What You Need to Do to Get a Maryland License
To get your first Maryland driver's 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. Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles all licenses, and you must visit an MVA office in person to complete the process — you cannot do this entirely online.
The whole process typically takes several weeks from start to finish, partly because you must wait between passing your knowledge test and scheduling your driving test. Most people complete it within 4 to 8 weeks if they pass each test on their first attempt.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your Maryland address to your first MVA visit.
- You will take a written knowledge test at the MVA office; passing it allows you to get a learner's permit and schedule a driving test.
- Maryland requires you to hold a learner's permit for a minimum of 60 days before you can take the driving test.
- The driving test includes a vision check, written exam, and 20-minute behind-the-wheel evaluation on public roads.
- The total cost is $97 for a five-year license, paid at your first MVA visit.
Documents You Must Bring to the MVA
Maryland requires six specific pieces of information before you can get a license. You must bring an original or certified birth certificate (not a photocopy), a document showing your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return), and two documents proving your Maryland address (such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
You also need a valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the change. Photocopies of your birth certificate are not accepted; the MVA must see the original document or a certified copy from the vital records office in the county where you were born.
Bring all documents in person to your first MVA appointment. You cannot submit them by mail or online.
Taking the Knowledge Test and Getting Your Learner's Permit
At your first MVA visit, you will take a written knowledge test covering Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, or return another day.
Once you pass the knowledge test, the MVA will issue you a learner's permit on the spot. This permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult (age 21 or older) in the car with you. You cannot drive alone. The learner's permit is valid for two years, but you must hold it for a minimum of 60 days before you can schedule your driving test — Maryland does not allow exceptions to this waiting period.
During these 60 days, you should practice driving in different conditions: daytime and nighttime, residential streets and highways, light traffic and heavy traffic. The MVA does not require a specific number of practice hours, but more practice generally leads to better performance on the driving test.
Scheduling and Taking Your Driving Test
After you have held your learner's permit for at least 60 days, you can schedule your driving test. You can book an appointment online through the MVA website, by phone at 410-787-7758, or in person at any MVA office. The test is offered Monday through Friday at most locations; some offices offer Saturday appointments. Wait times for appointments vary by location and season, but you may need to wait 2 to 4 weeks to get a slot.
On the day of your test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be in safe working condition: all lights must function, brakes must work properly, tires must have adequate tread, and the windshield must be clean and uncracked. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.
The driving test itself lasts about 20 minutes. An MVA examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, turning, backing up, parallel parking, and stopping smoothly. You will drive on public roads in the area around the MVA office. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, proper use of signals and mirrors, and the ability to follow traffic laws. You must pass the test to receive your license; if you fail, you can retake it after waiting a few days.
Vision Screening and Final Steps
Before your driving test, you will have a vision screening at the MVA office. You must be able to read the 20/40 line on the eye chart with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the vision test and during your driving test; your license will be marked with a restriction requiring you to wear them whenever you drive.
If you fail the vision screening, the MVA will not let you take the driving test. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a new prescription if necessary, and return to the MVA for another vision screening. There is no additional fee for the retest.
Once you pass your driving test, the MVA will take your photograph and issue your license on the spot. Your license will be valid for five years from the date of issue. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Fees and Payment
The total cost for a five-year Maryland driver's license is $97. This fee covers the knowledge test, learner's permit, driving test, and the license itself. You pay the full amount at your first MVA visit, before you take the knowledge test. The MVA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
If you need to retake the knowledge test or driving test, there is no additional fee — the $97 covers unlimited retakes. If you lose your learner's permit before you take your driving test, you can get a replacement for $5.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is bringing a photocopy of your birth certificate instead of the original or a certified copy. The MVA will turn you away if you do not have the original document. Order a certified copy from the vital records office in your birth county at least two weeks before your appointment.
Another frequent error is scheduling your driving test before you have held your learner's permit for 60 days. The MVA will cancel your appointment if you call to book it too early. Mark the 60-day date on your calendar and schedule your test for the day after or later.
Some people also fail the vision screening because they do not wear their glasses or contacts to the MVA office, even though they wear them while driving. Always wear any corrective lenses you normally use when driving. If you have recently changed your prescription, get new glasses or contacts before your test.
Finally, do not assume your vehicle will pass the safety inspection. Check your lights, brakes, tires, and windshield before you arrive for your driving test. A cracked windshield or a burned-out headlight will result in a failed inspection and a rescheduled test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the knowledge test online or by mail?
No. You must take the knowledge test in person at an MVA office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through any other method. You must visit an office to begin the process.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test at no additional cost. You will need to schedule another appointment, which may be available within a few days to a week depending on the office. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
Do I need to take a driver education course?
No. Maryland does not require a formal driver education course for adults. You only need to pass the knowledge test and driving test. However, taking a course may help you prepare and could lower your insurance rates.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No. You must be present in person for your knowledge test, driving test, and to receive your license. You cannot send someone else to complete any part of the process.
How long is my learner's permit valid?
Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. If you do not pass your driving test within two years, your permit will expire and you will need to retake the knowledge test to get a new one.