Driving Tests Requirements — Maryland Driver's License Practice Test

This section explains what Maryland requires before you can be licensed to drive. Licensing has three parts: a vision screening, a knowledge test, and a driving skills test, all administered by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Knowing these requirements ahead of time helps you arrive prepared and avoid a wasted trip.

The vision screening checks how well you see and may be done at the MVA or by your own eye doctor. To qualify you must have binocular vision, visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, and a continuous field of vision of at least 140 degrees. If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet these standards, you must always wear them when driving and your license will note this. The knowledge test covers motor vehicle laws, safe driving practices, and traffic signs; it has 25 questions and you have 20 minutes to complete it at an MVA location.

The driving skills test includes driving on public roads and a special course at the testing location, and you must make an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov or by phone. The vehicle you bring must have up-to-date plates and registration, proof of insurance, be safe to drive, have a windshield free of cracks, and at least a half tank of gas. A supervising driver must come with you, and during the test only you and the examiner may be in the vehicle. State law also requires you to tell the MVA if you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to drive.