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. How long must a driver hold a Provisional License before becoming eligible for a full driver's license?

   Correct answer: 18 months

   A Provisional License must be held for at least 18 months, free of moving-violation convictions, before a driver can qualify for a full license.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Provisional License

2. 2. To meet Maryland's vision requirement for a driver's license, an applicant must have visual acuity of at least what in each eye?

   Correct answer: 20/40 in each eye

   An applicant must have visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, along with binocular vision and a field of vision of at least 140 degrees.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Vision Screening

3. 3. The nighttime restriction for a Provisional License limits unsupervised driving between which hours, unless an exception applies?

   Correct answer: midnight and 5:00 a.m.

   A provisional driver may not drive unsupervised between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless traveling for work, school, an organized volunteer program, or an athletic activity.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Nighttime Restriction

4. 4. To act as a supervising driver in Maryland, a person must meet which requirement?

   Correct answer: Be at least 21 and licensed for at least three years

   A supervising driver must be at least 21 years old, licensed for at least three years for the same class of vehicle, and seated beside the learner (except on a motorcycle).

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Supervising Driver

5. 5. What is the effect of accumulating points on a Maryland driving record?

   Correct answer: Points can lead to license suspension or revocation

   The MVA uses points to track violations, and accumulating points can lead to a license being suspended or revoked.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Move Over Law

6. 6. What is the minimum age to be eligible for a full (unrestricted) Maryland driver's license?

   Correct answer: 18 years old

   To qualify for a full driver's license, a person must be at least 18 years old and must have held a Provisional License for at least 18 months.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Driver's License

7. 7. What does Maryland law require of every registered motor vehicle regarding insurance?

   Correct answer: It must be insured, or the owner faces large fines

   Every vehicle registered in Maryland must be insured by a licensed company, and failing to keep insurance can bring a fine of up to $2,500 per vehicle each year.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Insurance Requirements

8. 8. How many questions are on the Maryland knowledge test, and how long is allowed to take it?

   Correct answer: 25 questions in 20 minutes

   The knowledge test has 25 questions, and a driver is given 20 minutes to complete it.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Knowledge Test

9. 9. Under the passenger restriction, a Provisional License holder under 18 may not drive unsupervised with which passengers during the first 151 days?

   Correct answer: Passengers under 18 who are not immediate family

   For the first 151 days, a provisional driver under 18 may not carry unrelated passengers under 18 without a qualified supervising driver, though immediate family members are excepted.

   Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Passenger Restriction

10. 10. Under the wireless device restriction, what may a Learner's Permit or Provisional License holder use a phone for while driving?

    Correct answer: A 911 emergency call

    A learner or provisional driver may not use any wireless device while driving, even hands-free, with the only exception being a 911 emergency call.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Wireless Device Restriction

11. 11. In Maryland, a child must ride in a child safety seat until reaching what age, unless they are tall enough?

    Correct answer: Age 8

    Children under age 8 must ride in a child safety seat unless the child is 4 feet 9 inches or taller.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Child Safety Seats

12. 12. How many supervised practice hours must an applicant younger than 25 complete before qualifying for a Provisional License?

    Correct answer: 60 hours

    Applicants under 25 must complete at least 60 practice hours with a supervising driver, with at least 10 of those hours occurring at night.

    Source: Maryland Driver's Manual — Learner's Instructional Permit