Maryland app hits big milestone: 500,000 downloads
A mobile app developed by Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration to help prospective drivers pass the state’s driving test reached a major milestone just before the holidays when it passed more than 500,000 downloads between the Apple and Android app stores.
Provided by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, the Maryland Practice Driving Test mobile app, which was first launched three years ago, helps prepare future drivers for the knowledge test required to obtain a Maryland driver’s license.
“The Maryland Practice Driving Test mobile app is a great resource to use when preparing to take the driver’s knowledge test,” MVA Administrator Milton Chaffee said in a statement. “With a focus on behaviors that can affect safe operation of a motor vehicle, it challenges users to test their knowledge of the rules of the road.”
The Maryland Practice Driving Test app generates a random series of 25 questions and allows users to repeat the test as often as they like. The app also integrates with social media channels and allows users to email their scores to their parents and friends or post on Facebook and Twitter.
The state found that those who downloaded the app and used it to prepare for the test would typically use it until they reached a 100 percent score before taking the actual test. The additional practice helped testers pass their real test on the first chance, helping to reduce wait times at the state’s DMV offices by minimizing the number of repeat testers.
At the same time, the MVA launched a Spanish-language version of the mobile app earlier this year to help prepare all applicants applying for a driver’s license in Maryland. It also offers an online version of the Spanish-language tutorial on its website to assist those who do not have access to a compatible mobile device.
The Maryland Practice Driving Test mobile apps were developed at no cost for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration by NIC Inc., through the self-funded e-government services contract with the state Department of Information Technology.
The MVA has made an effort to be an innovator with technology.
Last year, the department was nominated for a StateScoop 50 Award for its Online Vision Certification Service, which allows authorized providers to submit the results of driver vision tests. The online service allows eligible customers to renew their noncommercial driver’s license through MVA’s website or self-service kiosk.
The Maryland Practice Driving Test mobile apps are available for free download in the iTunes and Google Play app stores and can also be accessed through the state’s official website, www.Maryland.gov, or MVA’s website.
