Maryland Driver's Manual Study Guide

Full study materials from the official 2025 MDOT MVA Driver's Manual. Study every section, learn all signs and signals, then take the practice quiz.

📖 All 10 Sections🛑 40+ Signs🚦 All Signals🛣️ All Markings❓ 24-Question Quiz
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Section 1: Testing Requirements
Vision, knowledge test, driving skills test
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Section 2: Licensing Requirements
GLS, permits, provisional, full license
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Section 3: Basic Driving
Speed, following, turning, passing, parking
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Section 4: Signs & Signals
Regulatory, warning, guide signs + signals
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Section 5: Driving Conditions
Fog, ice, hydroplaning, work zones, highways
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Section 6: Dangerous Behaviors
Alcohol, distracted & drowsy driving
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Section 7: Sharing the Road
Pedestrians, trucks, buses, bikes, motorcycles
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Section 8: Crashes & Traffic Stops
What to do, Move Over Law, penalties
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Section 9: Restrictions & Violations
Provisional restrictions, implied consent, penalties
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Section 10: Other Important Info
Medical conditions, insurance, child safety, ABS
⚡ Critical Numbers — Memorize These
Rule / RequirementNumber
BAC limit for DUI (adults).08%
Under 21: alcohol allowed?Zero tolerance
Knowledge test: questions / time limit25 questions / 20 minutes
Vision acuity minimum (each eye)20/40
Field of vision minimum140°
Practice hours (under 25): total / at night60 hrs / 10 hrs night
Practice hours (25+): total / at night14 hrs / 3 hrs night
Provisional License minimum period18 months
Recommended following distance3–4 seconds
Following buses / delivery vans4–5 seconds
Headlights on when can't see ahead1,000 feet
High beams off: oncoming vehicle (at least)500 feet
High beams off: vehicle ahead (within)300 feet
Cannot pass within ___ feet of intersection100 feet
School bus stop distance (front or rear)20 feet
Bicycle passing clearance3 feet
Under-18 passenger restriction periodFirst 151 days
Move Over: base fine / crash fine / injury or death fine$110 / $150 / $750
Child safety seat: required under age (unless 4'9"+)Under 8 years
Children rear-facing: required under ageUnder 2 years
No insurance: fine per vehicle per yearUp to $2,500
Leaving scene of fatal crash: max prison / fine10 years / $10,000
Bicycle helmet required under age16 years
Motorcycle follower: 6× more likely to be injured than car driver6×
ADAS crash prevention rate (when used properly)40%
🔑 Most-Tested Rules
Any amount of alcohol can impair driving — .08% is the legal threshold, not a "safe" amount. Vision, coordination, and reaction time are affected with even one drink.
Cell phones: Hand-held use while driving is illegal for ALL drivers. Drivers under 18: no phone at all while driving — not even hands-free. Only exception: 911 emergency.
Headlights required by Maryland law when using windshield wipers in inclement weather, and when you cannot see at least 1,000 feet ahead.
Hydroplaning: Lift foot off gas. Do NOT brake. Keep straight. Slow down until traction returns.
Skidding: Release gas or brake. Steer IN the direction of the skid. Look where you want to go. Only brake AFTER traction returns.
School bus (two-lane road, no physical median): ALL traffic in BOTH directions must stop at least 20 feet from the bus when red lights are flashing.
Implied consent: By driving in Maryland you consent to chemical testing. Refusing = automatic license suspension.
Roundabouts: Always yield to vehicles ALREADY IN the circle. Reduce speed, keep right of island.
Double solid yellow lines: No passing in EITHER direction. You MAY make a left turn across them (e.g., into a driveway).
Work zones — light colors: Flashing amber = workers present. Flashing blue = speed cameras active. Flashing green = maintenance vehicles.
Funeral processions may legally proceed through red signals with headlights and flashers on. Other drivers (even on green) must yield until the entire procession passes.
Traffic Signs — Section 4B
Click any sign to see its full rule from the Maryland Driver's Manual.
ColorMeaningColorMeaning
🔴 RedStop, yield, do not enter, wrong way🟠 OrangeConstruction / maintenance work zones
🟡 YellowGeneral warning of what to expect ahead🟢 GreenDestinations, distances, directions
⬜ WhiteSpeed limits, keep right, some guide signs🔵 BlueServices — food, gas, rest areas
🟤 BrownRecreation and cultural interest areas🟩 Fluorescent yellow-greenSchool, pedestrian, bicycle signs
⬛ BlackOne Way signs; changeable message signs🩷 Fluorescent pinkEmergency traffic incident signs
Vehicle Signals — Section 4A
Crosswalk Signals — What Drivers See & Do
Driver SeesWhat Driver Must Do
Lane Use Signals (Reversible Lanes)
When a traffic signal is NOT working: Stop at the stop line. If no stop line, stop before the crosswalk. If no crosswalk, stop before the intersection. Yield to all vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection. Proceed when safe.
Pavement Markings — Section 4C
Lines on the road give important guidance without requiring you to look away. Extra-wide lines or reflective markers may be added to draw attention.
Line Markings
Other Pavement Markings
Pedestrian & Bicycle Markings
Practice Quiz
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