No, you cannot drive by yourself with a Maryland learner's permit
A Maryland learner's permit (also called a learner's license) requires a licensed driver age 21 or older to be in the front passenger seat with you at all times. You cannot drive alone, even to run a quick errand or drive to work. This is the core rule that separates a learner's permit from a full license.
The supervising driver must hold a valid driver's license — not a permit, not an expired license. They sit in the front seat, not the back. If you are caught driving without a supervising driver, you can be cited for a traffic violation, and your permit can be suspended or revoked.
This restriction stays in place for the entire time you hold a learner's permit in Maryland. The only way to drive alone is to pass your road test and receive your full Class D driver's license.
Key Takeaways
- A Maryland learner's permit always requires a licensed driver age 21 or older sitting in the front passenger seat.
- The supervising driver must hold a valid, non-expired driver's license — a permit does not count.
- Driving alone with a learner's permit is a traffic violation that can result in a citation and permit suspension.
- You can only drive without supervision after you pass your road test and receive your full Class D license.
- The supervising driver is responsible for monitoring your driving and can be held liable if you cause an accident.
Who can supervise you while you drive
The person in the front passenger seat must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid Maryland driver's license. This includes a Class D license (standard passenger vehicle license), a commercial driver's license (CDL), or a motorcycle license. An expired license does not count, even if it expired recently.
The supervising driver does not need to be a parent or family member. A friend, teacher, driving instructor, or any other licensed adult can supervise. However, that person is responsible for your safety and can face liability if you cause an accident or violate traffic laws while they are supervising.
Many new drivers work with a professional driving instructor for at least some of their practice hours. An instructor holds a valid license and meets the age requirement, and they are trained to teach the skills you will need for your road test.
Restrictions that explore even with a supervising driver
Having a licensed adult in the car does not mean you can do everything a full-license driver can do. Maryland's learner's permit comes with additional rules beyond the requirement to have supervision.
You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You cannot drive on interstate highways unless your supervising driver is a licensed driving instructor or a parent or guardian. These rules exist to limit your exposure to high-risk driving situations while you are still learning.
If you violate any of these restrictions, you can receive a citation, and your permit can be suspended. Your supervising driver should know these rules too, because they are responsible for making sure you follow them.
How long you hold a learner's permit in Maryland
Maryland does not set a fixed time limit for how long you can hold a learner's permit. You can keep it as long as you need to practice and prepare for your road test. Some people pass their test within a few months; others take longer.
However, your permit is only valid for five years from the date it is issued. If you do not pass your road test before your permit expires, you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. You can take the road test as many times as you need, but you must do it while your permit is still valid.
There is no minimum number of supervised driving hours required by Maryland law, though the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) recommends at least 60 hours of practice, with at least 10 hours at night. Your supervising driver and any driving instructor you work with can help you track your practice time and decide when you are ready to test.
What happens when you are ready to take your road test
Once you feel prepared, you schedule a road test appointment with the Maryland MVA. You can book online, by phone, or in person at an MVA office. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions.
You must bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, and proof of insurance to the test. You also need to bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle can belong to you, your supervising driver, or anyone else — it just has to meet safety standards.
If you pass, you receive your Class D driver's license on the spot, and you can drive alone when ready. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may need to wait for the next available appointment slot.
Common mistakes that lead to permit violations
The most common mistake is driving without a supervising driver in the car. Even a short trip alone — to pick up food, go to a friend's house, or run an errand — is a violation. Police can stop you, and you can be cited.
Another common mistake is having the supervising driver sit in the back seat instead of the front. The rule is specific: the licensed driver must be in the front passenger seat. Back seat supervision does not meet the requirement.
Driving between midnight and 5 a.m. is also frequently overlooked, especially by teenagers who think the rule does not explore if they have supervision. It does. The time restriction is separate from the supervision requirement.
Using your phone while driving — even to check a text or use GPS — is another violation that can result in a citation. If you need directions, ask your supervising driver to handle the phone, or pull over safely to check your route before you start driving.
What to do if you are stopped by police
If a police officer stops you while you are driving with your learner's permit, stay calm and be respectful. Have your permit, proof of identity, and proof of insurance ready. Tell the officer the truth about your permit status.
If the officer determines you violated a permit restriction — such as driving without supervision or outside the allowed hours — you can be cited. A citation is a traffic ticket that you or your parent or guardian will need to address, usually by paying a fine or appearing in court.
A citation does not automatically suspend your permit, but multiple violations or serious violations can. If your permit is suspended, you cannot drive at all, even with supervision, until the suspension is lifted. You will need to contact the MVA to find out how to restore your driving privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my supervising driver be someone with a permit or a suspended license?
No. The supervising driver must hold a valid, non-expired driver's license. A permit, a suspended license, or an expired license does not meet the requirement. Only a current, valid license counts.
What if my supervising driver is not paying attention while I drive?
That is between you and your supervising driver, but it defeats the purpose of the requirement. The supervising driver is supposed to be actively watching your driving and ready to help if something goes wrong. If you do not feel safe, ask to stop and switch drivers, or end the practice session.
Can I drive to school or work alone with my learner's permit?
No. Driving to school, work, or anywhere else alone is a violation, regardless of the reason. You must have a licensed adult in the front passenger seat every time you drive.
Do I need to tell my insurance company I have a learner's permit?
Yes. Most insurance policies require you to notify them when a new driver is added to the household. Driving without disclosing your permit status can affect your coverage if you are in an accident. Talk to your insurance agent about the correct way to add yourself to the policy.
What if I turn 18 while I still have a learner's permit?
The rules do not change. You still need a supervising driver age 21 or older in the front seat. The age requirement for the supervising driver stays the same regardless of your age. You can only drive alone after you pass your road test and receive your full license.