What a Maryland driver's permit is and who needs one
A Maryland driver's permit (officially called a learner's permit) is a document that lets you practice driving before you take your road test. It is not a full license — you cannot drive alone, and you must follow specific rules about who can be in the car with you and when you can drive. The permit proves to police that you have passed the written knowledge test and are legally allowed to be behind the wheel under supervision.
You need a permit if you are under 18 and have never held a driver's license in any state. If you are 18 or older and have never had a license, you can skip the permit and go straight to the road test, but most people choose to get the permit first so they have time to practice. If you already have a license from another state, Maryland may let you transfer it without getting a permit — that depends on your age and how long you have held the other license.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to get a Maryland learner's permit, and you need a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Maryland Driver's Manual or practice tests on the MVA website.
- With a permit, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old in the front seat with you at all times, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
- You can hold a permit for up to two years, and you must wait at least 60 days after passing the written test before you can take the road test for your full license.
- The permit costs around $47, and you will pay an additional fee when you take your road test.
Age requirements and when you can explore
You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to explore for a Maryland learner's permit. This means you can explore about three months before your 16th birthday. There is no upper age limit — if you are 18 or older and have never had a license, you can still get a permit, though you are not required to.
The reason for the 15 years 9 months rule is that Maryland wants you to have time to practice before you turn 16, which is when you become may be able to access for a full license (if you meet other requirements). If you wait until after your 16th birthday to explore for the permit, you can still get one, but you will have less time to practice before taking the road test.
Documents you need to bring to the MVA
When you go to a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office to explore for your permit, bring these documents:
- A valid photo ID (passport, birth certificate with photo ID, or state ID card)
- Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return)
- Proof of Maryland residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address (dated within the last 60 days)
- Your completed process for a Maryland Driver's License or Permit (form DL-43), which you can fill out at home or at the MVA office
If you are under 18, you may also need a parent or guardian to sign your process. Check the MVA website or call ahead to confirm what your specific situation requires, because rules can vary based on your age and citizenship status.
How to prepare for and pass the written test
The written test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. The questions cover road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You will take the test on a computer at the MVA office, and you get the results when ready.
To study, read the free Maryland Driver's Manual from the MVA website (mva.maryland.gov). Read through it carefully — the test questions come directly from this manual. The MVA website also offers free practice tests that show you the types of questions you will see. Many people take the practice test several times until they score 19 or higher consistently before they go to the MVA office.
You can take the written test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay the test fee each time.
Permit rules: who can drive with you and when
Once you have your permit, you can only drive when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting in the front seat next to you. This person must hold a valid driver's license from any U.S. state. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only passengers your own age.
You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. This is a hard rule — if a police officer stops you during these hours, you will be breaking the law, even if you are driving safely and your supervising driver is with you. You must follow all regular traffic laws, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (except in a genuine emergency).
These rules stay in effect for the entire time you hold the permit, which can be up to two years. If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you can renew it at an MVA office.
The 60-day waiting period before your road test
Maryland requires you to wait at least 60 days after you pass the written test before you can take the road test for your full license. This waiting period is built in to give you time to practice driving with your permit. You cannot skip this time or test early, even if you feel ready.
Use these 60 days to practice in different conditions: daytime and evening driving, residential streets and highways, light traffic and heavy traffic, and different weather if possible. Most people find that practicing with a parent, guardian, or trusted adult who can give feedback helps them feel more confident on test day.
After the 60 days are up, you can schedule your road test through the MVA website or by calling an MVA office. Road tests often have a waiting list, so book as soon as you are may be able to access if you want to test soon.
Cost and where to explore
A Maryland learner's permit costs around $47. The exact fee may vary slightly, so check the MVA website for the current price. When you pass your road test and get your full license, you will pay an additional fee for that license.
You can explore for your permit at any Maryland MVA office. There are locations throughout the state, and you can find the one nearest you on mva.maryland.gov. Some offices are busier than others, so going early in the day or on a weekday (rather than Saturday) often means shorter wait times. You can also check wait times online before you go.
Bring all your documents in one visit — you will take the written test the same day you explore, so you do not need to make two trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a permit if I was born outside the United States?
Yes, but you will need to show proof of legal presence in the U.S. This might be a passport, visa, birth certificate, or other document depending on your immigration status. Call your local MVA office or check the website to find out exactly what documents you need to bring.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day or return another day — there is no waiting period. You pay the test fee each time you take it. Most people pass on the second or third try after studying the manual more carefully or taking more practice tests.
Can I drive to school with my permit?
Yes, as long as a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is in the front seat with you and you are not driving between midnight and 5 a.m. Driving to school during the day with a parent or guardian counts as legal practice driving.
What if I move to another state before I pass my road test?
Your Maryland permit is only valid in Maryland. If you move, you will need to get a permit from your new state. Some states honor permits from other states for a short time, but Maryland does not, so contact your new state's DMV or equivalent office to find out what to do.
How long can I keep my permit before it expires?
A Maryland learner's permit is valid for up to two years. If you have not passed your road test by the time it expires, you can renew it at an MVA office, though you will need to pay the renewal fee and may need to retake the written test depending on how long it has been.