What You Need to Do to Get a Maryland Driver License
To get your first Maryland driver license, you must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a behind-the-wheel driving test. You will also need to bring specific documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process takes place at a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, and you cannot skip any step or test.
Maryland does not issue licenses to people under 16, so your age determines which type of license you can receive. If you are 16 or 17, you will get a Graduated Driver License (GDL) with restrictions. If you are 18 or older, you will get an unrestricted license. The tests and documents are the same either way, but the restrictions differ.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your Maryland address before you take any test.
- The written knowledge test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
- The vision screening happens at the MVA office and is not the same as an eye exam; you do not need glasses or contacts unless you fail.
- The behind-the-wheel test lasts about 20 minutes and tests basic driving skills like parking, turning, and stopping; you must bring a vehicle and a licensed adult if you are under 18.
- Graduated Driver Licenses for drivers under 18 come with nighttime and passenger restrictions that lift when you turn 18 or meet other conditions.
Documents You Must Bring to the MVA
Maryland requires you to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy is not acceptable. If your birth certificate is from another state or country, it must be certified by the issuing agency. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. An original Social Security card is the easiest option. If you do not have one, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. A tax return with your Social Security number printed on it also works.
Finally, you must bring two documents that show your Maryland address. These can be a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a letter from a school or employer. Both documents must show your name and current address. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of address.
Bring your Social Security card or proof document, your birth certificate, and your two address documents in person to an MVA office. You cannot mail these documents or send them ahead. The MVA staff will make copies and return your originals to you.
The Written Knowledge Test
The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions about Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 18 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day at no extra cost.
The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency vehicles. You can study using the Maryland Driver's Manual, which the MVA provides free online and in print at any MVA office. The manual is the only official study material; questions on the test come directly from it.
You take the test on a computer at the MVA office. The test is offered in English and several other languages. You have no time limit, though most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes. You will see your score when ready after you finish.
The Vision Screening and Medical Review
After you pass the written test, an MVA staff member will perform a vision screening. This is a quick check using a machine that measures how well you can see at different distances. You do not need to bring glasses or contacts unless you currently wear them while driving. If you fail the screening, you will be asked to get an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist and bring the results back to the MVA.
The MVA will also ask you medical history questions about conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, or sleep disorders that could affect your ability to drive safely. You must answer these questions truthfully. If you have a condition that might require a restriction on your license, the MVA may ask for a letter from your doctor confirming you are safe to drive.
The Behind-the-Wheel Driving Test
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the MVA office. An examiner will sit in the passenger seat and ask you to perform specific driving tasks. You will be tested on basic skills like starting the vehicle, steering, accelerating, braking, turning, parking, and responding to traffic signals and signs.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. If you are under 18, you must also bring a licensed adult (parent, guardian, or other adult at least 21 years old) who will sit in the back seat during the test. The examiner will give you specific instructions before you start driving.
You fail the test if you commit a critical error like hitting another vehicle, running a red light, or failing to obey a traffic sign. You also fail if you accumulate too many minor errors like hesitating too long or not checking your mirrors. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting at least one day. There is no extra fee to retake.
Graduated Driver License Restrictions for Drivers Under 18
If you are under 18 and pass all three tests, you will receive a Graduated Driver License (GDL) instead of an unrestricted license. A GDL comes with restrictions that are designed to reduce crash risk for new young drivers. The restrictions are different depending on your age when you get the license.
If you are 16 or 17, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical emergency. You also cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the vehicle unless the passenger is a family member. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or until you have held the license for 18 months without a violation, whichever comes first.
If you are 18 or older when you pass the test, you will receive an unrestricted license with no passenger or nighttime restrictions. You can upgrade a GDL to an unrestricted license early if you meet the conditions (18 months without violations, or turning 18, whichever comes first). You do not need to retake the tests; you just go to an MVA office and request the upgrade.
Fees and How to Schedule Your Test
The fee for a first-time driver license is $70. You pay this fee at the MVA office when you pass all three tests and are ready to receive your license. If you fail a test and retake it, there is no additional fee. The license itself is valid for eight years from the date you receive it.
You must schedule your test appointment in advance. You can schedule online at the Maryland MVA website, by phone at 410-768-7000, or in person at any MVA office. Appointments fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer, so schedule as far ahead as you can. Walk-ins are not accepted for driving tests, though some MVA offices accept walk-ins for written tests.
When you schedule, you will choose the MVA office location, the date, and the time. You will also choose whether you want to take the written test and vision screening on the same day as the driving test or on separate days. Many people take the written test and vision screening first, then schedule the driving test for a later date after they have had time to practice.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is bringing a photocopy of your birth certificate instead of an original or certified copy. The MVA will not accept a photocopy, and you will not be able to take your tests that day. Order a certified copy before your appointment and bring it with you.
Another common mistake is not bringing two separate documents for proof of address. A single document with your name and address is not enough. You need two different documents, each showing your name and current address. A utility bill and a lease are acceptable; two utility bills are also acceptable.
Many new drivers also fail the driving test because they do not practice enough beforehand. You are allowed to practice driving with a licensed adult before you take the test. Use this time to get comfortable with the vehicle you will use for the test and to practice the specific skills the examiner will test, like parallel parking and three-point turns.
Finally, do not assume you know the Maryland traffic laws without studying. The written test questions come directly from the Maryland Driver's Manual, and the manual covers rules that may be different from other states. Read the manual at least once before you take the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test before I bring all my documents?
No. You must bring your birth certificate, Social Security proof, and two address documents before you take any test. The MVA staff will verify these documents and make copies before you sit down for the written test.
What happens if I fail the vision screening?
You will need to get an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist and bring the results to the MVA. Once you pass the eye exam, you can retake the vision screening at the MVA office. You do not need to retake the written or driving tests.
Can I use someone else's car for the driving test?
Yes, as long as the car is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The car does not have to be registered in your name. Make sure the owner gives you permission and that the insurance covers you as a driver.
What if I am 18 and already have a license from another state?
You will need to get a Maryland license if you become a Maryland resident. You can transfer your out-of-state license without retaking the tests if your license is valid and you have been licensed for at least one year. Bring your out-of-state license, your birth certificate, Social Security proof, and two Maryland address documents to an MVA office.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass all the tests?
You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass all three tests. Your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one.