Driving Behavior and Safety Quiz

Maryland Driver's Manual

• Maryland Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is responsible for the driver's manual.
• Contact information is provided for more information, including website address, phone number, and TTY line.
• The manual serves as a guide for Maryland drivers.

Administrator's Message

• Driving is a privilege and drivers have a responsibility to each other.
• New drivers should take their time, understand the rules of the road, and learn from instructors.
• Drivers should treat other drivers and passengers with respect.
• Drivers are responsible for driving sober, following speed limits, paying attention, and sharing the road with pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Driver safety is a top priority and the goal is to have zero fatalities on Maryland roads.
• An online driver test tutorial is available on the MVA website for more practice.

Table of Contents

• Section 1: Driving Test Requirements
  • Vision screening
  • Knowledge test
  • Driving skills test
  • Reportable medical conditions
• Section 2: Licensing Requirements and Process
  • Rookie Driver/Graduated Licensing System
  • Learner Instructional Permit
  • Provisional License
  • Driver's License
  • Co-Signer of Minor's Application for a License
• Section 3: Basic Driving
  • Drive Defensively
  • Right-of-Way
• (and so on, other sections)
  • Dangerous Driving Behaviors (Section 6): Alcohol, Drugs, Aggressive Driving, Distracted, Drowsy driving
  • Sharing the Road (section 7): Pedestrian Right-of-Way, Emergency Vehicles, Large Trucks and Buses
  • Crashes and Traffic Stops (section 8): Crashes, Roadside emergencies, Traffic Stops and Move Over law
  • Other Restrictions, Violations and Penalties (Section 9): Restrictions, Nighttime restriction, Seat Belt restriction, Passenger restriction, Wireless Device restrictions, Drug and Alcohol Test-Implied Consent
  • Other Important Information (Section 10): Medical Conditions, Supervising Drivers
• etc.

Section 1: Driving Tests Requirements

• Vision screening requires 20/40 vision in each eye, at least 140 degrees field of vision, and binocular vision.
• Knowledge test assesses motor vehicle laws, safe driving practices, and traffic signs (all covered in the manual).
• Driving skills test includes on-road driving, and a specific course.

Section 2: Licensing Requirements and Process

• Rookie driver/Graduated Driver Licensing System: Process for new drivers to obtain a license, learners' permit first, then provisional license, then driver's license.
• Learner's Instructional Permit: Temporary permit for drivers under 25; different requirements based age.
• Provisional License: Permit with restrictions for drivers under 25.
• Co-Signers: Process if applying for a minor's license; requires a co-signer.
• Out-of-country/International drivers and licenses and necessary steps for obtaining a Maryland license

Section 3: Basic Driving

• Drive defensively, controlling your vehicle to reduce risks
• Understanding vehicle speed: Observe posted speed limits and adjust for conditions like bad weather.
• Following distance: Maintain 3-4 seconds of following space from the preceding vehicle.
• Lane driving: Stay in your lane and signal lane changes ahead of time
• Turning: Plan your turns, use signals, check surroundings, and adjust speed
• U-turns: Check for the permitted use for U-turns
• Passing: Ensure it is safe before passing, and provide enough space for the vehicle being passed
• Parking: Park in designated areas, set parking brakes, and use caution when opening car doors

Section 4: Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

• Traffic signals (red, yellow, green), arrow signals, and flashing signals, and their meanings
• Traffic signs: Colors, shapes, and their meanings (e.g., regulatory, warning)
• Pavement markings (solid/broken lines, etc.) and their purposes.

Section 5: Driving Situations and Conditions

• Driving in reduced visibility (night, fog, rain): Adjusting speed, using headlights
• Driving at night: Importance of headlights and safe speed
• Driving in fog: Crucial caution and slowing down are required
• Driving in inclement weather: Crucial caution and slowing down
• Using headlights

Section 6: Dangerous Driving Behaviors

• Alcohol and drug use and their effects on driving
• Open alcohol containers while driving is prohibited
• Controlled dangerous substance use and its effects on driving

Section 7: Sharing the Road

• Pedestrian right-of-way: Yielding in crosswalks and other road crossings
• Emergency vehicles: Importance of yielding in priority
• Large trucks and buses: Watching out for turns and extra space needed.
• Traffic circles (Roundabouts): Yielding to traffic already in the circle

Section 8: Crashes and Traffic Stops

• Responding to crashes: Calling 911, staying at the scene, reporting information, not moving vehicles or other people or cars
• Serious injury crashes: Severe penalties for leaving the scene
• Minor crashes: Procedures for moving your car out of trouble, gathering information

Section 9: Other Restrictions, Violations and Penalties

• Driving restrictions and privileges
• Restrictions and penalties (implied consent, etc) for minors and adults
• Use of disability spaces and license plates

Section 10: Other Important Information

• Medical conditions reportable to the MVA
• Supervising drivers: Qualifications and responsibilities
• Organ donation policies
• Voter registration access
• Insurance requirements
• Seat belt laws
• Children's safety seats
• Air bag considerations