Driving Tests

Maryland Knowledge Test Languages and Interpreter Rules

informational·how to guide·Published July 4, 2026

Can you take the Maryland knowledge test in Spanish or another language, and can you bring an interpreter?

Yes. The MVA lists the non-commercial Class C knowledge test in English, Spanish, American Sign Language and 14 other languages. If the MVA offers the test in your language, you must take it at least 5 times before you can use an interpreter. The MVA charges no interpreter fee, but you pay the interpreter. You cannot use an interpreter for a CDL or Class A or B test.

Where the Maryland knowledge test language facts come from

The language list, the interpreter rules and the steps for deaf and hard of hearing customers come from the MVA interpreter and translation providers page. That page is from the older MVA website (copy of April 2026), so confirm your language with the MVA. The test length, the car rule, the TTY number and the accommodations come from the Maryland Driver's Manual (DL-002), and the Spanish practice tests from the MVA online driver test tutorial. The Rookie Driver Practice Guide comes from the MVA learner's permit page. The 85 percent pass mark comes from the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR 11.17.14.11), and the English signs rule from the Maryland Transportation Article, sections 16-103.1 and 16-110. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Maryland MVA (mva.maryland.gov) before you drive.

Which languages does the Maryland knowledge test come in?

The MVA lists the non-commercial Class C knowledge test in these languages: English, Spanish, American Sign Language, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese (Traditional), Farsi, French, Hindi, Korean, Nepali, Portuguese, Russian, Tagalog, Urdu, Vietnamese and Yoruba. The MVA also offers several documents and tests in other languages for customers who need them.
Before you book, call the MVA Customer Service Center at 410-768-7000 and confirm that the MVA offers the test in your language.

Maryland knowledge test and interpreter rules at a glance

Maryland knowledge test and interpreter rules at a glance
Item	Maryland rule
Questions	25
Time	20 minutes
Pass mark	85 percent (COMAR 11.17.14.11)
Format	Written, electronic or alternative
Test languages	English, Spanish, ASL and 14 others on the MVA list
Interpreter if the MVA offers your language	Only after at least 5 attempts
MVA interpreter fee	None; you pay the interpreter
Sign language interpreter	The MVA arranges and pays

When can you use an interpreter on the Maryland knowledge test?

If English is difficult for you, you may be able to use an interpreter at the MVA, mainly for the knowledge test and the driving test for a non-commercial Class C or M license.
The 5-attempt rule comes first. If the MVA offers the knowledge test in your language, you must take the test at least 5 times before an interpreter can be used.
The MVA charges no fee for an interpreter. You pay any fee that the interpreter asks for. For a deaf or hard of hearing customer, the MVA pays for a sign language interpreter.

Who can be your interpreter at the Maryland MVA?

A person on the MVA's Approved Interpreter/Translator Provider Listing.
A person on the State of Maryland Court Interpreter Registry listing.
The embassy of the country that issued your document, but only to translate documents.
Not a family member. Interpreters cannot interpret for family members.
Not a person who also does other work for you, such as certifying your residence, running a driving school business or issuing a lease or rental agreement.
An in-person interpreter must show a valid photo ID (a state driver's license or ID card) before the work starts. MVA branch staff check the approved lists to confirm current standing.
Interpreters may not solicit on MVA property.

Can an interpreter help on the Maryland driving skills test?

You take a non-commercial Class C or M skills test and need an interpreter

Only you and the person who gives the test may be in the vehicle. An interpreter that the MVA approves can also be in the car.

You take a CDL test or a Class A or B non-commercial test

You cannot use an interpreter for the knowledge test or the skills test.

You are deaf or hard of hearing

Ask the MVA for a sign language interpreter for the non-commercial knowledge and skills tests. The steps are in the next section.

How to ask for a sign language interpreter at the Maryland MVA

1
Call the MVA
Call the MVA Customer Service Center at 410-768-7000, or the TTY line for hearing impaired customers at 1-800-492-4575.
2
Give your visit details
Tell the MVA Driver Services Division the date, the time and the branch office where you plan to go.
3
Let the MVA make the arrangements
The MVA makes all the arrangements and pays for the interpreter.
4
Get your confirmation
The MVA confirms your appointment after it makes the arrangements.

Do documents that are not in English need a translation?

Yes. If your identity documents or driver's license are not in English, an MVA-approved interpreter or translator must translate them. A foreign license needs no translation if you bring an international driver's license with it.
Bring the original document with the English translation. The translation must show the translator's typed or printed name, telephone number and signature. For the full list of papers, see our guide to Maryland driver's license documents.

How to study for the Maryland knowledge test in your language

The MVA says about half of first-time test takers fail, so study first. The free MVA online driver test tutorial has practice tests in English and in Spanish, each with 25 questions, the same number as the knowledge test.
Take the untimed tutorial test as many times as you need. Then take the timed version to practice finishing within 20 minutes.
Study the Maryland Driver's Manual. It includes all the information that the knowledge test covers.
Our free Maryland practice tests are in English only. For the test day steps, see our guide to the Maryland MVA knowledge test.
After you get your permit, your supervising driver fills in the practice skills log in the Rookie Driver Practice Guide. The guide also comes in Spanish.

Do you need to read English to get a Maryland license?

Maryland law says the MVA may not issue a license to a person who is unable to understand highway warning or direction signs written in English. The license exam also tests your ability to read and understand highway signs that regulate, warn and direct traffic.
So learn the English words and the shapes of common signs. For example, the eight-sided sign always means stop. Try our free question on the stop sign.

Key takeaways

The MVA lists the non-commercial Class C knowledge test in English, Spanish, American Sign Language and 14 other languages. Confirm your language at 410-768-7000.
If the MVA offers the test in your language, you must take it at least 5 times before you can use an interpreter.
Your interpreter must be on the MVA approved list or the Maryland Court Interpreter Registry, and cannot be a family member.
The MVA charges no interpreter fee, and it arranges and pays for a sign language interpreter. You cannot use an interpreter for a CDL or Class A or B test.
Next step: practice on the free Maryland Class C practice test.

Maryland knowledge test languages: common questions

What if my language is not on the MVA test list?

The 5-attempt rule applies only when the MVA offers the knowledge test in your language. If your language is not on the list, you may be able to use an MVA-approved interpreter for the test. Call the MVA Customer Service Center at 410-768-7000 before you book, and ask how to plan your visit with an interpreter.

Can a friend or my driving instructor be my interpreter?

Only if that person is on the MVA's approved interpreter list or the State of Maryland Court Interpreter Registry. A family member cannot interpret for you. An interpreter for your test also may not do other work for you, such as the business of a driving school, certifying your residence or issuing a lease.

How do I find an MVA-approved interpreter?

The MVA posts its list of approved interpreters on its website, and it releases a new Approved Interpreter/Translator Provider Listing every quarter. Check the current list before you hire someone. At the branch, the interpreter shows a valid photo ID, and MVA staff check the lists to confirm current standing.

Can I get extra time or an oral test on the Maryland knowledge test?

Yes, if you have a disability. The MVA gives accommodations on the knowledge and driving skills tests, such as additional time, oral testing, screen readers, headphones, visual aids and sign language support with American Sign Language and Certified Deaf Interpreters. The MVA sets them based on each person's needs, so contact MVA customer service to ask.