What you need to do to get a Maryland learner's permit
To get a learner's permit in Maryland, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and pay a fee. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The permit lets you drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. Maryland issues learner's permits to people as young as 15 years and 9 months old.
The process takes about 30 minutes at the MVA office if you have all your documents ready. You cannot get a learner's permit by mail or online — you must appear in person. Once you pass the test and pay the fee, you'll receive your permit when ready.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVA office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get a learner's permit.
- The written knowledge test covers Maryland traffic laws and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
- The permit fee is $35 for a five-year permit, and you pay at the MVA office when you pass the test.
- With a learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front seat next to you.
- You must hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test for a full driver's license.
Documents you must bring to the MVA office
Bring one form of government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you don't have a photo ID yet, bring two documents that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate and a school ID. You also need one document that proves you live in Maryland — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address will work.
Write down your Social Security number before you go, or bring your Social Security card. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate or passport. If you have changed your name, bring a document that shows the legal change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
The MVA website lists all acceptable documents. Check the list before you go so you don't make a wasted trip. Some documents must be originals, not copies.
The written knowledge test and what it covers
The knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions about Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 18 questions correctly to pass. The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, pedestrian safety, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs.
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 about 50 pages and covers everything on the test. Most people study for a few hours to a few days before taking the test.
You take the test on a computer at the MVA office. The test is offered in English and several other languages. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.
MVA office locations and how to find one near you
Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. You can visit any office — you don't have to go to the one closest to your home. Some offices are busier than others, especially on weekends and after school hours.
Find the office nearest you on the MVA website at mva.maryland.gov. The website shows office hours, which vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some are open on Saturday mornings. A few offices are open on weekday evenings.
You do not need an appointment for a learner's permit. Walk in during office hours and take a number. Wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week. Going early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon usually means a shorter wait.
The cost and what happens after you pass
A Maryland learner's permit costs $35 and is valid for five years. You pay this fee at the MVA office after you pass the knowledge test. If you fail the test, you do not pay the fee.
After you pass the test and pay the fee, the MVA will take your photo and print your permit on the spot. Your permit will have your name, date of birth, address, photo, and permit number. You will receive the physical card before you leave the office.
Your learner's permit is valid when ready. You can start driving with a licensed adult that same day. The permit expires five years from the date it was issued.
Restrictions on driving with a learner's permit
With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you at all times. That person must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only passengers your own age.
You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even to text or check maps — this rule applies to all new drivers in Maryland, not just permit holders. You must wear a seat belt and make sure all passengers wear seat belts.
There are no restrictions on the time of day you can drive or the distance you can travel. You can drive on highways and in cities. However, your supervising adult can set their own rules about where and when you drive.
How long you must hold the permit before taking the road test
You must hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test for a full driver's license. If you are under 18 years old, you must also complete a driver education course approved by Maryland. The course is usually offered through your high school or a private driving school.
After you have held the permit for 6 months and completed the required course, you can schedule a road test at any MVA office. The road test costs $17 and takes about 20 minutes. You will drive with an MVA examiner who will watch you perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping.
You can take the road test as many times as you need to pass. There is no waiting period between failed attempts, though you may need to schedule another appointment.
What to do if you lose your permit or need to replace it
If you lose your learner's permit, go to any MVA office and ask for a replacement. Bring your ID and proof of residency, just as you did when you first got the permit. The replacement fee is $10. You will receive a new permit with the same expiration date as your original permit.
If your permit is damaged or the photo is no longer clear, you can also get a replacement for $10. The MVA will issue a new card with the same number and expiration date.
If your address changes, you do not need to get a new permit. However, you should update your address with the MVA so your records are correct. You can update your address online at mva.maryland.gov or at any MVA office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I don't have a Social Security number?
No, Maryland requires a Social Security number to get a learner's permit. If you don't have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a permit. This process can take several weeks.
What if I fail the knowledge test?
You can retake the test when ready at the same MVA office or return another day. There is no fee to retake the test. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after studying the Maryland Driver's Manual more carefully.
Can someone else pick up my learner's permit for me if I can't go to the MVA office?
No, you must appear in person at the MVA office to get your learner's permit. The MVA will take your photo and verify your identity before issuing the permit. No one can get it for you.
Do I need to take a driver education course before I get my learner's permit?
No, you do not need to take a course to get the permit. However, if you are under 18 years old, you must complete an approved driver education course before you can take the road test for a full license. You can take the course while you hold your learner's permit.
What happens if I move out of Maryland while I have a learner's permit?
Your Maryland learner's permit is no longer valid once you move to another state. You will need to get a learner's permit from your new state. Some states honor out-of-state permits for a short time, but Maryland's permit is only valid in Maryland.