Alcohol & Drugs

Study questions with answers

12 sample Alcohol & Drugs questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. What does Maryland's open container law prohibit?

   Correct answer: Having an open alcohol container in the passenger area

   It is illegal to drive with an open container of alcohol in the passenger area, which includes the seats and any place occupants can easily reach.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Open Alcohol Container

2. 2. Why should a driver pay attention to warning labels on prescription and over-the-counter medicines?

   Correct answer: Some medicines can impair driving and warn against it

   Some medications warn against driving or operating machinery because they can impair driving; driving while impaired by such medicine could bring criminal charges.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Controlled Dangerous Substances

3. 3. What can happen to the penalty if a driver is convicted of impaired driving with a child in the vehicle?

   Correct answer: The fine and jail time can be doubled

   If convicted of drunk or drugged driving with a child in the car, a judge can double the fine and the jail time.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Driving with Children

4. 4. Which driving abilities can be harmed by illegal drugs, some prescriptions, and chemical inhalants?

   Correct answer: Alertness, concentration, coordination, and reaction time

   These substances can weaken a driver's alertness, concentration, coordination, and reaction time, making it hard to judge distances and respond to the road.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Controlled Dangerous Substances

5. 5. What happens if a driver refuses to take a chemical test after an officer requests one?

   Correct answer: The license will be suspended

   If an officer certifies that a driver refused testing, the MVA will suspend the driver's license.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Drug and Alcohol Test – Implied Consent

6. 6. What can happen to a driver's license for operating a vehicle while using controlled dangerous substances?

   Correct answer: The license can be suspended or revoked

   Driving while on controlled dangerous substances, including certain drugs, can lead to the license being suspended or revoked.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Controlled Dangerous Substances

7. 7. According to the manual, what device may a driver be required to install after a drinking-and-driving offense?

   Correct answer: A breath-testing ignition interlock

   A driver caught drinking and driving may have to install a breath-testing ignition interlock that prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Other Restrictions, Violations and Penalties

8. 8. By driving on a Maryland road, what does a driver agree to under the implied consent law?

   Correct answer: To submit to a drug or alcohol test when an officer asks

   By driving in Maryland, a person consents to take a drug or alcohol test if a law enforcement officer requests one.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Drug and Alcohol Test – Implied Consent

9. 9. Even when a driver is below the legal limit, what is true about alcohol and driving?

   Correct answer: Even a small amount can impair safe driving

   Any amount of alcohol can affect the ability to drive safely; judgment, vision, and reaction time may be impaired after just one drink.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Alcohol, Drugs and Driving

10. 10. What is the safest plan if you know you will be drinking alcohol?

    Correct answer: Arrange a sober driver before you go out

    The manual advises making a plan to get home safely and designating a sober driver before going out to drink.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Dangerous Driving Behaviors

11. 11. For a driver who is under 21 years old, what is the rule about drinking alcohol?

    Correct answer: No alcohol at all is permitted

    It is against the law for anyone under 21 to drink any alcohol, and being stopped after drinking can lead to a suspended or revoked license.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Under 21 – Alcohol Not Allowed

12. 12. Why is it hard for a person to judge their own blood alcohol concentration by counting drinks?

    Correct answer: Weight, food, tiredness, and other factors all affect it

    Many factors, such as weight, body fat, how recently and how much a person ate, tiredness, mood, and medications, all affect how alcohol impairs a driver.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Alcohol, Drugs and Driving