Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. A commercial driver's license (CDL) holder moving to Maryland must transfer the CDL within how many days?

   Correct answer: Within 30 days

   A CDL holder must transfer the commercial license within 30 days of moving to Maryland, a shorter window than for a non-commercial license.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Licensing of Maryland Drivers

2. 2. During the on-cycle skill test, how many penalty points cause an applicant to fail?

   Correct answer: 11 or more points

   Accumulating 11 or more penalty points means you have failed the skill test, and the examiner must end it.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — The Skill Test

3. 3. If an applicant's vision meets the standard only with glasses or contacts, what happens to the license?

   Correct answer: The license carries a corrective-lenses restriction

   The permit or license then carries a corrective-lenses restriction, meaning the rider must wear their glasses or contacts whenever they drive.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — The Licensing Test: The Tests

4. 4. What vision standard must an applicant meet for an unrestricted Maryland motorcycle license?

   Correct answer: 20/40 in each eye, 140-degree field, and binocular vision

   The standard calls for acuity of at least 20/40 in both eyes, a visual field spanning at least 140 degrees, plus binocular vision; corrective lenses may get you there.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — The Licensing Test: The Tests

5. 5. A motorcycle learner's permit holder may only carry a passenger who is what?

   Correct answer: A licensed motorcyclist at least 21 with three years of motorcycle licensure

   A learner's only allowed passenger is a licensed motorcyclist who is 21 or older and has carried a motorcycle license for a minimum of three years.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Learner's Permit

6. 6. All applicants under 18 must also successfully complete what before getting a motorcycle license?

   Correct answer: An approved motorcycle safety course

   Applicants under 18 must complete an approved motorcycle safety course, such as the Basic Rider Course, in addition to driver education.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Requirement for Applicant Under 18: Motorcycle Safety Course

7. 7. An applicant who has never held a license in any state must complete a driver's education course consisting of what?

   Correct answer: 30 hours classroom and 6 hours behind-the-wheel

   The mandatory course combines 30 classroom hours with 6 hours of actual behind-the-wheel training.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Driver's Education Course

8. 8. A person who passes the skill test on a three-wheeled motorcycle receives what kind of license?

   Correct answer: A restricted license for that type of motorcycle

   Passing on a three-wheeler earns a restricted license limiting the holder to operating the type of motorcycle used for the test.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — On-Cycle Skill Test

9. 9. Who may supervise a motorcycle learner's permit holder while they ride?

   Correct answer: A rider at least 21 with three years of motorcycle experience

   The supervising rider must be at least 21, have held a motorcycle license for at least three years, and stay in the vicinity to assist and protect the learner.

   Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Learner's Permit

10. 10. What size engine displacement must a motorcycle have to be used for the skill test?

    Correct answer: At least 51 cc

    You may take the test on any bike whose engine displaces at least 51 cubic centimeters.

    Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — On-Cycle Skill Test

11. 11. If you fail a portion of the test and then fail the second or a later attempt, how long must you wait to test again?

    Correct answer: At least seven calendar days

    Once you fail that second attempt or any later one, a minimum of seven calendar days must pass before you can test again.

    Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — The Licensing Test: The Tests

12. 12. How long must an out-of-state license have been expired before you must retake all required Maryland tests?

    Correct answer: More than one year

    When an out-of-state license has sat expired beyond a full year, you are required to retake every test to become licensed in Maryland.

    Source: Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual (DL-001) — Licensed in Another Jurisdiction