20 questions from the Maryland driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. According to the handbook, how does the required following distance change when driving on wet roads compared to dry roads?
Answer: The space needed between you and the car in front of you is much greater on wet roads than in dry roads. The handbook states that wet roads require significantly more space between vehicles than dry roads to ensure safety.
Maryland driver handbook, page 28: “Keep a safe distance - the space needed between you and the car in front of you is much greater on wet roads than in dry roads.”
2. What is the proper action for a driver entering an interstate or limited access highway via an acceleration lane?
Answer: Adjust your speed to match the flow of traffic already on the interstate. The acceleration lane is specifically designated for matching the speed of existing highway traffic before merging.
Maryland driver handbook, page 32: “You use the acceleration lane to adjust your speed to the flow of traffic already on the interstate.”
3. How long must a driver aged 19 to 24 hold a Learner’s Instructional Permit without violations to be eligible for a Provisional License?
Answer: At least 3 months. Drivers aged 19 to 24 are required to hold their permit for a minimum of 3 months without violations.
Maryland driver handbook, page 10: “If you are age 18 with a high school diploma or GED, or age 19 to 24, you must hold the Permit for at least 3 months without a violation before being eligible for a Provisional License.”
4. What is the recommended action if you become tired or sleepy while driving?
Answer: Rest or change drivers. The handbook directly advises resting or changing drivers as the best course of action when feeling sleepy, rather than using other coping mechanisms.
Maryland driver handbook, page 35: “If you become tired or sleepy while driving, it is best to rest or change drivers.”
5. What is the consequence for a driver aged 18 or older holding a Provisional License who receives a THIRD or more moving violation convictions?
Answer: Up to a 180-day suspension or revocation of the license. The handbook specifies that third or subsequent offenses for adults with provisional licenses lead to suspensions of up to 180 days or revocation.
Maryland driver handbook, page 49: “A THIRD or MORE offenses will result in up to a 180-day suspension or revocation of your license.”
6. What is the correct procedure when parking along the road if there is a curb?
Answer: Park as close to the curb as possible. The general parking rules instruct drivers to park as close to the curb as possible when one is present.
Maryland driver handbook, page 16: “If there is a curb, park as close to it as possible.”
7. Under what specific condition may a child under age 8 ride without a child safety seat?
Answer: If the child is 4’9” or taller. The handbook specifies that the exception to the child safety seat requirement for children under age 8 is if the child is 4’9” or taller.
Maryland driver handbook, page 52: “All children under age 8 must ride in a child safety seat, unless the child is 4’9” or taller.”
8. What is the recommended braking technique if your vehicle does not have an anti-lock braking system (ABS) while driving in inclement weather?
Answer: Pump the brakes to prevent skidding. The handbook instructs drivers without ABS to pump their brakes rather than slamming them to avoid losing traction.
Maryland driver handbook, page 28: “If your vehicle does not have an anti-lock braking system, pump the brakes to prevent skidding.”
9. What should a driver do immediately when their vehicle begins to skid?
Answer: Steer in the direction you are skidding. The handbook advises steering in the direction of the skid to help regain control of the vehicle.
Maryland driver handbook, page 29: “Steer in the direction you are skidding.”
10. How should a driver behave when turning on a green signal at an intersection with pedestrians?
Answer: Yield to pedestrians. The handbook states clearly that drivers must yield to pedestrians even when they have a green signal.
Maryland driver handbook, page 37: “You must yield to pedestrians when turning on a green signal.”
11. What should you do before returning to your original lane after passing another vehicle?
Answer: Ensure you see both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rear-view mirror. The handbook specifies that you must see both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rear-view mirror before merging back.
Maryland driver handbook, page 16: “See both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rear-view mirror before returning to the lane you came from.”
12. What is the required procedure when approaching a railroad crossing with gates down or warning lights flashing?
Answer: Stop and wait until the gates go up and the warning lights stop flashing. The handbook mandates that drivers must remain stopped until the physical barriers rise and the flashing lights cease.
Maryland driver handbook, page 30: “Stop and wait until the gates go up and the warning lights stop flashing.”
13. What type of headlights should be used when driving in fog?
Answer: Low beams. The guidelines for driving in fog specifically instruct drivers to use low beam headlights.
Maryland driver handbook, page 28: “Use low beam headlights only. Also use fog lights if you have them.”
14. What is the maximum prison sentence mentioned for leaving the scene of a crash where someone dies?
Answer: Up to 10 years. The handbook specifies that leaving the scene of a fatal crash can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Maryland driver handbook, page 43: “Leaving the scene of a crash where someone dies is a felony. You could go to prison for up to 10 years and a be fined up to $10,000.”
15. What is the primary benefit of constantly observing your surroundings while driving?
Answer: It helps you see problems that may cause you to change speed or change lanes. The handbook explains that visual search helps identify risks early enough to adjust speed or lane position safely.
Maryland driver handbook, page 13: “Constantly observing your surroundings helps you to see problems that may cause you to change speed or change lanes.”
16. When following vehicles that stop often, such as buses or delivery vans, how should you adjust your following distance?
Answer: Increase the distance to four or five seconds. The handbook advises increasing the following distance to four or five seconds when behind vehicles that stop frequently.
Maryland driver handbook, page 15: “When following vehicles that stop often (buses, delivery vans), you should increase the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you to four or five seconds, and possibly more if needed.”
17. When two drivers arrive at an intersection at the same time, who has the right-of-way?
Answer: The driver on the right. The handbook states that if two drivers arrive simultaneously, the driver on the right yields to the driver on their right.
Maryland driver handbook, page 13: “The driver on your right, if both of you arrive at an intersection at the same time.”
18. When approaching a yield sign, what shape is the sign?
Answer: Triangular. The section heading describes the yield sign as a '3-Sided Sign,' which corresponds to a triangular shape.
Maryland driver handbook, page 21: “The yield sign is the only sign shaped like this.”
19. Where should children younger than 2 years old be seated according to the provided guidelines?
Answer: In a rear-facing child safety seat. The handbook mandates that children younger than 2 must ride in a rear-facing child safety seat.
Maryland driver handbook, page 52: “Children younger than 2 must ride in a rearfacing child safety seat that meets federal guidelines until they reach the height or weight specified by the manufacturer.”
20. Who is permitted to co-sign a license application for a minor in Maryland?
Answer: A parent or legal guardian. The handbook states that minors require a parent or legal guardian to co-sign their application.
Maryland driver handbook, page 11: “Minors must have a parent or legal guardian co-sign their application.”