Maryland Driving Test and Licensing Requirements

Vision Screening

• All applicants must pass a vision screening.
• Performed by MDOT MBA or vision specialist.
• Requirements: binocular vision, visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, continuous field of vision of at least 140 degrees.
• If corrective lenses are needed, a restriction is added to the license.

Knowledge Test

• Assess understanding of Motor Vehicle Laws, safe driving practices, and signs.
• Offered in automated format.
• Online driver test tutorial available on MDOT MBA website.

Driving Skills Test

• Conducted by appointment only.
• Requirements: valid license plates, registration, proof of insurance, safe vehicle condition.
• Includes on-course maneuvers and driving on public roads.

Medical Conditions

• Must report conditions like low blood sugar episodes, epilepsy, heart conditions, strokes, etc., that affect driving ability.
• Required to notify MDOT MBA when diagnosed or upon applying/renewing a license.

Licensing Requirements and Process

New Applicants

• Must apply in person at a full-service MDOT MBA office.
• Proof required: age, identity, lawful status, Social Security number, two residency documents.
• Original documents or copies certified by issuing agency necessary.

Graduated Licensing System (GLS)

• Holds for all new non-commercial driver’s license applicants, regardless of age.
• Stages: learner’s instructional permit -> provisional license -> driver’s license.
• Requires driving experience with a supervising driver and completion of Maryland driver education program.

Learner’s Instructional Permit

• Different holding periods based on applicant's age.
• Type 1 (up to 2 years) and Type 2 learner’s permits.
• Requirements: vision screening, knowledge test, practice hours, log maintenance.

Provisional License

• Restricted license for new drivers who haven't held a license for 18 months.
• Requirements: driver education program completion, practice hours log, on-road driving test.

Driver’s License

• Final stage of GLS.
• Requirements: at least 18 years old, held provisional license for 18 months, violation-free driving record.

Special Circumstances

Reporting Medical Conditions

• Must notify MDOT MBA if diagnosed with any condition affecting driving.

Learners Permit Specific Or Licensing Updates

• Must provide updated information to MDOT MBA upon renewing or obtaining a driver's license.

General Driving Rules

Defensive Driving

• Control the vehicle as necessary to avoid crashes.
• Visual search and awareness are crucial.
• Manage speed and use turn signals to communicate intentions.
• Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

Right of Way

• Yield to drivers at intersections and pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Yield to drivers on public highways when entering from a private road.
• Follow yielding rules at T-intersections, for pedestrians, and for vehicles already on highways.

Speed and Following Distance

• Adhere to posted speed limits and adjust speed for conditions.
• Maintain a minimum following distance of 3-4 seconds, increasing in adverse conditions.
• Stopping distance depends on road type, tire condition, and visibility.

Lane and Parking Rules

• Drive within your lane and avoid frequent changes.
• Park in designated areas away from traffic.
• Check surroundings before exiting the parked vehicle.

Signs, Signals, and Markings

Traffic Signal Meanings

• Steady Red: Stop.
• Steady Yellow: Signal changing from green to red.
• Steady Green: Proceed with caution.
• Steady Red Arrow: Stop if moving in direction of arrow.
• Steady Yellow Arrow: Movement indicated by arrow is ending.
• Steady Green Arrow: Proceed in the direction of the arrow.
• Flashing Red: Stop, yield, proceed when clear.
• Flashing Yellow: Slow down, proceed with caution.
• Lane Use Signals: Follow lane directions marked by signals.

Sign Colors and Shapes

• Red: Stop, yield.
• Yellow: Warning.
• White: Regulatory.
• Green: Guidance.
• Blue: Services.
• Brown: Recreational.
• Orange: Construction.
• Black: Regulatory.
• Rectangle: Regulatory or guide.
• Octagon: Stop.
• Triangle: Yield.
• Diamond: Warning.
• Pennant: No passing.
• Pentagon: School zone/crossing.
• Circle: Railroad warning.

Special Driving Conditions

Reduced Visibility

• Use road edge lines as guides.
• Turn on headlights in low visibility conditions.
• Use low beams in fog, rain, snow, tunnels. Use high beams on open roads only.

Inclement Weather

• Slow down and maintain a greater following distance.
• Avoid slamming on brakes, use smooth steering and braking.
• Keep windshield wipers and headlights in good working condition.

Hydroplaning

• Lower speed on wet roads to avoid losing traction.
• If hydroplaning, ease off the gas, maintain direction, and let vehicle slow down.

Interacting with Other Road Users

Pedestrians

• Pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks and intersections.
• Be extra cautious with pedestrians who are blind, deaf, or have mobility aids.

Emergency Vehicles

• Yield and move to the side for emergency vehicles with audible/visual signals.
• Stay stopped until the vehicle has passed.

Large Trucks

• Trucks require more space for turns and stopping.
• Avoid blind spots (no zones) around trucks.

School Vehicles

• Stop for school vehicles with flashing red lights.
• Maintain a 20 feet distance when approaching or following.

Motorcycles

• Motorcycles have the same rights as other vehicles.
• Keep a safe following distance and be cautious of their smaller size and maneuverability.

Bicycles

• Bicycles are considered vehicles and have the right to use the road.
• Give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing.
• Be cautious at intersections and roundabouts.

Dangerous Behaviors

Alcohol and Drugs

• Legal BAC limit: 0.08.
• Any amount of alcohol can impair driving ability.
• Prescription and illegal drugs can also impair driving.
• Penalties are severe for DUI, especially with minors in the vehicle.

Aggressive Driving

• Includes speeding, tailgating, improper lane changes.
• To avoid: allow extra travel time, be patient, obey all traffic laws.

Distracted Driving

• Common distractions: eating, using cell phones, adjusting music, attending to children.
• Illegal to use handheld cell phones while driving.

Drowsy Driving

• Increases reaction time and impairs judgment.
• Signs: frequent yawning, trouble keeping head up, wandering thoughts.

Special Regulations and Penalties

Move Over Law

• Move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles.

Licensing Actions

• MDOT MBA may impose restrictions, suspend, revoke, or cancel licenses for violations.
• Administrative actions must be followed to retain driving privileges.

Safety and Compliance

Organ Donation

• Maryland residents can register as organ donors.

Voter Registration

• Motor Voter Act allows voter registration during MDOT MBA transactions.

Insurance Requirements

• All vehicles must be insured with required coverage amounts.

Seat Belts and Child Safety Seats

• Mandatory seat belt use for all passengers.
• Children under 8 or shorter than 4’9” must use appropriate child safety seats.

Airbags

• Provide additional protection; use in conjunction with seat belts.

Disability Parking

• Substantial fines for illegal use of disability parking spaces or placards.

Bicyclists

• Bicyclists have both rights and responsibilities on the road.
• Use signals, ride with traffic, be visible, and use appropriate safety gear.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

• Technologies like automatic braking, lane keeping assist are for driver support.
• Drivers must still remain engaged and aware.