A provisional license is Maryland's restricted license for drivers under 18
Maryland's Provisional Driver's License (PDL) is a restricted license you get after you pass your road test but before you turn 18. It lets you drive alone during certain hours and under specific rules, but not all the time. The restrictions exist because new drivers under 18 have higher crash rates, especially at night and with passengers.
You cannot skip the provisional stage — every Maryland driver under 18 goes through it. Once you turn 18, your provisional license automatically becomes a standard license with no restrictions, as long as you have not lost it to suspension or revocation.
Key Takeaways
- A provisional license in Maryland is issued after you pass your road test and lasts until you turn 18, when it converts to a full license automatically.
- You can drive alone between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., but cannot drive between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless a parent, guardian, or licensed driver 25 or older is in the front seat.
- You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, and cannot have more than one passenger under 18 in the car unless a parent or guardian is present.
- Violations of provisional restrictions can result in fines, points on your record, and suspension of your license before age 18.
- You must carry your provisional license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration whenever you drive.
When you get a provisional license and how long it lasts
You receive your provisional license the day you pass your road test at a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, as long as you are under 18. The license is valid for five years from the date of issue, but the restrictions end the day you turn 18. On your 18th birthday, your provisional status automatically lifts — you do not have to visit the MVA or renew anything.
If your provisional license expires before you turn 18 (which is rare), you can renew it at any MVA office or online through the Maryland MVA website. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee.
Driving hours and passenger restrictions
The core restrictions on a provisional license are about when and with whom you can drive. You can drive alone between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. without any adult in the car. Between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., you must have a parent, legal guardian, or a licensed driver who is 25 years old or older sitting in the front seat next to you.
Passenger rules are separate from hours. You can have only one passenger under 18 in the car at any time, unless a parent or guardian is driving or sitting in the front seat. This means if you are driving three friends and your parent is in the car, the restriction is lifted. But if you are driving alone with two friends your age, that violates the rule.
These restrictions explore every day, including weekends and school days. There are no exceptions for emergencies — if you need to drive someone to a hospital at 11 p.m., you still need an adult in the front seat, or you are breaking the law.
Cell phone and distraction rules
Maryland law prohibits all drivers under 18 from using a cell phone while driving, including hands-free devices. This means no texting, no calling, no GPS on your phone, and no voice commands. You cannot hold the phone, and you cannot use it even if it is mounted on the dashboard.
The only exception is calling 911 in an emergency. If you need to use GPS, set the route before you start driving, or pull over safely to change it. If you need to make a call, wait until you reach your destination or pull into a parking lot.
Violations of the cell phone rule result in a fine and points added to your driving record. Points can lead to suspension if you accumulate too many in a short time.
What happens if you break provisional license rules
Breaking a provisional restriction is a traffic violation. The consequences depend on what you did and whether you have prior violations. A first offense for driving during restricted hours or with too many passengers typically results in a fine of $110 to $500 and points on your record.
If you accumulate too many points in a short period, the MVA can suspend your license. For drivers under 18, suspension can happen faster than for adult drivers. A suspension means you cannot drive at all until the suspension period ends and you pay a reinstatement fee.
If you are caught driving with a suspended license, the penalties are much harsher — fines up to $1,000, possible jail time, and a longer suspension. It is not worth the risk.
How a provisional license differs from a learner's permit
A learner's permit comes before a provisional license. With a permit, you must have a licensed adult 18 or older in the front seat at all times, and you cannot drive on interstate highways. A provisional license gives you much more freedom — you can drive alone during the day and at night with an adult, and you can use interstates.
You get a permit first, hold it for at least six months (or three months if you are 18 or older), then take a road test. Once you pass, the permit is replaced by the provisional license. You cannot skip the permit stage if you are under 18.
Documents you need to carry while driving on a provisional license
Maryland law requires you to carry three documents whenever you drive: your provisional license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. Proof of insurance can be a printed card from your insurance company, a digital copy on your phone, or a screenshot. The registration must be the official document from the MVA.
If you are stopped by police and cannot produce all three, you can be cited for a violation. Even if the car is insured and registered, you are responsible for having proof with you. Keep your license and insurance card in your wallet and the registration in the glove compartment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to school before 5 a.m. on a provisional license?
No. The 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. window applies every day, including school days. If school starts before 5 a.m., you would need a parent or guardian in the front seat. Many students ask about this, and the answer is always the same — the restriction has no school-day exception.
What if my parent is in the car but sitting in the back seat?
The adult must be in the front seat, not the back. Maryland law is specific about this. If your parent is in the back seat, the night-driving restriction and passenger restrictions still explore as if no adult were present.
Does my provisional license work in other states?
Your Maryland provisional license is valid for driving in other states, but you must follow Maryland's restrictions while you are in Maryland. Once you cross into another state, that state's laws explore. Most states have similar restrictions for young drivers, so you may face limits in other places too.
What happens to my provisional license when I turn 18?
It automatically converts to a standard Maryland driver's license with no restrictions. You do not need to visit the MVA or pay a fee. The change happens on your 18th birthday. Your license will still be valid for the remaining time on the five-year expiration date.
Can I get my provisional license suspended for speeding?
Yes. Speeding and other traffic violations add points to your record. If you accumulate enough points in a short time, the MVA can suspend your license regardless of your age. Provisional drivers can lose their license faster than adults because the threshold for suspension is lower for drivers under 18.