Maryland Is One of the Best States for Drivers

For many, driving in America can often be a unique experience, with some states easier and safer to drive in than others. 

But where does Maryland rank among the best states to drive, and how does it compare across a series of common driving factors?

Analyzing and ranking each state according to a range of factors -- including the number of license holders, the driving test pass rate, and the number of insured drivers on the roads -- we’ve been able to reveal America’s top states to drive in.

BetMaryland.com is obviously about more than keeping tabs on Maryland sportsbooks.

Maryland is One of the Safest States for Drivers

Comparing driving data across each U.S. region, we can reveal that Maryland places second among the safest states to drive in, with an overall index score of 58.4 out of 80. 

The state performs particularly well among the theoretical element of the standard driving test (85%), which drivers are required to pass before being allowed to drive independently, second behind only neighboring Virginia.

Additionally, drivers in Maryland can only earn their full license once they turn 18 – although you only need to be 15 and three quarters years old to apply for your learners permit.

(Note in the chart below: The raw data went to a few decimals, ranking Virginia (57.94) ahead of Massachusetts (57.93), and Georgia (49.76) just ahead of Illinois (49.75).)

Taking top spot overall, however, nearby Delaware records an index score of 59.2. Impressively, Delaware can also claim the highest rate of driving license holders (82.24%), second fewest DUIs per 100,000 drivers, and the joint-oldest age to apply for a learners permit (16). 

Meanwhile, in third, we have Virginia (57.94), which has the highest driving test pass rate of all U.S. states (86%) - just ever so slightly ahead of Massachusetts (57.93). Then comes the East Coast trio of Connecticut (57.5), New Jersey (55.5), and Rhode Island (52.9). 

In eighth, Arizona records an index score of 52.6, helped along by having the highest average number of clear days annually (193, more than half the year) and third-highest rate of driving license holders (77.79%). 

Following closely behind, Pennsylvania (52.2) and Nebraska (51.2) complete the top ten, while Ohio (50.9) and Missouri (50.4) just miss out. Next up, New Hampshire (50.1), Georgia (49.76), and Illinois (49.75) round out the 15 safest states to drive in. 

At the other end of the table, however, Alaska is considered the most dangerous state to drive in, due in part to the low average number of clear weather days – just 61, more than only West Virginia (60), Washington (58), and Vermont (58) – as well as the fact drivers can apply for their learners permit at age 14. 

What Are Your Odds of Driving in Maryland?

We’ve compared the safest states to drive in according to an array of common factors, but where does Maryland rank when comparing the odds of becoming an eligible driver?

With moneyline odds of -247, the chance of passing your driving test in Maryland is stronger than nearby Pennsylvania (-216) and Virginia (-208) – although neighboring state Delaware tops the list as the region with the greatest odds of all (-463).

Meanwhile, your chances of coming across an uninsured driver are strongest in Florida (+275), Mississippi (+322), and Louisiana (+355), with Maryland ranking 21st among all U.S. states with odds of +706.

Comparing data across the US, it’s interesting to see how Maryland ranks among the safest states for drivers – and which regions’ roads are considered the most perilous! 

For even more expert insight like this, check out the latest news in Maryland, where we also cover all Maryland sports betting apps.

Methodology

For this campaign, two datasets have been created. The first ranks U.S. states based on how good they are for driving. The second looks at the moneyline odds of having a license and the odds of not being insured.

The driving index considers 9 different factors. All U.S. states were ranked and given an index value between 0 and 10. These values were then summed to provide a total score for each state, which were then ranked. The factors are as follows:

• License holders - The percentage of the total population with a full drivers license. 
• Knowledge test pass mark - The percentage of total marks required to pass the driving knowledge test. 
• Percentage of insured drivers - The percentage of drivers who are insured. 
• DUIs per 100,000 drivers - The number of DUIs handed out per 100,000 drivers. Normalized by giving a high score to a low value, and a low score to a high value.
• Road deaths per 100,000 people - The number of road deaths per 100,000 people. Normalized by giving a high score to a low value, and a low score to a high value. 
• Gas prices - The average price of a gallon of gas. Normalized by giving a high score to a low value, and a low score to a high value. 
• Clear days - The average number of days annually when cloud covers at most 30% of the sky during daylight hours. 
• Age for learners permit - The minimum age required to get a learners permit. 
• Age for full license - The minimum age required to get a full license. 

The most recent data available was used where possible. All data is correct as of 10/17/2022.