What You Need to Do to Get a Maryland Driver's License
To get a Maryland driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a road test, then submit the required documents in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Maryland does not issue licenses by mail or online. You will need to visit an MVA location twice: once to take the written test and vision screening, and again after you pass to pick up your license (or it will be mailed to you within 10 business days). The entire process takes several weeks because you must schedule the road test separately after passing the written exam.
Maryland offers two pathways: you can take the road test with an MVA examiner, or you can take it with a third-party testing provider. The MVA route has longer wait times for road test appointments in most counties. Third-party providers (such as Benson Driving School and other licensed schools) often have faster scheduling but charge a fee on top of the MVA fee.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVA office in person to submit documents, take the written test, and pass a vision screening before you can schedule a road test.
- Maryland requires six documents: a completed DL-43 form, proof of Social Security number, proof of Maryland residency, proof of identity, proof of lawful status, and your current out-of-state license if you have one.
- The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Maryland Driver's Manual or take a five-hour classroom course to waive the written test if you are under 18.
- Road test appointments through the MVA can have wait times of several weeks to months depending on your county; third-party testing providers are faster but charge additional fees.
- Your Maryland license will be mailed to you within 10 business days of passing the road test, or you can pick it up in person at an MVA office.
Documents You Must Bring to the MVA Office
Bring originals or certified copies of all six required documents. The MVA will not accept photocopies, faxes, or digital images for any of these documents. If a document is not in English, you must bring a certified English translation along with the original.
Proof of Social Security number: Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your full nine-digit number. A birth certificate does not count as proof of Social Security number.
Proof of Maryland residency: Bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Maryland address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax notice). A post office change-of-address form does not count.
Proof of identity: Bring your current passport, passport card, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of two documents from a secondary list, which includes a birth certificate, school ID, employee ID, or notarized affidavit of identity.
Proof of lawful status: U.S. citizens must bring a birth certificate (original or certified copy) or passport. Non-citizens must bring documents showing lawful permanent resident status, such as a green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or visa. Maryland also accepts certain temporary protected status (TPS) documents.
Completed DL-43 form: read and fill out the process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit (form DL-43) before you go to the MVA. You can print it or bring it on your phone; the MVA will not provide blank forms at the office.
Your current out-of-state license: If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, bring it. The MVA will take it and send it to that state for cancellation.
Taking the Written Knowledge Test at the MVA
The written test has 25 questions about Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 19 questions correctly (76 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask the MVA staff which languages are available at your location.
Study the free Maryland Driver's Manual, available on the MVA website and in print at MVA offices. The manual covers all topics on the test. You can also take a five-hour classroom course called the Maryland Alcohol and Drug Education Program (MADEP), which is required if you are under 18 and want to waive the written test. If you take MADEP, you will receive a certificate that you can show to the MVA instead of taking the written exam.
The written test is administered on a computer at the MVA office. You will sit at a terminal and answer questions one at a time. Results are when ready. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return on another day; there is no waiting period between attempts.
Scheduling and Taking Your Road Test
After you pass the written test and vision screening, you are cleared to schedule a road test. You have two options: schedule with the MVA or use a third-party testing provider.
MVA road test: Call the MVA scheduling line at 410-424-3456 (Baltimore area) or 1-800-950-1MVA (1-800-950-1682) from outside Baltimore. You can also schedule online through the MVA website. Wait times vary by county; some counties have appointments available within two weeks, while others may have waits of two months or longer. The test costs $12.50 and takes about 20 minutes. You will drive a route chosen by the examiner, demonstrating basic skills like parking, turning, and following traffic laws.
Third-party road test: Licensed driving schools and testing centers in Maryland offer road tests with shorter wait times. Examples include Benson Driving School, which operates multiple locations. Third-party tests cost between $50 and $150 in addition to the MVA fee, but you may get an appointment within days rather than weeks. The test covers the same skills as the MVA test and is recognized by Maryland.
For your road test appointment, bring your current out-of-state license (or learner's permit if you have one), proof of vehicle insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with functioning brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. Arrive 10 minutes early.
Fees and Timeline for Getting Your License
The total cost depends on whether you use the MVA or a third-party provider for the road test. The MVA charges $12.50 for the road test and $70 for the license itself, totaling $82.50. If you use a third-party provider, add $50 to $150 to that amount.
The timeline from start to finish is typically 4 to 12 weeks. The first visit to the MVA (written test and vision screening) can usually be scheduled within a few days. After you pass, the wait for a road test appointment depends on your county and whether you use the MVA or a third-party provider. Once you pass the road test, your license is mailed within 10 business days, or you can pick it up in person at an MVA office the same day.
If you need a license before the mail arrives, ask the MVA office for a temporary paper license on the day you pass your road test. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent card.
Special Rules for Drivers Under 18
If you are under 18, you must first obtain a learner's permit, which requires passing the written test and vision screening. You must hold the permit for at least six months and practice driving with a licensed adult before you can take the road test. During this practice period, you are subject to restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you must have a licensed adult in the front seat.
You can waive the written test if you complete the five-hour MADEP course instead. This course covers alcohol and drug awareness and is offered by many high schools and driving schools. After you complete MADEP, bring the certificate to the MVA along with your other documents, and you will receive your learner's permit without taking the written exam.
Once you have held your learner's permit for six months and are at least 16 years old, you can schedule your road test. The road test and license fee are the same as for adults.
What Happens If You Fail the Road Test
If you fail the road test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period, but you must schedule a new appointment. If you use the MVA, call the scheduling line again. If you use a third-party provider, contact them directly to book another test. You will pay the road test fee again ($12.50 for the MVA, or $50–$150 for a third-party provider).
Most people pass on their second or third attempt. Common reasons for failing include not coming to a complete stop at stop signs, improper lane changes, and failing to use turn signals. Review the Maryland Driver's Manual again before your next test, and ask the examiner what specific skills you need to improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. Maryland requires you to take the written test in person at an MVA office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or at a third-party location. You must also pass a vision screening at the same visit.
What if I have a valid driver's license from another state?
You can exchange it for a Maryland license without taking the written test or road test, as long as your out-of-state license is valid and you meet all other document requirements. Bring your out-of-state license to the MVA along with your other documents. The MVA will take your old license and mail you a Maryland license. This process is called a license transfer and costs $70.
Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the road test?
If you are 18 or older, no. You can take the written test and road test without a learner's permit. If you are under 18, yes—you must obtain a learner's permit first and hold it for at least six months before taking the road test.
How long is a Maryland driver's license valid?
A Maryland driver's license is valid for eight years. You will need to renew it before the expiration date shown on your card. Renewal can be done by mail, online, or in person at an MVA office, depending on your situation.
What if I fail the vision screening?
If you fail the vision screening, you cannot proceed with the written test that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens prescription if needed, and return to the MVA with an eye exam report. Once you pass the vision screening, you can take the written test.