The Maryland license process has three stages: a written test, a driving test, and a visit to the Motor Vehicle Administration
Maryland issues driver's licenses through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). You'll need to pass a knowledge test first, then schedule and pass a road test, then visit an MVA office in person to complete your process and get your photo taken. The whole process typically takes several weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you can schedule your road test.
You cannot skip steps or do them out of order. You must pass the knowledge test before you can take the road test, and you must pass the road test before the MVA will issue your license. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but there are waiting periods and limits on how many times you can test in a given period.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass Maryland's knowledge test at an MVA office before scheduling a road test, and the knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.
- The road test is conducted by an MVA examiner and includes basic vehicle control, parking, and driving on public roads; you must bring your own vehicle or use one provided by a commercial driving school.
- After passing both tests, you visit an MVA office with your documents to complete your process, pay the fee, and have your photo taken for your license.
- Maryland requires you to be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit and at least 17 years old to get a full license without restrictions.
- The entire process from knowledge test to license issuance usually takes three to six weeks, depending on road test availability in your area.
Step 1: Pass the knowledge test at an MVA office
The knowledge test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. It is a written test with multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
You take the knowledge test at an MVA office. You do not need an appointment for the knowledge test—you can walk in during business hours. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or on weekday afternoons often means shorter waits. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid form of identification. If you are under 18, you may need a parent or guardian present, depending on your age.
If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it. Maryland allows you to retake the test the same day or on a later date, but you must wait at least one day between attempts if you fail. There is no limit on how many times you can take the knowledge test, but each attempt costs the same fee.
Step 2: Schedule and pass your road test
After you pass the knowledge test, you are cleared to schedule a road test. The road test is conducted by an MVA examiner and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. During the test, the examiner watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, controlling speed, turning, parking, and responding to traffic signals and other drivers. The examiner also checks that you can safely merge, change lanes, and handle intersections.
You schedule your road test through the MVA's online system or by calling the MVA scheduling line. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy areas, so you may have to wait two to four weeks for an opening. Some MVA offices have longer wait times than others. If you live in a rural area, you may have fewer test dates available.
For the road test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates, working brakes, working headlights and taillights, and a functioning horn. If you do not have access to a vehicle, some commercial driving schools in Maryland offer vehicles for road test use, though this costs extra. You must also bring your knowledge test receipt and a valid form of identification.
If you fail the road test, you can retake it. Maryland requires you to wait at least one week before your next attempt. You can take the road test up to three times within a 12-month period before you must retake the knowledge test.
Step 3: Visit an MVA office to complete your process
After you pass both the knowledge test and the road test, you visit an MVA office to complete your license process. Bring your knowledge test receipt, your road test receipt, your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their identification as well.
At the MVA office, you will fill out an process form, verify your information, and have your photo taken. The photo is used on your license, so dress neatly and avoid sunglasses or hats. The MVA will also collect your fee. As of 2024, a Maryland driver's license costs between $70 and $100, depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. The fee varies, so ask the MVA office for the exact amount when you arrive.
Your license is usually issued the same day or within a few days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the MVA office, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for your card to arrive.
Age requirements and restrictions for new drivers
Maryland has different age requirements depending on the type of license you want. You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit, which allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the vehicle. You must be at least 17 years old to get a full driver's license without restrictions.
If you are under 18 and get a full license, your license will have restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even with a hands-free device, except in an emergency. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or until you have held your license for 18 months, whichever comes first.
Documents you need to bring to the MVA
Maryland requires specific documents at each stage of the licensing process. For the knowledge test, bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), and a valid form of identification (such as a passport, state ID, or birth certificate). If you are under 18, ask the MVA whether a parent or guardian must be present.
For the road test, bring your knowledge test receipt, a valid form of identification, and access to a vehicle that meets safety standards. For your final visit to the MVA to get your license, bring your knowledge test receipt, your road test receipt, your Social Security number, proof of residency, a valid form of identification, and payment for the license fee. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their identification.
Proof of residency must show your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have proof of residency, the MVA may accept other documents—call ahead to ask what alternatives are available.
What to expect at each MVA office location
Maryland has MVA offices in every county. Each office handles knowledge tests, road test scheduling, and license issuance. However, not all offices offer road tests. Some offices are testing centers only, while others handle applications and photo services. Before you visit, check the MVA website to confirm which services are available at your nearest office.
Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Urban offices in Baltimore and the Washington, D.C. area tend to be busier than rural offices. Weekday mornings usually have shorter waits than afternoons or weekends. Some offices allow you to check wait times online before you arrive. If you are taking the knowledge test, you do not need an appointment, but arriving early can save you time.
All MVA offices are closed on Sundays and major holidays. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours on certain days. Check the MVA website for your specific office's hours before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the knowledge test and road test on the same day?
No. You must pass the knowledge test first, then schedule a separate appointment for the road test. The road test appointment is usually scheduled for a later date, typically two to four weeks after you pass the knowledge test. You cannot take the road test the same day you pass the knowledge test.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test after waiting at least one week. You are allowed up to three attempts within a 12-month period. If you fail all three attempts, you must retake the knowledge test before you can schedule another road test. Each road test attempt costs the same fee.
Do I need a learner's permit before I get a full license?
No. Maryland does not require a learner's permit as a step toward a full license. However, if you are under 17, you must be at least 16 to get a learner's permit, which allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult. You can skip the permit and go straight to the full license test if you are 17 or older.
How long is a Maryland driver's license valid?
A Maryland driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. When your license expires, you must renew it at an MVA office. Renewal requires a new photo and a fee, but you do not have to retake the knowledge or road tests unless the MVA asks you to.
What if I move to Maryland from another state?
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the knowledge test or road test. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Maryland license by visiting an MVA office with your current license, proof of residency in Maryland, and your Social Security number. You will have a new photo taken and pay a fee, but the process is faster than getting a license from scratch.