Practice test 1 of 10 — Maryland permit test

The correct answer to each question above, why it is right, and where it comes from. Try the test first.

1. Question 1: A. Avoid driving on the edge of the road

   A soft shoulder sign means the edge of the road is loose or soft. Avoid driving onto the shoulder.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

2. Question 2: A. Pull fully off the road and turn on flashers

   If fog is too thick, "pull completely off the road to a safe location and turn on your emergency flashers."

   Handbook: Section 5: Driving Situations and Conditions — C. Driving in Fog

3. Question 3: D. Yes, for example into a driveway

   Double solid yellow means no passing either way, but "You may make a left turn across a double solid yellow line. For example, when turning into a driveway."

   Handbook: Section 4: Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings — C. Pavement Markings

4. Question 4: C. Go on to the next exit

   Never back up or turn around on a highway. Drive on to the next exit.

   Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Highway driving

5. Question 5: C. Pump the brakes and shift to a lower gear

   Pump the brake pedal to build pressure and shift to a lower gear, then use the parking brake slowly if needed.

   Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Brake failure

6. Question 6: D. Turning left

   This sign bans left turns. You may go straight or turn right if those moves are allowed.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

7. Question 7: A. Traffic from every direction must stop

   An all-way plaque means traffic from every direction must stop at the intersection.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

8. Question 8: B. They should yield, but you must still avoid them

   Pedestrians outside a crosswalk should yield to cars, but drivers must still take care not to hit anyone.

   Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Pedestrians

9. Question 9: B. Bikes may use the full lane, so expect them in it

   This shared-lane marking means bikes may use the full lane, so expect cyclists in it and pass only when safe.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Pavement markings

10. Question 10: A. Pull over, get out, and move away

    Pull over, turn off the engine, get everyone out and move away. Call for help.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Vehicle fires

11. Question 11: D. Recreation areas and National Forest routes

    The trapezoid marks "Recreation and cultural interest areas and National Forest Routes."

    Handbook: Section 4: Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings — B. Traffic Signs

12. Question 12: B. A cyclist may swerve to avoid a hazard

    Many states require at least 3 feet because a cyclist may swerve around potholes, glass or car doors.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Bicycles

13. Question 13: A. Stop and stay stopped as long as it is red

    At a steady red arrow, "come to a complete stop" and "Remain stopped as long as the arrow signal is red."

    Handbook: Section 4: Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings — A. Traffic Signals

14. Question 14: B. The edges of reversible lanes

    Double broken yellow lines mark "the edges of reversible lanes" whose direction changes at different times.

    Handbook: Section 4: Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings — C. Pavement Markings

15. Question 15: B. Before you start to drive

    Adjust your seat and mirrors before you start to drive, so you can see well and are not distracted on the road.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Vehicle equipment

16. Question 16: C. Spray and a push of wind

    A passing truck can throw spray and push your car with wind, so hold the wheel firmly.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Large trucks and buses

17. Question 17: C. Early, before you slow down or turn

    Signal early, before you slow down or turn, so other drivers know what you plan to do.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Signaling

18. Question 18: B. Slowly, with plenty of room and no horn

    Pass a horse slowly and give it plenty of room. Do not honk, as noise can scare it.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Slow-moving vehicles

19. Question 19: A. The light is about to turn red

    A steady yellow light warns that the light is about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Traffic signals

20. Question 20: B. Treat it as an all-way stop

    In general, when signals are dark, treat the intersection as an all-way stop and take turns going.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Traffic signals

21. Question 21: B. Slow down and leave more space

    Wet roads give your tires less grip, so slow down and leave more space ahead.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Speed and road conditions

22. Question 22: A. 4 feet 9 inches

    "All children under age 8 must ride in a child safety seat, unless the child is 4'9" or taller" (4 feet 9 inches).

    Handbook: Section 10: Other Important Information — G. Child Safety Seats

23. Question 23: B. It throws snow and may stop suddenly

    Snowplows throw snow, move slowly and may stop or turn suddenly, so stay well back.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Emergency and work vehicles

24. Question 24: D. In rain, fog, or at night

    Leave more space when it is wet, foggy or dark, since you need more time to see hazards and to stop.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Following distance

25. Question 25: A. Services such as gas, food and lodging

    Blue signs show services for drivers, such as gas, food, lodging and hospitals.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Sign shapes and colors