stopped as long as the arrow signal is red.

  • Steady Yellow Arrow Signal
    This means that permission to turn in the direction of the arrow is ending. You should slow down and proceed with caution.

  • Steady Green Arrow Signal
    Proceed with caution in the direction the arrow points. Remember that you must yield to all pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.

  • Flashing Red Signal
    Come to a complete stop at the stop line. Yield to all other traffic and pedestrians. Proceed when the way is clear.

  • Flashing Yellow Signal
    You must slow down and proceed with caution.

  • Flashing Red Arrow Signal
    Come to a complete stop before reaching the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection. Yield to all other traffic and pedestrians. Proceed in the direction of the arrow when the way is clear.

  • Lane Use Signals
    You must never drive in a lane under a red “X” signal.You may drive in a lane under a green arrow signal.A steady yellow “X” signal means you should move out of the lane as soon as you safely can. A flashing yellow “X” signal or two-way left-turn arrows mean you can use the lane for a left turn.

Traffic Signs

  • Traffic signs use symbols and words to communicate information and are quickly identified by their shapes and colors.

Colors:

  • Red: Stop, yield, do not enter, or wrong way.

  • Yellow: General warning of what to expect ahead.

  • White: Speed limit, keep right, and some guide signs.

  • Orange: Construction and maintenance work area warning.

  • Green: Destinations, distances, and directions.

  • Blue: Services like food, gas, and rest area signs.

  • Brown: Recreation and cultural interest areas.

  • Fluorescent Yellow-Green: School, pedestrian and bicycle signs.

  • Fluorescent Pink: Emergency traffic incidents.

  • Black: One Way signs and signs that change messages.

Shapes:

  • Octagon: Stop

  • Triangle: Yield

  • Diamond: Warning

  • Pennant: No Passing

  • Rectangle: Regulatory or Guide

  • Pentagon: School Zone and School Crossing

  • Round: Railroad Warning

  • Crossbuck: Highway—Rail Grade Crossing

  • Trapezoid: Recreation and cultural interest areas and National Forest Routes

Pavement Markings

  • Pavement markings are lines on the road that provides guidance and information without requiring you to look away from the road.

Types of Line Markings:

  • Single Broken - White: Separates lanes where all traffic is going in the same direction, and crossing from one lane to the other is permitted.

  • Single Broken - Yellow: Separates lanes where vehicles are traveling in opposite directions, and passing with care is permitted in either direction.

  • Single Solid - White: Marks the right edge of the road. Also separates lanes where all vehicles are going in the same direction, but lane changing is discouraged.

  • Single Solid - Yellow: Marks left edge lines on divided highways, one-way roads, and ramps.

  • Double (side-by-side) Broken - Yellow: Marks the edges of reversible lanes.

  • Double (side-by-side) Solid - White: Separates lanes where all traffic is going in the same direction and you are not allowed to change lanes.

  • Double (side-by-side) Solid - Yellow: Separates lanes where traffic is going in opposite directions and passing is not allowed in either direction.

  • Solid plus Broken - Yellow: Used on two-way roads where passing is permitted in only one direction.

  • Single Dotted– Yellow or White: Continues lane lines through intersections.

Other Pavement Markings:

  • Stop Line: White, solid line that shows where a vehicle must stop for a STOP sign or red traffic signal.

  • Yield Lines: Rows of small triangles across the lane that show where a vehicle must yield to other vehicles or pedestrians.

Driving Situations and Conditions

Driving in Reduced Visibility

  • Use the lines on the edge of the road or the right side of the road as a guide.

  • Yellow pavement markings should never be on your right side; white pavement markings mark the right edge of the road.

  • Headlights must be used anytime there is not enough light to clearly see at least 1,000 feet in front of the vehicle or when using windshield wipers in inclement weather.

Low Beam Headlights:

  • Driving in normal driving situations, like driving at night on a road with streetlights.

  • Driving in fog, rain, snow, etc.

  • Entering a tunnel or construction area.

High Beam Headlights:

  • Change to low beams at least 500 feet before reaching vehicles coming toward you.

  • Change to low beams when following a vehicle that is 300 feet or less in front of you.

Driving at Night

  • Avoid staring into the headlights of oncoming traffic and increase the distance between the vehicle and the one in front.

Driving in Fog

  • Reduce normal driving speed, use low beam headlights and fog lights if available, and pull completely off the road to a safe location if the fog is too thick to drive safely.

Driving in Inclement Weather

  • Wet roads can be slippery, reducing traction and increasing the chances of a crash; inclement weather requires more concentration and preparation.
    Suggestions:

  • Keep a safe distance.

  • Reduce speed.

  • Make sure use headlights.

  • Make sure tires have good tread.

  • Avoid slamming brakes.

  • Avoid jerking the steering wheel or quickly changing speed.

Driving on Snow/Ice:

  • Slow down.

  • Keep windows and lights clear.

  • Start very slowly, then test your brakes gently to find out how well you can stop.

  • Start slowing down long before you come to an intersection or turn.

  • Keep gas tank and windshield washer fluid full.
    Emergency Kit Supplies:

  • Flares.

  • Flashlight and batteries.

  • First aid kit.

  • Blanket.

  • Kitty litter or sand (for traction on snow and ice).

  • Small shovel and ice scraper.

Skidding

  • If the vehicle begins to skid, release the accelerator or brake pedal, steer in the direction of the skid, look where you want the vehicle to go, and press on the brake pedal only after regaining traction.

Hydroplaning

  • If hydroplaning occurs take foot off the gas, do not apply your brakes, and keep the vehicle going straight until control is regained.

Highway-Railroad Crossings

  • Use extra caution, look for other vehicles stopping, and watch for trains at any time.

  • Stop if gates are down or warning lights are flashing and never start to cross the tracks unless you can get completely over before the train comes.

Work Zone Safety

  • Be prepared for unexpected conditions. Orange is the color for work zones.

Safety Rules:

  • Stay alert – make safety your first priority.

  • Watch your speed – obey posted speed limits and be aware that there may be speed cameras.

  • Expect the unexpected – work zone conditions change constantly so be ready to react.
    Minimize distractions – avoid using cell phones, changing radio stations, and other distractions.

  • Flashing blue lights in a work zone means there are workers present. Pay close attention. obey work zone signs, slow down and watch for workers.
    Respect others – merge carefully, do not tailgate, and don’t change lanes unless you have to.

  • Obey the flagger’s directions.

Traffic Circles (Roundabouts)

  • Yield to traffic already in the circle, reduce speed, keep to the right of the island, and watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Interstate Driving and Limited Access Highways

  • Use the entrance ramp to get to the highway, and use the acceleration lane to adjust speed to the flow of traffic.

  • Move to the right lane well before reaching your exit and start slowing down as soon as you enter the deceleration lane.

Funeral Processions

  • Turn on headlights and flashing hazard lights and other vehicles must yield the right-of-way.

Slow Moving Vehicles

  • Be constantly aware of any vehicles that might be traveling at a much slower speed.
    Change your vehicle’s speed and position if necessary.

  • Only pass the slow-moving vehicle when it is safe to do so.

Dangerous Driving Behaviors

Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving

  • Alcohol and drugs impair the ability to drive, and Maryland considers drivers to be driving under the influence of alcohol when their blood alcohol concentration is .08 or higher.

  • It is against the law to drive with an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of the vehicle.

  • Illegal drugs, some prescription medications, and chemical inhalants can severely affect your ability to drive safely.

  • If you are convicted of a drunk or drugged driving offense with a child in your vehicle, the judge can double your fine and jail time.

Aggressive Driving and Road Rage

  • Aggressive driving includes speeding, tailgating, ignoring traffic signals, making unsafe lane changes, not yielding the right-of-way, and unsafe or illegal passing.

Tips to reduce the possibility of becoming involved in an aggressive driving incident are:

  • Allow extra time to travel.

  • Be patient.

  • Be courteous.

  • Focus on your driving behavior.

  • Always signal your intentions. (Let other drivers know what you plan to do by using turn signals, etc.)

  • Obey all traffic laws, signs, signals, and pavement markings.

  • Yield the right-of-way.
    Avoid competing with other drivers.

Distracted Driving

  • “Distracted driving” is when you take your eyes, hands or especially your mind, away from driving. Distracted driving causes more crashes that are reported to the police than anything else.

  • It is illegal to use a hand-held cell phone, including texting, while driving.

  • If you are under 18 years old, you may not use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. The only exception is that you may use it to make a 911 emergency call.

Drowsy Driving

  • Sleepiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness, and impairs judgment, just like drugs or alcohol.

  • If you become tired or sleepy while driving, it is best to rest or change drivers.

Danger Signs for Drowsy Drivers

  • Your eyes close or go out of focus.

  • You have trouble keeping your head up.

  • You can’t stop yawning.

  • You have wandering, disconnected thoughts.

  • You don’t remember driving the last fewmiles.

  • You missed your exit.

  • You keep driving out of your lane.

  • You keep changing your speed.

Sharing the Road

Pedestrian Right-of-Way

  • Pedestrians have the right-of-way at street crossings but must obey traffic control signals.

  • When there is no traffic signal, you must stop for pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
    You must yield to pedestrians when turning on a green signal.

  • You must yield to pedestrians when turning on a red signal is permitted after stopping.

  • You may not pass any vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk.

Emergency Vehicles

  • Emergency vehicles have the right-of-way when using their sirens and flashing lights.

  • Immediately move as close as possible to the edge of the road and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.

  • If approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped on the road, you must move to a lane that is not immediately adjacent to the stopped vehicle or slow down to a safe speed.

Large Trucks and Buses

  • Trucks make wide turns at intersections and need more space than cars, never cut in front of a truck.

No-Zones:

  • Side No-Zones:
    Trucks and buses have blind spots on both sides. If you cannot see the driver’s face in their side-view mirror, they cannot see you.

  • Rear No-Zones:
    Avoid tailgating (driving too close behind the vehicle in front of you). The truck or bus driver cannot see your car back there.

  • Front No-Zones:
    Do not move in front of a truck or bus too soon after passing it. Truck and bus drivers need almost twice as much time and room to stop as cars.
    Backing Up No- Zones
    Never cross behind a truck that is backing up. Truck drivers do not have a rear-view mirror and may not see you

School Buses

  • Drivers must stop for school buses with flashing red lights on, at least 20 feet from the back or front of the bus, and may not start moving again until the bus starts moving or turns off its flashing red lights.

Motorcycles

  • Motorcyclists have the same rights and privileges as any other driver on the road.

  • Look twice before changing lanes or merging into traffic. Use your mirrors and look over your shoulder to be sure it is safe before merging or changing lanes. Don't share a lane with a motorcycle.

Bicycles

  • Bicycles are vehicles, according to Maryland law. Bicyclists are allowed to use the road and must obey all traffic signals. But bicyclists are harder to see, quieter, and don’t have a protective barrier around them like a motor vehicle.

Expect Bicyclists on the Road

  • On all types of roads (except interstate highways, and bridges and tunnels with tolls).

  • At intersections and traffic circles.

  • In all kinds of weather.

  • At all times of the day and night.

Pass with Care - Give Bikes at Least 3 Feet

  • Pass a bicyclist like you would any slow-moving vehicle. Be prepared to slow down and wait until oncoming traffic is clear. Then leave at least 3 feet between your vehicle and the bicycle when passing Use low beam headlights when approaching a bicycle.

Mopeds and Scooters

  • Drivers of mopeds and motor scooters must follow all traffic laws.

Understanding Vehicle Technologies

  • “Advanced Driver Assistance Systems” (ADAS) vehicle technologies are features that make driving safer, it is designed to assist you with driving tasks like: staying in your lane, reducing blind spots, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, avoiding crashes, and parking.

  • Do not rely on ADAS to fully operate your vehicle because it has limitations and may not work properly in rain, snow, fog, on hills, and around curves

Crashes and Traffic Stops

Crashes

  • Whenever you are in a crash, put on your emergency flashers or flares to warn other drivers.

If you are involved in a crash where someone has been injured, including a pedestrian or bicyclist, you must remain at the scene.
If there are no injuries, but your vehicle cannot move: Call 911 immediately,
If there are no injuries and your vehicle can move: Move your vehicle off the road as close as possible to where the crash occurred.

You must always call the police when:

  • Someone has been injured.

  • A vehicle cannot be moved.

  • A driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  • A driver does not have a license.

  • A driver tries to leave the scene without giving you insurance and other important information.

  • Public property has been damaged.

Roadside Emergencies

  • Move the vehicle to the shoulder, stay buckled, and warn other drivers by put on your emergency flashers or flares.

  • If it is not safe or possible to remain in your vehicle, watch what is happening around you and pick the safest time for everyone to get out. Do not stand near the vehicle., Instead, move quickly away from the road.

Traffic Stops

  • If a law enforcement officer stops you:

  • Pull off to the side of the road as far away from traffic as possible. Turn on your flashers.

  • Turn off your engine and radio.

  • Roll down your window so you can communicate with the officer.

  • Stay in your vehicle and keep your seat belt fastened.

  • Keep your hands in plain view – on the steering wheel is best. Do not make any movement that will make the officer think you are hiding or reaching for something.

  • If the officer issues you a citation, do not argue with the officer about the citation. You will have your chance to make your case if you go to court.

Move Over Law

  • In Maryland, you must move over when approaching any vehicles while they are stopped, standing, or parked on a road with its lights flashing. If it is not safe or possible to move over, you must slow down to a safe speed.

Other Restrictions, Violations, and Penalties

Restrictions

Driving a motor vehicle in violation of restriction(s) is a serious offense. You could lose your driving privileges.

For graduated license holders under 18 years old:

  • Seat Belt Restriction
    You must always use a safety belt if you have a Provisional License.. All passengers must use safety belts or child safety seats.

  • Passenger Restriction
    If you have a Provisional License and are under the age of 18, you may not drive unsupervised with passengers under the age of 18 for the first 151 days unless they are immediate family members.

  • Nighttime Restriction
    If you have a Provisional License, you are allowed to drive unsupervised between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m., ONLY if you are driving to, from, or during your job, driving to or from an organized volunteer program, driving to or from an official school activity, or driving to or from an athletic event or related training session you are participating in.

  • Wireless Device Restriction
    If you have a Provisional License or a Learner’s Permit, you may not use any wireless communication device (including a hands-free phone) while driving.

Drug and Alcohol Test – Implied Consent

  • If a police officer has reason to believe that you are driving while impaired by drugs, alcohol, or a controlled substance, they may have a drug recognition expert request that you submit to a blood test.

  • Your license will be suspended if your blood alcohol concentration is .08 percent or higher.

Obtaining a False or Forged Identification Card, Driver’s License or Learner’s Instructional Permit

  • If you try to get a fake identification card, Learner’s Instructional Permit or driver’s license, you may be fined and/or sent to prison under federal and state Law.

Administrative Actions

  • The MVA may suspend, revoke, refuse, or cancel your license if you violate motor vehicle laws. If this happens, the MVA will mail you a notice to inform you about the action they plan to take, the reason the action is being taken, and the steps you may take to have the action changed or stopped.

Penalties

If you have a conviction or “Probation before Judgment” (PBJ) for a moving violation(s) while holding a Provisional License: You will have to complete a driver improvement program, and/or Your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked..

Penalties for Minors:

  • A FIRST offense requires you to complete a driver improvement program.

  • A SECOND offense will result in a 30-day suspension of your driver’s license followed by a 90-day restriction that limits your driving to employment and educational purposes only.

  • A THIRD offense will result in a 180- day suspension of your license, require attendance at a driver improvement program for young drivers, and an employment and education only restriction for 180 days.

  • A FOURTH or MORE offenses will result in your license being revoked. You must pass all licensing tests to get your license back.

Penalties for Adults:

  • A FIRST offense requires you to complete a driver improvement program.

  • A SECOND offense will result in a 30-day suspension of your license.

  • A THIRD or MORE offenses will result in up to a 180-day suspension or revocation of your license.

Use of Disability Parking Spaces, License Plates, and Placards

  • You can receive big fines if you illegally use disability parking spaces, disability license plates, and disability placards.

Other Important Information

Medical Conditions to Report to MVA

  • If you have certain medical conditions you must notify the MVA when you apply for or renew your driver’s license, or when the condition is diagnosed. MVA’s Driver Wellness and Safety Division and/ or Medical Advisory Board must approve you for a license if you have one of these conditions that could affect your ability to drive.

Supervising Driver – Requirements and Responsibilities

  • A supervising driver is: At least 21 years old, Currently licensed for at least three years in Maryland or another state to drive the same class of vehicles that you are driving, and Seated beside you, unless the vehicle is a motorcycle.

Organ Donor

Minors at least 16 years old may be organ donors if a parent or guardian consents (agrees) in writing.

Insurance Requirements

You must always have a valid insurance identification card with you when driving a motor vehicle. This card may be in electronic format. If a law enforcement officer asks for your insurance card, you must show it to them. If you refuse, you could be fined.

Seat Belt Law

By law, the driver and all passengers of a motor vehicle must wear a safety belt or be buckled in a child safety seat.

Child Safety Seats

All children under age 8 must ride in a child safety seat, unless the child is 4’9” or taller.
Children younger than 2 must ride in a rear- facing child safety seat that meets federal guidelines until they reach the height or weight specified by the manufacturer.

Air Bags

Children in a rear-facing car seat should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag.
Children under age 13 should ride buckled up in a rear seat in a child safety seat or with a seat belt.

Braking with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) help prevent your wheels from locking up so you can control your car.

Wearing of Headsets, Earphones and Earplugs Prohibited

You may not drive with earplugs, headsets, or earphones in both ears. Hearing aid devices are allowed.

Parallel Parking

Parallel parking is no longer required when you take your driving test.

Pull-In Parking, Back-In Parking, and Three-Point Turn

You must be able to successfully perform pull-in parking, back-in parking, and a three-point turn during your driving test.

Electric Bicycles

  • Are operated by human power with the assistance of an electric motor.

  • Have fully operable pedals.

  • Have two or three wheels.

  • Have an electric motor with a rating of 750 watts or less.

Types of Electric Bicycles:

  • Class 1: Have a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.

  • Class 2: Have a motor that provides assistance whether or not the rider is pedaling the bicycle, and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.

  • Class 3: Have a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour.

Electric Low-Speed Vehicles

  • Are designed to transport only the operator.

  • Weigh less than100 pounds.

  • Have a front and back wheel in line with each other, or one wheel in front and two in the back.

  • Have handlebars and a platform the rider stands on.

  • Are powered by an electric motor and human power.

  • Can operate at a speed of up to 20 miles per hour.