How to Get Your Driver License in Maryland

The Maryland path from learner's permit to full license

Maryland gives you two routes to a full driver license: the standard path through a learner's permit, or a faster option if you already hold a valid license from another state or country. Most first-time drivers start with a learner's permit (called a Learner's Permit in Maryland), pass a written test and vision screening, then practice for a set period before taking a road test. Once you pass the road test, you receive your full Maryland driver license. The whole process typically takes several months because Maryland requires supervised driving time between permit and road test.

You'll need to visit a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person at least twice: once to get your learner's permit, and again to take your road test and receive your license. You cannot complete either step online or by mail. The MVA is the only place that issues Maryland driver licenses.

Key Takeaways

You must visit an MVA office to explore for a learner's permit, pass a vision and written test, and then return for a road test before receiving your full license.
Maryland requires you to hold a learner's permit for a minimum of 60 days and complete at least 60 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night) before you can take the road test.
Bring your Social Security number, proof of Maryland residency, proof of identity, and your birth certificate or passport to your first MVA visit.
The road test covers basic vehicle control, parking, turns, and following traffic laws, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
If you hold a valid driver license from another state or country, you may be able to skip the learner's permit stage and take the road test directly.

Documents you need before your first MVA visit

Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies alone will not work. You need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form), proof of identity (a passport, military ID, or school ID), and proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You also need your birth certificate or passport to prove citizenship or legal residency status.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They must sign your process in person. If you are 18 or older, you can explore alone. Have your documents ready before you arrive at the MVA office; staff will not accept incomplete applications and you will have to reschedule.

Getting your learner's permit: the written test and vision screening

At your first MVA visit, you will take a vision screening and a written test. The vision screening checks that you can see well enough to drive safely; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The written test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. The test has 25 questions, so you can miss no more than 7.

The MVA provides a free study guide called the Maryland Driver's Manual, available online and in print at any MVA office. Most people study it for one to two weeks before taking the test. You can take the written test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you must wait at least one hour between attempts.

Once you pass both the vision screening and written test, you receive your learner's permit on the spot. The permit is valid for two years and costs around $35 to $40 (fees vary slightly). Your learner's permit allows you to drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat beside you.

Supervised driving requirements before your road test

Maryland requires you to hold your learner's permit for at least 60 days and complete at least 60 hours of supervised driving before you can take the road test. Of those 60 hours, at least 10 must be at night (between sunset and sunrise). You must keep a Supervised Driving Log and bring it to your road test appointment; the MVA provides this log when you receive your permit. Write down the date, time, location, and weather for each drive, and have your supervising driver sign it.

Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver license. They do not have to be a parent or guardian, but they must be present in the front seat for the entire drive. The 60 hours must be spread across multiple days—you cannot count 10 hours of driving in a single day as 10 separate hours toward your requirement.

During this practice period, you are learning to handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and build confidence. The road test will test these same skills, so use your practice time to work on areas where you feel less sure: parallel parking, merging, highway driving, or driving in heavy traffic.

Scheduling and taking your road test

Once you have met the 60-day and 60-hour requirements, you can schedule your road test through the MVA website or by calling your local MVA office. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer, so book as soon as you are ready. You will need your learner's permit, your Supervised Driving Log, and proof of insurance to take the test.

Bring a vehicle that is registered and insured in Maryland (or your state if you are a Maryland resident with an out-of-state vehicle). The vehicle must pass a safety inspection: working brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and seat belts. The examiner will check these before the test begins. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.

The road test itself lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, pulling into traffic, making turns, changing lanes, parking (including parallel parking), and stopping at traffic lights and stop signs. You must follow all traffic laws and obey the examiner's directions. You pass if you score at least 70 percent. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one week and pay the test fee again (around $12 to $15).

Receiving your full Maryland driver license

If you pass the road test, you receive your full Maryland driver license on the same day. The license is valid for five years if you are under 65, and eight years if you are 65 or older. Your license will have your photo, signature, and all your personal information. Keep it with you whenever you drive.

Your new license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days if you applied in person at an MVA office. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that day, valid until your plastic card arrives. Once your license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.

If you already have a license from another state or country

If you hold a valid driver license from another U.S. state, you can often skip the learner's permit stage and take the Maryland road test directly. You must still pass Maryland's written test and vision screening, but you do not have to wait 60 days or log 60 hours of supervised driving. Bring your out-of-state license, your documents proving identity and residency, and your Social Security proof to an MVA office.

If you hold a license from a country outside the United States, Maryland will recognize it for up to one year while you are establishing residency. After one year, you must obtain a Maryland license. The process is the same as for first-time drivers: learner's permit, supervised driving, and road test. Some countries have reciprocal agreements with Maryland that may speed up the process; ask at the MVA office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

No. You must visit an MVA office in person to take the written test and vision screening. The MVA does not offer online testing for learner's permits or driver licenses. You can study the Maryland Driver's Manual online, but the test itself must be taken at an office.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after waiting at least one week. You must pay the test fee again and bring the same documents: your learner's permit, Supervised Driving Log, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that passes safety inspection. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

Do I need to take a driver education course?

No, Maryland does not require a formal driver education course to obtain a license. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, and some parents choose to enroll their teenagers in courses for extra instruction before the road test.

Can my supervising driver be anyone, or does it have to be a parent?

Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver license, but does not have to be a parent or family member. They can be a friend, teacher, or any other licensed adult. They must be present in the front seat for the entire drive.

How much does a Maryland driver license cost?

The learner's permit costs around $35 to $40, and the road test fee is around $12 to $15. The full driver license itself has no separate fee if you pass the road test at an MVA office. Fees may vary slightly by location and change over time; check the MVA website for current prices.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.