What minimum following distance does the MVA recommend in ideal conditions?
- 1 to 2 seconds
- 3 to 4 seconds
- 6 to 7 seconds
- 10 to 12 seconds
Show the answer
3 to 4 seconds
The MVA recommends at least 3 to 4 seconds when conditions are ideal.
Maryland Safe Driving practice test
Practice following distance, weather, night driving and sharing the road, with questions based on the Maryland Driver's Manual.
Sample Safe Driving questions
When may driver assistance technology not work properly?
- Only in parking lots
- Only below 10 mph
- In rain, snow or fog
- Only when it is new
Show the answer
In rain, snow or fog
Weather, hills and curves can all limit these systems.
A child under 8 is shorter than 4 feet 9 inches. How must the child ride?
- With a lap belt only
- On an adult's lap
- In the front seat
- In a child safety seat
Show the answer
In a child safety seat
Children under 8 use a child safety seat unless they are 4 feet 9 inches or taller.
What can littering on Maryland roads cost you?
- Up to $50 and no jail
- Up to $10,000 or 5 years in prison
- Up to $1,500 or 30 days in prison
- Up to $150 or one day in prison
Show the answer
Up to $1,500 or 30 days in prison
The manual warns of fines up to $1,500 or 30 days in prison.
When a snow emergency is declared, what equipment is called for on designated snow emergency routes?
- Studded fenders only
- Chains, snow tires or radial tires
- Extra weight in the trunk
- A second spare tire
Show the answer
Chains, snow tires or radial tires
Designated routes call for chains, snow tires or radial tires once an emergency is declared.
How far out does a truck's right-side blind spot extend?
- Two lanes
- Five lanes
- One lane
- Three lanes
Show the answer
Three lanes
It runs the length of the trailer and reaches out three lanes.
Your car has no anti-lock brakes and the road is slick. How should you brake to prevent a skid?
- Hold the parking brake
- Shift to neutral first
- Pump the brakes
- Slam the pedal down
Show the answer
Pump the brakes
Pumping helps prevent skidding if there is no anti-lock system.
Who must wear a helmet on a bicycle in Maryland?
- Anyone under 16
- Only riders over 18
- Only the person steering
- Anyone under 12
Show the answer
Anyone under 16
The requirement covers all riders under 16, including passengers.
Compared with a car driver, how much more likely is a motorcyclist to get hurt in a crash?
- Three times
- Twice
- Ten times
- Six times
Show the answer
Six times
Motorcyclists are six times more likely to be hurt, so give them room.
You are coming up behind a bicyclist. Should you honk?
- Yes, if the rider is slow
- Only at night
- Yes, every time
- No, it may startle the rider
Show the answer
No, it may startle the rider
Bicyclists can usually hear you coming, and a loud noise can cause a crash.
More Maryland practice
- Full practice testAll topics, as in the knowledge test
- Road SignsWhat signs mean and what to do when you see them
- Right-of-WayWho goes first at intersections, crosswalks and roundabouts
- Traffic SignalsLights, arrows and pedestrian signals
- Lanes & TurnsLane markings, turns, passing and merging
- Speed LimitsLimits and how to adjust your speed
- Alcohol & DrugsBlood alcohol limits, DUI rules and medication
- EmergenciesBreakdowns, emergency vehicles and railroad crossings
- License RulesPermits, restrictions for new drivers and points
- Insurance & CollisionsRequired coverage and what to do after a crash
- Phones & DistractionPhone rules and other distractions
About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002 (10-26), October 2026 Edition (the notice page, p. 2, also still prints the older form number DL-002 (05-23)) edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.