Maryland permit test FAQ 2026: how many questions, pass mark, cost

The Maryland knowledge test has 25 questions (Maryland traffic laws, road signs and safe driving rules), per Maryland MVA.

You need 88% to pass, per Maryland MVA.

You need 22 of 25 (88%) to pass, so in the official 25-question format you can get at most 3 wrong. The best preparation is to study the official Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) (October 2025 Edition) and take practice tests until you pass them comfortably.

$65 — Learner's instructional permit (Type 1, initial noncommercial license), per Maryland MVA.

Yes. This site has 2 free Maryland knowledge test practice tests for 2026, each with 25 questions and the official pass mark of 22 of 25 (88%), plus a free road-sign quiz.

The Maryland knowledge test has a 20 minutes time limit, per Maryland MVA.

MVA knowledge-tests FAQ (read 2026-10-14): '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'. MVA: 'All knowledge and skills test passing scores are valid for a maximum of six (6) months'; retake the test and submit a new application if you passed but were not issued a learner's permit. Interpreter (accessibility page): 'If the MVA offers the knowledge test in the language that you speak, you must attempt the knowledge test at least three (3) times before an interpreter can be used.' No MVA fee for the knowledge test itself. The October 2025 Driver's Manual (DL-002) still says an interpreter is allowed only after 'at least 5' attempts; the MVA accessibility page (read 14 Oct 2026) says three, and that is the current rule shown here.

The minimum age is 15¾, per Maryland MVA.

MVA learner's permit page (read 2026-10-14): 'You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply for a Maryland learner's permit.' 'Proof of identity: birth certificate, U.S. passport, Permanent Resident card, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship'; 'Proof of your Social Security number: official Social Security card, pay stub (with SSN), or tax document (W-2 or 1099 with SSN)'; under 16, one of the school forms DL-300 or DL-300A; under 18, an adult co-signs the application (the page refers to 'the adult who co-signed the application'). At the appointment: a vision screening and a knowledge test; 'After completing your appointment, your permit will be mailed to you.' Residency documents per the MVA Online Document Guide (not read).

The official Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002) (October 2025 Edition). You can read it on the official site.