What a Maryland driver's license is and who can get one

A Maryland driver's license is a state-issued photo ID that proves you are legally allowed to drive in Maryland and other states. It shows your name, address, date of birth, and a photograph, and it is the document you carry when you drive.

You can get a Maryland driver's license if you are at least 16 years old, a resident of Maryland, and able to pass a vision test, written test, and road test. Maryland also requires that you have a valid Social Security number and proof of your identity and Maryland residency. If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner's permit for a set period before you can take the road test.

Maryland offers different license types depending on your age and driving history. A standard Class D license is for drivers 18 and older. A Provisional License is for drivers 16 and 17 who have completed the learner's permit stage but are not yet 18. Each type has different rules about when and where you can drive.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test if you are under 18.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and your Social Security number to the Motor Vehicle Administration office.
  • The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • The road test is conducted by a Maryland examiner and tests your ability to drive safely in real-world conditions.
  • Once you pass the road test, you can receive your Maryland driver's license the same day or within a few business days.

Documents you need to bring to the Motor Vehicle Administration

Before you go to a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, gather the documents listed below. Bringing everything at once saves you a trip back home.

Proof of identity: You need one document from this list: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.

Proof of Maryland residency: You need one document that shows your current Maryland address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. A driver's license or ID from another state does not count as proof of residency.

Social Security number: Bring your Social Security card or a document that displays your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can get a Maryland driver's license.

Completed process: Fill out the Maryland Driver's License process (Form DL-43) before you arrive. You can read it from the MVA website or fill it out at the office. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the process.

The learner's permit stage for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, Maryland requires you to hold a learner's permit before you can take the road test. The learner's permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but it does not allow you to drive alone.

To get a learner's permit, you must pass the written test on Maryland traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 18 correctly. You can take the test at any MVA office. Once you pass, you receive your learner's permit the same day.

You must hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test. During this time, you practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. Maryland law also restricts when you can drive with a learner's permit: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

After you have held your learner's permit for 6 months and completed your practice driving, you can schedule a road test at an MVA office.

Taking the written test and road test

The written test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass. You can take the test at any MVA office without an appointment, though wait times vary. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, but you must pay the test fee each time.

The road test is a 20-minute driving test conducted by a Maryland MVA examiner. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you drive on local roads. You must demonstrate that you can start the car, turn, stop, park, and follow traffic laws safely. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers, such as parallel parking or backing up.

You must schedule the road test in advance at an MVA office. Appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy areas, so schedule as soon as you are ready. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving. The vehicle must be in safe working condition, with working brakes, lights, and windshield wipers.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it after waiting a set period. You will need to pay the test fee again and schedule another appointment.

Getting your license after you pass the road test

Once you pass the road test, you are done with testing. An MVA examiner will take your photograph and issue your Maryland driver's license on the spot or mail it to you within a few business days. Your license is valid for 8 years if you are 18 or older, or until you turn 21 if you are under 18 when you receive it.

If you receive your license by mail, it will arrive at the address you provided on your process. Do not drive alone until you have your license in hand, even though you have passed the test.

Your new license includes a magnetic stripe on the back that stores your information. Keep your license in a safe place and bring it with you whenever you drive. If you lose it or it is damaged, you can get a replacement at any MVA office.

Costs and fees for a Maryland driver's license

Maryland charges separate fees for the learner's permit, written test, road test, and driver's license. The total cost varies depending on the length of your license and whether you are getting a standard license or a Provisional License.

A learner's permit costs money, and the written test has a separate fee. The road test also has its own fee. Once you pass the road test, you pay for the driver's license itself. An 8-year standard Class D license costs one amount, while a Provisional License for drivers under 18 costs less because it expires sooner.

You can pay fees in cash, check, or debit card at most MVA offices. Some offices accept credit cards. Fees do not change often, but they can increase, so check the MVA website before you go to confirm the current amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Maryland driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Maryland issues driver's licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens, including people with temporary visas or work permits. You must still show proof of identity and a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Bring the same documents as any other applicant, plus your visa or work permit.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after a waiting period set by Maryland. You must pay the road test fee again and schedule a new appointment. Many people pass on their second or third attempt, so failing once does not mean you cannot get your license. Use the time between tests to practice driving with your learner's permit.

How long does it take to get a Maryland driver's license from start to finish?

The timeline depends on your age and how quickly you complete each step. If you are 18 or older, you can get your license in one day if you pass both the written and road tests. If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test, so the process takes at least 6 months plus the time to schedule and pass the road test.

Do I need to take a driver's education course to get a Maryland license?

Driver's education is not required by Maryland law, but it may lower your car insurance rates. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved driver's education course. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer this discount.

Can I renew my Maryland driver's license online?

You can renew your license online if you meet certain conditions, such as having a valid license that is not expired by more than a year. Not all renewals can be done online. Visit the MVA website to check whether your renewal is may be able to access for online renewal, or go to an MVA office to renew in person.