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MD Driving Instructor practice questions

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Question 1Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

In Maryland, what is the default speed limit on a street in a residential district when no speed limit sign is posted?

  1. 20 mph
  2. 30 mph Correct answer.
  3. 25 mph
  4. 35 mph

Explanation

Maryland sets a statutory speed limit of 30 mph in business districts and residential districts unless a different limit is posted. Drivers must obey posted signs where they exist, but the 30 mph figure applies by default in those areas.

Question 2Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A steady red light is showing and no sign prohibits the turn. When may a driver make a right turn?

  1. Without stopping if no other traffic is present in any direction
  2. Only between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
  3. Only when a green arrow is displayed
  4. After a full stop, yielding to cross traffic and pedestrians Correct answer.

Explanation

Maryland allows a right turn on a steady red signal after the driver stops completely and yields the right-of-way to pedestrians and to traffic lawfully using the intersection. A sign at the intersection can prohibit the turn.

Question 3Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A pedestrian is crossing in a marked crosswalk at an unsignalized intersection. A driver who wants to turn right must:

  1. Turn behind the pedestrian without slowing
  2. Proceed, because the vehicle arrived first
  3. Yield and wait for the pedestrian Correct answer.
  4. Sound the horn and continue the turn

Explanation

Drivers must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk, including when the driver is turning. The pedestrian is entitled to finish crossing before the vehicle proceeds.

Question 4Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

When entering a roundabout, a driver must yield to:

  1. Vehicles waiting in line behind the entering driver
  2. Traffic already circulating in the roundabout Correct answer.
  3. No one; entering traffic has the right-of-way
  4. Traffic approaching from the right only

Explanation

A driver entering a roundabout yields to vehicles already in the circular roadway, which approach from the left. Traffic inside the circle has the right-of-way, and entering drivers merge when a gap is available.

Question 5Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A flashing yellow traffic signal means:

  1. Slow down and proceed with caution Correct answer.
  2. Come to a complete stop before entering the intersection
  3. The signal is about to turn red, so speed up
  4. Stop only if pedestrians are in the crosswalk

Explanation

A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, watching for crossing traffic, pedestrians, and other hazards. A flashing red light, by contrast, requires a complete stop before proceeding.

Question 6Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

In Maryland, who must wear a helmet on a motorcycle?

  1. Only operators licensed less than two years
  2. Only riders on limited-access highways
  3. Only operators under 18 years of age
  4. All operators and all passengers Correct answer.

Explanation

Maryland requires every motorcycle operator and every passenger to wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards. The requirement applies regardless of age, license status, or the type of road.

Question 7Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

Maryland law on open containers prohibits:

  1. Carrying a sealed bottle on the rear floor
  2. Carrying unopened beer in a locked trunk
  3. An open container in the passenger area Correct answer.
  4. Transporting a sealed bottle of wine in the back seat of the car

Explanation

Maryland prohibits a driver or passenger from possessing an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle on a highway. Sealed and unopened containers may be transported, and containers kept in the trunk are not in the passenger area.

Question 8Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

An emergency vehicle with siren and flashing lights is approaching from behind. The driver should:

  1. Move to the left lane and keep the same speed
  2. Pull over to the right edge and stop Correct answer.
  3. Speed up to reach the next intersection before it passes
  4. Stop in the lane immediately and stay there

Explanation

When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, drivers must pull as close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway and stop until it has passed. Stopping in a travel lane blocks the emergency vehicle's path.

Question 9Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A school bus is stopped with red lights flashing on a divided highway that has a physical median separating the directions of travel. A driver approaching from the opposite direction must:

  1. Continue without stopping Correct answer.
  2. Slow to 15 mph and pass with caution
  3. Stop until the red lights are turned off
  4. Stop only if children are visible near the bus

Explanation

On a divided highway with a physical median, only traffic traveling in the same direction as the stopped school bus must stop. Opposing traffic is separated by the median and may continue without stopping.

Question 10Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

In Maryland, a child must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat until the child reaches what age?

  1. 4 years old
  2. 8 years old Correct answer.
  3. 10 years old
  4. 6 years old

Explanation

Maryland requires children under 8 years of age to be secured in a child safety seat that meets federal standards. Children 8 and older must use a seat belt, and safety experts recommend a booster seat until the child is about 4 feet 9 inches tall.

Question 11Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

On a road with two lanes in each direction, a driver approaches a tow truck stopped on the right shoulder with warning lights flashing. Maryland's Move Over law requires the driver to:

  1. Change lanes if possible, otherwise slow down Correct answer.
  2. Stop until the shoulder ahead is clear
  3. Maintain speed and lane position because it is only a shoulder
  4. Sound the horn and pass in the same lane

Explanation

Maryland's Move Over law requires drivers approaching a stopped emergency, tow, or service vehicle displaying warning lights to move over one lane if it is safe and lawful. If a lane change is not possible, the driver must slow down and pass with caution.

Question 12Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

In Maryland, a driver who wants to send a text message may lawfully do so:

  1. While stopped at a red light in a travel lane
  2. If the message is shorter than 25 characters
  3. Only while parked off the roadway Correct answer.
  4. If the phone is held below the window line

Explanation

Maryland prohibits texting and handheld phone use while operating a motor vehicle on a highway. Once the vehicle is parked off the roadway, the driver is no longer operating it in traffic and may use the device.

Question 13Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

Maryland law requires a driver to turn on the headlights:

  1. Only on roads without street lights
  2. Only when the high beams are in use
  3. Whenever the wipers are in use for weather Correct answer.
  4. Only between sunset and sunrise, or on unlit roads at night

Explanation

Maryland requires headlights from sunset to sunrise, whenever visibility is reduced, and whenever windshield wipers are in use because of weather such as rain, snow, or fog. Headlights make a vehicle visible to others as well as lighting the road.

Question 14Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A driver stopped on a one-way street may turn left on a steady red light onto another one-way street:

  1. Only when a police officer waves the driver through
  2. After stopping, if no sign forbids it Correct answer.
  3. Only from the center lane if the road has three lanes
  4. Under no circumstances in Maryland

Explanation

Maryland permits a left turn on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street after a complete stop, provided no sign prohibits the turn and the way is clear. The driver must yield to pedestrians and cross traffic just as with a right turn on red.

Question 15Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

When passing a bicycle on a Maryland roadway, a driver must leave how much space between the vehicle and the bicycle?

  1. 1 foot
  2. At least 6 feet
  3. 2 feet
  4. At least 3 feet Correct answer.

Explanation

Maryland requires a driver passing a bicycle to leave at least 3 feet of clearance between the vehicle and the bicycle. If that clearance cannot be given safely, the driver must wait until it can.

Question 16Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

Two vehicles reach a four-way stop at the same moment. Vehicle A is going straight ahead, and Vehicle B, which is on A's right, is also going straight. Who has the right-of-way?

  1. Vehicle B, the driver on the right Correct answer.
  2. Vehicle A, because it is going straight
  3. Vehicle A, because it is larger
  4. The vehicle that honks first

Explanation

At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive goes first. When two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right, so Vehicle B proceeds first.

Question 17Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A driver under 21 years of age commits a violation in Maryland if a test shows a blood alcohol concentration of at least:

  1. 0.08
  2. 0.04
  3. 0.02 Correct answer.
  4. 0.10

Explanation

Maryland applies a zero-tolerance standard to drivers under 21, prohibiting them from driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 or higher. The 0.08 threshold applies to adult drivers.

Question 18Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A Maryland learner's permit holder must complete at least how many hours of supervised driving practice before obtaining a provisional license?

  1. 40 hours, including 10 at night
  2. 30 hours, including 5 at night
  3. 60 hours, including 10 at night Correct answer.
  4. 50 hours, including 15 at night

Explanation

Maryland requires at least 60 hours of supervised driving practice, of which at least 10 hours must be at night, before a learner's permit holder may obtain a provisional license. The practice must be certified and is part of the graduated licensing system.

Question 19Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A Maryland provisional license holder under 18 may not drive, with limited exceptions, during which hours?

  1. 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
  2. 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.
  3. 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  4. Midnight to 5 a.m. Correct answer.

Explanation

During the first 151 days of provisional licensure, a holder under 18 may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a qualified supervising driver or driving for certain permitted purposes such as work, school, or religious activities.

Question 20Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

When workers are present in a Maryland work zone, fines for speeding:

  1. Stay the same, but points are doubled
  2. Apply only to commercial vehicles
  3. Are doubled Correct answer.
  4. Are reduced if the driver slows down

Explanation

Maryland doubles the fines for speeding and certain other moving violations committed in a work zone when workers are present. The higher penalty reflects the increased risk to workers and to drivers navigating narrowed lanes and equipment.

Question 21Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A Maryland driver arrested for driving under the influence refuses to take a breath test. For a first refusal, the MVA may suspend the driver's license for:

  1. 30 days
  2. 270 days Correct answer.
  3. 120 days
  4. 90 days

Explanation

Maryland's implied consent law means that a driver lawfully arrested for DUI has already consented to testing; refusing the test triggers an administrative license suspension of 270 days for a first refusal. A second or subsequent refusal results in a longer suspension.

Question 22Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A conviction for driving under the influence adds how many points to a Maryland driver's record?

  1. 6 points
  2. 3 points
  3. 8 points
  4. 12 points Correct answer.

Explanation

Maryland assesses 12 points for a driving under the influence conviction, the highest single-violation point total in the state's schedule. Accumulating points can lead to a license suspension, and 12 points places a driver at immediate risk.

Question 23Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A driver is convicted of traveling 65 mph in a 30 mph zone, which is 35 mph over the limit. How many points does Maryland assess?

  1. 6 points
  2. 3 points
  3. 5 points Correct answer.
  4. 2 points

Explanation

Maryland's point schedule for speeding is 1 point for 1 to 9 mph over the limit, 2 points for 10 to 29 mph over, and 5 points for 30 mph or more over the limit. At 35 mph over, the 5-point tier applies.

Question 24Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A Maryland provisional license holder who is under 18 may not carry passengers under 18 who are not immediate family members during:

  1. The first 6 months, but only at night
  2. The first 30 days after licensure
  3. The entire 18-month provisional licensing period
  4. The first 151 days Correct answer.

Explanation

For the first 151 days of provisional licensure, a driver under 18 may not carry passengers under 18 who are not immediate family members unless a qualified supervising driver is in the front seat. After that period the restriction ends.

Question 25Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A vehicle approaching a funeral procession on a Maryland roadway must:

  1. Yield and stay out of the line of vehicles Correct answer.
  2. Pass the procession as quickly as possible before the light changes
  3. Enter the intersection ahead of the procession if possible
  4. Sound the horn so the lead vehicle will pull over

Explanation

Maryland law gives a funeral procession the right-of-way and prohibits other drivers from driving between the vehicles in the procession. Other traffic must yield and may not cut into or break up the line.

Question 26Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

In Maryland, what is the maximum lawful speed on an undivided highway in a residential district when no other limit is posted?

  1. 25 mph
  2. 40 mph
  3. 30 mph Correct answer.
  4. 35 mph

Explanation

Maryland's default speed limit is 30 mph in business and residential districts unless a different limit is posted. Higher default limits apply only on other types of highways, such as 50 mph on undivided highways outside those districts.

Question 27Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A driver reaches an intersection with a steady red light and wants to turn right where no sign forbids it. What is required?

  1. Come to a full stop, yield, and turn when safe Correct answer.
  2. Slow down and turn if no traffic is coming from the left
  3. Turn only after the vehicle behind has also stopped
  4. Wait for a green light before starting the turn

Explanation

Maryland allows a right turn on a steady red signal after the driver makes a complete stop and yields to pedestrians and to traffic using the intersecting road. The turn is barred only where a sign prohibits it.

Question 28Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A driver is about to enter a roundabout. The driver must yield the right-of-way to:

  1. vehicles waiting at the yield line behind
  2. traffic already circulating in the roundabout Correct answer.
  3. vehicles entering from the left
  4. vehicles approaching from the right

Explanation

At a roundabout, entering drivers yield to vehicles already in the circular roadway. Once inside, the driver keeps moving counterclockwise until reaching the intended exit.

Question 29Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

What does a steady circular yellow traffic light require of a driver approaching the intersection?

  1. Continue at the same speed without checking traffic
  2. Speed up to clear the intersection before red
  3. Treat the light like a stop sign
  4. Stop if it can be done safely Correct answer.

Explanation

A steady yellow signal warns that the light is changing to red. The driver must stop before entering the intersection if stopping can be done safely; otherwise the driver proceeds through with caution.

Question 30Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A driver is waiting to turn left at an intersection with a green circular light. The driver must yield to:

  1. no one, because the signal is green
  2. traffic turning right from the cross street
  3. oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk Correct answer.
  4. only vehicles already inside the intersection

Explanation

A green circular light permits the turn but does not create a right-of-way. The turning driver must yield to oncoming vehicles that are close enough to be a hazard and to pedestrians crossing the roadway being entered.

Question 31Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

Under Maryland law, parking is prohibited within what distance of a fire hydrant?

  1. 15 feet Correct answer.
  2. 30 feet
  3. 10 feet
  4. 25 feet

Explanation

Maryland law bars parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant so that fire crews can connect equipment without obstruction. The measurement is taken along the curb or edge of the roadway.

Question 32Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

Before turning, a Maryland driver must give a continuous turn signal for at least the last:

  1. 200 feet
  2. 100 feet Correct answer.
  3. 50 feet
  4. 25 feet

Explanation

Maryland requires a turn signal to be given continuously during at least the last 100 feet before the turn. Signalling earlier is permitted and is often safer in heavy or fast traffic.

Question 33Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

At night, a driver using high-beam headlights must switch to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is within:

  1. 200 feet
  2. 300 feet
  3. 500 feet Correct answer.
  4. 1,000 feet

Explanation

High beams must be dimmed within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle so the other driver is not blinded. A shorter distance of 300 feet applies when following another vehicle.

Question 34Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

In Maryland, a conviction for aggressive driving adds how many points to a driver's record?

  1. 3 points
  2. 5 points Correct answer.
  3. 8 points
  4. 2 points

Explanation

Aggressive driving is a 5-point violation in Maryland, reflecting its seriousness as a combination of unsafe driving behaviors committed together. Points can lead to license suspension when they accumulate.

Question 35Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A Maryland driver wishes to make a phone call while driving. The call is lawful only if the driver:

  1. holds the phone briefly while stopped at a red light
  2. holds the phone below the window line
  3. uses a hands-free feature Correct answer.
  4. keeps the call under one minute

Explanation

Maryland prohibits handheld telephone use while driving, so a driver must rely on a hands-free device or a feature built into the vehicle. The restriction applies to all drivers, not only to minors.

Question 36Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A driver is leaving a private driveway to enter a public road. The driver must:

  1. proceed, because road traffic must slow down
  2. yield to all vehicles already on the road Correct answer.
  3. merge at the same speed as cross traffic
  4. sound the horn before pulling out

Explanation

A driver emerging from a driveway, alley, or private road must stop and yield the right-of-way to vehicles already traveling on the public road. The duty to yield also extends to pedestrians and cyclists on the roadway or sidewalk.

Question 37Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A driver may not follow a fire truck that is responding to an alarm closer than:

  1. 200 feet
  2. 1,000 feet
  3. 500 feet Correct answer.
  4. 100 feet

Explanation

Following a responding fire apparatus closer than 500 feet is prohibited because it interferes with the emergency response and creates a collision risk. The same concern underlies the bar on parking near fire station entrances.

Question 38Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

A driver approaches a railroad crossing where the gate is lowered but no train is visible. The driver must:

  1. stop and stay stopped until the gate rises and the way is clear Correct answer.
  2. slow to 15 mph and cross if the tracks look clear
  3. treat the gate as a yield sign and cross when safe
  4. stop, then go around the gate if no train is in sight

Explanation

A lowered gate means a train is approaching, and a driver may never drive around or under it. The driver must stop and remain stopped until the gate is fully raised and the crossing can be made safely.

Question 39Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

On a two-lane road with no posted restriction, a U-turn is unlawful when the driver:

  1. cannot be seen by other drivers for at least 500 feet Correct answer.
  2. is traveling through a business district
  3. has already driven past the intersection
  4. sees that traffic in both directions is light

Explanation

Maryland bars U-turns on curves and near the crest of a grade where the vehicle cannot be seen by approaching drivers within 500 feet. A U-turn must also never be made where a sign prohibits it or where it cannot be completed safely.

Question 40Maryland traffic law and rules of the road

Heavy rain is falling and water is pooling on the roadway. A driver traveling at the posted speed limit:

  1. may keep that speed if the wipers are working
  2. is lawful because the posted limit is a legal maximum
  3. may be violating the law if that speed is unsafe for conditions Correct answer.
  4. should hold speed to avoid losing momentum

Explanation

Maryland's basic speed rule requires a driver to travel no faster than is reasonable and prudent for the conditions. A posted limit is the maximum for ideal conditions, so a driver may have to slow well below it in rain, fog, or on wet pavement.

Question 41Vehicle operation, safety and risk prevention

Under normal, dry driving conditions, what is the recommended minimum following distance behind the vehicle ahead?

  1. Two seconds
  2. Five seconds
  3. Three seconds Correct answer.
  4. One second

Explanation

The three-second rule gives a driver time to perceive a hazard and react before the vehicle ahead stops. Gaps should be extended to four or more seconds at highway speeds or in rain, snow, or darkness.

Question 42Vehicle operation, safety and risk prevention

Maryland law requires headlights to be on whenever which of the following is true?

  1. Your wipers are running in rain, snow, or fog Correct answer.
  2. You are traveling in a residential district at midday
  3. Your vehicle is carrying a passenger under age eight
  4. You are driving through a posted construction work zone

Explanation

Maryland requires headlights whenever weather conditions make windshield wipers necessary, so the vehicle can be seen in rain, snow, or fog. Work zones, passenger age, and ordinary daylight driving do not by themselves trigger the rule.

Question 43Vehicle operation, safety and risk prevention

Under Maryland law, a driver may use a handheld phone while driving in order to do which of the following?

  1. Hold a short conversation while driving
  2. Start or end a call or reach 911 Correct answer.
  3. Check a navigation app in slow traffic
  4. Read a text message at a red light

Explanation

Maryland prohibits handheld phone use while driving, with narrow exceptions for starting or ending a call and for contacting emergency services. Reading, typing, and browsing apps are never permitted, even when the vehicle is briefly stopped in traffic.

Question 44Vehicle operation, safety and risk prevention

If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes and you need to stop quickly on dry pavement, you should do which of the following?

  1. Press the pedal lightly and release when it pulses
  2. Press hard and hold the pedal while steering Correct answer.
  3. Pump the brake pedal firmly and repeatedly
  4. Shift the transmission into neutral, then brake

Explanation

Anti-lock brakes pulse the brakes faster than a driver can, so the driver should apply firm, continuous pressure and steer around the hazard. Pumping or releasing pressure defeats the system.

Question 45Vehicle operation, safety and risk prevention

When you want to turn right at a red light in Maryland, what must you do first?

  1. Make a full stop, then yield to traffic and pedestrians Correct answer.
  2. Slow to about 10 mph and turn if nothing is coming
  3. Sound your horn and proceed when the way is clear
  4. Wait for a green arrow before entering the intersection

Explanation

A right turn on red requires a complete stop, yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, and is permitted only where no sign prohibits it. Slowing down without stopping does not satisfy the rule.

Question 46Vehicle operation, safety and risk prevention

In Maryland, who is responsible for seeing that a passenger under 16 riding in the back seat is properly belted?

  1. The passenger's parent or guardian
  2. The owner of the vehicle if riding along
  3. The passenger, once old enough to buckle up
  4. The driver of the vehicle Correct answer.

Explanation

Maryland places the duty to restrain passengers under 16 on the driver. Passengers 16 and older are responsible for using their own seat belts.

Question 47Vehicle operation, safety and risk prevention

An emergency vehicle with lights and siren is coming up behind you. What should you do?

  1. Speed up until you reach a place where you can turn off
  2. Pull over to the right edge and stop until it passes Correct answer.
  3. Move into the left lane and keep your speed steady
  4. Stop where you are so the vehicle can go around

Explanation

Drivers must yield the right of way to emergency vehicles using lights and siren by pulling as close as practicable to the right edge of the road and stopping until the vehicle passes. Stopping in the travel lane or speeding up both obstruct the response.

Question 48Vehicle operation, safety and risk prevention

When you approach a roundabout, what is the correct procedure?

  1. Stop at the yield line and wait for a gap in all lanes
  2. Signal left and merge into the inside lane first
  3. Slow down and yield to traffic already in the circle Correct answer.
  4. Enter as soon as you reach the circle so traffic flows

Explanation

Drivers entering a roundabout slow down, yield to circulating traffic, and enter to the right, traveling counterclockwise. A full stop is unnecessary when the way is clear.

Question 49Vehicle operation, safety and risk prevention

On an interstate with four lanes in your direction, an officer has stopped a car on the right shoulder. Maryland's move over law requires you to do which of the following?

  1. Change lanes only when an ambulance is also on the scene
  2. Change lanes away from the scene or slow down Correct answer.
  3. Remain in your lane and maintain the posted speed limit
  4. Come to a complete stop until the officer waves you past

Explanation

Maryland's move over law requires drivers to move one lane away from stopped emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicles when it is safe to do so. If a lane change is not possible, the driver must slow down.

Question 50Vehicle operation, safety and risk prevention

A school bus with flashing red lights is stopped on the opposite side of a divided highway that has a raised median. What must you do?

  1. Slow to 20 mph and pass with extra caution
  2. Stop until the lights stop flashing and the bus moves
  3. Stop only if children are visible near the roadway
  4. Continue, because the median separates the roadways Correct answer.

Explanation

On a divided highway with a median or physical barrier, traffic on the opposite side of the roadway is not required to stop for a school bus's flashing red lights. Traffic traveling on the same side as the bus must stop.