What you need to bring to the Maryland MVA
Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) requires six documents before you can take the learner's permit test. Bring them all in original form — photocopies are not accepted. You will need proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), your full legal name and date of birth, a signature, and a completed process for a Driver's License or Permit (form DL-43).
If you are under 18, you must also bring a parent or legal guardian. They will need to sign the process in front of the MVA examiner. If your guardian cannot attend, you can bring a notarized consent form instead, but the examiner will still need to see your parent's or guardian's identification to verify the signature.
Bring the originals of everything. The MVA will not accept faxes, emails, or digital copies. If you do not have one of the required documents, you can still explore, but the MVA will issue you a temporary permit valid for 30 days while you gather the missing paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring six original documents to an MVA office: proof of identity, Social Security number, Maryland residency, your process form (DL-43), and a parent or guardian signature if you are under 18.
- The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs and costs $7; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
- A learner's permit in Maryland is valid for five years and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 25 or older in the front seat.
- You must hold your learner's permit for at least nine months and pass a behind-the-wheel driving test before you can get a provisional license.
- The MVA has offices across Maryland; you can find your nearest location and check wait times on the MVA website before you go.
How to schedule your MVA appointment
You can walk into any Maryland MVA office without an appointment, but wait times vary widely. Some offices have waits of 30 minutes; others can be two hours or longer. To avoid a long wait, schedule an appointment online through the MVA website or by calling 410-768-7000. Appointments are free and can be booked up to 30 days in advance.
If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon. Fridays and Saturdays are typically the busiest. The MVA website shows real-time wait times for each office, so you can check before you leave home and pick the location with the shortest line.
What the written test covers and how to pass it
The learner's permit test is a written exam with 25 multiple-choice questions about Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 18 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is given on a computer at the MVA office.
The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle emergency vehicles, parking rules, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. You can study for free using the Maryland Driver's Manual, which is available online on the MVA website and in print at any MVA office. Many people also use practice tests available on the MVA website to get familiar with the question format.
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, and each retake costs $7. Most people pass on their first or second try if they study the manual beforehand.
The cost and how long your permit lasts
A Maryland learner's permit costs $7 and is valid for five years from the date you receive it. You do not need to renew it during that time unless it is lost, stolen, or damaged. If you turn 18 while holding a learner's permit, it remains valid until it expires — you do not have to get a new one.
The $7 fee is paid at the MVA office when you pass your test. Payment methods include cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you fail the test and retake it, you pay another $7 for each attempt.
What you can and cannot do with a learner's permit
A Maryland learner's permit allows you to drive a passenger vehicle on public roads, but only under specific conditions. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old sitting in the front seat next to you at all times. That driver must have a valid license and be able to exercise control of the vehicle if needed. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have other learner's permit holders in the car with you as the only licensed driver.
You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. while holding a learner's permit, regardless of who is in the car with you. You must obey all traffic laws, including speed limits and traffic signals. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency.
You are allowed to drive on highways and interstate roads with your licensed adult supervisor. There are no restrictions on where you can go or how far you can drive, as long as the licensed driver is with you.
How to move from a learner's permit to a provisional license
After you have held your learner's permit for at least nine months, you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test to get a provisional license. You do not have to wait the full nine months if you turn 18 — you can take the test as soon as you are may be able to access, which may be before nine months have passed.
To schedule your driving test, go to an MVA office or call 410-768-7000. The test costs $7 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You will drive on local roads and highways while an examiner watches and scores your performance. The examiner will ask you to do things like parallel park, make turns, stop at traffic lights, and merge onto a highway.
You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving in. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you pass, you will receive a provisional license on the spot. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting at least one week.
What happens if you fail the written test or need to replace your permit
If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready or schedule another appointment for a different day. There is no waiting period. Each attempt costs $7. You will take the same 25-question test again, and you must score 70 percent or higher to pass.
If your learner's permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any MVA office. Bring your identification and proof of residency. A replacement permit costs $7 and will have the same expiration date as your original permit. You do not have to retake the written test.
If you move out of Maryland while holding a learner's permit, the permit is no longer valid in your new state. You will need to get a learner's permit from that state instead. Maryland does not have reciprocal agreements with other states for learner's permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or at home?
No. The written test must be taken in person at an MVA office on a computer provided by the MVA. You cannot take it online, by mail, or at home. You must bring your documents and take the test at an office location.
What if I do not have all six required documents when I go to the MVA?
You can still get a learner's permit, but the MVA will issue you a temporary permit valid for 30 days while you gather the missing documents. After 30 days, you must return with the complete set of documents to get your permanent permit. If you do not return within 30 days, you will have to start the process over.
Do I need to take a driver's education class before I get my learner's permit?
No. Driver's education is not required to get a learner's permit in Maryland. You only need to pass the written test. However, if you are under 18, completing an approved driver's education course can lower your car insurance rates and may help you prepare for the test.
Can someone other than my parent or guardian sign my process if I am under 18?
No. Only a parent or legal guardian can sign your process. If your guardian cannot attend the MVA appointment, you can bring a notarized consent form, but the examiner will still need to see your parent's or guardian's identification to verify the signature.
How long does it take to get my learner's permit after I pass the test?
You receive your learner's permit when ready after you pass the written test. The MVA will print it on the spot, and you can start driving with a licensed adult right away. There is no waiting period.