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Toyota models are known for being some of the toughest, longest-running vehicles on the road, but even they can have occasional engine problems. While most mechanics are great at their jobs, there are some issues you'll want a certified Toyota technician to inspect for you because they know the vehicles inside and out. Water Pump Issues Toyota water pumps can leak or overheat, leading to an engine overheating if not addressed soon enough. In the 5.7-liter V-8 engine, Toyota designed the water pump with a safety feature that helps prevent severe damage to the entire pump once the issue starts. You'll notice coolant dripping underneath the vehicle, consistent low coolant, and white smoke from the tailpipe or under the hood. more A damaged water pump can quickly lead to engine failure if your engine overheats, so it's essential to make an appointment soon! Oil Build-Up in the Engine An oil build-up in your engine is a long-term issue that accrues slowly over time. It's easily preventable by keeping up on your oil changes, monitoring what kind of oil you use, and occasionally checking the oil dipstick yourself. However, if you're noticing your Toyota struggling to accelerate or shift gears, bring it into the dealership for a tune-up. This issue typically affects Toyota models manufactured between 1997 and 2005. Excessive Oil Usage Extra oil usage is bad for your wallet and the environment. While it's normal for your oil levels to dip slightly between oil changes, it's not normal to lose enough oil to require a 'refill.' This issue typically depends on how many miles are on the engine. Many car owners choose not to fix the problem, but it can become costly if not addressed.   If your Toyota is getting up there in miles, you may want to switch to high-quality synthetic oil or heavy oil. Ask your dealership the next time you take the car in for an oil change. Cam Tower Leaks A cam tower leak is the most serious issue on this list of engine issues and typically occurs after 50,000-100,000 miles of driving. You can identify this issue by looking for white smoke from the engine bay or finding an oil leak under the car. The tower leak is most frequently found on the 5.7-liter V-8 engine because the engine uses RTV silicon instead of gaskets.   Because this leak can quickly damage your vehicle, bringing your Toyota into the shop as soon as possible is essential. Even trained mechanics can struggle with this engine fix, so you'll want someone (like the dealership) to handle it.   If you begin noticing engine issues, click here for directions to DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring today! Our service team will ensure your engine is running correctly. We're passionate about helping you take great care of your car, so if you want to learn more about maintaining your Toyota, we have you covered!

Do you live in or around the Silver Spring, MD area? If so, you may be wondering how often to update your driver's license. We've got you covered. This blog will outline when and how to keep it up to date. Overview The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) requires all drivers to maintain a current and valid license. To keep your license valid, you need to update your license every eight years, or after major life changes. Major life changes could include a change of address, a name change, or a gender change. more If your license has expired for more than one year, you will need to retake the vision, written, and road skills tests. If you have a commercial license (CDL), you must update your license within 30 days of any change in your legal name, address, or gender. Drivers operating under just a regular license must update their licenses within 60 days of any change in their legal name, address, or gender. How to Update Your License in Maryland The MVA allows you to update your license online if you are a non-commercial driver. You will need to create an account with the MVA, then visit the Driver Services website and follow the steps to complete your application. The website also has a tutorial on how to take a new picture in case yours has become outdated since you got your license.   The Driver Services section of the website includes step-by-step instructions on how to replace lost or stolen licenses as well as how and when you can renew them. You can also update your address and change other aspects of your license or ID card from this one place. What You Need to Update Your License in Maryland When you are ready to update your Maryland license to drive, you should collect the following documents as they help the process go smoothly. A copy of a valid photo ID (e.g., U.S. passport or military card) Proof of legal name and date of birth (e.g., birth certificate or passport) A court order relating to a change in name (e.g., adoption records or marriage certificate) Proof of Social Security number (e.g., a Social Security card or W-2 form) Two documents verifying your Maryland residency (e.g., utility bills or mortgage documents) Keeping your license to drive current is an important process to ensure that you can always legally drive. At DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring, we're passionate about helping you have all of the information you need for a safe and reliable driving experience in the state of Maryland. Feel free to check out more of our must-know tips & tricks to keep learning today!

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime is a dynamic and sleek vehicle that was named a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The vehicle comes in enticing exterior colors like Supersonic Red, Silver Sky Metallic with a Midnight Black Metallic roof, Blizzard Pearl with a Midnight Black Metallic roof, and Blueprint. It also includes a number of other great features that we feel confident you'll love and will want to learn more about! Premium Interior The 2022 RAV4 Prime boasts a premium interior with its front seats with supportive sides, and its available LED ambient lighting helps you see the interior of the vehicle no matter how dark it is outside. For those who enjoy having a clear view of the sky during their drives, the vehicle also has an available panoramic glass roof. more Powerful Performance The performance of this 2022 Toyota is powerful, making it easy for you to get where you need to go. The vehicle includes an advanced gas/electric powertrain that delivers an impressive 302 net horsepower and gives the vehicle the ability to go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The 2022 RAV4 Prime also comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which allows it to accurately shift power between all four of its wheels so it can maintain optimal traction and performance. Two Great Model Options The 2022 RAV4 Prime comes in two great models: the SE and the XSE. The SE is the cheapest model and includes appealing features like 18-inch 5-spoke painted and machined alloy sport wheels, Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, and bi-LED projector low- and high-beam headlights. The XSE is the most expensive model and includes features like 19-inch 5-spoke painted and machined sport alloy wheels and a Midnight Black metallic roof. Notable Safety Features The 2022 RAV4 Prime includes a variety of notable safety features that will help you drive more confidently. The vehicle comes standard with a driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System that has eight airbags total. It also comes standard with a comprehensive suite of six advanced safety features that will help improve your ability to stay safe, some of which include electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, and enhanced vehicle stability control.   With impressive features like these, we wouldn't be surprised if you want to check out this SUV in person! Stop by DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring today and have a look at our inventory of RAV4 Prime vehicles.

Without routine transmission service, you'll eventually need to face the expense of repairing or even replacing your gearbox. Let's take a look at how often you should visit your local Toyota dealer to have your transmission inspected, and its fluid renewed. Every 60,000 to 100,000 Miles for Automatic If your car has an automatic transmission, you'll only need to head in for servicing every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. The primary purpose of this visit is to have your fluid replaced. Transmission fluid serves the vital function of keeping your gearbox well-lubricated. It also prevents a buildup of contaminants and keeps all the mechanical parts from overheating. more Every 30,000 to 60,000 Miles for Manual For drivers with manual transmissions, you'll need to have it serviced a little more often: every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. But whichever type of transmission you use, you should check your owner's manual to see what kind of servicing interval Toyota recommends for your particular model. Extreme Driving Conditions When your engine and transmission are put under excessive pressure, their fluids wear down faster and need replacing more frequently. Some drivers mostly use their car for short trips of under five miles, only driving to the local grocery store, for example, or to pick up their kids from school. The problem with frequent short trips is that the transmission fluid never thoroughly warms up to its ideal lubricating state, and this creates more wear and tear inside your gearbox.   Towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads on the roof rack also puts a great deal more strain on your transmission, as does continuous driving through hilly terrain or heavy stop-and-go traffic. If any of these match your regular driving conditions, you should have your transmission seen to more often. Indicators of Transmission Trouble No matter how recently you've had your transmission checked, you should never ignore signs of a developing problem. If you hear strange grinding sounds while changing gears, or experience sluggish acceleration, then you might have a problem with your transmission. Any puddles of red or brown fluid under your car could indicate leaking transmission fluid, which will need to be fixed right away. How a Toyota Dealer Inspects Your Transmission While servicing your transmission, the mechanic will flush out your fluid, clean your transmission filter and pan, and put in new fluid of a brand and type best suited to your current season and climate. During the process, if they come across any problems, the relevant part will be promptly repaired or replaced.   To have your transmission inspected and serviced today, visit us at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring or schedule a service appointment online. Our experienced staff is committed to providing top-notch customer service to each and every person who steps foot through our doors.

There are plenty of challenges drivers in Silver Spring, MD face on the road, but there are few that cause quite as much stress and anxiety as parallel parking does. The good news is that this maneuver doesn't need to be a hassle; follow these tips to take the stress out of your parking experience. Find the Right Spot Parking becomes a lot easier when you choose the right parking space. You'll want ample room to fit your vehicle, with a little extra wiggle room if possible, especially while you're still getting used to this maneuver. You should also make sure there are no restrictions on parking in the space you choose. more Use Your Turn Signals One often-overlooked step in parking on the side of the road is showing other drivers your intent by using your turn signals. Signal towards the side of the road you're parking on before you begin parking. This will let other drivers know what you're doing so that they can react accordingly. Check Your Surroundings Just like any other driving maneuver, situational awareness is critical when you're parking. Make sure your rear-view and side mirrors are properly positioned to give you a good view of the area behind your vehicle. You'll need them to watch for oncoming traffic as well as judge the distance between your vehicle and the vehicles you're parking near. Start from the Correct Position Beginning from the right position will set you up for successful parking. Adjust your vehicle so that your steering wheel is lined up with the car in front’s steering wheel. This will allow you a clear view of the space behind you and give you a good starting position to guide your vehicle into the space from. Cut in Towards the Curb Once you've positioned yourself correctly, start reversing into the spot. When the middle of your vehicle lines up with the rear bumper of the vehicle in front of your parking space, cut the wheel sharply towards the curb. Straighten the wheel out once you're in towards the curb to align your vehicle properly. Straighten Up and Adjust Now that you're in the parking space, you'll want to put the finishing touches on your work. Start by straightening your wheels so that you can be as level with the side of the road as possible. You should also adjust your position relative to the cars in front and behind you, leaving some space if possible, to make it easy for everyone to get out of their space.   We hope these tips help you the next time you're parallel parking! We suggest checking out the 2022 Toyota Highlander if you're interested in buying a car with the latest technology to provide the best driving experience possible.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander is a three-row seating SUV offering a comfortable ride and outstanding fuel economy. The 2022 Highlander is extremely popular with families and those who need to move people in comfort. New for 2022 The 2022 Highlander is now available as the new Hybrid Bronze Edition, and all models have received a number of interior upgrades. more Trim Options The 2022 Highlander comes in six primary trims. The six trims are the base L, the LE, the XLE, the XSE, the Limited, and the Platinum. Hybrid variants are available for each trim, providing consumers with a wide range of vehicles to choose from. If you want a specific Toyota Highlander trim in Silver Spring, MD, then we recommend checking out our inventory, where you can filter and search by trim. Engine Options A 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission is the standard engine available on all 2022 Highlander trims. The engine is powerful and provides smooth and responsive acceleration. A four-cylinder hybrid engine is also available as an option. The hybrid has a total output of 243 horsepower and is paired with a continuously variable transmission. Drivetrain Your 2022 Highlander is available with two drivetrain options. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available as an option. Fuel Economy A 2022 Highlander with the V-6 engine will earn you 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway when equipped with front-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive variants earn drivers 20 mpg around town and 27 mpg on the highway. The front-wheel-drive hybrid models offer drivers 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the open roads. Outstanding Appearance The 2022 Highlander is a modern and handsome large SUV. The body lines are smooth, and the grille gives the Highlander a unique appearance. Excellent Interior Every model of the Highlander comes with a high-quality interior that offers a huge amount of space. Interior materials, passenger space, and in-tech cabin features vary due to the large number of trims and optional packages available. Nevertheless, all trims sport a clean and modern interior design. Cabin Comfort The L and LE Highlander trims can seat eight passengers, but the upper-tier trims are available with a seven-seat arrangement due to the second row of captain's chairs. Upmarket materials are found throughout the interior, and premium upgrades for a luxurious interior are found in the upscale trims. Infotainment Most models of the Highlander come with the standard infotainment system that sports an 8.0-inch touchscreen display. The Limited and Platinum trims come with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. All models come with SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Driver Safety The 2022 Highlander comes with a full suite of driver-assistance technologies as standard. The technologies include cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights.   The best way to get your hands on this fantastic SUV is by letting our Toyota dealership help! Stop by and visit us at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring to take the Highlander for a test drive.

Are you in the market for a new car in Silver Spring, MD? While it can be an exciting endeavor, it's easy to get carried away or confused. Here are 4 tips to help you keep a clear head and make smart decisions when budgeting for a new car. Determine What You Can Afford Buying a new car is a big financial decision, and it's essential to budget carefully to ensure that you can afford the payments. The first step is to determine how much you can afford to spend on a vehicle. This includes the purchase price, insurance, gas, and maintenance. more Once you have an idea of your budget, you can start shopping for cars in your price range. It's also important to keep in mind that different cars have different expenses. For example, a luxury car may have higher insurance rates than a more modest vehicle. As you shop for cars, be sure to consider all of the associated costs to make sure that you're staying within your budget. Click here for more car buying tips & tricks! Consider Financing If you're in the market for a new car, it's important to consider all of your options when it comes to financing. One option is to take out a loan from a bank or credit union. This can be a good option if you have good credit and can get a competitive interest rate. Another option is to finance the car through the dealership.   This can be a good option if you don't have great credit or if you want to take advantage of special financing deals that the dealership may offer. Whichever option you choose, make sure to shop around for the best rates and terms before making a final decision. Consider Your Needs vs. Wants Start by making a list of the features that are absolutely essential, such as four-wheel drive or a specific type of engine. Then, make a separate list of the features that would be nice to have but are not essential. This will help you to narrow down your choices and avoid overspending.   Once you have an idea of the type of car you need, research different models to find one that fits your budget. If you're buying a new car, then it might even be possible to customize specific elements of the trim level to suit your needs. Find a Reputable Dealer and Ask for Help When buying a new car, it's important to work with a reputable dealer that you can trust. They can help you to find the right car for your needs and budget. They can also offer professional guidance on financing and maintenance. If you're not sure where to start, ask friends or family members for recommendations.   By following these tips, you're sure to find an affordable car that you'll love! Swing by and see us anytime at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring when it's time to purchase a new vehicle. Our team is here to help make the process simple and stress-free for you!

If you are learning to drive in Silver Spring, MD, you may be a little nervous about passing the driver's license test. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources to help you learn, and with safety and convenience features in the all-new 2022 Toyota Camry, you will feel even more confident behind the wheel. Here are 5 tips to help you ace your test. Get Comfortable Behind the Wheel Before Going In This is the most obvious tip, but it is something that many test-takers often skip. Before you go in to take your exam, you should absolutely be comfortable behind the wheel. If you rush into things before you are comfortable and well-prepared, then you are going to have more anxiety and make more mistakes. Getting comfortable behind the wheel comes with plenty of practice. However, if this is something you struggle with, try to work on your confidence. more Observe an Experienced Driver Even when you are not driving, you should be watching how an experienced driver behaves on the road. When you are in the vehicle with someone who has been driving for a while, try not to be on your phone. Instead, pay close attention and use this opportunity to ask questions. Observe how they handle stressful or hazardous conditions on the road. You would be surprised by how much you can learn simply by observing.   If you haven't taken the permit test yet, then this is the only driving experience you can get until you pass, but it is an excellent way to get yourself prepared and ready to begin practicing behind the wheel. It is also a great way to observe the things you will be studying about in your manual. Take Every Opportunity for Practice Once you have your permit, you should be using every opportunity that you get to practice. Whenever you can get behind the wheel, you should absolutely do it. Make sure that you always follow the rules, and have an experienced driver with you. Good habits learned and practiced from the start will put you in the best position to pass the exam. The more you drive, the more comfortable and confident you will be when it comes time to take the test. Manage Anxiety on the Day of the Test If you have done everything you can to prepare and you still feel anxious on the day of the test, know that it is alright. Many people feel this way before any kind of big exam. However, ensure that you have familiarized yourself with coping strategies, like controlled breathing, so that you don't let it overwhelm you when it is your time to shine. The last thing you want is for that to stand in your way on your big day.   We wish you the best of luck! If you are looking for a new vehicle to get you started, then we would love to help you with that too. Contact us today at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring, and we can help you find the best new car, or browse our site to get started!

Why settle for just good enough in your next truck when you can drive the 2022 Toyota Tacoma and experience true greatness? Our introduction will show you some of the best features that are waiting for you in this proud addition to the Toyota lineup. High-Performance Engineering When just an ordinary amount of power won't cut it, the Tacoma comes through with the extra-sized engine strength needed to tackle any challenge that lies in your path. The available Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V-6 engine with direct injection represents the pinnacle of modern engineering, balancing all the power you could ask for with class-leading fuel efficiency. The available six-speed manual transmission gives you precise and direct control over your ride. more All-Terrain Capability No matter how rugged the conditions or tough the terrain, there's no situation that the Tacoma can't overcome. You'll be able to get a full account of your surroundings using the multi-terrain monitor, helping you identify potential obstacles and choose the best path forward. Additional features such as hill start assist control help you out when you're on a steep incline, helping you maintain control at all times so that you can ride with confidence. Smart Utility Features Having the right tools at your disposal is an invaluable resource to being successful throughout your busy day, and the Tacoma gives you an array of tools fit for any circumstances. The durable truck bed features a deck rail system and locking storage compartments to make loading up all your cargo and storing it securely easy. There's also a 120V outlet built into the bed for you to plug in lights, tools, or anything else you need wherever you are. Audio Entertainment The Tacoma has every need you might have on the road covered, and that includes giving you options for adding some entertainment to your ride. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support makes it easy to plug into your phone to access your favorite music and other content you want for your travels. Better yet, your Tacoma also comes with a three-month trial of SiriusXM's Platinum Plan, giving you access to even more top-quality entertainment options. Proactive Safety Features To keep you one step ahead of any potential danger you encounter on the road, the Tacoma boasts all the latest safety and driver assistance features needed to protect you and your passengers. The lane departure alert system exemplifies this vehicle's high-tech approach to your safety. If this vehicle detects your truck passing over the boundaries of the road, you'll get support from alerts and corrective steering to help keep you exactly where you need to be.   All of the exceptional features the Tacoma has to offer can be yours for a great value when you get this powerful truck at our dealership in Silver Spring, MD. Check out all of our available Toyota Tacomas for sale now!

It is one of the most exciting feelings in life when you have your new driver's license. After years of being only a passenger, you're now a driver. It's a reason to feel proud of yourself. It's also a moment to realize the responsibility of now being a driver. We'd like to give all new drivers tips on enjoying their time behind the wheel and keeping themselves safe. Obey the Rules All the rules you studied when you were preparing for your driver’s test are going to be even more important. Once you're a driver, you're legally responsible for your conduct on the road at all times. Remembering and applying the information you learned will become second nature very quickly through practice. By following the rules at all times, you can keep yourself safe and relaxed. Obeying the rules will also protect you against traffic tickets. more Maintain Your Car Looking after your car is one of the most important driving tips. Keep your car well maintained and in good working order. This will not only give you a sense of pride, but it will help keep you safe too. Neglecting maintenance can quickly lead to problems. For example, brakes that aren’t maintained can fail. Always remember to check your tires, gas, and other fluid levels. You can drive with confidence when you know your car is working perfectly. Wear Your Seatbelt Always wear your seatbelt. When you get behind the wheel, make it a priority to buckle up before you start the engine. If you do this, it'll become second nature. A seatbelt can keep you safe, by preventing you from being thrown from your seat if you're involved in an accident. It's also a primary offense in 34 US states to drive without a seat belt and a secondary offense in 15 other states. Make Yourself Comfortable Before you start the engine, make sure you're comfortable. Adjust your seat, check and adjust your mirrors, and make other adjustments. When your car is moving, you don't want to be distracted by having to shift a mirror. While adjusting your mirrors, ensure you have no blind spots behind you. If you have clear vision in all directions, your driving will be easier and safer. Don't Get Distracted When you're driving, you need to be able to concentrate fully on what you're doing. If you're changing the radio station, adjusting mirrors, or looking at a text on your cellphone, you could be in danger. Sometimes an accident can happen in a split second. If you're paying attention, you'll be able to safely avoid it. Don't Speed Regardless of the temptation to get somewhere faster, never, ever speed. The faster you're traveling, the longer it takes to stop. That extra second's delay in slowing down can result in an accident.   Congratulations on becoming a new driver! DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring takes pride in having everything regarding your automotive needs. So if you wish to take a look at our new car deals to shop for your first vehicle or if you'd like to learn more tips and tricks from us, we have you covered.

The beefy and versatile Toyota Tundra has been redesigned with a number of upgrades both inside and out, deserving a closer look from anyone searching for a handsome new pickup truck in Silver Spring, MD. It's an excellent choice whether you need a daily workhorse or a capable role player for weekend adventures. It now boasts an attractive new body design to match excellent performance under the hood. Let's take a closer look at the 2022 Toyota Tundra. Basics About the Toyota Tundra for 2022 The new third-generation Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck available in two four-door cab options, three bed sizes, and a powerful new hybrid version. A true workhorse, it offers excellent performance both in the city and off-road, with superior suspension and multiple powertrain options to suit your needs. The 2022 Tundra also boasts a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds, which places it among the best in its class. more In addition to numerous performance upgrades, the Tundra has also received an interior facelift to provide a more pleasurable driver experience. The handsome dash offers walnut and leather trims in addition to a few other warm touches, and a bright infotainment system touchscreen controls wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are three USB ports and a power tailgate, as well as options for a panoramic roof and heated and cooled front seats. New Features The Toyota Tundra has received a complete redesign for 2022, with an omega-shaped grille and narrow LED headlights that wrap into its husky fenders. Square wheel cutouts frame eight wheel design options in either 18 or 20 inches, and there are three available bed sizes. In addition to an overhauled frame, there are new powertrains, new rear suspension, and a modern interior update. The turbocharged V-6 engine also adds more torque than previous models.   The Tundra's new frame design increases toughness and durability, and the leaf-spring rear suspension has been replaced with modern coil springs. This accompanies a lighter front double wishbone suspension to produce a noticeably smoother ride. The infotainment system has also been updated with an available 14-inch touchscreen on the center dash. Its high-resolution display features a quicker response time and an improved voice recognition system. Performance The base SR Tundra features a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that puts out 348 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that glides smoothly through gears. The optional hybrid version known as the i-Force Max adds an electric motor to deliver even more muscle, hitting 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The Tundra comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive comes with the available TRD Pro model.   The TRD Pro version also features a hill descent control button, crawl mode, and a host of other off-road niceties and ground clearance of 11.2 inches with the SR5 crew cab.   This quick overview highlights a few of the new Toyota Tundra's best features and why it's an excellent choice for your next pickup truck! Want to test drive a 2022 Toyota Tundra or browse our Tundras for sale? We have you covered here at our Toyota dealership in Silver Spring, MD. We look forward to showing you the ins and outs of this truck today!

Your Maryland driver's permit is the second stage in your quest for a driver's license. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MMVA) is responsible for all driving and licensing matters. This process can seem confusing at first, so we'd like to explain your requirements for getting a driver's permit if you live in Silver Spring, MD. Apply for a Learner’s Permit This is the first important step on the road to your driver's license. To complete this step, you'll need to book the written learner’s test at any MMVA office. To book the test, you need to be at least 15 years and 9 months old. You will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your address, and proof that you're a resident of Maryland. more You will need to bring a parent or guardian with you if you're not yet an adult and pay $50 for the test. There are two sections to this, the written test and the vision test. Once you pass these tests, you'll be issued a learner's permit. What to Expect Written Test The written test is taken online and consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. To pass this test, you need to score 88%, which is 22 correct answers out of 25 questions. To study for this test, you only have to read and understand one book. This book is the Maryland Driver’s Manual, and you can get a free copy from any MMVA office or download it from their website. Vision Test A licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist will perform this test, and to pass, you will need to demonstrate 20/40 vision in both eyes and a peripheral vision of 140 degrees. For this test, you will need to bring your eyeglasses or contact lenses with you. Driver’s Education You will need to complete an approved driver's education course. The MMVA office can provide you with a list of approved courses, or you can obtain it from their website. This course requires that you complete at least 30 hours of classroom work and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Once you complete this section, the school will upload confirmation that you've completed the course to the MMVA. Supervised Driving Practice The third step is to complete 60 hours of driving practice. At least 10 hours of this must be undertaken at night, and preferably in bad weather. You will need to have a licensed driver of 21 years of age or older with you at all times. This licensed driver will need to confirm your practice with the MMVA. Provisional Permit Once you've completed the above steps, you can apply for your permit. You'll need to take proof of completion of the above steps when you attend your driving test. Once you pass this step, you'll be awarded your permit.   Once you complete all these steps, you'll be the proud possessor of your provisional permit! If you've enjoyed learning from us at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring, we suggest checking out more of our related blog posts today!