Driving Skills Tests

The specific driving skills on which you will be tested vary by the class of driver's license that you request. See the chart at the end for a summary of test content by license class. Note: that if you have a license from another state or from Canada or France, you are not required to take the knowledge or skills tests if the license is still valid or has been expired for less than one (1) year. If you have a valid (not expired) license from the Republic of Korea (South) or from the Federal Republic of Germany, you are not required to take the knowledge or skills tests to transfer your license.

Note:

France: License must be Valid or Expired less than one (1) year or "ALL" tests are required. Can transfer noncommercial Class "B" license (equivalent to Maryland noncommercial Class "C" license) from France, to a Maryland noncommercial class "C" only. This agreement does not apply to learner's permits, motorcycle licenses or commercial driver's licenses. Note: The driver's license from France must be surrendered to the MVA before the Maryland license is issued. The MVA will return this license to the proper authorities in France to advise them that you now hold a Maryland driver's license.
Republic of Korea (South): License must be VALID, NOT Expired or "ALL" tests are required. Can transfer Republic of Korea (South) noncommercial license equivalent to a Maryland noncommercial Class A, B, or C driver's license. The driver's license from the Republic of Korea (South) must be surrendered to the MVA before the Maryland license is issued. The MVA will return this license to the proper authorities in Korea to advise them that the customer now holds a Maryland driver's license. This agreement does not apply to learner's permits or commercial driver's licenses.
Federal Republic of Germany: License must be VALID, NOT expired or "ALL" tests are required. Can transfer Federal Republic of Germany noncommercial class "B" license (equivalent to Maryland noncommercial class "C" license.) The customer must be 18 years of age or older, and be eligible for a Maryland Provisional or Full noncommercial class "C" license only. This agreement does not apply to learner's permits, motorcycle licenses or commercial driver's licenses. Note: The driver's license from the Federal Republic of Germany must be surrendered to the MVA before the Maryland license can be issued. The MVA will return this license to the proper authorities in the Federal Republic of Germany to advise them that you now hold a Maryland's driver's license.
If you fail the skills test, you may retake the test:
- First failure - one (1) day later, (depending on test appointment availability); or
- Second or subsequent failure - One (1) week (7 days minimum) later, (depending on test appointment availability)
- CDL customers must pay any retest or no show fees before they can schedule the next test.
Customers are permitted to use an audio back-up warning device or a back-up camera during both noncommercial and commercial skills tests. School buses that are equipped with inside cameras are permitted for CDL testing, without turning off the camera. Vehicles that are equipped with an automatic parking feature are not permitted to engage this function during the skills tests.

Warning:

The use of back-up cameras and audio back-up warning devices are not a substitute for individual driver responsibility and or skills when operating any motor vehicle. Even though the MVA will permit the use of a back-up camera and an audio back-up warning device during testing, you must continue to properly observe traffic, properly use your mirrors, etc. The MVA agent/examiner will observe and score you on these and other requirements and criteria during the skills tests. Backing a motor vehicle requires skill and good judgment. Therefore, an individual should not rely on the use of back-up equipment alone. Using mirrors, observing traffic, and looking over your shoulders are some of the proper precautions to safely back up your vehicle should conditions require it.

For details about how to arrange a test and what to bring, click on one of the following:

Class C (noncommercial) license or class M (motorcycle) license
Class A or B (noncommercial or commercial) or class C (commercial) license

How do I arrange a skills test for a class C (noncommercial) or a class M (motorcycle) license?

The first step in taking a skills test is to make an appointment. You can either click here to schedule your test or you can visit the office where you want to take the test and make the appointment.

On the day of your scheduled test, be sure to bring with you the applicable items listed below:

Required Items	Comments
Vehicle you will be driving and a valid registration card	Must be in the proper class. If you are driving a rental vehicle, your name must appear on the rental contract as an authorized driver and you must have the rental contract with you. Must be in safe operating condition. A list of the items checked by the MVA is available in the chart. Additional information is available in the Maryland Driver Handbook (form # DL-002B).
Your current license and or learner's permit	If your license has expired, be sure that a driver with a valid license drives you to the test site. If the Class C learner's permit has been lost, stolen or mutilated, you must obtain a duplicate permit to take to the on-road driving test. If the Class M motorcycle permit has been lost, stolen or mutilated, the applicant may take the driving test without getting a duplicate permit as this test is not administered on the public roadway.
Other items	Additional forms, information or items may be required under certain circumstances: Glasses or contact lenses if you need them (see Vision Screening and Requirements for more information); If you have a learner's permit: A licensed driver who meets the definition of a supervising driver. The certification showing your successful completion of a Maryland MVA licensed and approved driver's education course (30 + 6 hours) if required; Out-of-State Driver's Education certification(s) are typically not accepted by the MVA. They must be reviewed on a case by case basis for possible approval by the Driver's Education Program. Your Practice and Skills Log (form #DL-195 - included in the Rookie Driver Skills Log and Practice Guide) that is completed and signed by the supervising driver (first time license (GLS) holders ONLY) and A 3-Hour Alcohol and Drug Education Program (ADEP) certificate (if required). Class M (motorcycle) license ONLY Proper helmet and eye protection; If you are less than 18 years, 0 months, a certificate of completion for a Motorcycle Safety Course; An additional driving test is not required if a valid Maryland MVA or MVA approved course certificate is presented. If this is your first license (GLS), the certificate showing your successful completion of a Maryland MVA licensed and approved driver's education course required for a class C license (30 + 6 hours) if required; and your Practice and Skills Log (form #DL-195 - included in the Rookie Driver Skills Log and Practice Guide) All noncommercial test applicants should come prepared with a test vehicle that is in safe operating condition and has at least 1/2 tank of gas. The test applicant and the supervising driver/vehicle owner must complete and sign an MVA "Certification of Insurance & Authorization to Operate Vehicle" form before the skills test can begin.
Note: Class "M" motorcycles must be able to pass a safety inspection.

How do I arrange a skills test for a class A or B (noncommercial or commercial) or a class C (commercial) license?

The first step in taking a skills test is to make an appointment. You can either contact the MVA Customer Service Center, which will refer you to the office where you want to take the test, or visit the office to make an appointment.

On the day of your scheduled test, be sure to bring with you the applicable items listed below:

Required Items	Comments
Vehicle you will be driving and a valid registration card(s)	Must be in the proper class Must be in safe operating condition (pre-trip inspection guidelines).
Your current license and or learner's permit	Be sure that a driver with a valid license of the proper class and required endorsements drives or accompanies you to the test site. If the learner's permit has been lost, stolen or mutilated you will be required to obtain a duplicate permit to take the skills tests.
Other items	Additional forms, information or items may be required under certain circumstances: Glasses or contact lenses if you need them; If you are taking a commercial skills test, a valid DOT card and a valid statement of exemption/waiver if required. See CDL Medical/Physical Requirements for more information. If you have a learner's permit: A licensed driver who meets the definition of a supervising driver. The certificate showing your successful completion of a Maryland MVA licensed and approved driver's education course (30 + 6 hours) if required. Note: Out-of-State Driver's Education certification(s) are typically not accepted by the MVA. They must be reviewed on a case by case basis for possible approval by the Driver Education Program. and Your Practice and Skills Log (form DL-195 - included in the Rookie Driver Skills Log and Practice Guide) that is completed and signed by the supervising driver (first time noncommercial class A or B license (GLS) holders ONLY) if required;
Note: If you are applying for a class A or B license (commercial or noncommercial), or a class C (commercial) license the vehicle must meet all applicable pre-trip inspection standards.

Fees:

Noncommercial skills test (class A, B, C or M
- There is no fee for the skills test as long as you have a valid learner's permit
Commercial (class A, B or C) skills test ONLY-

Notes:

There is no fee for the initial skills test as long as you have a valid learner's permit.
There is a skills retest fee that you must pay prior to scheduling another skills test if you fail any part of the skills tests and need to be retested.
There is a no-show fee that you must pay prior to scheduling another driving test if you:

Do not appear for a scheduled test without an acceptable explanation; or
Do not appear for a scheduled test within 30 minutes after the scheduled appointment time, with an acceptable test vehicle and accompanying driver; or
Fail to cancel a scheduled test at least 24 hours before the appointment and do not appear for it.

Contact Information:

MVA
Driver Services Division
6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

For telephone questions:

MVA Customer Service Center:	1-800-950-1MVA(1682)
TTY/Hearing Impaired:	1-800-492-4575
Out-of-State:	1-301-729-4550

Skills Test Information
License Class	Tests
Class A - Commercial and Noncommercial	Pre-trip inspection: See Maryland CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Guide (form# DL-152)Basic skills test (closed course): Must pass pre-trip inspection to take this test; See section 12 in the Maryland Commercial Driver's License Manual (form# DL-151); Public road test (public highways): Must pass basic skills test to take this test.
Class B - Commercial and Noncommercial	Pre-trip inspection: See Maryland CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Guide (form# DL-152) for more information. Basic skills test (closed course): Must pass pre-trip inspection to take this test; See section 12 in the Maryland Commercial Driver's License Manual (form # DL-151) Public road test (public highways): Must pass basic skills test to take this test.
Class C - Noncommercial	Pre-trip inspection Front and rear tags (month/year stickers on rear) Windshield unobstructed view of wiper area, no cracks Driver and passenger doors must open/close Seat belt secure fastens properly (shoulder and lap, if equipped) Tires properly inflated with adequate tread and no missing lug nuts Lights and lenses - none broken, all operate (Head, brake, signals, and hazards). Lens repair tape permitted, if proper color. Gas gauge reads at least 1/4 tank and cap is present (Customer handout indicates the vehicle should have at least 1/2 tank of gas; however, customer should not be turned away if vehicle has at least a 1/4 tank of gas). Rear view and outside left side mirror secure, not broken Front seats free of debris, (oil, food, wetness) operation, not broken Glove box closed. No loose articles that may create a hazard Exhaust system secure, no leaks, and smell, seen or heard Brake and accelerator pedal secure, properly adjusted and operable Dashboard warning lights - none activated. No safety concerns Fluid leaks, coolant, transmission fluid, etc. Horn operational Speedometer operational Weather related items If weather conditions are wet and/or cold Windows must be rolled up. Heater and defroster must be operable. Windshield wipers and washers must be operable and have washer fluid. If weather conditions are extremely hot Front windows must open or air conditioner must be operable. Basic skills test (closed course): Parallel Parking Parking space available is 6 feet wide by 25 feet long; Right side vehicle tires must both be 12 inches or closer to the curb; Test is timed (maximum 3 minutes): More than 3 minutes - 9 points (automatic disqualification). Reverse Two-Point Turnabout Turnabout space is 10' wide and 20' deep. Customer drives past space and then backs their vehicle completely into this space. Test is timed (maximum 3 minutes). More than 3 minutes - 9 points(automatic disqualification). Public road test (public highways)
Class C - Commercial	Pre-trip inspection: See Maryland CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Guide (form# DL-152). Basic skills test (closed course): Must pass pre-trip inspection to take this test; See section 12 in the Maryland Commercial Driver's License Manual (form# DL-151) Public road test (public highways): Must pass basic skills test to take this test.
Class M - Motorcycle	Pre-trip inspection Basic skills test (closed course) may consist of the following maneuvers: Engine Start "U" Turn Sharp right turn Cone weave Normal stop Quick stop Obstacle swerve Turn from a stop
Motor Home or RV - commercial or noncommercial license (A or B) with restriction	Pre-trip inspection External Vehicle walk around Leaks (look for puddles or dripping fluids under the vehicle; listen for air leaks if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes) Fuel tank Tires (inflation, depth and condition of tires) Rims Lug nuts Headlights (low and high beams) Tail lights and brake lights 4-way flashers Turn signals (front and back) Rear of vehicle (doors, hinges, etc.) Exhaust System Air brake check (if so equipped) Coupling system (if vehicle is being towed or is towing; includes electrical lines and airlines if the vehicle is so equipped. Internal Seats and safety belts Windows and windshield Doors/mirrors (rearview and outside) Wipers and washers Heater/air conditioner/defroster Horn Parking brake tug test Indicator lights (hazard and dashboard indicator lights, to include high beam indicator) Gauges (including air gauge if vehicle is equipped) Basic skills test (closed course): Backing 100 feet (straight line) Off-set backing to the right Public road test (public highways)