The Maryland learner's permit test costs $7 and is administered by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)

The written test itself is $7. You pay this fee when you take the test at an MVA office, not when you schedule it. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices specific to Maryland. You must pass with a score of at least 70 percent to receive your learner's permit.

The $7 fee is separate from the cost of your learner's permit card, which is $30. So your total cost to get a learner's permit in Maryland is $37 — $7 for the test and $30 for the permit itself. You pay the permit fee only after you pass the test.

Key Takeaways

  • The written test costs $7 and you pay it at the MVA office on the day you take the test.
  • Your learner's permit card costs $30 additional, which you pay after passing the test.
  • You need to score at least 70 percent on the 25-question multiple-choice test to pass.
  • The test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification and proof of residency to the MVA office.

What documents you need to bring to the MVA

Bring a valid form of identification — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. You also need proof of your current Maryland address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are under 18, you may need a parent or guardian to sign consent forms.

Check the MVA website or call your local office before you go, because document requirements can change and some offices have different rules for minors. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip and you will have to reschedule.

How the test is structured and what it covers

The test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You have 30 minutes to complete it. The questions come from the Maryland Driver's Manual, which is free to read from the MVA website or available in print at any MVA office.

Topics include right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, what different road signs mean, how to handle emergency vehicles, and what to do at railroad crossings. The test also covers seat belt laws, distracted driving rules, and how alcohol affects driving. You do not need to memorize every detail — the manual is written in plain language and covers everything that will be on the test.

How to schedule your test appointment

You can schedule your test online through the MVA website or by calling 1-410-424-3600. Online scheduling is faster and you can see available times at your preferred office. You can also walk in to any MVA office without an appointment, but wait times vary and some offices have longer lines during peak hours.

If you schedule online, you will receive a confirmation number. Bring that number with you to the office. If you walk in, arrive early in the day — most MVA offices are busiest in the afternoon.

Retaking the test if you do not pass

If you score below 70 percent, you can retake the test. Each retake costs another $7. There is no waiting period between attempts — you can schedule your next test when ready, though you may have to wait for an available appointment time.

Most people pass on their first or second attempt. If you fail, review the sections of the Maryland Driver's Manual that cover the topics you missed. The MVA website also has practice tests you can take for free before your next appointment.

How long the permit is valid

Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. During that time, you must follow all learner's permit restrictions — you cannot drive alone, you must have a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless supervised by a parent or guardian.

If your permit expires before you pass the road test for your full license, you will need to renew it. A renewal costs $30 and you do not have to retake the written test.

Payment methods at the MVA

The MVA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have restrictions on which cards they take, so bring more than one payment method if possible. You cannot pay online in advance — payment happens at the office when you take the test.

Call ahead to confirm which payment methods your local office accepts. This prevents delays on the day of your test and ensures you bring the right form of payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the test in a language other than English?

Yes. The MVA offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. When you schedule your appointment online or by phone, tell them which language you need. Not all offices offer every language, so you may need to travel to a larger MVA office.

What happens if I fail the test twice?

You can retake it as many times as you need. Each attempt costs $7. After three failed attempts, some MVA offices may require you to take a driver education course before your next test, though this varies by location. Call your local office to ask about their policy.

Do I have to take the test in person at an MVA office?

Yes. Maryland does not offer remote or online testing for the learner's permit written test. You must go to an MVA office, bring your documents, and take the test there.

Can I use the practice test on the MVA website to prepare?

Yes. The MVA website has a free practice test that covers the same topics as the real test. Taking it multiple times helps you identify weak areas. The practice test is not required, but most people who use it score higher on the actual test.

What if I lose my learner's permit after I pass the test?

You can get a replacement at any MVA office. A replacement permit costs $7. Bring your ID and proof of residency, and the MVA will issue a new card with the same expiration date as your original permit.